Tabula Rasa

January 14th - As expected, ambassador wants a seance - wants to communicate with dead spy, find truth. Told me to prepare and come in the 'utmost secrecy', clearly scared of them finding out that he is breaking their laws. Told him my price and that he will need to find the offering, I will prepare the rest. Scheduled for the new moon. Will have to go to the market for the stuff, will visit Viktor for the rest. January 15th - Picked up candles, salt, honey at market. Will travel to Viktor tomorrow for remainder. Got word from the ambassador that he is willing to offer his niece, told him that was sufficient. January 16th - Snowing so travel to Viktor's slow, staying in village near his tonight before seeing him tomorrow. Sent word with a local boy, had to be paid double to go after dark. Dark atmosphere in common room after they heard reason for stay. Will warn Viktor, seems they are starting to suspect - don't want another Besgovia. January 17th - Saw Viktor and got mugwort, wormwood, incense and 3 vials. Warned him of atmosphere at inn, seems unconcerned. Told him about plans, happy to clear out if no contact in a few days. Weather cleared so made it back home. Will see ambassador tomorrow to make some preparations then seance following evening. January 18th - Went to ambassadors and made preparations in room to be used. Met niece under pretence, seems sweet, will do nicely. Will be 3 or 4 there tomorrow. January 19th - Heading to ambassadors now. Viktor, if you are reading this the rest of my diaries and supplies in chest by desk, burn them all. God have mercy on us. January 20th - Seance a disaster. Setup good, ambassador solemn and willing but one of the gentlemen (Lord Halsworth?) with him very uneasy. Began incantations, made connection with gatekeeper, made bargain but when niece brought it very hysterical, gentleman mentioned tried to intervene, drag her away but bargain already struck. Gatekeeper incensed, screams about reneged deal, possesses Halsworth and does deed himself. Room much agitated but bargain fulfilled so spy summoned, converses with ambassador. Halsworth (possessed) makes a mess of the girls body. Ambassador finishes conversation and hurries away, looks concerned. I conclude, banish gatekeeper and seal room. Gatekeeper took Halsworth soul. Will deal with bodies tomorrow, cold so no hurry. Much commotion after session so could not move them then. January 21st - Returned to ambassadors but ambassador not there. Let in by staff. Halsworth body gone, ambassador must have moved him for cover up, sure will see story in papers about suicide. Collect pieces of girls body and clean up as best I can, will take to Viktor tomorrow. January 22nd - Cannot contact ambassador. Concerned no story about Halsworth yet, very high profile don't want people investigating. Will speak to Viktor about it. January 23nd - It would appear we are now at war.