My Dearest Cara,

The battle is over. Three of the dragons are slain; the other two escaped north. We sustained injuries of our own. Copious burns, of course. My brother-at-arms, Kent, managed to get his whole right side toasted—but he did so while saving my life, so perhaps I will refrain from teasing him too much.

The captain took my resignation well. He’s a stone-faced man, but I swore he almost grimaced. Maybe he’ll even miss me.

Kent will be returning with me. He says he only joined the Draecons because I did, so if I’m not staying, he has no desire to either. He’s a good man. Perhaps he can join the castle guard.

This letter will reach you before I do—I must wait for Kent to be in traveling condition. Just know that I wish I could fly as swiftly as the bird carrying this message. Even after nine years, now that you are mine and I am yours, a month of separation from you feels unbearable. But I’ll be back soon. And when I get there, we’ll have no more need of letters ever again.

I love you.

Yours always,

Eamon