Layers of dirt were swirled from the chest with a wet rag to reveal strange designs and an inscription.

         A precious treasure lies within, 
         Rich beyond imagining. 
         For those who seek a better day, 
         The pure of heart must lead the way. 
         The days will all be long and cold, 
         If you nourish body but not soul. 
         There's more to life than flesh and bone, 
         We cannot live by bread alone.   

When Maddie fell asleep that night, the painted chest and the strange things within it filled her dreams. Before the village awoke, she slipped from her bed and returned to the fields. She might never have found her way in that time of dark shapes and shadows, but the chest cast a soft glow in the half-light, and she climbed the rocks towards it. Over and over, Maddie tried to pull the chest free, but she could not do it alone ..."