The Roamer Family Plantation Remastered Act One

Act One, The Isle

Chapter One, Arrival

May, 1689

Josiah’s boots christened against the granulated sand as he hopped off the launch raft. His head shot upward, taking in the sight once again. The beach was peppered with large palm trees, each either gray or brown. In the distance, he could see the various mountains peeking over the tips of the jungle foliage ahead. It was a wall of trees and bushes, and Josiah knew it would be a challenge to navigate through.

A splash sounded from behind him, and he turned to see Isaac treading through the salty water to get to the island sooner than he would have. By the time he reached the shore, Isaac’s fiery red hair was already damp. Stopping to catch his breath, he quickly raised his head once again to view the island with a smile.

“It’s massive! What shall we christen it?!” Isaac exclaimed as he continued to make his way onshore.

“Calm now, time will give us its rightful name,” Josiah responded, scratching his thin stubble. Just before they started their journey, Josiah had gone to a barber to shave his beard. But throughout the trip, it formed into a fresh stubble.

The second launch raft had reached the shore as Josiah stared out into the ocean. In the distance, his ship, the Constitution sat swaying in the waves. Its white hull contrasted the deep blue of the water it sat upon.

“Josiah, would you help with the launch rafts?” Peregrine asked, causing Josiah to turn. Despite the fact Josiah was a tall man, Peregrine Hawthorne loomed over Josiah, his wide frame and deep voice commanding the attention of any.

“Of course,” Josiah replied, swiftly making his way to Peregrine. Together they drug the boats ashore, flipping them upside down to ensure no water pooled inside. Josiah took a seat on the bottom of the boat, watching as the others swiftly did the same. He waited for everyone to finish before standing to address the group.

“We shall trek inward to find a clearing suitable to build a camp, days after which we may begin construction on cabins and farms,” He explained, watching as the others nodded along. Waiting for any possible questions, he turned and hoisted a large pack that sat in the sand onto his back.

The others did the same, and soon they left the beach and moved inward. Josiah led, using his blade to cut through any opposing leaves. The day was not long, and Josiah knew that soon they would need to find a spot to camp. An hour into the hike, the trees faded into a sprawling meadow.

“Is this good?” Isaac inquired as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

The field was large, only broken up by a few trees. A large oak sat in the center, and the sun almost hid below the peak of the island, causing a jagged line of shadow to form across the field.

“Yes… Yes, this is good,” Josiah replied, raising his hand to point toward the center. “We shall build our camp near that oak,” He explained, starting forward as the others followed.

Soon they had reached the oak, and Josiah fell to his knees whilst dropping his pack. He dug through it, pulling out pikes and sheets. The rest of the group did the same, and soon their campsite was complete, the green field now broken up by white tents.

Josiah’s party consisted of 11 people other than himself. Isaac White, Peregrine Hawthorne, Ambrose Meritt, Tobias Finch, Silas Aldridge, Nathaniel Blackwood, Obadiah Fairfax, Thaddeus Winslow, Gideon Hartwell, Barnabas Charles, and Ephriam Stirling.

Josiah watched as Silas and Obidiah carried a log to a pit being dug by Ephriam. They dropped it and swiftly each took a seat as Josiah placed his bag inside his tent. Suddenly Ephriam rose, starting toward the treeline.

“Where are you going?” Josiah asked, causing Ephriam to stop and turn to face him.

“Firewood, Sir,” He responded, waiting for Josiah to approve.

“Be back before it gets dark,” Josiah said as he took a seat on a tree stump.

Isaac took a seat next to Josiah as Ephriam returned with the firewood. Obidiah then took the lead, getting out a pot and filling it with water to prepare a stew.

“What will we eat today?” Silas questioned, taking a seat on a thin sheet he lay upon the ground.

“Meat and vegetable stew,” He responded as he watched the water begin to boil.

The group continued to watch Obidiah cook, waiting for the fresh meal. Thaddeus took out his canteen, attempting to drink but soon finding it empty.

“Sir Josiah, we need to find freshwater,” Thaddeus explained, tucking his canteen back into his satchel.

“Understood,” Josiah responded, glancing at the peak. As the sun lowered below the horizon and the darkness overtook the land, a glare from the peak above became visible. It seemed to him like perhaps something was reflective way up there, and Josiah’s eyes soon became locked onto it.

Obadiah began to place bowls upon the soil, this action causing Josiah to glance back downward. Upon finishing filling the bowls, he took his own and moved away from the fire. At once, the rest of the group moved forward to claim their own. They ate like animals, savoring the warm meal.

“Josiah,” Nathaniel questioned, glancing up with his dark brown eyes as he placed his empty bowl on the ground.

“Yes, Nathaniel?” Josiah responded, finishing the last of his meal.

“When can our wives join us here?” He questioned, a deep sadness in his eyes.

Josiah sighed, attempting to find the right words. The rest of the group perked their heads up, besides Silas, his eyes locked on the ground below.

“I-… I do not wish for them to suffer the hardships of settling in this place… We must keep our group small. The more people, the children who don’t work but need food… They simply can not come until we have stability,” Josiah explained, Thaddeus and Nathaniel lowering their heads in response.

Isaac began to dig through his bag with a smile, catching the attention of all. Soon he took out an unmarked bottle, the liquid inside sloshing around as he struggled with the cork.

“What is that, Isaac?” Peregrine questioned, his deep voice causing Isaac’s head to shoot up.

“Uhh… Mead,” He responded timidly. Josiah frowned upon hearing that, soon turning to Isaac.

“I thought I told everyone not to bring that… It’s a distraction, one we do not need,” He said, causing Isaac to look down. No one spoke for a minute, each staring at each other uncomfortably.

“I believe it may be ten to one,” Obidiah said with a grin, Isaac soon beginning to smirk. The group soon gave a collective chuckle, Josiah’s frown quickly turning to disgust, before matching everyone else’s smile.

Isaac popped off the cap, giving the alcohol a whiff before taking a sip. He gagged, wiping his lips before attempting to pass it to Josiah. He shook his head in response, and in turn, Isaac passed it to his right.

Peregrine took it, taking a sip and passing it along. The chain went down, and at the third circle, the bottle was now empty. Peregrine looked visibly uncomfortable, memories of his past flooding in with the buzz. He felt he had to speak, he felt it would help him sleep tonight.

“My mother… My mother and father owned a ranch in England…” He started, the group’s smile fading upon hearing the somber tone. “One day these men came… They killed my father, had their way with my mama, and took her away. They left me and my brother, and we never saw her again… We uhh… Live on the streets for a while. Then we climbed on this boat. We didn’t know where it was going, but it went here…”

He stopped to swallow the air before continuing. “Or I think it was going here, cause a storm hit, and it crashed on the shores. We were lost in the forest for a while, but soon we found a town. We were on the streets, but he soon died of something. I–I don’t know what but it was but it killed him quick and–” He was cut off as a call rang through the island, loud and near, catching the attention of all.

“What in God’s name was that?” Silas questioned, shuddering as a chill breeze flew by.

“I-I don’t know… Maybe a deer or wolf?” Josiah said, glancing down at his hand that was now shaking.

“That does not sound like a deer,” Tobias muttered, his teeth gritting as he glanced at the rifle leaning against the oak.

“I–… It was nothing we… We must sleep for tomorrow,” Josiah said, standing and slowly heading to his tent.

The others sat for a minute after, all glancing at each other and the treeline. Soon, they all funneled to their tents, allowing their bodies to rest at last. Each crawling under thin blankets and resting their heads on pillows, a large sense of unease was settled upon each one.

They were right to fear, for something ancient watched from the treeline. Its steps were slow and methodical, slow and intelligent. Despite its hunger, despite its hatred, it did not lunge out, it did not attack, for it knew its time was not now, but soon. It did not wish to simply eat, it wished to play, headed to the shores, to watch the ship sway in the distance, and to trap its prey in its playground.

Some of the original journal entries:

“We have arrived, and the isle is far greater than I could have ever imagined. We circled it once before anchoring.”“The mountains tower over us. The land is rich and ripe for crops, we shall live well here. Everyone is ecstatic at the grandeur of the isle.”“Families can come once we establish crops and stability. Something glares or reflects from the highest mountain. We have settled in a field near the center of the isle.”“An animal call echoed through the island, followed by a chill breeze. None of us can recognize it. It made the hairs on my arms stand up in fear, it sounded wrong.”

