Dead Souls Volume One (Parts 1 to 13)

  ***

  Addendum – I have lost track of time now. I know only that it is dark outside, and that I have lost my watch somewhere. Worse, I have a searing pain in my shoulder and I fear that perhaps I have injured myself.

  Still, though, I am determined to get through the door.

  I have been throwing myself at the damnable thing over and over, yet it has not even begun to crack. I fancy that it must be made of some special type of wood that has been artificially strengthened, but I am also quite certain that it cannot possibly hold me back forever. By hook or by crook I will get through, and then I shall discover the secrets that someone has gone to such lengths to keep hidden.

  My visitor, meanwhile, continues to watch, even though he does not do me the courtesy of stepping out of the shadows. I fancy that he feels superior to me, that he looks upon me as a weak and feeble man. I shall show him the truth, however; I shall make him realize that I, Jeremy Beecham, possess remarkable purpose of mind. When I set my mind to something, I refuse to be beaten.

  ***

  Addendum – Still dark. No light. No need, though. Door still strong.

  I shall not give up. This door will be broken before the sun rises, and I shall take sight of whatever treasures are hidden within. This is the first time in my life that I have ever been in such a frenzy, but I must embrace the passion and focus on ensuring that I succeed. At the same time, I feel something tugging at the edge of my mind, as if my very thoughts are being toyed with.