Letter from a Dying Captain

“Joseph, I learned of you very recently and was sworn to secrecy. I have an unfortunate connection with your family, at least your father's side. I was Captain of the High Guard when a young Mortimer was trapped by a flash flood in Hector’s Wood north of Skygarde. Little did I know that his older sister stowed away in my carriage to look for her brother. I was able to save your father as we turned to see my cart get swept away with the terrifying scream of the drowning Highprincess Ruby Skytracer. I lost my job that day and some of my humanity with it. I loved that girl like she was my daughter. She was heir to the throne and your father and grandfather’s relationship never truly mended after that day.
  I lay here dying of the end process of the Black Fog surrounded by my men and friends. Yes I was cured like the rest of the world but even the Silverstaff-Xing cure cannot fight death. No the boils and tumours do not return like the Foggies of old but my skin is greying and eyes yellowing as my body begins to shut down.
  Your father reached out to me after your and his heart to heart in Clarion. Mortimer sent a raven to me so I could find hidden documents to prove he was the young teen who was banished by his father for falling in love with the wrong person. He mentioned he met your mother in Clarion, so it was serendipitous for you two to talk there.
  The Royal community is slowly learning of the letters I found of Mortimer and the late Highking Orion talking over the years. He told me this last act of truth repaid me for saving his life. I think the actual debt I owe was never to be paid for I caused the death of his sister. Mortimer told me that his actual life debt was gifting me that lost humanity That swept away with that flood. He gave me the knowledge that his sister lived a long life before dying of old age. She was saved by Gypsies in the Forgotten Slums outside Skygarde. She married a man she loved in her youth and lived freely and happily. This revelation had my head spinning. The last gift I can truly give Mortimer is the peace he so desired. His mind is broken. I know yours is too.
  Inside the basement of Skygarde is a magically sealed vault that can only be opened by the true heir of Skytracer. Inside is one of the Valauric Shards, One of four pieces of the legendary Valauric Blade of Beowulf Skytracer. The weapon forged by Dhara himself. If all four shards are mended together and held by the true heir, the memories and knowledge of past ancestors will be cleansed and focussed from all afflicted. This blade is also meant to be wielded to fight all Corruption in the world.
  Mortimer is the current heir with you to follow. Unless Ruby had a child but I’m sure Mortimer would have mentioned that in his letter. Stay true young prince and may the burden of the crown not weigh too heavily on your soul.
  Sir Nikolas Heartstring.”