In the suffocating gloom of a rotting hut, Jack wakes to the oppressive weight of poverty and the ragged breathing of his brother, Thomas. Life here is defined by dry corn cakes, stiff hemp sleeves, and the crushing burden of firewood that threatens to snap his spine. Yet, in the darkness behind his eyes, Jack sees not the mountain’s despair, but gold coins and wide streets—a greedy, clawing hunger for escape. When a well-dressed uncle arrives with tales of wealth and status from a distant city,