Unfinished chapter of Terra Incognita
by Jacob Van Ostadte.

A hitherto unpublished fragment of the manuscript, unearthed following indications furnished in the Vatican library’s Expurgatory Index.

In those icy and unwelcoming lands, the rites of wizards and healers are deeply rooted in ancient legend. Mysterious and cruel beings are thought to have ruled over the Arctic plains in times past. A cursed city, enclosed by massive walls, is believed to stand to this day. It contains fabulous treasures and is inhabited by the degenerate descendants of those who instilled centuries of terror in the hearts of the people.

These people, naturally placid, are seized with rage and horror at the very mention of the “Prisoners of the Ice”. Were these dreadful captives to be freed from their frozen cells, they would reap a horrifying tribute of human flesh. These blood-curdling beings may be invoked by certain ritual words. They can even be controlled, albeit with the greatest of difficulty.

I admit to being impressed by these tales, repeated to me on many occasions ''and in a number of different places during my travels in the region. I have also seen troubling cult objects, sculpted in a material unknown to me. Another remarkable fact is that local Eskimos experience great distaste in pronouncing certain words and invariably avoid saying them.

Here is a living example of the power that words contain. As it is said in the Bible: In the beginning was the word.