En Route

Original artwork by Kyle Newbridge

Dearest Samantha,

The Underworld has been less than kind, but my progress is finally steadying. I was fortunate to meet a man named Lockeschmidt, who was able to assist me in finding both stable food and drink. There is always manna beneath the dust–it has the strangest texture, with parallel lines etched into each chewy loaf of what is almost like a stale, hardened layer of outer fat. bread. Also, there are long trees without limbs that stretch into the dark and sway with the wind; periodically, oily pools form around their bases and soak into the dust–which can then be drained and boiled for safety. Really, it is much preferable to what I had been doing before, and I am certain that we can continue to use this method indefinitely if traveling alone becomes an issue.

Anyway, I have already left the trees and ventured into the desert. I am confident that I will find more rivers and trees, manna can be found anywhere, and there are other edible creatures that wander the wastes, so I should have no difficulty rationing during my travels. I hope that you have been as fortunate as I have and that my newfound knowledge of additional food and hydration sources assists you. As for the Ghosts, keep them entertained and your knife hidden, then end them quickly as necessary.

I  hope following me is not proving too difficult or hazardous for you. By all means, if you need me, you know that my plans have run amuck, and I would be willing to stay in place or travel to you. I have already attempted to leave messages in the rivers, but they dissolve too quickly. The trees cannot be relied upon to stay the same height for too long either. However, giving messages to Ghosts and promising that they will meet another person and see me again is effective–the letters are protected until received, and sometimes they come with a gift. As for if/when they find out, distract them with new deals, then terminate them at the first convenience.

I am sure you can find other means by which to communicate with me; I will remain alert. Fires tend to be extremely visible in the oppressive dark, and loud noises tend to travel far without the obstruction of a typical landscape.

I hope to see you again, and soon. I find myself increasingly concerned about both of our wellbeing, and I miss you terribly. I know that this journey has not been easy for me, and I do not imagine it has been any more hospitable to you. All I need is a location or signal, and I will be right there. I just need a way to identify where you are; I am waiting and ready. Landmarks and directions related to them work best–I’ve found that my compass has proven useless here. I know of the river twenty miles from Ariadne, and I know of the forest downstream from it. Many miles away from the forest is the site of my initial landing, and there are supplies there as well. Anything related to those locations: I can find.

More than anything, I would love to hear from you again. It would be great to see your face after so long. Despite all of our troubles, I know that we will overcome.

We will meet again,

Tomas Cohen