"You ask why I go? Is it not enough of a reason that I was given the great honor of serving my family by going to the Wall, to represent my people? What if I told you there was a scourge upon the land, that the cold harsh lands where I have traveled harbor horrors beyond imagination. Would this give you insight as to the reason I must go? I must aid in the struggle against the plague which defiles the wilds I love and must protect. It’s alright; I don’t expect you to understand. You must think the world extends no further than the gentle hills which surround this village. But unless I go, you will not see the beautiful green of the forest, but instead the howling madness of the Orgosh descending upon you, and hear death upon the wind. I do not claim to be a hero, nor do I claim to know the answer for what has and will soon happen, but I do have a plan. The rocks, trees and animals sing to me. They whisper secrets and knowledge, asking that I stand against the creeping death that crawls across the land. You look tired; do you wish me to continue what must seem myth? Well alright, but just a few minutes more, I don’t want your mother to be angry at me if you have nightmares again. What is this you ask? It’s just a simple talisman passed down through my family, a simple jawbone which is said to aid whoever knows its secrets. I know your parents and the other elders disapprove of all my time spend in the wilderness, especially near the rivers, but they don’t understand that these are the places we must understand and protect if we are expected to survive these dark times. Oh, I seem to have lost you to sleep. Well, I must be going anyhow. They will be expecting me by sunup to ready for departure."

- Conversation overheard between Brom Macaula and his young nephew Cale the night before Brom's departure.