The boy chased after him down the desolate road.
"Are...are you The One?" he asked breathlessly. He held a letter in one hand.
Aarn looked at him curiously. Not quite knowing why, he nodded yes.
The youth handed over the letter, then stood and waited. It was obviously very rich parchment, but tattered and stained, as if from a long journey. He opened it and read:
You are brave to travel these desolate lands. Would you be able and willing to scout for western hordes?
Machiavel Chénier
Royal of D'Hara
Count of Thar Gortauth
Priest of Sanguis Astroism
Aarn considered for a moment, but then turned without answering and continued on his journey.