Ayeni's Journal
Ayeni's Journal can be found in the Valdhertz Crypts in The Echovald Wilds.
Day 1 It's scary to be down here—everything smells of dust and death and mildew. Even the Durheims seem a little bothered, but they said that we can't cause too much of a fuss, or we'll be found out.
Day 5 A bunch of dredge arrived today. I've never seen one up close before. They're disgusting, with huge teeth and little squinted eyes. They went around introducing themselves, but I pretended to be asleep.
Day 13 One of the dredge found a way to open a series of vents to the surface to bring in some fresh air. Nothing's ever smelled so sweet! They also showed us how to clean and bury refuse, and it's already so much cleaner in here. I never thought that creatures who looked like they do, that live in the dirt, could be so clean!
Day 24 Atrus he was killed today. He went out with a group to find food and a patrol got them. He said he'd lead the Ministry brutes off while the rest of the group went another way. They saw him climb a tree and then fell out a few minutes later... Shot with an arrow.
One of the dredge, Pavel, brought me some tea and sat with me while I cried. He said his brother had been killed, too. We promised each other we'd make the Ministry pay.
Day 31 They said the Ministry is closing in on us. The last group left with all the children, taking them to Kaineng, but I argued I was old enough to stay, and Pavel told them to let me. He knew I needed revenge. We're a team now.
Day 33 Scouts say the Ministry is close. Pavel and I have been training day and night. I was always good with my family's weapon, but with Pavel to hand me arrows, I can hit a target across the room even in near darkness. He says I have the senses of a dredge now.
Day 35 They're at our door. Pavel is readying the arrows. He said for every arrow of mine that hits, he'll think of Atrus, and I said I'd think of Czibor. I hope they'll be proud of us when we see them.
