First letter of Hadrianus to the Thalassans
Yesterday I witnessed something I cannot truly explain to myself, but for you, the followers of Sidonius and the believers in a new Empire, I will try.
The Aderan army’s vanguard had landed and taken much of the town – only at the citadel did the resistance continue. As I learned today, nearly half of the librarians fought and died, body over body, to defend Sidonius’ legacy. From my vantage point on one of the former barrier islands, all seemed lost. The greater enemy fleet was closing and over a hundred small landing boats were on their way.
Out of the corner of my eye, I espyed a titanic battle. Aria Sidonia was fighting, and losing a battle with an Aderan sorcerer. She who had refused her ancestry’s call, now years later fought for its legacy. It was a wonder to behold her fight, her magic, her will. But alas, she could not hold. She was thrown down by the evil mage and tortured by his magical energy. We rushed to her aid, but were driven back by the walls of force emanating from the sorcerer and his kin.
When half of us died in the onslaught, Aria rose up once more and threw the magician down upon the rocks. She looked younger, resilient, radiant. Seeing the imminent destruction of everything she now realized was dear to her, she wept. She raised up her arms and the land rose. The barrier islands became a shield wall or aegis and the sea retreated back miles into the Azure taking the ships and boats with them. She then called for the ocean and a wave a hundred feet high came crashing back upon the aegis crushing all the enemy fleet and drowning the enemy. All of them. I am both thankful and humbled at her sacrifice. When all was done, Aria was spent. She was aged beyond reason and disappeared into dust. Aarith gave her the power to save us. We must remember.
Lucas Hadrianus, son of Dio Hadrianus of the First Hundred.