Excerpts from the Journal of Archibald Fitzgerald
Monday, September 23d, 1866
Outside of Three Saints Bay, Kodiak Island, Russian America
Concluded the purchase of two sled dogs and dried salmon with some Russian fur traders. They demanded a high price, but then there are precious few white men to trade with in this part of the island. My brother Zebulon says we should head north and east, toward Kodiak, but I maintain that we should head for the esquimaux village of Uyak-Sak.
If there is gold on this island as I believe, I think it more likely that the savages will tell us than the Russians. While the natives are, like most of their kind, simple and gullible, the Russians are not so easily fooled.
“I thought this story was going to be about the discovery of Eyrn?” Captain Bass asked, curiously.
“Ya want I should let you tell it, ‘er are ya gonna shut up’n listen?” Darren groaned, rubbing his temples agitatedly.
“My apologies.” Captain Bass grinned and set his hands neatly before him.)
Wednesday, October 3d, 1866
West of Kodiak, Kodiak Island, Russian America
O, had I not allowed my brother to convince me that we should head to Kodiak! Winter has arrived early, and the going is slow. We have had to feed much of the salmon to the dogs, as they cannot subsist on hardtack as we can. I remember fighting at Gettysburg, sweating like a pig and dreaming of the cold winters in St. Anthony. But even in Minnesota, winter waits for the start of November.
Still, we push on, we are close to Kodiak, and there we will be able to restock our provisions.
“You realize it is not critical that you engage in every minor detail of this story, however interesting those details may be?” Pryvani interrupted Darren as he weaved his tale within a tale.
“Yer as bad as Capt’n Bass ya know that?” Darren let out a heavy sigh.
“Sorry, please go on.” Pryvani withheld an amused chuckle.
“I’d have this story told three times over if you didn’t insist on cutting me off all the dang time!” Darren grumbled as he went on pulling the memories from the recesses of his mind.
Friday, October 9th, 1866
Kodiak, Kodiak Island, Russian America
We purchased a new rifle and more provisions, as well as a sled and some furs. It set us back quite a bit, but Zeb insists that one must spend money to make money. The Russians all say no gold exists on this island, but I find that hard to believe. There is gold in San Francisco and British Columbia; it only stands to reason there is gold in Alaska too. I cannot fault them for not wishing to tell us; I believe I have convinced Zeb to go west, but I fear we only have a few weeks more to survey the land before we must hole up for the winter.
“So these men, soldiers?” Aerti spoke up, much to Darren’s dismay.
“Nope, they were frontiersmen. Early on ya’see young men hardly old enough’t tie their own shoes would set out to make a life fer themselves. These were the folk what tamed our great nation. The Fitzgerald brothers were nineteen and twenty three, Archie was the oldest. Bit early for the great gold rush of 1896, but what they did find was a far bit more valuable me’thinks.”
Saturday, October 24th, 1866
North Shore of Kodiak Island, Russian America
Once again, our provisions are growing scarce; I have taken Zuma, the bitch we bought at Three Saints Bay, and we have set out to hunt. It is my suspicion that there are bears in this area, one of which would be enough to feed us for some time.
Sunday, October 25th, 1866
I have shot a bear, and done some butchering of it; unfortunately, I have been unable to locate Zeb. I tracked True North as I had set out, but have come to the shore and have not found him. Have made a fire out of driftwood and at least will eat well tonight.
Tuesday, October 27th, 1866
Still no sign of Zeb. Beginning to become concerned. Am heading back inland, hoping to retrace my steps; perhaps he had gone searching for me.
“How is it you remember these journals in such vivid detail Sergeant Avery?” Pryvani spoke up as she ran her hand along the metallic rail that gated off the great glistening waterfall.
“Ah’ve read em over and over…just find them interesting is all.” Darren shrugged, studying his feet bashfully.
“She has read them I take?” Pryvani asked with thought.
“Mhmmm.” Darren mumbled.
“And she never figured out she was not of your world?” Pryvani pried.
“Well, we omitted certain parts ya’see.” Darren wrung his hands together.
“Whatever for?” Pryvani’s expression dropped.
“Jus’let me finish the story alright?” Darren mumbled, with much less ire in his voice.
