Lazyguys Presents
The Hunt:
Challenge Series
Road to Chicaza: Challenge #8
2 Points
2 Guess Limit
“The Second Warning”
De Soto expedition - Central Alabama, Fall 1540
The heat has faded from the days. The air bites more at night, and the wind moves differently through the trees.
Another set of messengers came this morning.
They stood at the edge of the trail, just where the woods began to thin.
Not the same ones we saw before, but of the same kind — tall, proud, and silent longer than they needed to be.
They said Chief Tuskaloosa waited for us. That we would be received in his town of Atahachi.
No mention of tribute. No apology for delay.
Only the statement, and the space it left behind.
De Soto took it as a sign of respect. He gave the order to press on — said the road would open for us now.
He may be right.
The path ahead grows clearer.
But the silence does not.
To Be Continued…
The second group of messengers delivered the following message to De Soto on the road to Atahachi. On the surface, it reads like a respectful welcome:
Be assured, the Chief awaits with honor.
Every need will be met before your arrival.
We have prepared the way without delay.
All eyes look forward to your coming.
Rest will be offered at the gates of the town.
Expect nothing but respect.