The following journal entry is of a more familiar sort – an actual review of what Auditore had previously done that day, combined with a stream of consciousness discussion over his bladework.

The ambush was sublime. We struck from concealment – Brother Mendel’s skill with magery is a wonder to behold; he concealed those in heavier armor under a carefully crafted illusion, while the archers and I pounced from the opposite side – and the battle went ill for the monsters. My own contribution was limited, though the extra focus I have placed in my blade of late bore much fruit. Floating in the Void where all concerns – emotions, thoughts, even concerns of life and death – allows me to perceive the present moment in perfect clarity. My technique was imperfect, however, and I must continue my work. Still, it was adequate enough to evade injury. My focus my remain on grip – the steel must become an extension of my arm so I do not lose my hold on the weapon as I did to my great disgust. It is The Grapevine Twines – that form continues to elude me in an actual duel no matter that I know it flawlessly. The final twist of the blade that is intended to disarm the opponent requires a sharp rotation of the wrist and a light grip on your own blade – too firm and the form has not the necessary fluidity to succeed; too light and you risk being disarmed yourself – and I continue to struggle with the correct balance. Tonight – no, tomorrow, when I have time to study once more, I will re-examine my grip.

I thank the Merciful Lord that Auqui was not present to see how badly I performed The Grapevine Twines. No student should ever witness their instructor looking a fool.

I have little memory of the conversation afterward as Brother Mendel and Magnifico interrogated the former slaves principally because I was reviewing the battle in my mind’s eye to isolate my failure. There was some magery involved as they sought the location of Viracocha’s father – we learned he was Harnessed and instructed the beasts in spellweaving – but I was little involved and glad for that task that Malcolm, Lord Wallace, gave me and Dane. The rescued Huallapa were destined for nearby fields and the archer and I were to investigate.

Never have I smelled a crop so sweet. My crude representations do this thing thing no justice. (Editor’s Note: The sketch of the plant has been lost due to water damage.) We stole away in silence, burdened with these things, and returned to where our group was hidden. There it was decided to set fire to the fields to draw out the monsters from the hive whereupon we would use this chaos to enter.

We go now. Lord save and preserve us.