During the 19th century along the valley of the Erie Canal, a series of unexplainable deaths have occurred. Meanwhile miles to the east, young Ned Spicer is about to experience life on the canal. His father has recently purchased a canal boat for the purpose of carrying goods to the towns of the west, deep into the heart of the cursed valley. As they travel toward the center of the odd and peculiar incidents, father and son join up with a donkey with unusual powers, a pretty young girl named Anise, a witch who can read the future, a priest, a sheriff and a young shaman spirit guide. The adventures of Ned and Ashtabula climax in a scene that in a scene that smells of revenge and brimstone endangering some of their loved ones. Terror, fear and superstition permeate the story.

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