Ahmet Yildirim's Journal

[Ahmet]

[ An ornate leather journal stained in mud and filth. There's a sort of aristocratic crest emblazoned on the center, though it's barely recognizable ]

[Ahmet]

Illul 28th,

The path ahead is long, terribly long. Have we achieved anything? Nothing, so far.

Will they lie again? No doubt. We'll be deceived, swindled, and the wool'll be pulled clean over our eyes. I must be vigilant.

I mustn't fail them. They've been failed a hundred times too many.

I've yet to meet that mysterious benefactor. Gods willing, they are a virtuous soul and not another swindler! Show me this one mercy, B'aara, I ask.

Where are you, my tutor? If only I could've saved you from their shackles! Forgive me, my friend.

One day we'll see your vision shine brilliant and true; luminous the struggle and brilliant the view.
A republic of the free, grander than any kingdom or fief.

And we'll have you here, to see it with your very own eyes, in the flesh. Endure a little longer, my mentor.

[Ahmet]

Illul 31st,

Checkmate.

So, it's done. He's outdone us. I never anticipated this. Never, never!

What now? What now, Old Curse?
Will you offer me guidance? Will another benefactor show?

What would you have done, my mentor, my friend?

Luminous the struggle, and yet lo' how stormy clouds obscure! What to do, what to do?

I suppose I've yet a bottle of arak to douse this dolor with.

[Ahmet]

Tesrin Hray 27th,

Cowards, traitors, and imbeciles all about me.

I am a fool to have ever thought I could do anything. It's rotten to the core, gangrenous and festering. Swarms buzz about its melting face, and what an ugly face it really is.

They were right. Democracy'll never come in this theatre. How is this sham, this autocratic mirage any better? Exiles, exiles, exiles! March them all to the gibbet, Iakmes be damned. Gods, o' Gods! If only THEY could see! If only this League was anything more than a viper's nest of cowards and opportunists.

I don't know anything— anything! Have I gone mad? Am I the only one, the only one, the only one in this miserable city that truly believes in democracy? I can't stop laughing. What a jester I am! What a tune I dance to! "Jump, dog, jump!" they yell into my ears, and the worst of it all is I'm inclined to oblige! Gods curse me.

They want to tear me apart. They want to tear this city apart. They want to tear his dream apart. What use? It's never lived a day to die.

Forgive me, my mentor, my friend! Crack your whip on my back as you should, but you must forgive me. The immortal spirit of man lies shackled, and I haven't the strength to break the fetters. I'm all alone in this marsh.

Alone.