World Refugees Final Mix

While I am sure that receiving a message from me makes you uneasy, and you have every reason not to trust me, I hope you will heed me, answer my questions, and keep what we discuss to yourself.

Is there actual basis for your lover's concerns? Have you seen any evidence to support them?

While nothing of my earlier work with him would have indicated what he is speaking of, much of my recent research has not gone as anticipated.

Moreover, I have inquiries regarding his health and strength. Does his power seem equivalent to what it was when he had greater use of the powers of darkness? Has there been any change in his capabilities that you have noted?

Manners, Amy, manners. There is no need to be vulgar.

Has it occurred to you, refugees, how few your numbers have grown. Once there were more of you than could easily be counted. You were a force to be reckoned with. Now you are few. Few and vulnerable.

Perhaps you had best rely on the Keybearers.

But then they have not been much heard from in some time, have they?

Perhaps they have abandoned you . . . They are at that age when childhood gives way to adulthood, when the dreams and passions of childhood give way to the quiet duties of maturity. When disappointment and cynicism emerge to temper even the brightest hearts. Perhaps they have lost faith. Perhaps they will not always be there for you.

And then what is left? A handful who could not return to their lives when the battle was over, who could not move on.

Do you really think that you have the strength that once you had?