My dearest and angelic Evilyn,

This distance between us is tearing me apart, my dulcet darling. But it will not be for long, I assure you.

I must first tell you that defeating the horrid Dhole was a spectacular success, despite the intellectual invalids I am journeying with. Surveil and Mercy Lee both came perilously close to death, but by dumb luck, no doubt, they survived. A pity.

I believe I am getting closer to the secret of the Black Pharaoh than ever before. I can’t help thinking it is all somehow tied to the mysterious child I keep seeing in my visions. Time and perseverance will reveal all.

We finally made it by sea to our destination, and met a most charming entrepreneur, a gentlemen by the name of Randall Flagg. I do believe he has the resources to fund my burgeoning expeditions in the future. Sadly, we are currently waylaid.

There is a deepening mystery regarding the people I am traveling with and the mysterious realm they are from. It would seem that there are parties involved that would see us silenced before this mystery sees the light of day.

Do not believe any of the rumors of the heinous crimes I have been accused of, my sweetest Evilyn. I have most assuredly been framed and falsely accused. Even though I am currently imprisoned within the very bowels of society, alongside the most reticent examples of degenerate humanity, I shall see myself liberated and exonerated.

Sadly I may have to rely on Jonah Sterling for this to happen. He has been gratefully quiet and taciturn these many years, as I have not needed to rely upon him since I retired from being a consulting detective. He occasionally whispers to me, but he has been easy to ignore in my role as a professor.

In the quiet watches of the night in my cell, however, he is most persistent. I know full well the it is the vile corruption of his character and infernal intention that enables him to do the most malevolent things that I cannot. I fear I may yet have to loose him again.

I pray I can reign him back in when this hideous task is done.

Ever and eternally yours,
Craven Nathaniel Stirge