-Josiah Roamer

Chapter Two, Inhuman

Josiah awoke first, crawling out of his tent to meet the day. Grogilly he started the fire once again. Filling the pot with the last of the water reserves, he began brewing a pot of coffee. By the time it was done, five more had awoken and eagerly took their seats, waiting for the pot to finish.

When Josiah felt it was right, he took the sack that stored the ground beans out and placed it aside, dipping his cup inside to take a serving. The others slowly got up, taking their own servings before sitting down to enjoy it.

“Josiah, Sir…” Obidiah started, trailing off as a foul smell traveled through the campsite.

“In due time,” Josiah muttered, predicting Obidiah would ask for today’s tasks. Josiah wanted everyone to hear, and three were still asleep.  Isaac stood, making his way to the pot to get a second serving, causing the rest to get their own.

One by one, the late sleepers slowly crawled out of their tents, each getting their own servings of coffee and taking a seat around the campfire. When all were present, Josiah slowly stood, the others craning their heads up to watch.

“Okay,” Josiah muttered, letting out a yawn. “Isaac and Tobias shall come with me to get the remainder of the supplies from the Constitution. Obidiah, Nathaniel, and Ambrose, please go score the game of this land and bright fourth fresh meat,” Josiah commanded, stopping to yawn.

“Peregrine, Silas, find a source of fresh water and bring back some. The rest of you, continue with the campsite, turn it into a home,” Josiah finished, glancing at Tobias and Isaac. Quickly they rose, making their way to Josiah.

“The day is young. The faster we work, the faster our families may join us,” He explained, turning and starting toward the jungle. Isaac and Tobias quickly followed, the others rising from their seats to start their given goals.

Peregrine made his way to Silas who dug in his backpack. He towered over him, his shadow gaining his attention.

“We have been given tasks, let us go to complete them,” He said, causing Silas to immediately rise.

“Where would we find it, though?” Silas questioned, rubbing his shiny bald head.

“I will guide the way. Follow closely Silas,” Peregrine said, turning and starting toward the treeline.

Whilst they treaded through the forest, soon to reach the sea lake, the hunters prepared at the campsite to hunt for game. They sat together on the log, silently loading their rifles. They took time to make sure the ratio of gunpowder was correct, Obidiah being the first to finish.

“You two truly are slower. Perhaps I am superior in not just treading water,” He joked, glancing at the others who shot him a frown.

“I am only slightly behind. Why must you boast about everything?” Ambrose muttered as he finished with his rifle. Quickly he stood up, turning to face Obidiah.

“Finished!” Nathaniel exclaimed, standing up whilst gripping his rifle.

“Time to go,” Obidiah stated, standing and starting toward the treeline. The others followed his lead, and soon they had fully entered the jungle.

Their steps were slow and thoughtful, careful not to trip and sprain their ankles on any roots. After fifteen minutes, they reached a shore. The ocean crept into the island through a narrow passageway, forming a salt lake in the center.

“There…” Nathaniel whispered, pointing with his left hand across the sea river. Three doe stood grazing in the grass, a buck in the treeline watching them.

“I’ll take the one on the left,” Obidiah stated, slowly lowering his rifle to point it at the group of animals.

“I’ll get the one in the middle…” Nathaniel said, lowering his rifle as well.

“On three…” Ambrose whispered, lowering his own. They waited for a little bit, glancing at each other and then back to the deer.

“One… Two… Three,” Obidiah stated, and as the last syllable

left his mouth, they each squeezed their triggers, each firing their rifles. Their eyes all closed as the shots rang out, a could of smoke appearing in front of them.

Only one shot hit, the doe letting out a yelp as it ran off into the woods leaving a trail of blood. The other three scattered in every direction as the three hunters waved the smoke away from their faces.

“I think we hit one,” Obidiah muttered, coughing as he inhaled more smoke. He took a few steps forward, almost falling into the salty water.

“Looks like we will have to track it…” Ambrose stated, beginning to take off his boots. The others watched as he rolled his trousers up and crossed the sea river, making it to the other side.

Obidiah and Nathaniel followed suit, copying the actions of Ambrose and crossing to meet him. As they neared, Ambrose was kneeling to examine the blood that dirtied the once pure white sand.

“Lots of blood… Perhaps it was struck in the stomach region,” He muttered, rising and facing the treeline ahead. “No time to waste, we must start moving,” He continued, beginning to walk, the others soon following.

Across the island, Josiah, Isaac, and Tobias were nearing the shores of which they first arrived. They followed the path first cut by Josiah the other day, passing by familiar natural landmarks on their way.

“Josiah…” Tobias muttered, turning his head to give him a concerned look.

“Yes, Tobias?” Josiah responded, matching his gaze.

“Do you remember Peregrine’s story?” He replied, swallowing a lump in his throat.

Josiah thought for a moment, recalling the details of the somber tale. Alas, he was not alone, as most of the group had harsh stories to tell of their childhood, including Josiah.

“Yes, Tobias. I do recall,” He replied, watching as Tobias scratched his blond hair.

“I do not wish for any despicable actions to take place here. I want justice to be served correctly by the crime. Justice by a rope perhaps, but justice nonetheless,” Tobias explained, his gaze locked forward.

“I understand… Perhaps… Perhaps we shall make our own law for this land, other than those of the new world,” Josiah explained, and Tobias nodded in approval.

“Josiah, what do you plan to do here?” Isaac inquired, taking Josiah aback. He was not a man who enjoyed hunting, and so he had to think for a short while.

“Crops… Tobacco perhaps. What about you Sir Isaac?” Josiah questioned, Isaac quickly responding with glee.

“I plan to be a fisherman. I’ve noticed large salt deposits in the rock faces we have passed. That would make preservation of the meat quite easy,” Isaac explained, finishing just as the path ended, leading them onto the familiar shores.

Josiah gazed at the Constitution, watching the white ship sway in the deep blue ocean as he slowly made his way to the rafts. Something felt wrong though, something he couldn’t quite put together. The others knew though, and soon Isaac spoke to inform Josiah.

“Josiah…” He muttered.

“Hm?” Josiah responded, noticing the fear in Isaac’s voice.

“Josiah the boats!” Tobias exclaimed, his voice causing Josiah to jump in shock. Quickly, his eyes trailed the drag marks from the launch boats. Following the path to where he placed them last, he found them to be completely gone.

Sprinting, he quickly closed the gap and gazed downward at the indentation where they once were. Josiah dropped to his knees, his hands running through his brown hair as he stared in shock.

“H–How?!” Josiah exclaimed as Isaac and Tobias reached his side.

“There!” Isaac exclaimed, pointing toward a trail of footprints.

It came from the jungle, making it to the boats and leaving in one trip. The footprints in the sand were long, inhumanly long, with four toes on the front, and another lower down, near the center. They were double the size of a human footprint, that fact disturbing Josiah the most.

“No…” Josiah muttered in grief, turning back to the Constitution in the distance. “Who can swim?! There is one more launch boat on the Constitution!” Josiah continued, rising to his feet and fully facing the ship so tauntingly close.

“I… I believe the only one who can swim would be Obidiah,” Isaac chimed in, something other than Josiah and Tobias listening from the darkness of a nearby cave entrance.

“We must return to camp immediately… We are not alone here,” Josiah stated, quickly starting toward the familiar path back to camp.

As Josiah’s group returned to camp in what would be half the time of a usual trip, Silas and Peregrine had located a small waterfall draining into the sea river. Following up the mountain, they found a freshwater lake high up, water draining into a small chute with what seemed like man-made construction.

Inside, Peregrine noted a whirring sound. They took all the water they could carry and made their way back down the mountain, happy with their discovery. Across the isle, the hunting party attempted to follow the blood trail.

They followed it as it thinned out, Obadias leading the way. Suddenly he stopped, peering into a cave ahead. Vines hung down from above, the foliage not daring to step foot inside. Alas, the trail had gone inside, but Obidias had never liked the dark.

“Will we venture inside?” Ambrose questioned, pulling out his lantern.

“No, it is far too dangerous,” Obadias explained, causing Ambrose to scoff in response.

“Are you genuinely too afraid?” Ambrose questioned, taking Obidias aback.

“We could get lost! And besides, look up, we must get back before the sun sets! The jungle is as dark as this cave at night. We surely will not be able to find our way back!” Obidias explained, causing Ambrose to sigh in response.

“I do understand your concerns… Lead the way home,” Ambrose said, glancing at Nathaniel who leaned quietly against a tree.

