Chapter 5

Chapter Five:

A scratched journal recovered from the hands of a dead hunter found within Mammon’s Gulch. Presumed to belong to the ringmaster of the local circus, Post Malone. 

May 7th, 1896:

I have finally earned enough to bring on some more acts. Two clowns that I have nicknamed Chum and Winky. Chum should go well with our blade thrower while Winky can man the other games. They should be a perfect edition to make others smile.

June 16th, 1896: 

Bought a pair of tamed bears from a port off in California. Stated that they were from the personal court of the Tzar in Russia and had been their performers. But they were having a hard time, so they sold it. I don’t believe the hogwash that goes around parts of these towns, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. And since they are now adults, they will be able to understand certain commands. Still deciding on a name.

July 1st, 1896:

Seems that the law has not been too kind to us. I get that the bears or clowns might scare them, but it’s not a reason to accuse us of disappearances that happened around some shanty town we just visited. Let alone heckle my employees. It’s a shame we had to move on. I tried to console Chum, but he kept insisting it was fine and smiled. 

July 18th 1896: 

A fellow named Bradbury showed up at the end of one of my shows tonight after another heckling from law enforcement. He stated that he carried an assortment of refreshing beverages and tonics that would help others. He also mentioned something that would bring wonder and mystery to my acts: the HelioStone. A tale was spun about ghosts, demons, being conjured by historical figures. Healing from forest fires, rain pointing them in directions of their enemy, and sights of another world of the dead. I had to admit that I was intrigued by the man’s promises. I asked what he wanted his cut, but he smiled and shook his head. I still remember his words as I fall asleep on the road. “A price can’t be put on entertainment, my friend.”