Ancient Relics

April 4th, NY 304

My Dearest Esmeralda,

We've finally arrived at the old gates. It's been a long and hard journey. We've lost good men and women to hunger, disease and dementia, and the Santa Barbara and all her crew to pirates, but here we are at last.

Marconis is beside himself with ramblings of the paradise beyond, of riches and feasts and an end to the scourge. But the veil of clouds at the entrance, and the shrouded guardians fill me with a sense of dread. I fear that our dreams of the manor on the plains may not come to be after all.

This is truly a sight! What manner of gods were these men, who could throw the very mountains into the sea and shape them thus? Do they live there still? And dare we be so audacious as to tread in their domain?

I hope this letter finds you well. Kiss your mother and abigail for me one last time.

Until we meet again.
All my love,
Bertrand