TW: sexual assault A long river of biting winter wind clambered through the pass, slowing their procession. Her guards pulled their hooded cloaks close and pointed their eyes downward, against the unfiltered gale. Garang let her face burn and her nose numb. The god Khyal’pok had sent this wind for her, and she took her punishment. She only hoped the blankets she chose were thick enough, that the body in the wooden box would not get too cold. Garang was not young anymore. S

It’s his fault, I know this for certain. You will not receive this letter in time; that’s for certain too. And I lament what pain this might cause you, and your people. It cannot be helped. You were foolish to believe him. I suspect that by now war has erupted at your western border. I am sure I will hear of it in the coming days. It happened quickly, didn’t it? You are not strong enough to take this on alone. You will expect me to come to your aid. Instead, I give you this