21 August 1832-Lake Michigan

This afternoon a man approached me and my new companions on the bank of the Great Lake. He greeted our party and invited us onto shore for coffee. Rowdy Bennett drew his musket for caution, but the man assured us he meant no harm. We retired to his camp, where he proceeded to offer us provisions.

The fellow hails from a mountainous region in Spain, a place he describes as beautiful but very harsh to travelers. Despite his rugged origins, the man speaks mildly and packs no firearm—though he does carry a peculiar dagger made of bone. His body is heavily marked with tattoos.

O’Brien inquired about the fellow’s name. He addressed himself as Ignatio.

We asked about his tattoos, but he seemed intent on exhibiting an archaic scroll rolled inside a covering of dried brown leather. He explained that the scroll is quite valuable, a “treasure map” of sorts, written in an ancient tongue. When Isaiah pressed the man on what sort of treasure could be discovered, the Spaniard held up his bone dagger for all to see.

“There are many secrets hidden in the world,” Ignatio said. “This cuchillo, for instance. Within this blade lies a kind of salvation. I can take you to more objects like it, if you so desire. The scroll can show us the way.”

The Spaniard spoke of a traveling partner nearby, one he referred to only as “the Reverend.” This partner is searching for a team and may wish to offer the six of us a proposition. “The Reverend is a great man,” Ignatio explained. “He has shown me many splendid things, and if you heed his teachings, you will learn secrets undreamed.”

—R.J.