An Update from Alwen

Teacher,   The barrier extends into the dreaming and I cannot send a dreaming stone. Much of the work of the past moon has been met with frustration. The Imperial Court presses for proof of the value of your mission. They grow restless in their fear. The same enemies in the court who once questioned allowing you to command our forces beyond the frontier now clamor for your return to the front lines.   I’ve sworn to be brief, and to send what matters most so that you can send what you must as well. The pages contained here are copies of what texts I could find about places of power on that side of the barrier. Many of them are incomplete and frustratingly assume knowledge that I do not possess. I hope that they may be of some use and that you may find knowledge there to fill in the gaps.   The ring too is a copy. Your proper signet contains too much magic to cross the barrier. In this copy, I was able to construct a small ward that should help disguise your presence to any agents of the Collective that search for you on that side of the barrier. It feels like a shield of tissue against the storm of arrows you face, but it provides comfort to know that you have even that much more protection.   Were it within the Empire, your seal on a letter would allow you access to a wealth of resources. As much as I wish to send greater magic, I believe that your mistress was correct, you’ll have need of hard coin to make your way in the world you’ve entered.   I wish so dearly to say so much more. The unwritten words could fill a tome. For now, know that we all hold fast and that none of us will rest from the tasks you’ve given until we again share shade.   Alwen