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Chapter One: Rock and a Hard Place
Second Age of Storms, 48th Spring

Dear Princess Yi-Nereen,

I don’t know if you remember me. My name is Kadrin, and I hail from Kerina Sol. Ten years ago, my father was sent as a diplomatic envoy to your city, Kerina Rut. I only remember bits and pieces of the crossing; I was nine years old and rode in a knight’s sidecar. But I recall very well the year we spent in Kerina Rut, especially the friend I made there: the daughter of the Shield Lord, our host, who did so much to make us feel at home.

After all this time, I have finally worked up the courage to write her. Do you remember me half as fondly as I remember you? My father’s time in Kerina Rut was shorter than planned, and our sudden departure must have taken you by surprise. I hope you will accept my long overdue apology and farewell.

I shall end this letter now, in case I am a stranger to you after all. But if you do recall the boy who collected colorful beetles and taught you to wish on falling stars, it would bring me no greater pleasure than to receive your reply.

Please take care,

Prince Kadrin, Third Heir to the House of Steel Heavens