Expedition Journal IX: The Unfamiliar Growth

I remained at the field for several hours, unwilling to leave before I had gathered enough information to make sense of what I had found.

The brownish-gray growth covered much of the ground, appearing almost like an unusual form of soil. Its coloration varied throughout the field, with darker patches surrounding several of the larger fungi. It seemed to provide the environment in which they grew, though whether the relationship was mutual remained uncertain.

I carefully examined several specimens and recorded their shapes, sizes, and the conditions in which they appeared to thrive.

More importantly, I needed to determine whether they were responsible for the villagers' illness.

If the fungi were indeed the cause, then the strange growth beneath them might be equally important.

Kennis begint met waarneming.

I spent several more hours documenting everything I could, but my equipment soon proved to be a considerable limitation. I could examine their outward characteristics and collect samples, but proper dissection and chemical analysis would require tools I simply did not possess.

Still, abandoning the investigation would accomplish nothing.

I gathered multiple samples of the fungi and carefully secured them before returning to the village. If I could not fully understand them here, perhaps I could at least find a way to lessen their effects on those who had fallen ill.

Once back at the village, I began dissecting the samples and testing their reactions to different substances. The first attempts were unsuccessful. Some mixtures produced no noticeable effect, while others were far too harsh to be considered safe.

So I tried again.

And again.

Weeks passed as I refined the medicine, producing multiple editions and testing each one through repeated trials. Eventually, I managed to produce something that appeared promising.

It was not a cure, and I could not guarantee how long its effects would last. But it seemed capable of easing the illness and, more importantly, giving the villagers some time.

For now, that will have to be enough.

I can only hope that the medicine will keep the illness at bay long enough for me to return to Koperdam. Once there, with proper equipment and access to my own laboratory, I can study these fungi in far greater detail and work toward a permanent solution.

Yet despite my confidence in the research, I cannot help but remain concerned for the people who have allowed me to stay among them. I do not know how long this treatment will remain effective, nor what may happen if the illness returns before I can come back.

Perhaps I have become too attached to the outcome.

I find myself thinking of Henry as I write this. There is far too much to tell him: the lands I have crossed, the peoples I have met, the things I have discovered, and now this strange fungus that has occupied my thoughts for weeks.

Ik moet Henry schrijven.

I must tell him everything.

Translation Notes

Er is altijd meer te ontdekken.

There is always more to discover.

Opnieuw schimmels... maar deze zijn anders.

Fungi again... but these are different.

Een vreemd land brengt vreemde geheimen met zich mee.

A strange land brings strange secrets with it.

Kennis begint met waarneming.

Knowledge begins with observation.

Ik moet Henry schrijven.

I must write to Henry.