Atharel

Reading the first letter, I get the strong impression that the Shard writing it is a new one associated with the ideas Pride or Majesty. Certain wording screams it to me: Dearest Cephandrius, I received your communication, of course. (Ch 33) I noticed its arrival immediately, just as I noticed your many intrusions into my lands. (Ch 34) You think yourself so clever, but my eyes are not those of some petty noble, to be clouded by a false nose and some dirt on the cheeks. (Ch 35) You mustn't worry yourself {condescension} about Rayse. It is a pity about Aona and Skai, but they were foolish--violating our pact from the very beginning. (Ch 37) Your skills are admirable, but you are merely a man. You had your chance to be more, and refused it. (Ch 38) No good can come of two Shards settling in one location. It was agreed that we would not interfere with one another, and it disappoints me that so few of the Shards have kept to this original agreement. (Ch 39) As for Uli Da, it was obvious {to me} from the outset that she was going to be a problem. Good riddance. (Ch 40) Regardless, this is not your concern. You turned your back on divinity. If Rayse becomes an issue, he will be dealt with. And so will you. (Ch 41) {comfortable referring to itself as divinity, confident in ability to deal with Odium} The tone and phrasing just really seems like a very prideful being, even among the other shards. Contrast to Harmony's or even the 2nd letter, which I agree is likely Autonomy from its own phrasing. Secondly, (and this is a bit of Doylian logic,) we know that the 16 represent different facets of this original God Adonalsium, and being certain in one's own divinity and superiority is certainly a traditional aspect of the generic deity. I've always expected there to be a shard like this and I expect that this is Brandon's introduction of the character. Also, 1st post!