Survivor of the Valley of the Lost

11 Suncrest, 121:Discord

Dearest Mother and Father,

Our campaign against Elori met its end in a place now whispered as the Valley of the Lost. It was supposed to be our moment of glory. Instead, it became our grave. We had the elves cornered, or so we thought. Their mage-commander stood atop a ridge, defiant to the last. I'll never forget the look in his eyes - not fear, but a terrible resolve.

Then the world itself turned against us. The very mountain shook and split asunder. Rocks rained from the sky like the fists of angry gods. The earth opened its maw, swallowing entire battalions whole. Men I'd shared ale with mere hours before, crushed or buried alive. Elves, too - their own commander's spell showed no favor. I survived by mere chance, thrown clear by a quake. When the dust settled, the valley was gone. In its place, a great wound in the earth, filled with the broken bodies of Pirtairi and Elori alike.

We came seeking glory and conquest. We found only death and despair. The Valley of the Lost, they call it now. A fitting name, for more than lives were lost there. Hope, innocence, the very belief in our cause - all buried beneath tons of unforgiving stone.

I'm coming home, though I fear the man you knew may be lost as surely as that accursed valley. Pray for me, for I've witnessed hell itself, and I know not how to live with such memories.

Your loving son,

Blanim