1.5b

Frida - I trust the last exercise rid us of any thieves or unscrupulous passersby who may have discovered my note. If they attempted to follow my instructions literally, the guards will have taken care of them. Now, at last, I may speak plainly.

I know I have been sharp with you in the past; I will not pretend it is otherwise. My temper is short, my patience easily stretched thin. It is no secret. What I have not disclosed to you is that I know the reason for my imbalanced humours. Years ago, I loved someone. A deep, abiding love that carved itself into my body. But we were parted. Since that day, there has been a wound in my heart. In my agony, I have allowed myself to be changed.

No more. My heart's ailment has a cure. I have found an alchemist in the north who can heal my wounds, making it so that I will never think of the object of my affections again.

I promise, Frida, I will be better now. Things will be better this way.

Take the coin that I owe you for your service as my apprentice, and the accompanying note of payment. If you still wish to join me, you have what you need to find my location.