From the Personal Correspondence between Phasali Samghra Vadai, Directing Physician of Garajam Bastatha
and Tayari Ratayri Verevra, First Traveller of the Lonely Road.
Collection Date and Location: 10 Avena i0729 - The Terminus, Samghara
Collection Note: Original Copy on Official Letterhead of the Directing Physician. Written by hand. 4:612:JNB-3
LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION CODE: Restricted - 2 of 3.
20 Gazuten, i0725
Dear Tayari,
I know you said not to write, but since you insist on ignoring me, you have left me with few options. I have sent this letter to you via my most trusted assistant, who is fully aware of the professional situation between us. Their name is Anav, and they would never read this letter or betray my confidence, so please do not worry or mistreat them.
I know it has only been three months, but it feels like a lifetime. Must it really be so strained between us? I always look forward to our conversations, and you know how much I value our time together. After all, I have risked the reputation of The Garajam on several occasions to ensure our relationship might continue. Is this not evidence enough of my love for you? But beyond my personal feelings, there is an urgent matter that requires our direct attention. It is imperative that we meet soon to determine a course of action. I urge you, if not for any feelings you may have for me, for the sake of both our communities, for the children of Samghara, please respond.
Our agreement is in serious need of revision and alterations. The amount of samples being moved between the hospital and The Terminus has become too difficult to maintain, and we can no longer supply the requested number while avoiding detection. The Empire and its representatives here at the hospital are asking too many questions.
I can ensure that no one in the administration here will discuss our arrangement and plenty here believe in our work together. But I feel compelled to remind you again that I am the leader of an organization that employs hundreds of people, and we have more than five thousand patients in our complex nightly. There are so many eyes around us I fear detection is no longer a matter of if but when.
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You know that I do not share the beliefs of my most skeptical colleagues. I have long sought a deeper relationship between the arcane and medical sciences. As a physician, I maintain the edict instilled in all who graduate from The Garajam, and I repeat the oath I took 15 years ago every morning before I begin my day. “My first duty is to the patient. To heal. To protect. This, above all things, must be held most precious.”
It is because of that oath that I first agreed to work with The Travelers, and I still believe that, together, we can find a cure for Brihabhad’s Curse. The children of Samghara deserve nothing more than our most passionate devotion to this cause. I do not see any signs of this plague abating. We are now recording that 1 in 10 Kerava children under nine are showing symptoms, and there is nothing we can tell that is causing it. We have tested water, food, and air quality; there seems to be no connection to the birth line or caste. I assume you have not learned anything new in your journeys on The Lonely Road, otherwise you would have reached out, correct?
I will still do my best to honor our agreement and send what I can so that your people can still do their research, but know that the numbers have to come down significantly. We should also revisit the process by which you receive the samples. And no matter how deep my feelings for you or the passionate belief you and I can change the world, living samples can not be sent. I do not know who authorized this on your end, but it was not agreed to by me or any of my staff, so you need to inform whoever is necessary to immediately stop this collection if you want any goodwill to continue between our organizations and me personally.
I know that this means your work will slow, but better that than The Vissi discover us. The agents of the Empress will see this as a plot against her and a direct contradiction to her edicts. She is not kind. Please believe me, I have witnessed this firsthand and will not go into detail here to avoid the unpleasantness emanating from The Roaring Throne growls.
Your prompt response to this letter is needed and I need new instructions on how to get the samples to you. I have instructed Anav to wait for a response, please do so as soon as possible. If, after three days, they do not hear from you or your organization, they are to return to The Garajam, and we will have no choice but to terminate the professional relationship between us, and I will have no other option but to live with the deep sadness that you and I are no longer possible. This is the last thing I want, and I hope you feel the same.
Your Most Devoted Traveler,
Phasali
PS: Please forgive the formality of this letter. Being the director of a large institution such as The Garajam has an effect on how you write. I hope my passion for you can be seen through the professionalism of my tone.
PPS: I also keep the Speaking Stone you gave me on my desk in my private study. Do not worry. Not even the servants enter that room. It is there waiting should you ever wish to contact me directly. It would be the joy of my life if you would do so. I long to hear your voice and yearn for the next time we might meet in person.
