Final Correspondence of Braverman Sark Before His Disappearance in the Taldor Valley

He was never heard from again...

Art by Alana Fletcher.

Dear Sir,

Rest assured, I appreciate your questions and concerns.

However, I’ll say it again: Such legends are, of course, complete balderdash! At no point did a giant inhabit the region, and the villagers’ tall tales are nothing more than some yokel game intended to impede the economic development of the area.

I am confident that nothing untoward will befall our expedition apart from, perhaps, the occasional downpour or some indigestion. There is no doubt in my mind that this valley will yield up its treasures — great stands of timber, veins of ore, and lakes and streams overflowing with beavers and trout — with ease. Your investment will not have been wasted. I guarantee it.

Sark was known for his humbleness and good taste in hats. Art by Benjamin Reeves.

It’s a comical notion that no one has sought to exploit this natural bounty before, and all because of some silly stories about a giant! I went and examined the so-called “footprints” yesterday, and while they bear some passing resemblance to a human foot of enormous proportions, I believe it speaks more to the ingenuity of the local pranksters than the existence of an unnatural being. Where’s the proof these shitkickers haven’t faked the entire thing all so they can keep these riches for themselves? We’ll be back in two weeks with a sampling of everything — smoked fish, furs, fine timber, and ore to be assayed — and we’ll both be on our way to unimaginable riches!

Huzzah!

—  Braverman Sark