We never found them Brother.
We checked every small city in our travels through the state, and after arriving in Alterslope, visited every city nearest to the border. They are just… gone. Did they return to Ellerina? And if that was what they chose to do, why be so silent? We may have been able to create a better return party for them.
Instead, we awoke to screams and giggles. Gaazi’s belongings were scattered across our camp grounds. The tent that Zachin slept in is in shambles, and I see remnants of Yemala’s Wings in the trees. Claw marks dig into all areas of surface, scarring the skin of our Mother without reason. Six Blackbacks are missing - I do not know if they were spooked into the hills, or if… maybe they were taken too?
Brother, they were not only laughing, they were singing as my people panicked, and I heard them so clearly; multiple voices atop one another like a chorus of all things in the Hells. They serenade the story of six bright eyes, nine stars aligned, and three more cries lost to their darkness. The four of us that remain shared knowing glances. They heard it as clear as I did, but more so… it was recognition. They hadn’t just heard it, Brother, they had heard it before now.
We are not searching for them. We are rushing to the closest port in Palt Airon, hoping that whatever stalks us will leave us when we cross to Paegor.
I threw what was left of my medicine into the fire this morning. Sleeping deeply is not worth this outcome.
If I do not write again, know that I love you dearly,
Xhoya