Journal of Brother Genier of Vilel

Estia, 5th day of Air, 385

Air season has started but the snowy days are yet to come. I dread this time of the year. I try to do as much work as I can in the study hall, or even in the refectory, where the warmth of the fire provides comfort. However, certain manuscripts must remain within the library, which, for obvious reasons, cannot be heated by a fire.

Executing the starting part of my task might be the hardest. We know nothing for certain about Ammar’s life before he left his continent. He never wrote a word about it. He told the story to his fellow Grays, or at least to Gesuvo of Masifrest. Sadly, Gesuvo’s recount of this tale in his fifth journal mixes elements of fiction to glorify his friend and teacher — attempting to mythologize a man. To make matters worse, we are ignorant about Azar. This makes it impossible to corroborate any record we may have.

This obstacle is very frustrating. I haven’t written a single word of my research and I have already hit a dead end. I have been wasting my time reading about the days that sealed our fates on Azar. Head Scribe Madrabo’s approach to the survey of Azar was reckless. His deposing was necessary to prevent the Order from suffering further losses. Though, was abandoning all efforts imperative? Wasn’t a more prudent manner possible? We are now barred from learning about an entire continent, its geography, peoples, their languages, and customs, with no prospect of this ever changing. Maybe a middle ground, with our Brothers safe, and slow but steady progress, was viable. But no point dwelling on it. Our knowledge comes from a few smugglers who dared to sail into Azari waters and returned — and that information is half a century old.

Setting politics aside, I must report about a period of thirteen years using a fable as my source. I have only one way forward. Tomorrow I will start a historical recount based on Gesuvo’s journal. If I’m lucky, the rest of my investigation will offer fresher, more interesting challenges, but for now I shall carry on with my duty.