Written: Spiral Day 0T0L0X1.19
From: Yavik Dawn, 4th Brickline Tier, Block E, Humus Afar
Ma,
By the time you read this, you’ll have noticed I didn’t come home for the evening stew. Don’t go worrying, not yet. There’s something I’ve got to tell you, and I wanted it said in my own words, my own ink, no screens, no waves.I’ve quit the yard. No more bricks. No more dust in the lungs or hauling stones under that damned copper sun. After what happened, what’s happening, I couldn’t stay behind any longer, stacking peace while the stars scream again.
Lyrax is out. They let him out. Or lost him. I don’t know which is worse. That darkness he carried, it’s already here, Ma. You feel it in the wells, in the way the pigeons stopped singing in the Square. The old sculptor three blocks over burned every statue he ever made last night. Said they whispered wrong now.
So I’ve signed my name.
I’m joining the Navy.
Yeah, I know. Me. A bricklayer. But they’re taking us, anyone strong and willing. I’ve been placed on the Defender Vessel Kralis Nought. We’re heading to Orbit Six for rallying and pressure shield conditioning. I leave at dawn tomorrow.
It wasn’t a choice, Ma. It was a need.
Humus Afar raised us in the warmth of clay and song. I’ll be damned if I let Lyrax take the color from these walls again like he did to cousin Terrel’s sleep or the blue from your garden.
I need you to do something for me. Two things, really.
First, please light the Candle of Gislesh on the mantle. I know we haven’t burned it since Da passed, but it’s time again. That light’s meant for guidance, and I’ll be needing it on the dark side of the sky.
Second, feed Chunkster for me. He’s got that cricket hunger again. Get him one of the fat ones with the green stripes, it helps his sciatic ulcer or whatever the vet called that tail twist he’s got. He gets twitchy if it’s left too long.
Tell Mira she still owes me that song. Tell the boys at the yard not to drink too much on my coin. And you, keep your heart steady. I’ll be back when it’s done.
Your son,
Yavik
P.S. I left my tools wrapped in canvas behind the stove. Don’t let anyone else lay hand to them. I’ll need them when I return.