Prologue: A Letter to My Brother

Prologue:
A Letter to My Brother

Dear Guren Litbeit of Lindworm,

This is your older brother, Souen. I don’t know how many letters I have sent you at this point. You clearly have no regard for your family, since you ignore letters, not only from me, but from our parents and little sister as well. You haven’t replied once.

For this, I am eternally grateful.

As father’s successor, I hated how you were always in my way. But as long as you have no interest in an inheritance dispute, and you keep playing doctor in Lindworm, that’s one less thing I have to worry about. Please continue to stay out of my way, and don’t even think about coming back here.

I suppose I should get to the real reason for this letter. What I am about to write is important, which is why I used harpy express delivery. I must insist that you read what follows very carefully, and do as I say.

Our little sister, Suiu, is on her way to Lindworm. Although she is still young, she was working as a guard for the senate. However, she fell ill about six months ago, and was relieved of her post. She left a note saying that she was going to Lindworm to look for work, perhaps because it would be difficult for her to find a job among humans at this point. Perhaps she’s not even interested in visiting you, her brother.

I am sure this letter will reach Lindworm before Suiu does. No matter how fast she might be, she can’t beat sky travel. If she visits you, then there is nothing to worry about.

But if she doesn’t, brother, go find her.

Mother is already worried sick waiting to hear from you. Now that our sister has run away to god knows where, I’m afraid that Mother will collapse. Father is also concerned.

So, Guren, find Suiu and do what you can to help her. Take care of her. She is sick. As her brother, and a doctor, you must not ignore her symptoms.

Rumors of your work have reached us. I heard that you operated on the Draconess, who is infamous here in the east, too. She will be coming to the eastern capital to expand trade. You’re probably not aware of this, but I took up a position as assistant to an elder statesman. I am extremely busy preparing a warm welcome for the Draconess, which means I don’t have time to worry about what Suiu is up to. As her other older brother, you must take care of her.

That is all. I can’t say it enough times: don’t come back here, Guren.

P.S. Suiu has a rare disease that is famous even in the human regions. It’s probably not within your medical specialty, but examine her, if you can. If there is any chance that you can cure her, it would put Mother and Father’s minds at ease.

The disease’s name is Demonitis. Suiu’s body is human, but she is growing demonic horns. It is a chronic disease, and no one has ever cured it.

Don’t scream when you see her.

Regards.