The wolf trail

In a smoky London tavern, a rag‑clad young man named Bill listens to the raucous chatter of a boisterous publican, a weary bargee, and a gaunt thief awaiting a coal boat. Their conversations swirl around “dogsnose” – a mulled ale that offers a fleeting comfort to exiles and dreamers alike – while Bill’s eyes flicker with restless longing. The cramped, fire‑lit room becomes a crucible for his yearning to break free from the soot‑soaked streets and seek a new life across the sea.

When a chance encounter with a weather‑worn sailor hints at a vessel bound for the untamed reaches of British Oregon, Bill’s resolve sharpens. He is drawn to the promise of open horizons, wild rivers, and the chance to forge his own destiny far from the oppressive clamor of London. The first leg of his journey sets the stage for an adventure that will test his courage, loyalty, and the very notion of freedom.