Piak’s Choice of Home

De brief voor de Koning

Piak grows from a mountain guide into Tiuri’s closest companion, then confronts whether loyalty requires leaving the mountains behind.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Mountain Guide The Mountain Guide from "De brief voor de Koning". The Mountain Guide A local calling Piak lives near the source of the Blue River and knows the steep paths better than any outsider.

The Mountain Guide from "De brief voor de Koning". The Mountain Guide A local calling Piak lives near the source of the Blue River and knows the steep paths better than any outsider.

The Mountain Guide A local calling Piak lives near the source of the Blue River and knows the steep paths better than any outsider. Menaures has raised and trusted him as a helper. A new task Menaures asks him to guide Tiuri over the mountains. Piak accepts the work, bringing practical knowledge and an open-hearted curiosity to the mission.

A Chosen Companion A Chosen Companion from "De brief voor de Koning". A Chosen Companion Shared danger Piak guides Tiuri through fog, cliffs, and a blizzard near the Seven Rocks.

A Chosen Companion from "De brief voor de Koning". A Chosen Companion Shared danger Piak guides Tiuri through fog, cliffs, and a blizzard near the Seven Rocks.

A Chosen Companion Shared danger Piak guides Tiuri through fog, cliffs, and a blizzard near the Seven Rocks. He remains cheerful even when cold and exhaustion threaten both travelers. Friendship formed Tiuri reveals his identity and mission, and Piak becomes more than a guide. Their trust grows into a partnership in which Piak also safeguards the message.

Beyond the Mountains Beyond the Mountains from "De brief voor de Koning". Beyond the Mountains The wider world Piak chooses to continue with Tiuri, though the mountains are the only home he has known.

Beyond the Mountains from "De brief voor de Koning". Beyond the Mountains The wider world Piak chooses to continue with Tiuri, though the mountains are the only home he has known.

Beyond the Mountains The wider world Piak chooses to continue with Tiuri, though the mountains are the only home he has known. He encounters roads, horses, towns, and the unfamiliar political world below. A willing risk He helps Tiuri survive the Dangria trap and the failed river crossing. His loyalty is expressed in action, not merely in a promise to serve as a squire.

The Mountain Pull The Mountain Pull from "De brief voor de Koning". The Mountain Pull Doubt after return Back in familiar mountains, Piak realizes that he wants to stay.

The Mountain Pull from "De brief voor de Koning". The Mountain Pull Doubt after return Back in familiar mountains, Piak realizes that he wants to stay.

The Mountain Pull Doubt after return Back in familiar mountains, Piak realizes that he wants to stay. He also knows he will miss the cities and the life he has glimpsed. An honest farewell Menaures advises him to speak plainly, and Tiuri assures him that friendship does not depend on traveling together. Piak decides to remain for the moment.

The Road Back The Road Back from "De brief voor de Koning". The Road Back A changed decision After setting out alone, Piak feels the distance from Tiuri grow with every step.

The Road Back from "De brief voor de Koning". The Road Back A changed decision After setting out alone, Piak feels the distance from Tiuri grow with every step.

The Road Back A changed decision After setting out alone, Piak feels the distance from Tiuri grow with every step. He returns through Mistrinaut and hurries after his friend. Friendship renewed Piak catches Tiuri at dawn and asks to be his squire. The return does not erase his attachment to the mountains; it reflects a choice to explore life alongside his friend.

At Menaures’s hut

During the first mountain stages

After the pass into Unauwen

On returning to Menaures’s hut

At dawn outside Dagonaut City