|
“It has been 30 days since we moved from the rose bush
to escape NIMH. This is the first time I have been able to bring myself to
write a final note in the previously meticulous records that Nicodemus kept. I
have begun a new record of the events at Thorn Valley, but I felt that this
book should not go unfinished.
We have suffered a great loss. Three of our number
were killed during an attempt to save the Jonathan Brisby’s home from the
plough. Nicodemus and Sullivan were victims of Jenner’s treachery, and then
Jenner himself was killed by Justin in an attempt to protect the Brisby widow.
Continuing without the leadership of Nicodemus will be difficult, but we will
honour his memory with our prosperity, under Justin’s guidance.
“We believe that we have been able to deceive NIMH with
regard to our location and activities. Very few now know of our whereabouts.
Only Mr. Ages, a former colleague, the Brisby family, and those of the woods
who have aided us in the past know of our existence. We may now at last be able
to settle here and create the lives that we have strived for since we left NIMH.
We hope now that the lives of those we touched will also return to normal.
“Avery.”
As the quill finished scratching the signature across
the page the old rat holding it straightened. He looked at the page a little
longer then closed the tome, placing the quill beside it. Then he turned, his
robes billowing with the movement and left the chamber, extinguishing the light
as he did so.
« Introduction | Contents | Part 1 »
|
