A charge from King Merhala to his son Merahaen, given in the 67th year of the Virescent Age
Listen my son: Death goes where he pleases; he knows the rich man’s bed and knows the corner where the beggar sits. Though I command men to come and go, no order from my high seat will halt Death’s arrival. Yet let him come; my bones are ready to lie in the ground, for I am weary and long for the company of those who have passed into the Dead Country before me.
My son, remember the houses of Beraseth and Osgolo, for they were the first to respond to my call. Remember also Fenhaer’s widow for her husband took a spear for me in battle. But keep a heavy hand on the house of Jaerun, for he refused to come when I rang the Bell, and he persuaded many to bow to fear and remain in hiding. Only after we had routed our enemies did he follow us to Tierrion. Therefore may his line always follow after others, like a servant follows his master. May his sons and daughters be the slaves to those who lead. See to it that none take a title and that no teeth give sound to their speaking totems.
Be wise, my son, and seek counsel from the immortal legender after I am gone. He is bound by vow to serve my line, for I saved him from the enemies’ spears as he wept over the slain Osyra. He will serve you well, for his word is true and his knowledge deep.
I go to the final gates, but you, my son, remain. So look to Ahatho and work out his justice. Do not deny the poor their bread and give them a fair ear when they are judged, for your fathers knew hunger and oppression. Before you take the throne, go to the Terravaults in the west, to the caves where we hid during the War. Bring your hands to the stones there; do not forget the humble place from where we came.