As with so many of Auditore’s entries, this one is heavily damaged and difficult to read. His focus on one of the native children as a potential student lends credence to the oft-stated theory that Auditore would later become the “Old Man in the Mountain” who headed the Order of Assassins that caused so much trouble in the 2020s.

balance is impeccable though that does not surprise as he is an expert boatman and from what little I know about sailors, balance is very important. The language barrier remains an issue – how do you tell someone that their elbow is crooked when you have no words in common? – and the way his father watches me, I doubt not that the older man disapproves. More the fool he for this is a dangerous time and a boy knowing how to slay would be a great boon.

I am also ignorant of the boy’s dedication so I hesitate to give him more than rudiments. He mastered Cat Crosses the Courtyard quickly enough though I fear that poster is oft mistaken as arrogant by those untrained. I was tempted to push him – could he comprehend the nuances of Parting the Silk or Black Pebbles on Snow? Should I bother showing him Cutting the Clouds?

Tomorrow I mean to seek out Malcolm and learn how long he means to stay here. It is only logical to remain for a time, to perhaps learn enough of the tongue to be able to communicate with others, before we seek our way back to Yrth. I know not this young lordling of Wallace well enough to guess at his thoughts – a wise man would stay in place until his footing is sure but the men of Caithness are sadly oft not spoken of in the same breath as wise.

The entry appears to go on for some time further but most of the remaining text is obscured beyond comprehension. There are a number of words that have survived – blade is repeated at least ten times and blood twice but without any context, historians hesitate to speculate.