The Final Report of Zaoh Zenya

To the most Noble and Virtuous Empress Oum Rui, long may you reign.

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that I cannot see my mission to its completion. I am uncertain of the how or why, but last night something transfigured Scribe Yen Jia into something monstrous. I know not what on the mortal realm could turn an innocent man into a scorpion the size of a horse, with Yen Jia's weeping face pleading for forgiveness, but I pray it is the first and only occurrence of such a phenomenon. 
Though the scouts you assigned to my retinue fought valiantly to protect me from the transfigured Yen Jia, I fell victim to his poisoned stinger. Even as I write this, I feel my face burning and struggle to hold this stylus steady.
If you are reading this, the retinue you assigned me has returned to Douma as I asked them. Accompanying this letter will be my compiled notes on all the places and people I encountered in my expedition. Please forgive me for being unable to finish it.
Please do not waste any tears on me, Empress. My only regret is that I couldn't see a little more of what the world had to offer, and to learn more of its wondrous secrets. 
If you could humor a poor, pathetic man such as myself, I ask that you cover up the circumstances of my death. I know asking you to lie on my behalf would be considered treason by most, but I do not wish any scorn or shame to fall upon Yen Jia's family or memory. If asked what happened to me, please tell everyone I fell victim to some dreadful fever and Yen Jia caught it trying to save my life. 
Your loyal servant
Grand Surveyor Zaoh Zenya

Type

Text, Letter