Thursday, October 28th, 1866
Kodiak Island, Russian America
The events of the past day have been astounding, and I am still not sure that I believe them.
I took Zuma inland in the direction of the bear that we had killed. We had good luck – we passed the carcass of the creature along the way, and saw with good cheer that it had been further butchered – the cuts were clearly made by a knife, leading me to think that indeed, Zeb had come this way. My suspicions were confirmed not two hours later, when we came upon our sled, as well as Laika, the other sled dog. There was no sign of Zeb, however.
I called out to him, and began to search in earnest; the weather was turning for the worse, and I feared both of us might die of exposure if I did not seek shelter soon. I called out one more time, and heard him reply, sounding distant and terrified.
I raced to a rocky crevasse, and peered down in, lighting a lantern to better apprehend what I was seeing. There, in the depths of the cavern, was Zeb, his eyes wide. He called up to me, and demanded that I fix a rope and climb down, so that I might verify his sanity.
Having stood shoulder-to-shoulder with my brother on Cemetary Ridge, I knew him to be a man of sober countenance, not given to histeria or idle fear. And so, finding a rock that would bear my weight, I clambered down into the chamber, first lowering the lamp to Zeb.
What I beheld there defied explanation. It was not the work of mortal man, at least, none that I know of. For when I reached Zeb, I apprehended that I had not reached the floor of the cavern. Rather, I had alighted on the surface of an enormous object, which upon further inspection proved to have the form of a chair. I dared not imagine what sort of creature may have need of such a repose, and yet I felt compelled to investigate further.
I bade Zeb to climb out and fetch the rifle, and lower it down to me; I then climbed down to the floor, and with the lantern lit, went further into the chamber.
It was not much further that I saw them – three towers of metal, each taller than any building I have ever seen. One was lit softly with lights of red and green, but I could see no source of ignition for their fires. This chamber was cool to the touch. The other two were unlit and warm, at least relatively. As I worked my way around, I saw that there was a tremendous wall of glass on the back of the towers. I looked into the first of the towers, and my soul cried in terror, for in that chamber were the bones of a creature the likes of which I had never seen. It appeared human, but such a human as David slew, or perhaps those that Jonathan Swift wrote of. The skull itself was taller than I am; I shivered, imagining the being in life.
The second chamber was much as the first; it occurred to me that this may be a burial chamber for a long-dead species of human, one vastly larger than ourselves. But then, I came to the lighted tower, and I am not ashamed to admit, I ran away in terror, calling to Zeb to help me out of the cavern. For in that tower, frozen as if in ice, was a child – a child large enough to destroy an army.
When my heart’s palpitations subsided, I took pains to record the spot as best I could. I do not know what exactly we have found, but it seems to me it may be a great deal more valuable than gold.
I went back into the chamber, and recovered an item from the ruins; it was a stylus of some kind, with writing on it that I did not recognize. We brought it back up, as proof of our story. We will head back to Kodiak, and send word to San Francisco. I know not if we will be believed, but I feel sure that we two alone cannot adequately explore this cave – especially should there prove to be live creatures of a kind with the dead.
Darren set the butt of his cigar down and stomped it out, looking up to Captain Bass with a solemn look. “Best guess is the parents rigged their pods to give out b’fore hers. Ah mean…it’s what any of us would do so it jus’ makes sense.”
Aertimus nodded, while studying Darren intently. “I can’t imagine how terrifying this discovery must have been for those men. They had no idea at the time they were making contact first contact with an alien race.”
“They weren’t as dumb as ya think. I figure Zeb figured it out….” Darren shrugged.
“The Stylus, any idea what it was?” Aerti inquired.
“Dunkknow…never saw it nor any of the other shit they pulled outta that wreckage. Funny, they trust me wit’ the twat, but never let me see none of the toys they had t’play with.” Darren stifled a laugh.
“My best guess form the brief disctiption is perhaps a stylus for a mobile communications pad. Especially if her parents were working in colder climates, a stylus was better fitted for such, when one’s own fingers were best kept under warm gloves.” Aerti chuckled.
“Heh, makes sense.” Darren laughed.
