22 January 1833

This morning a heavy fog rolled across the territory, so smoky and thick it temporarily halted the progress of our company. We stopped to build a short-lived camp near a grove of frozen plum trees, and as we waited for the fog to lift, the Reverend taught from Stanza LXI in the Book of the Black Verse.

The primary incantation is thus spoken:

N’ghaf-l’-yon’

Translated to mean “Darkness upon you.” The Reverend cautions that we must speak the verse quickly, as though uttering a single word.

The incantation renders the opponent blind, though I do not know the length of the spell or duration of the blindness. The Reverend maintains our force of will and state of heart and mind provide much of the outcome.

—R.J.