I pen down these thoughts for you my son, so that you will read it and understand that what they say about your father is not true. Monster.. Murderer.. Criminal.. Such was not always the case. Life has a way of changing things, whether you like them to or not. I have always kept out of the spotlight, away from public view for many years, doing the bidding of those that called me loyal servant. In doing the deeds they would have me perform they did not take into account what those deeds would do to me. How the darkness that creeps up inside of all of us does not go away, but it takes root and grows like a weed.
Not many have walked the darkness that I have endured, nor lived through those things that I have. But I am not special nor unique. I am just another pawn to this place we all call home. A thing to move around for its own amusement.
The Red Vardo seek you my son, seek you with all of their might. Why? Because they wish to harm me when they themselves cannot. I thought to turn myself in along with your Mother in an attempt to end this nightmare. I will not describe the horrors we endured but my stay there was not a pleasant one. It is a place of self importance and dominating power, where you truly see the measure of a persons soul. The guards that work the jails of Vallaki have souls as black as my own, but wear the uniforms of protector and lawbringer. An irony to be sure..
I do not know if in writing this you will learn from my mistakes and cast off the lies you will no doubt be told. Know that I wish I had been the father you deserve and given you the care I wished I could give. It is my hope that your Mother survive this nightmare I have cast myself into and that she can leave this life and raise you as she should. If not it is my hope that you are raised by those of decent character and give you the chance I myself did not have.
I love you with all of my heart...
Your Father,
Strydel