As the hunting party began to head back, Josiah had made his way back to the camp. The others watched him break from the treeline in a sprint, Tobias and Isaac following closely behind. He stopped whilst panting, Peregrine and the others surrounding him.

“Josiah, what is wrong?” Peregrine questioned, passing him a canteen of water.

“And where are the supplies?!” Silas said as well, his tone harsh and accusatory.

“The boats! They have been stolen!” Josiah exclaimed through his tired breath. This took the entire group by surprise, their once nervous faces changing to horrified ones. The group erupted into worried conversation, each one asking questions Josiah was not able to understand. One question prevailed above all, who could have taken them?

“Where is Obidias?” Isaac questioned, causing the group to hush.

“He has not. Why?” Silas questioned, Tobias chiming in.

“There is one more boat. Can anyone swim…” Tobias said, causing a silence that spoke one thousand words to overcome the group.

“No… None of us can… We must wait for his return…” Peregrine explained. And so they waited, watching the sun crawl through the sky. Soon darkness overtook them as it peeked below the mountain, the familiar glare watching over the group as they started yet another fire.

Their eyes lay locked onto the treeline, waiting for them to come through, but they never did. Suddenly, the familiar howl rang through the isle, sending shivers down their spines. Across the isle, the group of three heard the same call, albeit, far closer.

“It’s the call!” Obidias exclaimed. He was already on the edge as the darkness overcame them, the jungle foliage not allowing any moonlight to reach them. For an hour now, a foul smell and chill breeze had followed them. Noises from the darkness, and calls in the distance. All only heightening their fear.

“We must move faster!” Ambrose exclaimed, raising his lantern to peer ahead. They continued forward for a minute, Ambrose raising a palm to signal a stop. As they did, a noise lagged, stopping a second after they did.

“We…” Ambrose exclaimed, watching as Nathaniel raised his rifle and fired in the direction of the noise. It was unplanned–it was sudden, the fireball illuminating the trees, and for a second, they thought they saw something peering out.

The ringing in their ears caused Obadias to close his eyes tightly. They stood there, huddled up, eyes watching the treeline. They waited for movement, they waited for anything, but nothing came.

“We must continue moving!” Ambrose exclaimed, turning and starting away from the direction of their pursuer. Soon after, he stopped, gazing in horror at a decapitated deer head impaled on a spike.

“Is that…” Nathaniel muttered, trailing off as quick movement erupted from behind.

In an instant, Obadias was snatched by something unseen, a white and black flash as he was quickly dragged away. They stared in horror as the light from his lantern grew farther and farther away, his screams fading into the distance. They stopped instantly, the faint light from his still-lit lantern flickering and rising, soon getting flung away and shattering.

“Run…” Ambrose muttered, turning tail and beginning to sprint. Another call rang out, and Nathaniel soiled himself upon hearing it. A sense of dread soon overcame them, shivers running up their spines, and the hairs on their necks and arms standing up. Something was giving chase.

In the distance, something plowed through the dense underbrush. Small trees snapped under its weight. It got louder and louder, the chill and foul smell only getting worse. Soon it was upon them, and it plowed into both of them, causing them to yelp in pain as their lanterns were crushed.

Their faces were in the dirt as it quickly got to its feet, stopping and looming over with its raspy breath. Turning tail, it rushed away, soon howling one last time in the distance. They lay in the dirt, soon rising. Ambrose felt a terrible fiery pain in his leg, but he ignored it, leaning on Nathaniel as they pushed forward.

They found the sea river, the salt stinging their wounds as they crossed. Eventually, a faint light flickered in the distance just as the sun began to rise. They entered the field, limping toward the campsite, knowing they were safe.

Some of the original journal entries:

“The boats are gone! Something stole them… I have replicated its prints here. Never have I ever seen something that resembles this.”

– Josiah Roamer

“Silas and I found a strange cube drainage system up this mountain. Something whirrs inside… Freshwater is here though.”

– Peregrine Hawthorne

“Shot at three deer, hit one, following the trail.”

“Trail ends at cave, heading back with nothing.”

“Something is following us. It brings cold with it and smells terrible.”

“It took Obadiah. His lantern faded into the darkness as it dragged him away.”

“It attacked us once more before it let us go. It is so smart, so smart. Smarter than I, but not human. It is not human.”

Chapter Three, Intelligence

Peregrine sat by the campfire lost in his thoughts. As the night grew long, the group had resigned to their tents. But Peregrine felt as if one of them had to stay guard to look for incoming attackers, or perhaps intruders creeping up to kill them in their sleep.

Slowly the sun began to peek over the horizon, the new light allowing Peregrine to scan the treeline more effectively. He watched for movement, unnatural movement, and soon he found what he was looking for.

In the darkness of the jungle, Peregrine watched a large figure slowly pushing forward and into the field. At first, he was startled, but soon he realized this was no monster or beast, but two men holding on to each other for stability.

“They have returned!” Peregrine exclaimed. Almost immediately, Josiah rushed out from his tent. He had not undressed for the night just in case he had to leave in a hurry. Sprinting toward them, Josiah relieved Nathaniel of his duties of carrying Ambrose, allowing him to rest.

“Are you well?!” Josiah questioned, scanning their bodies. His eyes narrowed on Ambrose, focusing on his left leg having the fabric ripped. Blood seeped down, causing the black color to turn a dark red.

“Where is Obadias…” Peregrine questioned as Josiah set Ambrose on the log to rest. By this time the others had fully awoken, each giving worried glances at the two survivors of the night.

“What…” Isaac muttered, his gaze locked on the treeline. Slowly Josiah followed his terrified eyes, gazing upon something swinging in the distance.

“Dear God…” Peregrine muttered, the entire group staring at what swung from a tree. Slowly Josiah began to approach, soon closing the gap between him and what was once human.

Obadias’s was strung up, swaying as if it was freshly lifted. What remained of him could barely be recognized as human. His left arm was torn off, and the forearm of his right as well. Half his right leg stuck out from his torso, the end a bloody mess of gore.

His left leg was almost full, only the foot missing, and his head was crudely halved. Brain and hair dangled from the open wound, the sight causing Isaac and Barnabas to keel over and retch. Peregrine slowly made his way to where what remained of Obadias was anchored. Pulling out a blade, he cut it, and the body hit the ground with a soggy thud.

“B–… Bury him…” Josiah muttered, slowly turning and making his way back to the campsite. Peregrine followed, fetching a white sheet to wrap him in. Soon it was drenched in crimson, the mass of flesh hoisted upon Peregrine’s sturdy shoulder.

Josiah knelt next to Nathaniel who sat shaking. His eyes were wide with trauma, and slowly his head craned up to stare into Josiah’s very soul.

“What in God’s name happened?!” Josiah questioned, Nathaniel’s eyes flicking to Peregrine behind him who had begun digging next to the large oak.

“S–… Something lurks on this island! It moves fast, it carries a putrid smell… A chill follows it… It’s not human! It’s not! But it’s smart… It’s so smart…” Nathaniel explained, breaking out into a sob. Josiah attempted to console him, but it was of no use.

“Isaac!” Josiah exclaimed, standing up. Isaac’s head craned up from his sitting position, a somber and frighted look settled upon his face.

“Sir?” He questioned in response. Everyone else listened in closely, each wanting to find something to hold on to in these uncertain times.

“We must build a raft… Build a raft to leave,” Josiah explained, turning to the others. “the rest of you, construct defenses… Fortifications. Load your rifles in preparation. Prepare for us not to return, for us to fail.” Josiah explained.

Turning around, Josiah made his way to his bag. He packed light, bringing water and tools to assemble a raft. Rope and axes, that would be all they would need.

Soon after, Josiah and Isaac started back toward the shores, not aware of the massive shady clouds looming in the sky, concealed by the mountains.

As Josiah and Isaac made their journey back to the shores, Peregrine took leadership. Trees were felled, trenches were dug, and sticks were pointed into pikes. As the others worked, Silas sat in his tent with a journal in hand.

He scanned the pages with disgust and hatred, for he had known Josiah’s surname for quite a while, and he wished for revenge. Josiah came from a family of thieves.

They roamed the Gulf of Mexico for some time, plundering all they could before being put down by the Spanish Army. Silas was a victim of the Roamers, for his mother father, brothers, and sisters, were slain by them.

