Kingfisher receives a message addressed to him from Edina, his mother. Edina writes as someone who has seen the universe and the branching roads of fate, describing fixed events as well as diversions that can lead people away from an expected path.

Edina focuses on Saeris, calling her Kingfisher’s mate and saying Saeris stands at a fork in the road. Edina has seen a future in which Saeris and Kingfisher walk forward together, but their bond will be strongest if Saeris places the book into Kingfisher’s hands.

Edina explains that she wishes she could tell Kingfisher more and could have lived to see him grow, but says she has witnessed the man he becomes from beyond death. She acknowledges that Kingfisher is hurt by knowing she remained after death for so long, but insists it was necessary.

Edina closes by telling Kingfisher that she cherished watching him from the other side of the veil, has no regrets, loves him, and is proud of him. Her final instruction is practical and pointed: Kingfisher must give the book back to Saeris.