The Nezovats in Despair

These ... people of mine ... they knew nothing ... It was some time after it all began, and a bit before it all ended, that a Nezovat came upon a journal. This journal was no ordinary journal, though, and nor did it belong to an ordinary Nezovat. It was the property of the great leader of Nezoville, Lord Efron, and contained within its thick bindings and warped pages were the personal thoughts and selected memories of the supreme ruler. The memories were vague, and the thoughts random and mostly nonsensical, but there was a small section devoted to a particular day that the Nezovat found most intriguing. Not much, really. No more than a few lines. But they were written with a seemingly gentle care that was not found throughout, and wet stains where small droplets of water-perhaps tears-had fallen sprinkled the paper. This is what it said: New Year's Day - They are in despair, in the deepest and darkest depths. My people are in despair, in the deepest and darkest depths. I have led them to despair, to the deepest and darkest depths ... What have I done? What can I do? What can I say? And however will they listen? However will they understand? However will they forgive me? I have led you astray, my darling Spy. I have swindled you into confusion, brave Chief. I have torn apart the fabric of your family, noble Thief. I have pushed you toward destruction, my esteemed people. And it took me all of one day to do it. However will you forgive me? ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Nezovats in Despair is Michael J. Zyskind's first novel and the first in the Nezovats series. He lives in New York, in a house with a spacious, dark, dusty and empty attic.