To the shores, Josiah and Isaac constructed a raft the best they could. It took hours, the worsening weather only making Josiah wish to construct it sturdier and studier. When completed, the rain poured from the heavens. Isaac gave Josiah unsure and worried glances, but Josiah was determined to leave this place.

“Josiah! Are you sure this will hold?!” Isaac exclaimed through the rain, his voice barely being heard by Josiah.

“If it does not hold… It needs to hold!” Josiah replied, nodding to Isaac as they began dragging the raft into the waters.

Soon the makeshift boat was floating, and Josiah and Isaac quickly crawled on and grasped the rope bindings. They swayed up and down, getting pushed back to the shore, and then pulled farther out. Josiah and Isaac could barley open their eyes as water from both the skies and sea splashed them.

Josiah’s eyes darted to it first, a gigantic wave heading their way. The raft was lifted to the sky, the front of the square raft pointing up toward the heavens before crashing down. Isaac lost his grip, sliding across the rough wood only to be saved just in the nick of time by Josiah as he grasped his shirt. They stared at each other with wide and terrified eyes.

Shooting his head up, Josiah caught a glimpse that they were now nearing the Constitution. A memory flashed through his mind, a memory where he was a young boy attempting to board a ship in the water. It rose, then promptly crashed down, sending a large wave toward him.

It did the same now, rising then crashing down violently, sending a large wave their way. The raft attempted to scale it, and for a moment everything froze as it faced perfectly straight up. For Josiah, it continued to move, very slowly. The wave was too steep, and the raft began to come down on them.

It crashed on top of Josiah and Isaac, the impact instantly knocking them out. Now just the Constitution sat swaying in the waves, with nothing else floating in the waters.

“I don’t believe they will return…” Barnabas muttered as Peregrine sighed. They stood side by side, watching the treeline as the sun set below the mountain. Soon darkness overcame them, the only light coming from their lanterns and the center firepit. Peregrine turned, clearing his throat as everyone watched.

“We must stay vigilant, stay awake. The beast may attack during the night, and if it does we must be ready. Load your rifles, keep your eyes open, and stay awake.” Peregrine commanded, the entire group listening to his instructions closely.

Peregrine then turned back to the treeline, his gaze locked straight forward. Time dragged as each man stared blankly at the treeline, barely there mentally. Thaddeus sat on a stump, and with each passing hour, exhaustion overcame him. Soon, he was slumped down, his eyes shut tightly.

It knew this was the right moment, and slowly it crept out from the treeline. Crawling through the tall grass and flowers, it was completely concealed by the darkness. It moved slowly, each placement of its hand or foot thoughtful and intelligent.

The other’s eyes were placed elsewhere, and it knew that, so it got to a crouching position and stared at the sleeping Thaddeus. The others had noticed the chill, noticed the smell, but had not put it together yet. Thaddeus coughed, slowly opening his eyes upon hearing raspy breathing.

He stared at it for what felt like hours, its white skull face, its towering antlers, and its glowing eyes. Thaddeus sat frozen, the only movement being his hands shaking. His eyes were wide, and his heart was racing. He let out a short scream before the beast had its jaws clamped around his throat. It placed a hand on each shoulder and pulled outward, taking a chunk of flesh with it.

At this time, everyone had turned, everyone had seen the beast’s faint form in the flickering firelight. It looked to the sky, and quickly consumed the chunk of flesh. The camp went into a frenzy, each raising their rifles toward the beast. Blood was squirting out of the open wound as it clamped down again, turning and bolting away just as the barrage of rifle fire ensued.

They were too late, the beast had escaped. With their rifles empty, all they could do was watch its dark form galloping away with Thaddeus locked in its jaws.

On the beach, a figure lay in the darkness. He lay face up, waves periodically surrounding him before receding back into the ocean. Suddenly he sprung to life, coughing out a mouthful of water while turning to his side. His breath was raspy, and on shaky legs, he slowly rose.

Isaac scanned the beach, spotting half of the raft to his right. It was almost pitch black outside, and in the distance, a reflective glare shone from the peak. His steps were slow and drunkenlike as he started down the shore, soon coming across another body.

“Josiah?” He muttered, collapsing to his knees next to him. Flipping him over, sand fell off his face. Slowly Isaac lowered his head, placing his ear to his chest. He heard slow and raspy breaths, causing him to sigh in relief.

Something caught his attention, and his head darted to the right. A chill breeze passed through, a rancid smell quickly chasing it. Concealed in the dark, he saw the form of something standing tall. Isaac let out a gasp, his eyes widening as the large clouds covering the moon parted.

It was tall, with a large crown of dark antlers towering from its head. Its face was reminiscent of a deer skull, a pair of intelligent eyes watching from within. Isaac’s eyes trailed down the beast, widening even more as it noticed it held something in its right hand.

He could tell from here that it was a human, and this caused him to begin shaking. The beast took a few steps, stopping as a whistle erupted from the distance. It craned its head to listen, shortly starting to slowly back off whilst keeping eye contact with Isaac.

“Josiah?!” Isaac exclaimed, glancing down as he began to stir. In the distance many flickering lights became visible, followed by another set of whistling. Many men emerged from the tree line, slowly approaching. They spoke in an unfamiliar language.

“What the…” Josiah muttered, causing Isaac to glance down. Josiah slowly rose to his feet to face the Natives of the land. They did not look like they wished for a conflict, instead beckoning them with their hands. Josiah and Isaac glanced at each other before slowly following the crowd.

They led them far, the Natives expertly navigating the dense jungles of the isle. Josiah was fearful of the capabilities of these people, but their presence seemed to ward off the beast. After hours of walking, crossing sea rivers and swamps, they began to scale a staircase carved from the stone.

It spiraled up a mountain in the middle of a lagoon, soon reaching a forested grassland above. As they finished their ascent, buildings lit by firepits were visible through the trees. The group of Natives continued to lead them. A wooden gate was opened as they moved through a narrow alleyway. On each side, tall stone buildings stood, women and children watching as they made their way through.

The buildings cleared, and soon they were met with a grander structure. The large metal gate was already open, and they entered quickly. It seemed to be a ritual building, a hole in the floor leading to a basement. One of the men pointed down, and without another word, Josiah and Isaac decended.

In the middle of the basement, a man sat. Isaac and Josiah stood awkwardly, waiting for anything to happen. Suddenly, he rose, slowly examining them.

“What does he want?” Isaac questioned, and the man began to speak, catching their attention. Alas, they did not understand their language, and the elder soon narrowed his eyes in understanding. The elder reached out to grab Josiah’s wrist, causing Josiah to shudder at the chill of his skin.

He was led toward a wall where drawings had been scribed onto the rock. The elder pressed Josiah’s chest with a bony finger, Josiah flinching as a sharp pain erupted from his chest. Next he pointed to a picture of a deer, sliding his finger to the deer being slain by the beast.

Pointing to a picture of a wolf, it showed the wolf conquering the beast, the beast returning their boats. The man looked to Josiah, nodding. Josiah nodded back, and he gestured for them to leave.

“What did they tell you?” Isaac questioned as the group of men led them back down the mountain.

“We need to… Right now we are considered deer. It considers us prey, but if we beat it, the thing will return our boats…” Josiah explained, causing Isaac to visibly consider.

“We have to fight it…” He muttered, watching as Josiah nodded. They were led back to the camp as the sun shone from above. The native men gave them simple nods before turning and leaving them at the outskirts of the campsite.

“Isaac and I shall build a raft to get the spare boat. If we fail, may God have mercy on our souls.”

Some of the original journal entries:

“We failed. The waves were too strong. The natives of the island took us far up a mountain to their town. We need to be wolves rather than deer, apparently. We must fight and beat it, only then will it return our boats.” – Josiah Roamer

“It killed one of them… I saw it in the darkness, holding a body…”               –   Isaac White

“We tried to defend, but we failed. It took Ambrose, galloping away with him in its jaws. The way it attacked, the way it ate. It looked to the heaves and chewed, its jaws smacking and making a terrible noise… We are going to die here…”

– Peregrine Hawthorne

Chapter Four, Deer

Josiah and Isaac closed the gap between the treeline and the camp with uncertainty. It was desolate, with no one in sight, and Isaac knew there had to have been at least one casualty.

They eyed the white tents that shifted slightly with every breeze. Josiah slowly pulled back the loose sheet on one, revealing Peregrine who lay asleep. He was as still as the rest of the campsite, and Josiah nudged him with his muddy boot. Peregrine shifted a small bit before jerking back in fear. His face soon turned from fear to joy, and he quickly rose to greet those who he thought dead.

