Powder, Smoke and a touch of Magic

Chapter 3: Frozen Over

2 Weeks ago

As James gradually regained consciousness, He found himself in a rustic farmhouse, its wooden beams creaking softly in the morning light filtering through the windows. Two miners stand nearby, their weary expressions reflecting the toil of their labor. An old farmer, weathered by years spent tending the land, approaches with a purposeful stride.

"Good morning," the farmer greets, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "You've had quite the rest. We found you unconscious by the edge of the forest."

The miners nod in agreement, their eyes curious yet guarded. They wear coal-stained tunics, although James is not exactly sure where he is, he imagines they have only just left the coal mine.

"We stumbled upon you during our trek back home from the mne" one miner explains, his tone cautious. "It's unusual to find someone out here." He pauses and then says "especially in the state you were in".

The farmer's gaze becomes intent as he continues, "But perhaps it was fate that brought you here. For you see, we have a task at hand, one that requires all three of us."

He gestures toward a table where a mysterious item rests, its significance veiled in secrecy and a plain brown cloth.

"This," the farmer declares solemnly, "is the key to a quest of great importance. A journey that only the three of you can undertake, A journey that offers a significant cash reward. A journey to Chicago"

The gravity of his words hangs in the air, punctuated by the quiet rustle of the farmhouse around them.

"We need your help," the other miner adds, a note of urgency coloring his voice. "To deliver this item to its rightful destination."

James's mind races with questions, their surroundings unfamiliar yet strangely compelling, as is the cash reward at the end of the journey. He meets the determined gazes of the farmer and the miners, sensing an unspoken bond formed in the crucible of shared purpose.

Slowly rising from the bed, james inspected the bandages the farmer had wrapped him in. it seems like they were working. "how long have I been asleep" He Inquires,

"Not too sure, you were asleep when we found you but its been 36 hours since then" The Miner then extends his hand "I'm David" he reaches out his hand, rough from years of mining, he then gestures to his left "this is my brother Danny, we will be joining you on this adventure"

Gathered around a rough-hewn table, the group discusses their impending journey over a simple yet hearty meal of bread, chicken, and vegetables. The farmer, miners, and newly awakened companion share a sense of camaraderie as they delve into the details of their quest.

"You'll need supplies for the journey ahead," the farmer begins, his weathered hands tracing lines on a rough map spread out before them. "Food to sustain us, guns for protection, horses to speed our travel, and medicine for any unforeseen ailments."

The miners nod in agreement, their eyes focused on the task at hand. "We can head into town tomorrow to procure what we need," one suggests, his tone resolute. "There's a general store that should have everything we require."

The farmer's brow furrows in thought. "Aye, but we must be prudent with our resources. Ill be able to provide $500, to budget wisely to ensure you all have enough to see you through to Chicago"

As they eat, they sketch out a plan, dividing tasks among themselves to make the most efficient use of their time and resources. The person, still adjusting to their newfound role in the group, listens intently, eager to contribute in any way they can.

"We'll leave at first light," the farmer declares, his voice firm with determination. "With our provisions secured, we'll be well-prepared for the journey that lies ahead."

And so, fortified by their meal and united in purpose, the group sets their sights on the challenges awaiting them, ready to face whatever trials the road may bring as they venture forth on their quest to deliver the mysterious item to its destination in the Midwest.

The air was thick and humid as the group of six hunters made their way through the dense forest, their boots crunching softly against the densely reed infested ground. Tall, ancient trees loomed overhead; their branches intertwined like skeletal obscuring the summer sky. The forest seemed to grow thicker with each step they took, the shadows deepening around them.

As they forged ahead, one of the group, Evelyn, suddenly stopped in her tracks raising her hand in an open palm motioning the group to stop, her keen eyes catching something out of place amidst the snowy landscape. "Hey, over there," she called out, gesturing towards a dark shape partially obscured by the underbrush.

The group approached cautiously, their rifles at the ready. As they drew closer, they were met with a chilling sight: a body lying on the forest floor, completely frozen solid as if preserved by some mystical force. It was a haunting sight, the person's features twisted in an expression of agony, their clothes encased in a thick layer of ice.

Whispers of unease rippled through the group as they gazed upon the frozen figure. But as they did, they noticed something peculiar happening to the object they were transporting—a mysterious artifact that had remained warm in their possession suddenly grew cool to the touch.

"What in the blazes..." muttered Danny, his brow furrowed in confusion as she reached out to touch the now chilled object.

"It's like... the presence of that unnaturally frozen body is affecting it," mused James, his voice tinged with a hint of fear.

The hunters exchanged uneasy glances, torn between curiosity and apprehension. Should they press on towards the town, risking whatever dangers lay ahead, or turn back and abandon their mission?

"This isn't natural, not natural in the slightest" Charles paused before continuing to speak "I saw things that would make a man quake in fear on the campaign trail back in New Orleans, Alligators ripping a man right in two, but nothing of the sort like this"

"We are dealing with some kind of curse, I say we go back to my people, they may know a way to banish this evil" Interjects Kai as he steps closer to the body

Danny also joins him, poking it with a long stick "its frozen solid, I have never seen this so far south before, let alone in the peak of summer, I wonder what caused this, what do we do now?"

David clears his throat to get the attention of the group before speaking further "what choice do we have, we are a thousand miles from our homes, and many of us have no home to go back to, we continue in life as we have always done and deliver this package as quickly as possible, before anymore perils provoke our journey".

After a tense debate, they ultimately decided to press forward, albeit with heightened caution. With rifles gripped tightly in their hands, they continued their journey through the thickening forest, each step weighed down by the weight of uncertainty.

The frozen body remained a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking in the wilderness, a silent sentinel warning them of the perils that awaited. And so, with hearts heavy and nerves on edge, the group ventured deeper into the unknown, their resolve tested with each passing moment.