From the Southern Fort of Glacius To the attention of Her Majesty Silvania Willfrost
Date: Day 22 of the Tenth Cycle of Winter Subject: Final Armistice Report
Your Majesty:
As was your will, the armistice has been signed. I consider it unlikely that the northerners will attempt a new offensive for the remainder of the season. The losses they have suffered are of such magnitude that they will need years to recover even a fraction of their power.
As reported in my previous communications, the battle was a massacre. The enemy survivors can be counted on the fingers of both hands. The prisoners we took were returned as part of the agreement, although all show signs of deep trauma.
As for our forces, we suffered the loss of a quarter of our personnel. Half of the Shalmak mages perished in combat, as did several captains whose identities I have already reported.
Regarding Dyan Halvest, captain of the Scabia mages: he has managed to rise after the battle, but his injuries are severe. He can barely walk, his speech is difficult, and his body has third-degree burns, especially on his right hand. He has completely lost his sight. According to his own words, he is confident of a partial recovery, although the sequelae will be permanent.
I know you had ordered his transfer to the capital, but I beg you to allow me to keep him here until he can travel without risk. I promise to monitor him closely. He has proven to be a formidable weapon for the kingdom, and letting him die—or fall into the wrong hands—would be a loss I would not forgive myself for.
I must confess something to you, Majesty: there is a strength in him that inspires both respect and fear. The sight of the lightning tearing through the sky still burns within me. His power must not be taken lightly.
I owe my life to that young man, and although I swore to protect him until he heals, there are moments when his mere presence makes me tremble. I beg you, with all due respect, to instruct me regarding his fate.
May the gods bless you and grant me steadfastness so as not to fail.
With loyalty and obedience, Captain Lena Caldrim Provisional Commander of the Southern Fort of Glacius