I cannot BELIEVE my father is sending me to Dovan. I know it’s the capitol, but I’ve heard nothing but bad things about it from the merchants who pass through. They say the palace and most of the noble area is nice, but anywhere outside of that and you might as well be living among thieves. My father says those are exaggerations, but the last time he went to Dovan was twenty-five years ago and even our small hamlet of Lypo has changed dramatically over less time than that.

I find it quite unfair that I cannot read the books that I want. I kept at pace with my studies, I never let them slide, well…maybe once or twice, but who doesn’t? They’re so boring.

My mother almost started crying when my father told me he was sending me away. She tried to argue my younger brother needs me here to help him out, but we all know that was just some excuse, Nathaniel is far too independent for a ten-year-old and, as my mother says at any other time, I’d only encourage it.

Despite all my protests and attempts to bring logic to the situation, I’m to leave in four days. I suppose I should start preparing my belongings, including my books. I don’t care where I’m going, I will not leave those behind.