Betrayal?

To Josh and the family;

By the time you’re reading this, I have already gone. Those of you left at the castle have noticed that ‘Hana’ is missing. That’s because she doesn’t exist. I took on the role to get an insight into your group. You don’t know me, but I am a member of the triumvirate. I am a changeling. The last of my kind, as far as I know.

I write these letters to tell you that I will not betray your secrets, such as they are. The other members of the triumvirate are…not good people. They would exploit any information I gave them, so I will simply report failure. Marcus you know, and he is your biggest danger. He will grow in power, and I see the beginnings of a new demon lord in him. Gaius you do not know. He is an ancient and powerful lich, cast out from the undead kingdom before its disappearance. I joined the triumvirate years ago, displacing one of the original members. I buried her in a shallow grave, and I feel no remorse for that.

I’m not sure why I’m telling you all this. I need to follow through with their plans to acquire the power for what I need to do. Once that finishes, things can change. But until then, I must continue to act as a member of the triumvirate.

I regret many of the things I’ve done, but my time with your family was some of the happiest I’ve had since I was little. You are all so kind and accepting…I nearly abandoned everything to stay with you. I hope when all this is over, I can show you all my true self. If I survive.

However, I understand my betrayal. I understand my complicity in the horrible things the triumvirate has done. I accept the blame, even as it weighs on me. I do what must be done. I understand if I cannot be forgiven.

I will see you on the day of the final battle. I ask that you do not interfere with us. I will do what I can to shield you from Marcus, but my own vengeance must come first. I have spent too many years, endured too much pain to fail now.

In the end, I am sorry. If I had found you first…but I didn’t. I bear no ill will towards you. I have delivered a copy of this letter to Josh’s camp, and the other I leave in my room for when my illusions become obvious. I wish you the best.

-R