Descending Fire 1, Realm Year 768

The Cathak Residence,
The Imperial City

I'm still stoned from last night, but we have to leave early. At least the servants have already packed my things, so they just have to be loaded onto the carriage and we're ready to go.

There's a knock on the door. I answer it, and a bowing servant hands me a letter. "Lady Shima, a message from the Lord Cainan."

I wonder what Cainan wants from me now. I sit on my bed, open the envelope, and begin to read.

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My dear Shima,

First of all, I want you to know that I'm happy you grew up to be a fine Cathak. Despite a wretched childhood spent among heretics, you were able to turn your back on their evil ways.

Yes Shima, your parents were heretics. Its time that you learn the truth. Your father disappeared because he fell under the sway of the Anathema. Your mother claims to not know anything, but we suspect that she's also been associating with them. Even your brother had openly declared allegiance to them.

The Immaculate Order wanted a purge of your entire family. Once they find enough evidence, your mother will be arrested and executed. If I hadn't taken you under my custody, most likely you would have been corrupted as well. In any case, they still would have wanted you killed.

I believed that under the proper guidance, you could still become a devout Immaculate. So I took you home. I know it must have been a very painful experience, but it was the only way to convince the Order to spare you.

I'm glad to see that my efforts have not been wasted. I'm proud of you, Shima. My only regret is that I wasn't able to save you earlier. If I had, then maybe you wouldn't have had to struggle as much.

May the Dragons watch over you on your first mission. I will miss the sound of your voice chanting the Hymns for us during the New Year's Devotion. Come back safe, for I have yet to choose a husband for you. I will make sure that he is someone who will care for you, as you deserve to be.

Your Grandfather,
Cathak Cainan

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I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes when Rae called me. The carriages have already been loaded and are waiting for us.

As we walk to the yard, I keep thinking about what grandfather said. Of course I don't believe that my parents were heretics, my memories of them strongly contradict that idea. But now I understand that he only did what he did out of his concern for me, and I was too selfish to realize that.

Cema and Rae board the carriage that will take us to the docks. Before I follow them, I take one last look at the mansion. And I see Grandfather watching us from a balcony.

After seven years of hating him, I now feel that I owe him at least one thing: a genuine expression of gratefulness.

I bow deeply at his direction, silently thanking him for giving me what he thinks is best for me.

I finally board the carriage, where an impatient Rae was waiting for me.

I'm not quite sure, but I think I saw Grandfather smile.