CHAPTER 4
Madness

7/23/137

We began our journey back to the Ararat today. Sutek wished to continue our exploration, but my persistence and—I am reluctant to say—my fury won the argument. For once, I took the lead, perhaps too anxiously, for often I found myself alone in darkness until Sutek arrived with his light.

A nightmare. I keep telling myself it was a nightmare. It has to be. I have searched our supplies and I can find no shards.

* * *

8/4/137

There can be no doubt about it, our pace has slowed over the past week. Only today did we arrive at the lakeshore where Sutek and I were blessed with our last glimpse of Britannia's heavens. It is I who delays us, for if I exert myself too much, I must stop, lest I become ill. Sutek is patient, and assures me that we may take our time.

I often dream about comets.

A nightmare. It has to be.

* * *

8/18/137

Does this accursed passage never end? I do not remember it taking this long to travel.

My illness grows worse. We stop every hour while I sit and catch my breath and wipe the sweat from my brow. Sutek reassures me that it is only fatigue.

I can tell he believes otherwise. He has never smiled before.

* * *

8/28/137

We will reach my companions tomorrow . . .

The shadows, they follow me.

Thank the Virtues . . .

A nightmare. It has to be.

* * *