Barneth Aprise's Journal

[Scriblette]

The King's death has shaken us all at the Zealot House. I have been recalled to the capital and must present myself to the Zealot House at Chiall within a fortnight. My head is in turmoil. The Abbod of Lomnoch Deus's message said that there was a further complication, that there was something I needed to know, but feared to trust a messenger with. I have no suspicions as to what he can mean, but I'm afraid that the kingdom may be balancing on the tipping point.

This morning, a brother discovered a newborn babe frozen dead on our doorstep. His mother had left him there to be cared for by the Zealots, but she left him in the early morning hours and we did not find the child in time. We Zealots said a special service to Lomnoch for his soul, that it may be taken to the Summerlands. I fear that the frozen child is an ill portent, that that poor infant is a omen for our country.

I pray that I am wrong.