My fourth watch begins, I should have gone to Tokkiel but I knew what they would do to me. I would never surrender myself for experiments. I will not die with such dishonor.
It began just as the other shifts had — silence.
I sat before the fire on the wall, it crackled. Every spark that flew made me twitch, gripping my sword firmer every time.
I heard noises everywhere. I felt as though my mind was scattered. Was this the venom? Should I have just called upon Tokkiel?
I waited, almost wanting for the creature to come again. Time felt endless. The Hollow above was eternal.
I heard the clattering of rocks in the distance.
"Are you here?" I yelled. But nothing responded. I saw my black veins returning to the place I was bitten.
I sat near the fire, dreaming of the Inner walls of the Irminsad, what little I saw was so beautiful. I was dragged through it by higher ranking sentinels and barely got to see. I have heard it has regions for farming and for smithing. There are even whispers that some areas even have false suns to give light to those worshiping Koutso. I would sacrifice myself to see that just once.
This watch was almost done. I heard the others coming from the distance. I need to bring myself to Tokkiel to see what I have to do about the infection.
Mirela came first, checking to see if I was okay after Othgar went missing. I told her I was fine. I didn't know if I should tell her about my infection or not, but I could not bring myself to. I told her to be careful and kissed her forehead.
"There is nothing you can do when you are infected, so you better keep your eyes open!" I said with a vigor I had not found within myself before.
I returned beneath the outer wall and rested before I would bring myself to Tokkiel. I thought I could rest for just a few moments, but I fell into a deep slumber.
I woke up and saw that I was late for my next shift. My body was cold and sweaty. I rushed to prepare myself.