Friday, December 21st, 1866
Kodiak, Russian America
Was surprised to receive a visitor from the Army, sent by Secretary Seward himself. According to Lt. Lewis Jones, the package we sent, including the stylus and details of the cave, were transmitted from our friend Hezekiah Jordan to a local government office, which telegrammed Washington. Over the next few days, the Army took possession of the stylus and information, and paid Hezekiaha to maintain his silence.
Lt. Jones says he has brought some native guides and a few soldiers to verify the veracity of our statements; should we prove to be correct, he has promised us each $25,000. Can you imagine? We could return home, and live in luxury.
Though it is the dead of winter, we are nevertheless heading out as soon as the weather breaks; according to Jones, time is of the essence, and we dare not dilly-dally.
Monday, December 31st, 1866
West of Kodiak, Kodiak Island, Russian America
We have set out for the cavern, despite the bitter cold. Our scout from East Canada, Jean-Jacques Guyon, believes that the worst has passed, and that if we move quickly we will reach our destination in six days, and the most experienced esquimaux guide agrees. All told there are fourteen of us, including Zeb, myself, the lieutenant, Guyon and another Canadian named Elis who hails from Windsor, two American soldiers, and seven savages.
Friday, January 4th, 1867
Kodiak Island, Russian America
We are nearing the cavern. I must confess, there is a part of me that fears I dreamt what I saw there. Only the fact that Zeb remembers the chair keeps me from doubting my own sanity. It does not help that it is dark most all the day here; we have but six hours of sunlight, in which the sun barely crests the horizon.
Sunday, January 6th, 1867
Near the Cavern of the Giants, Kodiak Island, Russian America
We are close now. We have made camp near the remains of the bear I slew, and wait with trepidation for tomorrow. So many thoughts vex me that I can hardly rest. I no longer fear being found insane. Far greater is the terror that some of those creatures may be there, awake. If they are, no doubt they will be angered by our incursion, and should they take up arms, none of us shall survive. Should this be my last entry, and should anyone find this log, I urge you to please, for your own safety, take caution before you seek out this crypt of titans.
Monday, January 8th, 1867
The Cavern of the Giants, Kodiak Island, Russian America
Two days we have been here, and it seems that each hour brings a new wonder. The natives say that this is a sacred place, that these spirits once walked among them, and I cannot say them nay.
The girl child – for she is clearly a child, of perhaps two or three – looms over the cave. I must confess, despite her immensity I feel some sadness for her; though I had not considered it before, William Elis comments that he thinks it likely the two decomposed giants were her parents. Whether the girl is alive is a cause of some debate, and none of us feels certain whether she is preserved, asleep, or frozen. We know only that once one accounts for her vast size, she appears to be a pleasant child, with a gay smile permanently frozen onto her face.
What other things we have found have led us to wonder if these creatures be gods, or a race of men so far advanced that we can but wonder at their accomplishments. Though much of the cave lies in ruin, there are devices of many types that still function, including a means of illumination that gives off no heat, but burns as bright as the sun, filling the cavern with light.
We will depart here in three days; Lt. Jones says that Mr. Seward will be most interested in our find. I had not known, but it seems the Russians have been interested in selling this territory for some time. We have all been sworn to secrecy, and told to tell no-one what we have found, for if other nations knew of our find, they would no doubt seek to bid on this territory. With a firm promise of $25,000 in hand, and a patriot’s soul, I should not think of betraying my country.
“Something strikes me, you said the natives saw that place as sacred, and that the spirits once walked among them?” Pryvani spoke up with a feeling of conviction and passion she was not doing a good job of masking.
“Best we can figure is they saw Eyrn and her folks like Gods. Worshiped them ‘er something like that.” Darren shrugged. “Makes sense, as when ya look at it, most religions ‘er based at least somewhat on fact. To a buncha folk living in tents and igloo’s, ya’ll would seem like nothing less than Gods.” Darren spoke simply, with a dismissive tone.
“I see.” Pryvani nodded, she seemed a fair bit more distracted now.
“Something wrong Perklyani?” Darren asked.
“No…no please go on. I’m sorry for interrupting you.” Pryvani smiled weakly as she peered over to Darren. “Just thinking is all….”
Thursday, April 4th, 1867
St. Anthony, Minnesota
Word reached us today that the United States has concluded a treaty to purchase Russian America for more than $7 million dollars. My neighbor, Ole Johnson, complains of the vast sum and asks me what there could be worth such a remarkable amount of money. I bite my tongue. Knowing what we have found, I cannot believe that my nation has won such a prize so cheaply.
