The Charcoal Camp

Charcoal burners have worked this clearing for generations, often spending long stretches alone in the forest while watching over the slow-burning piles. The work requires constant attention, particularly at night, when a damaged mound can ignite and destroy days of work.

Those who stay at the camp tell stories of seeing figures beyond the firelight. Most are easily explained as other workers, drifting smoke or trees moving in the darkness. One story, however, appears again and again: sometimes a charcoal burner returns from checking the piles to find another person sitting beside the fire.

The stranger never speaks and is always covered in soot from head to toe.

Older workers say there is no reason to disturb them. Leave an empty place beside the fire, finish your work, and by morning they will be gone.

Mystery Hook — The Unattended Kiln

When the charcoal burners return after several days away, they discover that one of the old charcoal piles has been lit.

Someone has tended it perfectly. The vents have been adjusted, fresh earth has been packed over the surface, and a neat stack of firewood waits nearby.

None of the workers admit to starting it.

Beside the nearest hut, they find a set of soot-blackened footprints leading toward the forest.

There are none leading into the camp.