Father,

You asked me what it’s like to fight alongside Duncan Idaho. It is inspirational. He lives up to the stories and more. However, something has changed.

I’ll not forget the first time I saw the Swordmaster of Ginaz in battle. Like an artist with a blade, he waded into the fray with fierceness, yes, but also a bombastic joy. It set my heart slamming in my ribcage and left no room for fear.

But the last time I saw him in battle was different. All the skill and deadliness were still there, but it was cold, mechanical. Gone was the joy. All the years of this War of Assassins has taken a toll.

Love and honor,

Polina