Friday, October 18th, 1867
St. Anthony, Minnesota
It hardly seems possible that a year ago, Zeb and I were wandering along the North Shore of Kodiak Island, searching for gold. Today, I am given to understand that Old Glory is being raised in Sitka, Alaska – Alaska being the new name for Russian America.
Not coincidentally, Zeb and I have received a request from Capt. Jones, asking if we would re-enlist in the Army, and join him in Kodiak. Though his communication did not say anything specifically, we both took his meaning. Though it may be foolish, neither one of us can pass on this adventure. The mystery of the frozen giant and her tomb is simply too great for us to ignore.
As I will have little need for it in the interim, I have invested my money in the St Paul & Pacific railroad, and Zeb has invested with a man named Washburn, who has built a milling operation on the falls. It is our hope that these investments will flourish in our absence.
Friday, April 2d, 1868
Ft. Arula-Ak, Alaska Territory
We have arrived in good spirits, and have begun the task of securing the perimeter around the cavern. Our detachment is not officially in Alaska. According to the Secretary of the War, Mr. Stanton, we are officially patrolling the border in the northern part of Washington Territory. This is powerful strange stuff, but Mr. Stanton has made clear that what has been found so far in the cavern is technology the likes of which the world has never seen. I do not know how that can be possible, as it is here, plain as day. Zeb suggests that perhaps the girl and her parents flew here from Mars or Venus. I find this preposterous, but then, I have no better explanation.
Our duty is to guard the small fort here while equipment is brought in to clear the cavern. The items are to be brought back to Washington for study.
Monday, September 5th, 1868
Ft. Arula-Ak, Alaska Territory
We have begun preparations for the winter in earnest. We have brought in sufficient provisions to survive the long cold, and our unit of ten soldiers, fifteen savages, and four men of science are in good spirits. Professor Carey jokes that after long winters in Madison, Wisconsin, he is not afraid of similar in Alaska; Zeb and I have told him that he would not even survive a winter in St. Anthony.
Capt. Jones, being native to Missouri, says we are all daft for living in the northern climes, but it is, as ours with Josiah Carey, a harmless sport. All of us are more disturbed by the prospect of spending the winter with the frost giant; may she slumber the cold months away, and more important, may her grandparents not seek her out this year.
“You keep referring to this certain group of people as “savages” — were they a different race than that of your own? I don’t understand.” Captain Bass stroked his chin and narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
Darren took a sigh and paused a moment to phrase his words carefully. “Cap, my people ain’t perfect neither. Let’s just say we dun got a very good history when it comes’t treating those less advanced than ourselves very well…something our species have in common?” Darren looked up to Aertimus, there was no joy or amusement in his eyes. “Even when the ones we’re treating poorly jus’ so happen’t be our own damn kind.”
Captain Bass nodded. “The similarities continue to amaze me…please go on.”)
Wednesday, August 3rd, 1870
Ft. Arula-Ak, Alaska Territory
We were pleased to see Josiah Carey return, his wife Phebe in tow, to further investigate the site. Phebe Carey is, we are told, quite a learned woman in her own right, and a teacher at the Madison Women’s Academy. We have teased the Professor that he could not bear to be without his wife for the winter, but then, all of us would dearly love to have wives here through the long and bitter cold. Zeb and I have both agreed that we are nearing the end of our natural curiosity.
Wednesday, May 1st, 1872
Ft. Arula-Ak, Alaska Territory
Two more days, and Zeb and I shall head to Kodiak, to begin our journey home. I do not envy the new soldiers who have arrived to take our place, but it is time for us to live the rest of our lives. Prof. Carey has asked us to look on his wife and son should our travels take us to Madison; it is not on the way, but Josiah is a dear friend, and Phebe a fine woman. We shall endeavor to make the time regardless.
Thursday, May 2d, 1872
Ft. Arula-Ak, Alaska Territory
Disaster struck today, or perhaps a miracle occurred. We are all vexed as what to call it. All I can say is that I am more confused than I have been at any point since I fell into the cavern six years ago.
The frost giant is awake.