Darla's Letter to Martin

To my darling brother, and his friends,

    By the time you receive this, I shall be, with my sister, on the way back home.
I apologize for my hasty departure; I should have, I know, announced my intention, given
you and your friends a chance to test it, taken a chance for good byes.  But I was afraid.

    Afraid of the horrors that face you on your journey.

    Afraid that I'd be unable to tear myself away from the promise of adventure, as much as
I outwardly dismiss it.

    But more, afraid that, should I share your journey, I should tranform into a person I would
very much dislike.

    I thought I could protect you, on this mad quest of yours--that in not falling prey to the
madness, and providing solace, I could protect you in ways your friends could not.  But I think
that in the end, there is no protection to be had on such a journey--no way to avert the dangerous
of the demons that assail you -- instead, only trials to be bourne.  I hope--I pray--that you and
your friends are up to these trials.  But I fear I, alas, am not.

            With love and care,
                    Darla