Letter from Daphrus
From FiranMUX
papyrus scroll: To Lord Pyrrus Didoron
Dear father,
I'm writing to you from the walls of Fort Zayes, which the Shamibelians call Fort Obala. I'm sure you must know what an incredible thing what I've just written is. As a united nation, we have been fighting for this bloody piece of land for over fifteen years. Tonight, I shall dine within its walls; the very walls upon which I stand. From my post, I can just make out the city of Ellish on the horizon. It is a powerful sight.
As I stare at the jewel for which our great Republic has striven for the last two generations, woozy with the great expectations which surround this army, I cannot help but feel a sinking mortality clawing in the background. I cannot tell you how many men and women, companions and good Firans all, I have seen fall around me in the terrible battles which have led up to this moment. The generals and veterans all say that we have only scratched the surface. The real fight remains, and the enemy which awaits us in Ellish itself is greater and more skilled than any we have faced thus far. Though I have been lucky so far, I realize how young and small I still am compared to the veteran men who surround me. That I have had great success against the enemy, and earned much glory for our family, is testament to good blood and good training, rather than any great size or experience. I fear neither blood nor training may save me from the gauntlet which awaits us.
It may be a foolish notion - I am young, and a Didoron of the true blood. I have no doubt, in my mind, that I shall not only survive this, but return victoriously to regain some of the honor and glory our name once held. But in my heart, I am not so sure. It is in this brief weakness that I am compelled to write you, rather than mother, or Lady Yvette.
I know that you and I have not always been at peace. I have never been able to follow the path that you and mother did, like Rusul and Kenilla will. I know that you have never truly understood my desire to give my life and noble blood to the mud and pain of battle, but if you could be here with me, standing on this wall, I think perhaps you would have a better idea. Moreover, having now faced that mud and pain, and looking now into the face of death, I think I better understand you, and your path. Though our noble blood has granted me the power to vanquish my enemies on the field with sword and spear, there are many others here without a drop who fight as fiercely and as honorably as I. But I suspect, they could not do so well what you and mother do; that higher calling of nobility to serve, not on the field, but in the Hall.
I do not believe that I will ever come to see things exactly as you do, but I wonder if there is not some middle ground between our viewpoints. It would please me to declare an end to our own war at home, just as this real war here in the field draws to a climax greater than any seen in the last two generations. Should I survive these next few weeks, and come home with my shield strapped across my back, rather than lying upon it, can the two of us not find some middle ground between us? I am certain we can.
When I return to you father, I will be a man grown. Bloodied in war, bloodied in bed, and master of my own destiny. I give you this chance to accept me as such, and meet me equally with the respect I deserve. Though we have often disagreed, and I am certain that we will continue to do so on certain issues, I have always treated you with honor and respect. I do not want to use the word 'demand', but I will ask that you now give me the same. It is only with respect that we will be able to come to that middle ground which I envision; which I can see between these walls upon which I stand and the distant walls of Ellish to the south. Can we not at least attempt to find it? I hope you will see this as I do.
In any case, the opportunity may not come. With hard fights awaiting us, I entrust this document to you in your capacity of Lawyer as a testament of my will after death until I say otherwise.
With honor and respect:
Signature The signature of Daphrus.
