Letter VIII

Abel,

I have made it to Izmir.  The journey has been long and difficult, but my donkey has helped immensely, I am not as tired as I was before, and my symptoms have stopped their rapid progression, but I continue to deteriorate.  I thank you so much for sending the doctor to meet me halfway as I do not believe that I will make it all the way without his help.

He says that my liver is failing and that the side effects from that are cause of the spreading rash.  He doesn't know how it happened, but it does not look like I have much time left.  He has has given me a serum to ease the pain, but not much has worked.

I fear that Izmir will be my final destination in this life.  The doctor says that if I continue to travel that my body will only deteriorate faster.  I want to thank you for all that you have done for me and how grateful I am that I was able to write to you in this difficult point in my life.  I am truly sad that I will not make it to your wedding or that I will not be able to see you once more before I pass on.  I believe this will be my last letter, but I wish you and your fiancé all the best and may the gods bless your marriage.

All the best,
Elias