I cannot express how it saddens me to hear that you do not share my view, and that you no longer consider me a friend. Know that I have been tempted by the darkest of bargains, and I have not lost sight of my purpose. I hope that my actions in the end are justified, although I admit that I approach certain fields of study with much caution and reservation. Still, with the God of Time never (hah!) around, I am pressed into a haste that is dangerous. 

I know that you do not support what I do, but since you are sending an expedition to the Giantdowns, know that I seek their burial places. I plan to be discreet and send my people in and out without anyone else’s knowledge. I would rather send people with you than separately. That way, you can keep them in your sight at all times, and they have the safety of good trackers. You once pined for wizards in your lands as it gave you an ‘advantage’. How bitter the draught now? There is no half-knowledge Euvgeni, only half-truth. And if you close your eyes to the other half of what’s out there, the half you wish did not exist – that is the time you lose your battle. For if you do not face your fears, they will always surprise you.

Wizards are a fickle lot – all far more intelligent than a common man. They are not assets; they’re people – each more complex and driven than your average farmer. Watch out that what starts as self-defense, does not become your legacy on a far larger scale. If you turn the Arts to war, you will have created a tool that is far beyond your means to control.

Present my case to the Ivrean Council. I will not move without their approval (which I fear will not be forthcoming immediately). If I wait long enough, their decision will change when their homes are threatened. The lands cannot die because we find certain actions distasteful. I await your (and the council’s) reply. I hope you change your mind about me. Do not judge what you do not understand. That’s how lynch mobs are created.

Still your friend
Souriin

(P.S. Hah, I find it ironic that Athalar once tried to take over the Fairy Woods and we stopped him, certain we were on the side of righteousness. I wonder what motive he had in attempting that? And I wonder if there is a young Souriin and Euvgeni out there, all focused and fired-up to stop my evil plans. Good jest, no? Write to me.)