107 [Bonus chapter]It festers

Led by the ticket inspector, Xander and his companions arrived at a cozy executive cabin furnished with pinewood tables, cushioned black seats, and silver-plated candle stands.

"Please enjoy the journey and if you need anything at all, just ring the bell," the ticket inspector said, tipping his black-rimmed cap before taking their leave and returning to his other duties.

Moments later, the train started with a slight jerk, rolling out of the platform and leaving Marhold behind. The gentle chugging of the steam engine as it puffed out wispy clouds of smoke drowned the sounds of nature, scaring away the Gray Bison grazing nearby and sending the Red-nosed Rabbits scampering to the safety of their burrows.

As the train gathered speed, there was a gradual transition from dying brown to dusky orange. The Eastern Sunset Maples and White Chokeberry Trees painted the undulating plains in tangerine hues, dappled with spots of yellowing green.