“Josiah! I thought you for dead!” Peregrine exclaimed, his voice causing the others to stir.

“Did anything happen whilst we were away?” Josiah questioned as the others slowly exited their tents. Peregrine’s face turned visibly somber, his eyes darting down before back up to explain the events of last night.

“It came… It took Thaddeus. We found him strung up just like Obadias,” He explained, the others slowly gathering around. “What happened to you?” He questioned, Josiah’s mind recalling the night. It was fuzzy due to the lack of sleep, and the exhaustion began to wear upon him and Isaac.

“The raft capsized, and we woke up in the dead of night. There are Natives on the island, they took us to their home. Their elder… He explained that to leave, we must not cower like deer, but instead attack and best the beast in combat. Only then will it let us leave,” Josiah explained as each man truly understood the situation.

“now… Isaac and I have been up for quite some time. It would be best for us to rest whilst the rest of you prepare. Tonight we fight it,” He muttered, stumbling toward his tent. Isaac followed, completely lost in his mind. Josiah glanced at the two crosses next to the large oak, sighing as he crawled inside to rest. A deep slumber fell upon the two as the rest of the group continued constructing defenses.

Trenches were dug around the perimeter of their camp. Sharpened sticks were placed within, sure to peirce anything that fell. The excess dirt removed from the ground was piled up on their side, and freshly cut logs were placed for extra height. It was a steep drop, and if anything were to attempt a leap to the other side, they would be sure to fall inside the pit. Soon the sun began to set below the mountains, a large shadow covering the once bright field.

“Josiah?” Peregrine said as he pulled back the tent flap. Josiah stirred, shifting to lay on his back.

“Hm?” He muttered, quietly noticing the day was almost over, the night soon to come.

“I need to show you something,” He replied, Josiah leaning up to now sit.

“What is it?” Josiah questioned further, now standing and exiting his tent. Peregrine motioned him to follow, walking to a tent close by. Josiah smelt it before he arrived, a putrid rotting smell, the smell of decay.

Peregrine slowly pulled back the flap on the tent, the smell worsening as the cover was removed. Ambrose lay within, sleeping with his teeth gritted in agony. Peregrine continued, pulling the cover that concealed Ambrose’s legs. The stench reached an all-time extreme as Peregrine revealed the now gangrenous wound on Ambrose’s left leg.

The flesh directly around the laceration was black, quickly fading into a sickening gray. Puss visibly had oozed out from the infected wound, lines of discharge traveling down his leg forming into small pools

“Oh… Oh my God…” Josiah muttered as he stared at the gory sight.

“Josiah, I believe it must be removed,” Peregrine muttered as he placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

“You… You are correct…” Josiah muttered, turning his head. “Isaac?!” He exclaimed, his voice immediately catching his attention.

“Yes sir?!” Isaac responded, standing to attention.

“Fetch me my medical bag!” He exclaimed, watching as Isaac quickly made his way to Josiah’s tent and picked up a large leather bag. He brought it over to Josiah, dropping it on the dirt before turning to return to the fire.

“Wait…” Josiah muttered, Isaac stopping to listen. “I’m going to need you soon. Wait here,” Josiah explained as he unbuttoned the top of the medical bag. He dug inside, taking out a clean white cloth and placing it on the ground. A leather tourniquet was next then a shiny saw and a hammer.

“Get in there… Hold him down,” Josiah muttered as Isaac and Peregrine swiftly stepped into the tent. They knelt on either side of Ambrose, waiting for further instructions.

Josiah reached into the bag once again and pulled out a thick strip of leather. He passed it to Peregrine, who looked at it with a confused look.

“What’s this for?” He questioned, examining the item.

“Put it in his mouth. It is so he does not bite his tongue off…” Josiah explained as he continued retrieving items from the bag. With a frown he shifted his position to be closer to Ambrose. Wrapping the tourniquet around his leg. He twisted and tied it around his thigh as tight as possible before signaling the others to move closer.

Josiah then picked up the mallet, motioning to the others to act now. Peregrine stuck the leather into Ambrose’s mouth before placing both his hands on his left arm. Isaac did the same, the other members of the camp watching curiously as Josiah raised the mallet.

He brought it down with all his strength, a sickening juicy sound emitting from his leg as Ambrose moved slightly. The hammer was raised to the sky once again before plummeting down, Isaac wincing as a snap was heard from his leg. This action was repeated until Ambrose’s leg bent at an unsightly angle.

Ambrose struggled as Josiah picked up the saw, his eyes widening as he attempted to scream. Lowering it, Josiah began to saw away at Ambrose’s leg. Puss and discharge streamed out, mixing with the blood into a disgusting green as Ambrose passed out from the shock.

Isaac gagged from the worsening smell and disgusting sight as Josiah attempted to finish this work as quickly as possible. It took too long for their comfort, but soon the saw hit the fabric floor as Ambrose’s leg jumped up slightly.

“Pick him up,” Josiah muttered, grabbing Ambrose by the waist, as Isaac and Peregrine gripped his arms. They quickly led him to the fire and lowered him into it just enough for it to begin to cauterize his leg. When Josiah saw fit, he pulled up, the others following his lead.

“Let… Let’s get him to a clean tent,” Isaac muttered as Josiah nodded in approval. They placed him in Obadias’s empty tent, covering him with clean sheets before leaving.

“Lord… That was…” Isaac muttered, soon kneeling and beginning to gag. Peregrine patted him on his back, but nothing came out of his empty stomach. Josiah looked to the sky which now was dark with a frown, turning to his men.

“Get to our watch positions,” He commanded, the men moving at once and picking up their rifles. Soon they stood at various points which had seating, each watching ahead for any trace of the beast.

As the twilight dissipated, the isle was now in darkness. Each man watched the treeline, their eyes darting from each visible gap in the underbrush. They knew the beast was near as a call rang out, sending each man into a short panic. Short and small waves of foul stenches or cool breezes would be brought with the breeze, each only heightening their fear.

Silas sat across from Josiah, glancing at him periodically with hatred in his eyes. He thought of the consequences if he were to fire his rifle at him. He thought about if he would be allowed to live, or if he would be banished into the wilderness to be hunted by that thing.

Soon the sun began to rise, and no sign of the beast in sight. They were confused at the lack of sightings, but thankful nonetheless. Only when the field was illuminated by light did they spot the dozens of deer heads impaled by spikes placed around their field.

“It’s playing with us…” Peregrine muttered as he approached Josiah.

“It must be from Hell…” Josiah responded, his eyes continuing to stare out at the treeline.

“So… You met with the natives of this island?” Peregrine questioned, Josiah nodding in response. “Josiah… I believe it would be best for Ambrose if we were to give him to the natives for protection…” Peregrine suggested, the idea resinating with Josiah deeply.

The more Josiah thought, the more the idea sounded suitable. Once the beast was defeated and their rafts returned, they could fetch Ambrose from the natives and leave this island of death once and for all.

“That… Yes… Yes, but we must start the journey now,” Josiah explained, nodding to Peregrine as they started toward Ambrose’s tent. Upon reaching the entrance, Josiah slowly pulled back the sheet to glance at the sleeping Ambrose.

“Ambrose. Wake up,” Peregrine whispered, giving him a small nudge. Ambrose groaned in return, giving a confused look to the two.

“W– what’s happening?” He questioned, watching as Josiah and Peregrine stole glances at eachother.

“We are going to give you to the care of the Natives. We must fight the beast, and you are a liability. I–… I promise I will retrieve you when it is finished,” Josiah explained, giving a sly smile to Ambrose as he attempted to piece together the situation.

“We do not have all day. Please, Ambrose, make this easy,” Peregrine pleaded, reaching his hand out. Josiah turned to Peregrine, watching as he slowly lowered his hand.

“Who will carry him?” Josiah questioned, glancing down at Ambrose who shot yet another confused glare.

“What? No, I can walk…” Ambrose muttered, sitting up as Peregrine sighed.

“Ambrose… We took your leg,” Peregrine explained, watching as Ambrose lowered his head and slowly removed the sheet. He slowly caressed the bandaged stump with a confused and displeased face, occasionally glancing back up at the two.

“Okay…” Ambrose muttered, reaching his hand out. Peregrine grasped it, stepping forward and hoisting Ambrose up onto his sturdy shoulders. They soon began their journey, each glancing at the impaled deer heads on spikes.

