As if on cue, a strange gravelly sound echoed across the lake. To most people it likely sounded like rocks dropping down the side of a mountain. But if someone listed carefully enough, they would realize that the noise was supposed to be a hum -- of some kind of tune, even.

The source soon became apparent as a boat glided across the water, sending smooth ripples across the horrifying surface. Gripping onto the paddle was a skeleton, its hollow eyes locking on his two new guests.

"You could let him try!" the ferryman called, mercifully breaking away from his song. "'Course, I don't recommend it if you wanna make it out of here in one piece, heheh." With that ominous chuckle, the edge of the boat bumped against the docking area.

[Jansen.]