Prologue for September 2026

“Another creature comes to us in need…”

“You poor thing. We can help, dear.”

“We always do, we always have.”

“What you ask is easy.”

“We will tell you that which you seek, and you will give us all that you know.”

Words spoken in the dark forest, where several sets of eyes lay upon one. It seems a fair deal to someone desperate for answers. A trade of knowledge, what could be simpler?

A quill suddenly in hand, a parchment laid out, a scratching as ink takes the shape of a name - a deal made. 

A sharp smile in the dark. Whispered words spoken quickly. Knowledge sought and found, giving way to a sudden realization dawning, the forming of a plan - then dizziness. A rush of images and thoughts and sounds - memories flooding and fading, lost beneath the cackling. One laugh that gives way to more and more. So much laughter. So much fear. 

Then running. A blur of swamp and trees. Tripping and stumbling. A palm scratched against an old, mossy well as she rights herself, moving forward to hold onto the things she knows. 

Help. She needs help. She knows that. But who? All who have come have failed. All who have come have lost…but she’s heard the stories, from the travelers and merchants who come through her village. Tales of the heroes who help. 

Maybe there is still hope. 

Home again. A door locked. A quill brought to parchment once more. A plea in the form of a letter rather than desperation in the form of a deal. 

I hope this letter finds you all… I will try to find you. 

We need help. I will bring what I have, but I’ve already forgotten so much. They’ve taken so much. If I make it to you and I have forgotten. Help me remember, please. Aberglyme needs help.

• Saige Reed