25th of Sun's Dusk

The air grows colder with each passing day, and I know this shall be the final entry I ever write.

Before me lies the complete record of my investigation, compiled through months of hardship, sacrifice, and no small measure of failure. All that remains is for the courier to deliver these journals safely to Lisbet, the trustworthy proprietor of Arnleif and Sons Trading Company. We have conducted business for more than a decade, and I have every confidence that she will see these writings placed into the hands of Vigilant Tyranus, who is presently in Markarth investigating the abandoned house.

I had wished to deliver these journals to the Hall of the Vigilant myself. Regrettably, the roads have become overrun with bandits, and in my present form—a young woman scarcely into her twenties—the journey would be far too perilous.

There is one final discovery I must record.

A Book of Depravity bearing my own likeness has appeared.

Unlike the others I have recovered, its pages are not yet filled. Only the first page writes itself, changing with every passing thought that crosses my mind, while the remaining pages remain blank.

I believe those empty pages are reserved for the thoughts I have yet to think—thoughts that will emerge only if I succumb to the corruption. If that is true, then as long as I resist temptation, my mind may yet remain my own.

Or perhaps that is precisely what these creatures wish me to believe.

It would not surprise me if this fragile hope were merely another deception, meant to lull me into lowering my guard before they claim what remains of my soul.

Whatever fate awaits me is no longer of consequence.

What matters is that the Vigilants of Stendarr learn the truth. Hunt these creatures. Uncover their weakness. Purge this land of the corruption they have sown, and let no innocent soul suffer as so many already have.

May Stendarr's mercy guide your hand where mine has failed.

—Vigilant Herman