Adam stirred; the smell of bacon frying wormed into his brain. Was Kathra making breakfast?

Rising from his bedroll, he stopped. The slender form, hidden beneath a dark cloak, wasn’t Kathra. Nor was is Caelynn. His hand reached for his staff.

“There is no need for concern,” a voice came from the hooded figure. “Here. She explains it better than I can.” A dark arm held out a sealed piece of parchment.

Adam moved closer, trying to make out the features of the cook, but she kept her face hidden. Taking the parchment, he said, “Thank you. I think.” He slid a finger underneath the cold wax, breaking the seal.

“Adam, do not grieve. I am not dead, though I am not whole either. Flink saved my life, and I owe him a debt that I cannot repay. In my soul, I know he is dead. And I fear that my own abilities, or lack thereof, were at fault. I did not say this to you, as I know you would disagree.

“I have returned to my temple. I must resolve this fear within myself before I can hope to adventure again. Indeed, I may never venture past the gates again. I do not know what Torm needs of me.

“I would not leave you alone, though. I appealed to colleagues, and one replied. She is gifted in ways I was not. Let not her appearance give you moments of despair. She is honorable, and lawful, and not all which she appears to be.

“May Torm bless you both.”

Kathra

Adam carefully folded the letter. First, Flink. Helix was nowhere to be found. And now Kathra. The company was broken, but it was on him and Lynn to make sure a new group of companions rose from these ashes. One that could eradicate this curse and bring order back to the world.

“What shall we call you?” he asked.

The woman stood straight, her arms removing the hood from her head before she turned around. Pale yellow hair fell in a cascade of curls. She faced him, and he took a step back. Dark skin, but not the ears of an elf. A single tattoo on her cheek, marking her with the symbol of Kelemvor. She looked both human and dark elf at the same time. Indeed, a hunted look was present in her lilac eyes.

“I am Thia Bransdottir. Eat before the bacon grows cold. We have more companions to find before we can conquer the Fane.”