Glenn tore the letter open as voraciously as a Gloamwolf. He hungered for news. The moment he began reading, disappointment flooded him.

It wasn’t a letter from Becka. It was a letter from Jenny Ambersun. Still, he read on hopefully.

Mister Redwood,

I hope this letter finds you well. Rest assured your old friend Rebecka has not forgotten you, nor does she not wish to write. I simply haven’t let her write you, because you know as well as I we need her focused on her duties and her new life. Given how much you care for her, I suspect you’ll understand.

Glenn did understand. He might be stuck here in Wolfpine for the next twenty-four years, but Becka wasn’t. He couldn’t have Becka distracted by thoughts of him. She needed to focus on her new life as a Blazer and Adventurer. Jenny was still watching out for them both.

Yet I’d be cruel to leave you without updates. Rebecka undertook her Ceremony of the Path two days ago in the Blazer Chapel in Evolan, and the Gods have chosen her as an Adventurer.

Glenn silently pumped a fist. Finally! The Gods had done something right.

She’s still contemplating her Class. There’s no rush, since she’s just reached Level 5, and she can’t choose another Skill until she reaches Level 6. We’ve provided her with a dagger enchanted with [-Volt-], so while she cannot cast offensively, she can still stab Monsters with the best of them.

Glenn was glad to see another rumor about becoming a Blazer had proven true. Blazers, thanks to the size and reputation of their guild, always got the best gear. Most Level 6 Adventurers would be unable to afford an Enchanted weapon, yet the Blazers had given it to Becka free of charge. With that dagger, she’d still have a chance to gain both a point of Divinity and Wisdom on her way to Level 6.

We’ve agreed that Rebecka should Level alongside several of our newest Junior Blazers so she can observe their Skills and strategies in the field. This, I hope, will give her a better understanding of her own strengths and desires. A Class decision should be taken lightly.

Glenn nodded silently as he eagerly read along. Becka was lucky to have a mentor like Jenny. Glenn still longed to be out there with her, but it was comforting to know Becka was in such good hands. It seemed Jenny had decided to mentor Becka herself, which implied Jenny recognized Becka’s worth.

This will be the first and only letter you receive from me regarding Rebecka’s progress. This isn’t because I don’t trust you, nor is it because I feel you don’t deserve updates on your friend. It is because of the confidential nature of our work as Blazers.

Every letter I send has a chance of being intercepted by those opposed to the good of all. Sending this letter was an acceptable risk, since the information contained here is public knowledge in Evolan. Yet as Becka’s journey continues, you’ll understand if I can’t take further risks in the future.

Glenn understood all too well. As the largest guild in the world, the Blazers handled Quests both big and small, for everyone from small town mayors to the Queen of Landers. They had many enemies, including their chief rivals, the Shadowers Guild, who were absolutely incredible at stealing letters.

I know your new life isn’t what you expected, but though I only got to observe you briefly, I suspect you’ve already found some comfort in your new ability to protect the people of Wolfpine. They’re lucky to have you, just as the Blazers would be if the Gods had chosen differently.

Rebecka is in good hands with us. We won’t let her stumble. Given that knowledge, I hope you will focus on your own life and achievements and all the good you can do for Wolfpine. You have my respect and best wishes. One day, perhaps, we may all even grab a drink in your fine tavern.

Until then, be well.

Jenny Ambersun, Blazer Rank Four

Glenn read Jenny’s letter several more times before he set it down, sat on his bed in silence, and breathed. Yes, knowing he’d hear nothing more about Becka’s Adventuring career hurt, but this letter itself contained much good news. It answered questions Glenn had been afraid to ask himself for three long months lest fear of the answers drive him to distraction.

Jenny had been kind to send this letter and this update, even though she’d had no obligation to do so. Glenn suspected Jenny might be coming up against the edge of Blazer confidentiality, given Glenn actually had no official family tie to Becka. Yet she’d updated him anyway.