“This isn’t exactly comfortable…” Ambrose complained as Peregrine attempted to adjust Ambrose’s placement on his shoulder. His leg swayed and hit Peregrine’s side as they trudged through the dense underbrush.

“It isn’t comfortable for me either, but it will have to make do,” Peregrine responded as they continued their expedition.

The sun crawled across the sky as the three attempted to make the journey brief. Josiah led the way, his mind linking landmarks he noticed on his initial journey. Soon they had reached the staircase that winded up the mountain, a group of five Native men already waiting.

Josiah attempted to communicate with them, but he failed, so instead they gave Ambrose to them, giving him one last gaze before departing. With Peregrine free to move faster, they practically jogged back to camp, arriving at sunset.

“Josiah! I loaded your rifle…” Silas shouted, jogging over to Josiah with his long rifle in hand. Josiah seemed surprised, giving Silas a grin.

“Thank you… Thank you, Silas,” He muttered in appreciation, grabbing the rifle and examining it as Silas made his way to his post. The face of Silas turned from a grin to one of hatred, turning his head as and glaring at Josiah who now faced away from him. His hatred soon formed back to a grin, this one of a sinister nature.

The entire group jumped as the ever-so-familiar call of the beast rang out through the island. It was at a distance, but they all knew it would arrive to take one of them.

“Eyes on the treeline!” Peregrine shouted, his voice commanding the attention of all. They would have done it anyway, everyone would have, as each man feared the creature deeply. Soon the only light on the isle was the circle of lanterns, the only thing that made the group feel safe.

As the night grew on with minimal sightings of it, Josiah took a seat on a small chair. He slumped down, the last thing his eyes watching being the glare from the peak.

It took this as an opportunity, slinking through the tall grass to the middle camp. Josiah sat in the middle of a group of three. Tobias slumped in his seat to his left, and Isaac stood drowsy to his right. The beast noticed this and was ready to seize the moment.

The chill stirred Josiah first, his eyes slowly opening before closing again soon after. A putrid stench followed with the next breeze, this one awakening him fully. His eyes were already adjusted to the dark, but it was almost as if his brain blocked the sight of it out.

It stood watching him. Stood daringly close to Tobias. It was playing with him, teasing him. It wanted not food, but fun–entertainment. This thing was an ancient creature, one bored from a simple hunt, one that wanted something more, and that was what it was getting.

Josiah struggled, lowering his rifle to be level with the creature. His finger clasped the trigger, squeezing it tight. The hammer snapped down instantly, striking the frizzen. A spark flashed, igniting the gunpowder. Josiah braced for a kick, but none came, instead only a puff of smoke flew out of the barrel.

Josiah lowered his rifle slightly, his lip quivering. The group noticed this faint sound, each turning and glancing in Josiah’s direction with confusion, not seeing the beast through the smoke. Tobias coughed within as the smoke began to be carried away by the breeze.

As everyone saw it, as everyone saw the thing, it acted instantly. It seemed only a second had passed before the thing’s white jaws were clasped around Tobias’s neck. Turning tail, it darted toward the treeline. The group opened fire, but none hit, and soon it was gone.

With Tobias taken, they now numbered eight.

Josiah fumed with rage, turning to glare at Silas. “…S—…SILAS!” Josiah exclaimed, dropping his rifle and sprinting toward Silas. He tackled him to the ground, Silas striking his head on a log as he dropped his rifle.

Josiah quickly got atop Silas, viciously beating him down as Silas cried in pain. Each strike damaged and bruised his face, some splattering blood into the soil. The group was in turmoil and unrest, Peregrine grasping Josiah and effortlessly tossing him off.

“JOSIAH!” Peregrine exclaimed, the entire camp going silent upon hearing the full capability of his voice. “What has become of you?! Is this how you lead under stress? Beating those? And for what reason?!” Peregrine questioned as Barnabas tended to Silas’s wounds. Josiah’s eyes darted to each judgmental figure, his face turning from anger to embarrassment.

“You… You do not understand!” Josiah pleaded, slowly getting to his feet as rain began to come down upon the land. It seemed the heavens cried down unto the group as the slight drizzle quickly escalated into a heavy rainfall. The sun had begun to rise as Josiah stood next to the flameless campfire, the entire group glaring at him.

“What? What is it that I do not understand?!” Peregrine questioned further, watching as Josiah slowly turned to the tree line.

“Silas loaded my rifle with no ball… He did this for what purpose I am not sure…” Josiah explained, taking two steps forward with his eyes gazing at the mud.

“Silas… Is this true?”  Peregrine questioned Silas who now stood behind him. Peregrine’s head did not move though, his eyes still locked on Josiah.

“No! He is a liar! He can not be trus–” Silas attempted to lie, trailing off as he caught Josiah’s death glare.

“It’s humorous… The man who died due to your wickedness… I promised him… I promised Tobias that I would not let any of this happen on this island…” Josiah muttered, watching as Peregrine raised his head to the sky. His teeth gritted as he did this, shaking his head as he thought deeply.

“You are a liar! And a terrible leader… You do no–” Silas was cut off as Peregrine swiftly turned, striking him square in the face. Silas let out a yelp, his hands covering his now broken nose as his legs collapsed under him.

“How do we deal with him?” Peregrine questioned, turning to Josiah and pointing to Silas.

“With a rope…” Josiah responded, glancing at Isaac who hurriedly went to fetch one. Josiah made his way to Silas, pushing him onto his back with his muddy boot and taking a seat on his stomach. Silas screamed as Isaac handed Josiah a rope.

Josiah then twisted the rope, looping it in and out until it formed into a noose. It was placed around his neck and tightened. Silas struggled as he was dragged, his breath attempting to escape as the end was hoisted atop the branch of the large oak.

“YOU! YOUR FAMILY, YOU MORONIC ROAMERS! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING AWAY FROM ME!” Silas hissed, his final words before he was hoisted be Peregrine and Barnabas. Josiah took a few steps back, watching as he kicked and struggled.

“I did not want that life… And you did not want this life, for you spoiled it…” Josiah muttered as Isaac approached him.

“What life?” He questioned, his eyes not daring to gaze upon the hanging Silas.

“It doesn’t matter. This place is for us… We will come prepared, ready to claim this land, that I promise,” Josiah explained, gazing out toward the treeline. Silas was not alone, for through the rain, something else hung. A mangled corpse. Tobias. Josiah pointed it out to the others, each of their faces growing visibly disheartened.

“What now?” Peregrine questioned, watching as Barnabas and Isaac went to retrieve Tobias.

“We bury him… We bury him and we hunt this thing. Hunt it and leave,” Josiah declared, gazing out at the mountains in the distance.

“What about him?” Peregrine questioned, glancing at the now still Silas.

“Not him… He doesn’t deserve it.”

Some of the original journal entries:

“We cut off Ambroses’s leg. It was black and grey, puss oozing out with every movement. It was for the best.”

“The night came and went, no sight of it besides one call. It’s planning something. It’s smarter than even I.”

“Silas betrayed me. Loaded my rifle with just gunpowder. It is his fault that Tobias is gone, and I made him a promise. We hung him, and he is not to be buried. Now it is time for us not to be deer, but wolves.”

“Once 12, now seven. Or perhaps 11, I doubt Silas could be considered a man.”

Josiah Roamer

“I  thought he acted wrong, but Silas was not a good man. Lord forgive me for what I have done.”

Peregrine Hawthorne

“I love you Elizabeth… If anyone is to find this please give this to her, she needs closure. Josiah is amazing, but coming here was a terrible idea.”

Isaac White

“Evil. He took my family. Tonight I will load his rifle with gunpowder and hope the beast preys on him.”   – Silas

Chapter Five, Wolf

The seven of them trudged through the jungle as the now light rain cried from above. They had loaded their rifles and pistols, sharpened their blades, and took all they had left. Each stole glances at the hanging body of Silas before they left. Josiah had told them what was to come, the hunt that would come.

The Hunt for the Beast of the Isle.

As they crossed the sea river, Isaac fought with himself internally. When Isaac and Josiah were taken to the native’s village, one of them handed him a crude map of the island. A specific area was circled, one with the native language. Isaac had an idea of what it could be, but he was not sure if he wished to find its lair.

“Sir,” Isaac said as he trotted up to meet Josiah’s side.

“Yes, Isaac?” Josiah responded as he swung with his machete. Josiah had a small idea of where to go. He would guide them to where the beast first struck, perhaps then they could find this thing’s lair and slay it in its sleep.

