The Pilgrim's Rest

For generations, travelers have carved their names into the wooden walls of the Pilgrim's Rest before continuing their journeys. According to an old custom, a traveler spending the night alone should carve their name before sleeping and leave a piece of firewood beside the hearth before departing.

Few remember why the tradition began. Older travelers simply say that a name left behind ensures that the road remembers who passed along it.

Among the hundreds of names covering the walls, however, some appear far older than the shelter itself.

Mystery Hook — The Name on the Wall

While resting at the shelter, one of the characters discovers their own name carved into an old ceiling beam.

The letters are deeply weathered and darkened with age, clearly carved many years ago. Beside the name is a date from long before the character was born.

Underneath are three smaller words:

“Do not follow.”

That night, footsteps begin circling the shelter.

They occasionally stop outside the door.

But whoever is walking never knocks.