I continued to read the note:

If you’re reading this I couldn’t stay for your entire celebration, I’m sorry about that. I’m going to have to spend some time in the capital, away from home. Maybe if one of you goes to the capital to study we could see each other! But I still think you boys should go to the moon faction’s school, (Evaria), I have friends there so the teachers should be kind to you! I should see you guys soon; I love you!

-Dad

I was relieved that only my mom hated my guts, but I wonder why he had to leave in such a hurry… Nevertheless I had to continue my journey to the capital, no doubt it would be strenuous, and maybe even dangerous; but I was determined.

Journal entry 5 (972 AO)

It’s been two days, I’ve been able to pick up some odd jobs for townsfolk to keep me fed. Clothes are a different issue, I only packed enough for 2 changes, and I’ve lost my way to the river. I plan on asking someone in the next town over where I can find the river, and/or a map. I’m going to sleep in a tent I found in the woods, hopefully no one is using it. 

I continued to the next town, I stumbled upon a fruit stand and ended up asking the person running it for directions. He was a big man, dark, tall, but wearing ragged robes and a hat made out of straw

I wobbled up to the cart nervously, “E- Excuse me.” He looked down at me, and I felt miniscule; I'm relatively tall for my age, but he made me feel like a bug. I continued talking, “Do you know where I could f- find the river.. S- sir? I need to wash my clothes.”

He looked at me for a second, clenched his jaw,  slowly smiled and then- “HA AH HA HAAA! I like you kid! Yeah just go out the East Gate and keep headin’ straight for a while; You’ll eventually see the river and a farm out there. Tell em’ Axel sent ya, they’ll help with what ya need kid.”  

Journal entry 6 (972 AO)

I see the river, I’m on my way to the barn right now, it looks abandoned. But there are clothes drying outside, I’ll go in and check.

I walked up to the barn and knocked on the door.

“Hello!? Anyone home!?” I clench my fists with sweaty palms. I raise my hand to knock once more, but the door swings open on its own. I walk into darkness, candles out, windows closed. I walk further into the darkness, as I am meeted with an awful stench; one that could only be- rotting flesh. I stepped once more, splashing in a puddle of liquid I couldn't see in such dim surroundings.

“run-”  I heard a voice, whispering,  unintelligible. Something about running, maybe?

My eyes twitched, “Hello? Do you need help?” No response- My blood was pumping, my breathing was heavy. 

I walked to where I heard a faint wheeze. A sound that only my father had told me about, one that could never be forgotten. An eerie, scratchy sound, that kept me on my toes- sent shivers down my spine. And could only be described as-

 Death.

 I looked ahead to see faint, yellow glowing eyes, staring at me.

“run… sa- save-” With their words growing shakier, and the life from their voice draining, they drew their final breath- “save… yourself.”

“AHHHH WHA- I- I- AHHH!”

I thought I had felt fear and terror before, but nothing could compare to what I felt at this moment. I ran as fast as I could, the door slamming behind me. I didn’t know where I was going, all I knew is I had to get away from- whatever that place was. I looked down to see my bag and my pants soaked in blood- none of which was my own.

I went back to the town outside of the capital. People looked at me like I was crazy. 

“Axel! Axel!”

“Hey! What's the matter ki- Oh my lord…”

Frantically I told him the nightmares that occured in his barn. His gaping mouth grew wider as I told him the story.

“An- An- And the-” He cut me off, finally released from his static state, and could only mutter 4 words.

“We need to go.” I was confused.

“Axel, what are you talking about?”

“WE NEED TO SAVE EM’, KID. THOSE PEOPLE AR- ARE MY FAMILY!” 

Journal entry 7 (972 AO)

We went back to that barn. All we could find were fresh corpses and pools of blood. The death total was 23, consisting of women and children, including his own. When we got back to his cart, he told me what caused the death of so many people- stalkers. Axel gave me a refresh on Vulgon, and gave me a place to sleep tonight. I’m grateful for his help. I’m leaving in the morning, maybe I could catch a ride with a trading company cart.

I continued my journey to the capital. I wasn’t able to hitch a ride with anyone, but on foot I was only about 10 hours away. By the time I made it to the capital it was sunrise, the journey took longer than expected; but I was here. 

With weak limbs and heavy eyes, I practically crawled to the receptionist. “Hey Ms- ca- can I get a room?” She didn’t respond at first and eventually spoke up-

“Would you like some water with that too?”

“Y- yes please-” My vision was getting dark, and blurry. 

“I guess you’ve had quite the journey today haven't you?”