“The natives…” He muttered through panting breath. “They gave me this,” He finished, handing the folded rough paper to him. Josiah took it and slowed his pace. His eyes darted through the map, a lump forming in his throat.

“You think…” Josiah muttered, glancing at Isaac briefly before staring back at the map.

“Yes… I think,” Isaac responded, tapping a point near the circle where a crude charcoal drawing of a skull was visible.

Josiah let out a deep breath, looking up. They had emerged into a small clearing, and it was clear enough to see the various mountains. Josiah stopped in the center, turning a full circle to gain an idea of where they were. He placed a finger on the map, trailing around and triangulating their position.

“There…” Josiah muttered, starting forward. They weren’t far, and it only took fifteen minutes to arrive. Along the way, Josiah knew they were growing near. Skulls on pikes, animal and human. Carvings in the wood, most portraying a strange symbol.

Eventually, they reached it, each man stopping to stare ahead. A cave entrance. Vines crawled down, skulls and bones piled on either side. The native language was written in red paint above. It was a warning, telling them what lay inside.

“Lanterns!” Peregrine exclaimed, each man reaching down to unhook and light theirs. The rain had stopped now, only the ground damp and the air humid. Josiah took a few steps forward, turning to face his men. They had put their trust in him, some of them would not come out alive, but they had to leave, they had to escape.

“You all know why we are here. This is that things home, the thing that has been picking us off one by one. No more will we be deer, hiding in the field. As it came to our home, we will come to it and finish this!” Josiah exclaimed, each man not cheering excitedly, but nodding in understanding.

“No time to waste…” Peregrine muttered, staring up at the sky before moving to stand next to Josiah.

“Let’s go,” Josiah muttered, turning and raising his lantern. He knew it would only be right for him to go first, as he was the one who brought these people to this place.

The large cave mouth soon narrowed into a short but small passage. They pushed forward, and it immediately opened up into a larger room. As they funneled in, lantern light began to fill the room, illuminating hundreds of carvings on the walls.

Josiah examined the carvings, most being the native’s text. He saw words, drawings, crude maps of the island, and crude drawings of the native’s mountain village. Josiah stopped at one, his eyes narrowing at English lettering. In a row, three sets of letters and numbers were carved, the two lower ones being far more faded and crossed out.

‘L-1, L-2, L-3’

Next to it, Josiah spotted a familiar sight. It was hasty, but he recognized the white hull swaying in the ocean. It was his boat, his vessel, his escape. The entire group jumped at the sound of rock grinding against rock from the entrance. The light from the outside faded slowly, each man turning and lowering their rifles while their lanterns hung to their belts.

They listened to the raspy breathing and footsteps on stone as it slowly approached. The thing stopped just out of the lantern’s reach, a faint form visible. It threw something, something limp. The body of Silas landed next to Josiah, his eyes widening as he jumped back.

“Jo…..sigh…..aghhh….Rough….marr…” The thing said, its voice raspy. The chamber had grown so cold, a rancid stench emitting from the entrance that only grew worse with the second.

They acted immediately, a barrage of fire from each man’s rifle. It only took a second before each rifle had unloaded, the balls firing toward the creature. Josiah fell to his knees as he closed his eyes tightly. The sound was deafening, the echo of the cave only worsening it.

His head darted up, coughing and waving smoke out of his face. Josiah’s eyes darted left and right, scanning through the smoke. Something rushed out, snatching Ephriam. He let out a long scream as he was dragged deeper into the web of caverns, his lantern light dimming before cutting out.

Barnabas acted first, sprinting left into a separate tunnel. This caused a chain reaction, each man scattering despite Josiah’s pleas. What was left was Isaac and Peregrine, the two men frozen. Josiah rose to his feet, rushing toward the entrance. A large slab of stone had been moved to block them, only slivers of light making it through.

Josiah turned and slid against the slab until he sat. He began to mumble and cry, Isaac and Peregrine quickly approaching to console him.

“I have doomed us all,” Josiah mumbled, tears falling down his face and catching in his short beard. Peregrine and Isaac glanced at each other, for they knew he was right.

“Get up. We can still beat it, or at the least die like men,” Peregrine consoled, reaching his calloused hand out to Josiah. Josiah peeked out from his fingers, rubbing his eyes one last time before grasping Peregrine and being hoisted up.

“We need to load our rifles,” Isaac muttered, his voice trembling. Josiah and Peregrine understood he wished to sound brave, but Isaac was not brave, for he favored life.

“Load them here,” Josiah muttered, pulling out his pistol and aiming it toward the chamber ahead. “I won’t let it get us,” He finished, and the two began to load their rifles.

Just before they finished, they heard a gunshot in the distance, the echo causing it to sound like a battlefield. Soon after, a scream erupted. It was long but ended abruptly, cut off as whoever wailed was slaughtered.

When Peregrine and Isaac had finished, they entered the chamber once again. Josiah led the way as they started down a narrow passage.

“Where are we going?” Isaac questioned, his rifle already straightened ahead. Their progress was slow to account for Peregrine who pointed his behind them.

“Trying to find an exit…” Josiah muttered, stopping when a tunnel cut against them. He heard something galloping from the left, and soon it came barreling by, but it ignored them. It was taking them out individually, savoring each kill, and saving Josiah for last.

They pushed forward, walking until they emerged into a large chamber, crunching leaves on the ground. The floor smoothly sloped to the center, the leaves piling up into the middle. This was its den. Josiah looked to Isaac before nodding and moving forward.

The trio stopped as another scream erupted, this one being cut off immediately. Isaac began to noticeably tremble, and Josiah counted each shout in his head.

Five, there were five of them left.

Across the web of caves, Barnabas sprinted. He knew it was chasing him. The sense of dread, the hairs standing up, it was after him. His legs ached, the thing galloping close being. The narrow tunnel let up into a large cavern that stretched left and right. He stopped in the middle, staring up at a hole above that emitted sunlight.

Barnabas knew he would have to decide soon, and soon he spotted something strange to his right. Concealed by rubble and vines that stretched down from the ceiling, Barnabas spotted a straight line. He moved quickly, closing the gap and scaling the rubble. He crawled through the small gap, rolling down and hitting the floor on the other side.

The stench that had chased him grew worse, the thing waiting outside. It scoffed before sprinting off, leaving Barnabas alone. He opened his eyes, slowly rising to his feet. A hallway stretched out, the walls smooth but not stone.

It was like nothing he had ever seen before, dozens of papers lining the floor.

He bent over, picking up a piece of paper. The English took him aback and confused him. The language was familiar, but the wording and font were strange and incomprehensible. He dropped it, the paper gliding down before settling against the wall. The trim was white then grey, the roof arching slightly.

Slowly Barnabas crept forward, a sense of unease. Before he arrived here, his lantern had broken, so only the filtered light from the entrance guided him. A yellow glow emitted from the end of the hallway as he passed rolling carts full of smooth white paper.

He peeked at doors to his left and right, the rooms within filled with inky darkness. Soon he approached a metal platform, stepping on as it groaned. He peered above, a tunnel that stretched up as far as he could see. With shaky hands, he touched the yellow glow, and it clicked slightly, the platform roaring to life.

Metal gates unfolded, closing the entrance as it began to move up. Barnabas watched in awe as he was hoisted up and up and up. Eventually, it stopped, the light from outside the window ahead filtering in.

The gates opened, and he emerged into a circular room, desks placed everywhere and papers on the floor. The entire circumference of the wall was a massive dusty window, and he placed a hand on it as he took in the entire island. He could see everything from here. The field where they had set up their camp, and where they arrived.

He took two steps backward, glancing to his left. His brain ignored what he saw, but the ignoration only caused it to stick out more. He had to see. It was fuzzy and warped, and his eyes unfocused when looking at it directly. He took a step toward it, but he felt dizzy, stumbling back and getting a view of the front. Barnabas kept trying, his eyes attempting to see, but his brain not telling him what it was.

It became clear in an instant, thousands of years coming to Barnabas and causing him to fall to his knees. His mind was too small to take it all in, and blood began to seep from his ears and eyes. He let out a gasp, the back of his head beginning to feel like it was about to explode. But he couldn’t help himself, so he continued to look at it, only worsening the pain.

Barnabas fell to his side, his eyes still locked onto the small machine sitting on the rolling cart. It felt so good to know, to know everything.

