Friday, November 13th, 2009.

My Favourite (and only) Niece,

Mikaere! How are you? I hope my yearly letter finds you and your parents as well as I am.

How old are you now, eight? I also hope you liked the present I sent you over the mail.

I am quite excited, as my new photography assignment will be in Africa.

I'm hoping to photograph some cheetahs.

But I'm not too sure on the lions. They might eat me.

Well, now I must pack as I leave at dawn tomorrow.

I am sorry I can't write more to you, Mikki.

Until next year.

Your Favourite (and only) Uncle,

John

Sunday, December 12th, 2010

My Favourite (and only) Niece,

Mikaere! How are you, nine year old? Feeling grown up yet?

How are your parents doing?

The trip to Africa went wonderfully.

I think I got great photographs of the animals there.

I sent some to you, tell me what you think!

My next assignment will be in Madagascar, and I hope to get some great lemur photos.

I really am sorry I can't write more often to you, Mikki.

Until next year.

Your Favourite (and only) Uncle,

John

Friday, November 11th, 2011

My Favourite (and only) Niece,

Mikaere! You've turned 10 already! How do you like the gifts you've gotten?

How are your parents?

The assignment in Madagascar was amazing, and I got some lemur photos like I'd hoped, as you can see from the pictures I've sent along.

Now, I have a surprise.

I will be traveling to Alaska next!

You've always wanted to go there, haven't you? At least, that's what you've written to me before.

I will make sure to take lots of extra pictures for you, and I'll try and write an extra letter telling you what it's like.

I wish you could come along, Mikki.

Until next time.

Your Favourite (and only) Uncle,

John

Saturday, August 18th, 2012

My Favourite (and only) Niece,

Mikaere! Alaska is spectacular! I wish you could see it in person, but for now, the pictures I have sent will have to do.

It's very cold, but the scenery makes up for it!

I have photographed wolves, bears, deer, and many, many birds.

I also have made a new friend. You would like him.

Unfortunately, things are getting a bit...complicated here, so I do not know when I will be able to write next.

I wish I could see how big you've grown, but I'm sad to say that I have no time for anything other than my travels at the moment.

Until next time.

Your Favourite (and only) Uncle,

John

Sunday, February 17th, 2013

Mikaere,

It pains me to write this letter more than you will ever know.

I have so much to let you know, but so little time to write it.

When I found out the news, I was shocked.

I was utterly devastated to hear about the death of your parents. Your mother, my sister. In fact, I am struggling to write this right now.

And that is putting it lightly.

I loved them both so very much, and I am also so sorry to hear that you will be going into foster care.

I apologize that I cannot become your legal guardian, but things have gotten quite tricky here in Alaska.

I've gotten myself into quite a mess, Mikki.

I saw things I shouldn't have seen...things I shouldn't have photographed.

I cannot elaborate anymore, though, I'm sorry.

But as for your future foster parents, I sincerely hope they'll treat you well.

But if they don't...

Mikaere, if they do not treat you well, and you cannot live in Spokane anymore, go to where I had gone for my last photography assignment. Chickaloon, Alaska.

My good friend that I had mentioned will not only let you stay there, but he will also keep you safe.

I cannot tell you exactly where my friend is, but I will try to point you in the right direction.

You're a smart girl; you should be able to figure it out.

Ready?

First, you must find a way to get to the border of Canada. Once you cross the border, you must find a way to get all the way across Canada. Then, you must get to Alaska. And from there, to the tiny place of Chickaloon.

When you reach Chickaloon, you must go into the tavern there.

Find the two people that remind you most of your parents. Then, let them know who you are and let them know that I am your uncle.

Then, one of them will take you out to the woods, and you must enter them. And, if along the way you must pass water, you must move on water without moving your body at all.

Walk in the woods for however long it takes. However far you have to go until the birds find you, because when the birds find you, then my friend will find you.

You can trust my friend, Mikaere. Even though I know you probably don't trust anyone anymore. But if you're looking at this and considering leaving Washington, then you must have some amount of trust in me. And if you trust me, you can trust him. He's a good man.

It's a dangerous trip. But, you're strong. I know you can and will make it if you ever decide to try.

I love you, Mikaere.

Uncle John

Thoughts on the prologue?