Blade Maidens: Closed Fist, Open Hand – 18

“Mrs. Galen,

I’m sorry. You don’t know me. I fought alongside your son. He told me of your village, and I hope this gets to you.

I’m not sure what to say. Sorry. Haven’t written one of these before. Callum was a brave soldier. Don’t know if that helps. Saved my skin more than once. Good hand with a sword. Good head on his shoulders.

Died saving his sword-brothers. Died a hero. Properly. Held off a wing of Verdannian guard while we got our wounded out. Took more than a few with him.

I just. I wish I could have done more. Could have stood by his side. Maybe it would have done something. Maybe he wouldn’t have had to di

I’ve included a pouch of coin, assuming the courier didn’t knick it. All he had on him, plus some of mine. A necklace too. He always wore it. Didn’t know if it means anything to you, but figured it might.

I’m sorry.

Sorry he’s gone. Sorry I couldn’t change it. ”

– an unsigned letter, sent to a Kilzean family during the Second Border War