Everything. It all made sense.

With Barnabas gone, only four remained. Josiah stopped as he heard yet another scream. It echoed through, continuing for a minute before slowly getting slower.

“We’ve been going straight for too long! We need to turn or something!” Isaac exclaimed as Josiah stopped to drink from a small stream of rushing water. It was almost freezing, the beverage refreshing him.

Josiah stood again as the two took after him and drank. He pulled out the map and examined it. He was attempting to head to another cave entrance that was marked on the map, but it was an aimless goal.

“I’ve been counting the screams. There are four of us left. Once it gets him, it will come for us,” Josiah said, not knowing Barnabas lay up the peak of the tallest mountain.

In the lantern light, something shown from the other side of the map. Josiah looked at it briefly before flipping the paper. It seemed to be scribbles, but on further examination, it was an unfinished map of the caves.

“Isaac!” Josiah exclaimed, grabbing his shirt and pulling him up. He showed him the map, and Isaac put two and two together, grinning as Peregrine finished his drink.

“We need to run… Can you lead the way?” Isaac questioned as Peregrine peered from behind, examining the map.

“Yes,” Josiah muttered, taking off straight. The two followed close behind, not wishing to get lost. Twists and turns were taken, each one leading the trio closer to their escape.

Josiah skidded to a halt as he almost slammed into a hanging body. His eyes widened, the unrecognizable corpse without a head or legs, strung up by its intestines, its arms stretched wide. Isaac gagged slightly as Josiah and Peregrine spotted the white skull of the beast fading out of the light’s view.

“It’s… It’s trying to keep us away from the exit!” Josiah exclaimed, tugging on Isaac’s shirt before passing it up. The others followed close behind, lugging forward as the beast’s call echoed from ahead. With one final glance at the map, Josiah tucked it into his satchel.

Turning one last corner, Josiah skidded to a stop and stared ahead. The beast stood in front of the exit, daylight pouring through and illuminating its wicked form. It stood attempting to be menacing, expecting them to run.

“It wants us to run” Isaac mumbled as a stench overcame them.

“We won’t run… We will fight,” Josiah mumbled as he gritted his teeth. As Josiah unsheathed his machete, the beast gave a surprised look, changing its menacing stance to one ready to fight.

The three of them rushed forward at once, each screaming a battle cry as it began to rush forward. Peregrine took the lead, firing his musket. The shot rang out as the beast screeched, smacking him and sending him flying and hitting the spiky wall.

It spiraled in a frenzy, Josiah timing a strike to its back. This only angered the beast, the thing leaping atop Josiah and pinning him down. Drool hit his face as he smelt its rotting breath. It stared him down but did not kill. Suddenly Isaac let out a scream as he leaped onto the thing’s back, stabbing it with his knife.

Its head shot up, its antlers almost stabbing Isaac’s eyes. Flinging him off, he hit the roof of the cave and fell, striking his head and knocking him out. Taking the chance, Josiah got to his feet and picked up his blade, standing across from the thing as the beast noticed him.

They stood against each other, both ready for the other to attack. The beast took the first strike, lunging forward. Josiah sidestepped it, slashing its eye. The thing went into a frenzy, slashing out and striking Josiah’s face.

Josiah saw a flash of white, falling to his knees and dropping his machete. His hands covered his face, warm blood filling his hands. Josiah slowly opened his eyes, focusing on the ground. He looked up at the beast as it blended in with the wall. Everything looked abnormal, everything felt flat.

“Ah-nah háálá ah-nah,” The thing said, taking Josiah aback. It spoke, the beast spoke fluently. It narrowed its vision on Josiah as it made a laughing sound. Its voice was raspy and deep, but its dialect was just like, if not better, than what he heard at the native village.

Josiah was not able to act, the thing pouncing on him in an instant. His head hit the stone, causing his body to feel weightless. It stared into his eyes, wanting fear, wanting something, but Josiah showed nothing.

He narrowed his vision, looking the thing in the eyes as he pulled out his pistol. He raised it to its chest, squeezing the trigger. Josiah had never been good at loading rifles or pistols, which is why he had others do it for him.

It exploded, sending shrapnel upward but none toward Josiah as his hand shielded him. Josiah let out an agonizing scream as did the beast, the thing standing up before falling to its side. Slowly Josiah moved his hand into view, staring at the lump of red gore.

Josiah coughed, turning to his side before pushing himself up with one hand. Stealing another glimpse at his bloodied stump, he limped toward Isaac. Pushing him over, he placed his ear on Isaac’s chest. Shooting his head up, he watched the beast retreat deeper into the caves.

He heard a gasp behind him, a disgusting wet gasp. He turned, quickly making his way to Peregrine’s side. He had been impaled by a sharp section of rock, the blood dripping down his shirt and pooling under him.

“Mama…?” Peregrine muttered as Josiah began to tear up. Peregrine swallowed the blood in his mouth, groaning as his eyes grew wet.

“No… No it’s me, it’s Josiah,” Josiah responded, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Josiah…?” He muttered, his eyes darting around the chamber they sat in.

“Yes…” Josiah muttered, watching the life slowly leave Peregrine’s eyes.

“No… Don’t turn it off… I wanna come back…” Peregrine muttered, his eyes clouding over and his head sagging down. Josiah began to cry, flinching as Isaac placed a hand on his shoulder. He rose slowly, staring at what was left of his hand before looking back up to Isaac.

“Did we beat it?” Isaac questioned, glancing down at Peregrine with tears in his eyes.

“I think so,” Josiah responded, starting toward the exit.

They pushed through the jungle, finding their way to the shores as Josiah got to know his new perspective. He touched his eye, flinching as it stung like fire. The world was now flat and bland, his mind not able to distinguish what was closer from what was farther.

As they emerged on the shores, a single raft lay in the sand, and Josiah and Isaac pulled it to the waters, paddling out to the ship. They didn’t bother to hoist it up, instead readying the boat and leaving. It wasn’t easy with two people, but soon the isle began to grow small, Josiah watching its grandeur fade into a tiny dark speck in the endless deep blue.

“Grandiosia…” Josiah muttered, Isaac turning his head.

“What…?” Isaac questioned.

“Grandiosia Isle.”

Some of the original journal entries:

“We will hunt the beast.”

“It is so smart. It threw Silas’s body at me, taking one of us. It placed a massive slab of rock at the entrance, the entrance which was lined with skulls and native text. We are trapped in its home.

“The thing drew of us, drew of my vessel. It planned this. “

“It’s picking us off one by one, screams echoing through the cavern. We will die here, but I at least have the company of Isaac and Peregrine.”

“We found its den, it’s saving me for last I fear. “

“It strung up the body of someone, he was unrecognizable. Hung with his on insides, its trying to keep us away from safety. “

“We fought and won. My pistol exploded, leaving my right hand a lump of mangled flesh. It slashed my eye, speaking in its language after. Isaac was thrown off it as he stabbed it, striking the ceiling of the cavern. Peregrine died. He– He told me not to turn it off…?”

“I know its name now. I know, it is so grand.”

“Grandiosia Isle,”

Josiah Roamer

“It’s up there, waiting. Blood seeps from every hole. It was burry at first, warped. I didn’t want to see it, but I did, and it is beautiful, its so buef– come se josij”

“Everything, everything makes sense–”

– Barnabas Charles

Prologue

Josiah and Isaac sailed through the night, arriving at a small port as the sun rose. Josiah and Isaac vowed to each other to never return, but as they parted ways, an obsession began to stir within Josiah.

He found himself dreaming of an extravagant life, building an empire for his family.  Josiah often found himself sitting on the shores, watching his boat sway in the waves. He felt a need to go back as if the island itself called to him.

One year later, he began to talk around. He said he knew of a massive island out in the gulf, an island where the soil is as rich as wine. He gathered a group of forty men and finally settled on the island.

The beast was not violent this time around, but Josiah recognized the eerie calls through the island. He planted two rows of twelve oaks, signifying the original twelve settlers. The shady oak in the middle of the field was in the center of this row of trees.

A year after the defensive castle was constructed on a smaller island, Josiah began constructing a home, built upon a star-shaped foundation at the far end of the field. Despite its ugly stone walls, the inside was akin to a palace, a home fit for a king.

All was not well though, for the island’s land and resources came into knowledge by the outside world. Josiah and his children now had a new problem, something that was ironically intertwined with his childhood. Pirates. The feud ended in the 1730s, the years before that being bloodstained.