Phoenix Logs/Campaign Logs/The Blinded


 * From the journal of Orda Val 'Saham, Sangheili Guard 03/04/2559


 * How my ancestors would envy me. I have walked within the cavernous corridors
 * of one of the fabled cartographers on the Ark, a place long considered only in
 * legends. I still feel strong emotions here, for so much of the history of our race
 * is intrinsically bound up in it. But those emotions are not those of my ancestors.


 * No longer do I feel the religious reverence or feel humbled in the presence of the
 * ancient's structures and monuments. Gone is the comforting certainty of a
 * shared destiny and the peace and connection between brothers that comes
 * with it. Instead, when I close my eyes and breathe in the air around me, I smell
 * only machines. I remember how many hundreds of thousands of our warriors
 * fell—how many were sacrificed for a journey that never existed. I feel anger and
 * a deep sorrow for a race that has lost its way.


 * Even now, long after the Prophets' lies have been revealed, the ripples of that
 * revelation continue. I have become estranged from my family, who even after
 * the truth has come to light, refuse to fully renounce the ancient doctrines I
 * have brought shame upon our name by offering up my blade alongside my
 * brothers...for hire.


 * Battle and conflict is in our blood, our very way of life, and that is the only truth
 * I can now find. I cannot wait for another holy war, not will I be duped again.
 * With Atriox there are no lies; he speaks like a warrior. He wished to break free
 * from the yoke of the Prophets, so he did. Would that we had joined him earlier.
 * Now he offers us a way to keep our ship and our crew together and I can think
 * of nothing more truthful to fight for right now. The Shipmaster brought us
 * through the war and to this place alive where so many others have perished.
 * He asked us to follow him once more, and I will.