Memento

8 months after the coronation, a message arrives at Fulcairn Keep addressed to Cuinn Fulcairn. It is marked with the seal of House Goeryne - a sword of white platinum in a blue field.

"Lady Cuinn,

my name is Kristina Goeryne, the younger sister of Varyan Goeryne. You knew of my brother, and he spoke of you and your family with fondness: Cathal, Mara and Aerona. The war raging here in Alamie has claimed many lives and has wreaked devastation all over the realm. Boeruinese, Avanese, Alamiens and Tuors are all embroiled in this conflict. Ignoring Duke Alam's command, Varyan did not join the war and tried to help the common folk survive the atrocities that are still taking place.

The last news we received is that he got between a band of soldiers that demanded a small village to turn over food and livestock. When the villagers refused, the soldiers began to slaughter them, and my brother intervened. The villagers told us that he stood his ground and drove soldiers out, killing and wounding many of them, but he was gravelly wounded in return. Instead of helping himself, he used his divine gifts to save another life.

Villagers wrapped his body and brought it back to us. There was a small scroll that Varyan had entrusted to me with instructions of what to do if he passed. He wanted me to tell all of you of his fate if he didn't make it, and also to send you a small memento; he claimed you would understand, and that he had the utmost faith in all of you.

I could never fully understand why my brother did what he did, but whatever you can tell me about him would be greatly appreciated. This war is claiming more and more of Alamie and our people, and our families are what matter in the end. I miss him dearly.

With regards,

Kristina Goeryne"

Wrapped in simple cloth to protect it, is a small wooden figurine of a rearing horse.