Varcola: Arnfried’s Journal Later - Tempest in the Library

And the prisoner

Arnfried’s Journal

Later

Never has fear in stricken me so terribly, as it did in that moment. It happened that just as a figure burst up near the summit of the tower, by the left-hand tower. It was the nearest to the west, with the figure one that moved swiftly if in a manner entirely unlike any other I had seen before. Hermann for his part writhed and wept visibly, desperate to escape the clutches of the wretched beast that now loomed over him.

By this time, I had hidden himself behind the door which I had gently closed, after hastily hurrying over to the door. Peeking through the keyhole, barely able to properly see, I was made to witness to the shadowy creature press herself against the weeping Hermann.

What followed I dare not repeat, even in writing for it was far too terrible! I shall only say that when the beast turned, frightened out of my wits for I was convinced that she could see me. I fled from there, whether I cried out or not I do not know I know only that when I reached the door I hastily shut it behind me and made for the library.

Quite why I sought it out, I do not know, only that it was where the books were. My first thought was to call for the Baroness or Klove to inform them that there was a man imprisoned, and that he had been assaulted and seemingly devoured in part by some beast of the night.

The next thought was an uncomfortable one; they knew.

Not wishing to think ill of them, or to do anything that might be considered irrational, I sat and swiftly wrote this passage in my journal. Removing the journal from its small satchel that was always pressed against my heart, as it was the very satchel you gifted me ere my departure Sieghild, and where it must be returned, as soon as I have finished writing.

We shall see whereabouts Klove and the Baroness have gone to, and what they have dedicated themselves to, in my absence. Let us pray I let naught slip from my lips, or in my face that might otherwise implicate me!