Chapter 177

I hath neglected my writings these past few days, for my time here hath been occupied so greatly that I have barely found a minute's peace to eat or drink, let alone put ink to page. Peace is nought but a long-lost feeling, I fear, because there is no peace to be found in Sozopol and certainly none to be found in my heart nor my mind. Now, fear; that is something that is very much in existence here and it is fear that grasps me now, tightly by the throat until I feel I cannot breathe from its cold clammy grip. When I arrived here, I came with the belief that I could save these poor people. I was determined to offer them some hope and yet after tonight's happenings, I find myself falling short of hope myself. I ask you, what good is a physician who carries no hope in his heart? All the scientific knowledge in the world cannot aid you if you do not believe you can help someone and I am no longer convinced that it is within my capabilities to save the people here. I am worried for Petar.