Mustafa looks to make sure Sage is in the kitchen and then he picks up the book and opens to a random page:
Crystal bought us a house in Remo. She was appointed a justice by the King. I love our cottage so much. But there are risks every time we go out. I have the craft to protect me. But Arthur only has his axe. Every time we leave the cottage we take a risk. We can always go back to the cottage later, but I don’t want little Katrina to grow up without a father.
1/23/36
Mustafa flips through pages
Gerald ascended to the throne today. He is less tolerant than Neville was. He is putting all kinds of bans on magic trade. No crystals, no potions, books are being burned. Kat is hot tempered. I keep telling her to hide her magic. She is her father’s daughter. Arthur is furious. I’m trying to get him to understand we need to be quiet. He’s a decent man. He doesn’t understand. The torches and pitchforks always come. Brewster’s are never welcomed for long.
7/16/47
Mustafa turns the pages again.
They took her! They took my baby. Kat is in the dungeon. I thought I was going to die when Crystal told me. She tried to get Arthur and I out before the soldiers came. It’s my fault. I couldn’t move my legs. Arthur tried to carry me. It was too late. They were already there. Crystal couldn’t be seen with us. It’s my fault. I was so weak. My atrophied craft and my broken heart couldn’t muster any magic. Arthur was the one that suggested it. He read about nagini potion and what it could do. That it could make me strong enough to escape on my broom. He said “We either do it this way or I die fighting the soldiers. You’ll never make it in the dungeon.” I knew he meant it. They took my baby. It’s my fault.
12/14/55
Mustafa flips the page.
We made it to the cottage. I like to believe he was still with me when we landed. That he knew where we were. My soul hates Gerald and Kalista for what they’ve done; for what they made me do. They turned my cottage into my prison. Kat is gone Arthur is gone for good. There is no peace for us in the world of men. I will get Kat back one day. I have to. I will get strong again. I laid Arthur to rest by lavender he planted. He would’ve liked that. I miss him so much.”
12/16/55
“Mustafa!” Sage’s shout makes him nearly jump out of his skin. “That’s my journal.” Her blue eyes gaze at him woundedly.
“Sorry.” Mustafa answers sheepishly. “It was on the table I thought it was…sorry.” He puts it back on the table and holds his hands behind his back.
“No.” Sage’s tone softens. “I told you you could read anything I should’ve been more specific.” She looks away to wipe a tear from her eye. She tries her best to clothe her hurt with warm hospitality. “The water for our tea is ready.”