Becka was an Adventurer. She was a Junior Blazer. And he was a Town Guard. Those were the paths the Gods had set them on, and feeling glum about it wouldn’t help anyone or change anything. Knowing there would be no more letters from Becka helped him focus on his own life, as well, as Jenny had suggested he should.

This was good news. Becka was in good hands. And with Jenny’s letter to assure him of all that, and his own belief that Becka would be back in three short years, Glenn could finally take the last steps away from the life he’d dreamed of before becoming a Town Guard. This was his life now.

And given the twelve lives he’d already saved, this was a life that could help others.

He needed to get cleaned up and changed after his shift, and then he and Zack were going to drink while Zack related his latest adventures and Glenn tried not to be jealous. Glenn might not be able to Level any longer, but at least he could Level vicariously through Zack. He’d really reconnected with his good friend the last three months.

Zack had reached Level 6 just yesterday, and already chosen his second Shadower Skill ... [-Shadow Stab-]. When Zack attacked a Monster from behind while using [-Shadow Walk-], his initial strike did as much damage as six good stabs, which meant Zack could drop a Crackpaw in one hit.

Drinks and mead that night were better than normal, and afterward, in private, Glenn passed on what he’d learned about Becka. Zack seemed thrilled and promised not to tell anyone else in town, which meant the news would be all over Wolfpine in a day.

That was fine. Glenn suspected Karl had received a letter from Jenny too, and given how proud Karl Coldbreaker was of his daughter, the news would have spread either way.

So Glenn drank in Wolfpine’s tavern every night. He slept in his mother and father’s home until he could find a better place to do so. He put on his armor every morning and walked to the gate. And for the first time since he'd stood a shift, Mayor Coleman actually joined them.

With an official Quest for one of his Town Guards.

Mayor Coleman, as always, was dismissive and to the point. Glenn had only seen the man a few times over his first months as a Town Guard, and yet Coleman had remained the inscrutable ass he’d always seemed to be. His guards were pawns to him, nothing more.

“Town Guard Willowrose,” Coleman said, completely ignoring Glenn. “Preceptor Fallowpeak, an Alchemist from Lakebrooke, set out two days ago on a journey to Wolfpine, with passage and three nights outside the town walls approved by Mayor Earthwhite. His caravan will likely complete the journey through the mountains at first light tomorrow. You will meet him where the Safe Road abuts the pass into Evolan and escort his caravan to Wolfpine in my name.”

“Putting out a red carpet, sir?” Scott asked cheerily. “That’s quite wise, but you are a wise mayor. It’s always best to show those Preceptor Alchemists we value them in Wolfpine!”

“Yes, yes,” Coleman said, dismissively waving a hand. “And Willowrose, you will follow the Preceptor’s orders as you’d follow my own. Escort him to town and do as he asks, and make sure to tell him I sent you. Do I need to explain this simple task again, or was I sufficiently clear the first time?”

“Clear as the sky above, sir!” Scott said cheerily. He thumped one hand to his heart.

Glenn barely suppressed a chuckle. The sky, today, was heavy with gray clouds.

Coleman scowled, yet he couldn’t quite seem to convince himself Scott was mouthing off to him. “Clear as they sky above” was a metaphor people used all the time, after all.

“Town Guard Dewcrest is already arranging for someone to take the rest of your shift,” Coleman said calmly. “You have an hour to pack, and I’d bring a tent. I’d like you to set out today.”

“There’s just one little hiccup, sir,” Scott said. “I already have plans.”

Coleman stared at Scott like he’d been struck in the face by a bucket of mud. “You have plans.”

“I have for some time sir, sadly,” Scott said cheerily. “Yet fret not! In a fortunate turn of events, I now have a subordinate who knows the Safe Road as well as I, one who will no doubt be eager to serve.” Scott turned on Glenn. “Redwood! You heard the mayor. Get packing!”

Glenn blinked inside his helmet. Was Scott serious? Scott couldn’t be serious.

Yet the way Mayor Coleman was now frowning at him assured him at least one of them most certainly was.