A Modest Success

I have had a breakthrough, however slight, in no small part to Captain Madelaine – Maddie. She has taken to capturing the Withered with a focus I have rarely seen – I suspect it may have to do with someone that she has lost, for she will only take enough coin to sustain her, little else. She does not tire, and my cages remain full for my experiments. My family does not call me to join them for meals, nor for sleep – I sleep in the workshop now. But the alchemy, it works – the Watchers (the ones willing to still serve as test subjects) report that upon consuming my latest mixture, that the Corruption does not eat at them as it used to, and they retain their strength as they venture north! I have passed along the recipe to the Magistrate, and keep records here as well. I cannot rest on this success, however – I must continue my research. A half-victory is not enough – the formula only slows the affliction, it doesn't cure it. We must drive it out completely! And I will be the one to make it happen. -M. Havelock, Archminister