Before Sam did this, she wrote to Kate.

From Child of the Portal.

She let herself flow outwards, seeking the still torn areas of land and allowing her essence to fill and heal them. With her last remaining breath Sam flung out a farewell to those she felt closest to and all the magic she had taken from others or imposed on anyone was returned or negated. She felt a moment of regret that Kate was almost deaf and blind to the magic and with the Portals sealed she couldn’t reach her. She should have told Kate. Then she simply let go. She willingly let go of the pain, of the turmoil, of all uncertainty. She relinquished her hold on memories both good and bad. As part of the deal she also let go of her heartbeat, of breathing. She let go of living. That which had been Sam spread out across the realm like oil on water until it was so thin it was no longer anything. Her body rested quietly at the foot of the tree and the final breath sighed from her open lips into the grass.

As she made her choice to take this path, Sam wrote to Kate, and to Lily. She wrote it in secret, hid it from all other eyes, and left it for the Naiad to find after she left the glade for the last time.

Elder handed the document to Lily as she left Talamathir after Gentian’s daughter was born.

Later, Elder tugged Lily to one side, away from Kate and Susan and pulled her into the yurt that Elder shared with Drummer. “I had forgotten that I kept this for you. The Naiad found it on the day your daughter died and then you took her before we could give it to you.”

“And then I brought chaos to you again and it was forgotten.” Lily took the offered roll of paper and held it lightly in her hands. “I understand, Elder, I really do. Thank you for keeping it safe.”

Elder nodded as she laid a warm hand gently on Lily’s arm and squeezed softly before walking to the door, leaving Lily with the paper in her hands. She let it rest there, curious but reluctant to look inside. Lily swallowed and slid off the plaited threads binding the paper. She opened it and read the first few lines.

“Wait,” Lily called as Elder put her hand on the door to close it as she left. “I’ll take this home and read it later. I think I need to be alone and with time to deal with what’s in here. And I suspect Kate needs to read it too. Do you want it back?”

“No, it is not mine, it was left for you.” Elder smiled, a warm sad smile.

Broken promises is that document, Sam’s story, and it’s coming to an ereader and bookshelf near you soon.