I have found these three fragments thus far, and sent them to you in hopes you will learn what I am growing to learn myself. I cannot simply say it. Too clear, too straightforward, and the othermind scrapers will recognize it within the weave and come for me and those who have saved my life by the Mercy of the True Flame. I am the last of the men of this universe that ought take part in this, but perhaps it will be worth it. How many of the Sons and Daughters did I lead to the dispersion? If you do not trust me, please forgive yourself, and keep reading or flee to the truths you know already. It is my great hope that the Sons and Daughters of the Flame would be united again, able to gather in the light of the great glory and burn together in marvelous delights, but the Luminaries’ war is not only with us but with all that is – with the True Flame Himself.

The deathslayers were used as weapons of war, though their power was clearly for other purposes. Perhaps I can explain some of what the novitiate in the previous story did. He is a legend among those who seek rank among the Luminaries. He is no longer novitiate, rather, he is of the Council of Exarchs – the Hundred.

To speak ill of him would be to immediately draw the ire of every othermind scraper throughout the weave, so this we will not do. Rather, by way of antonym I will speak of him and you may fill the difference. His gentleness, his kindness, his humility is understated. He ought to be elevated far above where he currently rests among merely the exarchs – to the highest heights of grace. He is the very best of the Luminaries. Yes, and now perhaps you know how much his actions match his character.

Still he lives among them and leads them, and his character matches all of theirs – and the strain of another father of lesser fire.

By simple inversion, the way of negation, we sometimes come to know what we cannot know by the straight road – or what those around us cannot bear to hear.

As for the deathslayer – this Sof. I seek further news of her, more fragments of her story that they may be shared with you, with all those who seek the Life Aflame. To ash or to glory – to both perhaps. I am learning much from those who have rescued me from the threat of my own dispersion.

They warn me not to speak of them nor of our plans, for the path we will walk next. The more I write, the more dangerous this message shall be. Still, a final word I dare – do not despair.

~Marceus, Grateful Faithful of the Flame