Chapter 1

It was a late summer day. The sun was slowly descending behind the treeline of the far pine trees. The small chirping blue birds flew in front of the pink hue of the sky.

Sun rays struggling to make it past the thick forest of pines that lay 50 meters away on the side of the broken down road.

A mini-van, maroon of colour sped on the beaten down road. Windows rolled down, music pushing its way out from the vehicle.

Our narrator's name for this story is Jakob. He is a student that isn't too bright at school subjects. But what he lacks in academics he makes up in instinct and deduction ability.

He tagged along with his four other friends since they were all going to different colleges to study for their jobs.

They sang together in a cheery manner. They laughed and told stories of their times together. They proceeded to talk and laugh for the remaining time that it took to get to the resort.

As they neared the booking house they saw a large Strangler Figs in the front garden which was surrounded by two fences. The outer wall was constructed of stones which were stacked and interlocked. They had moss and vines growing on them which gave it an old feeling to it.

The inner fence was made of the same wood the center tree was. It was gray and surrounded the whole tree, roots included. The wood seemed to be in good condition, as if someone regularly maintained it.

They drove up to the car park which was to the left of the tree. It was empty excluding four other cars. They could have been the staff's or other travellers.

Richard slowly and carefully parked the car in which they had driven in. The five quickly jumped out of the car to stretch their legs. They were stuck in that little vehicle since they set off five hours previous.

Richard walked to the boot of the car with Jessica and Michael to get their luggage. They brought large briefcases which were stuffed to the brim with clothes.

Jakob and Samantha brought all they needed in their hiking backpacks. They figured they didn't need much for a five day trip.

Richard, Jessica and Michael walked to the edge of the car park where they were greeted by a thick wall of trees which surrounded the whole resort. It was still pine trees.

Jakob walked closer to the Strangler Fig in the centre of the garden. A small well sat underneath the tree where a cup and a metal bucket were sat down at the edge of it. The bucket was tied with a flimsy and skinny chain to the wheel which was used to lower the bucket to get the water.

The well itself was made of small brick-shaped gray stones which were stacked and interlocked to maintain the shape. Just above the well was a sign which was worn down, possibly by weathering and the passing of time. Jakob could not make out what it said.

Richard yelled out the name of Jakob and Samantha, calling them so they could enter and check in for their rooms.

They strode about twenty meters. The entrance had no windows. The sides were covered by tall hedges and vines. A stone path sat at the bottom of the shrubbery which led to behind the entrance building.

The door was made of Banyan wood. Its design seemed foreign. It intrigued Jakob to the point of which he took out his camera to capture a photo to research it later.

The path on which they walked on was a mixture of wood chips and gravel with bits of granite and andesite. It was an odd colour pallet but it didn't seem to bother anyone.

The five arrived at the entrance to the place which would accommodate them for the next five days. The reviews were great and it's peaceful and quiet.

A perfect place, for a crime to be committed.