15 January 18--

I've long neglected these pages, but I do not wish to leave the reader in the mind that the author has omitted to relate events of import.

The new year descended upon Christmastime without any luck in the search for the book of which my family's progenitor Beran spoke. My frail cousin Amalie, a mute but sagely young woman, has aided me in the task of discovering and rediscovering the secrets of Drakesheath Hall, which leave us either breathless with wonder or horror. Our favourite feature in the house remains to be Fielding's Frieze, the endless relief that winds its way through every room in the manor. It was named for Fielding Godwinson who first discovered it in 1511.

Christmas dispelled the gloom of Drakesheath, as it did when I was a boy. Carols were sung around the village, led by my new groundskeeper, Cidwm. I think he was glad to have the new gloves and boots. For Cosgrove I purchased a new frock coat. To my cousin Amalie I gave Grandmother Agatha's brooch and an evening gown I purchased for her in London. For Lady Katherine, a pair of long, white opera gloves made the perfect gift. Beran, who comes and goes as he pleases (but is always made welcome), no doubt found the assortment of stocking gifts left for him by the old yew tree, outside the great west window.

I received a most curious gift. On New Year's Eve I found an old, rusty key in my stocking, around which a piece of parchment was bound with twine. At first I thought it to be a gift from Beran. But later discourse with my ancestor proved otherwise. The message tied to the heavy, rusted rod of iron read as follows:

Leaf of venom branches,
Seed of rotten fruit,
Son begat of demons,
Unearth your righteous root.

Unlock the box of Virtue
Protected from the Night.
Cloistered from the Dark One
Are the tools of Moral Might.

The ancient key now rests in my palm, as I write this. I have already told Amalie of the box to which I'm sure the note refers. It is an old chest, forever locked. There was never a key to it that I was aware of. But it always sat at the foot of my parents' bed. When my father died, the chest disappeared. I never thought to seek it out. But now it becomes the most sought-after object in this house, next to the Book of Evil.

Where is this chest now? Is it connected to the Book? Where has this key been all my life, and who wrote the note?