A Field in England

In the midst of the English Civil War, Whitehead, an alchemist's assistant, finds himself in grave danger under the watchful eye of Commander Trower. Just as hope seems lost, a rugged soldier named Cutler intervenes, bravely confronting and eliminating Trower, allowing Whitehead to flee to safety.

As they travel together, Whitehead and Cutler come across two deserters, the seasoned Jacob and the naive Friend. This unexpected band of four forms a camaraderie and sets out in search of an ale house that Cutler claims is just nearby, fostering a sense of shared adventure amidst the chaos of war.

Instead of reaching the ale house, Cutler leads the group to a strange field filled with mushrooms. Here, he prepares a meal using the fungi and encourages the others to partake in the feast, while Whitehead abstains due to his fasting, setting the stage for looming chaos.

After their meal, the group stumbles upon the cunning Irishman, the Wizard O'Neill, who emerges as a rival to Whitehead’s master. O'Neill quickly asserts his dominance, claiming he knows the location of hidden treasure in the field, enticing the group with the promise of wealth.

O'Neill coerces Whitehead into becoming a human divining rod to locate the treasure. Utilizing Whitehead’s alchemical skills, they soon discover that the treasure lies nearby, increasing tensions among the group as greed and desperation begin to surface.

As the group begins digging for the treasure, Jacob succumbs to the influence of the hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to a disastrous conflict where he attacks Friend. The situation spirals further when Cutler's attempt to laugh off the chaos results in an accidental injury to Friend, marking a turning point in their journey.

As Friend lies dying after the accidental injury, he delivers a bitter message of resentment towards his wife, highlighting his internal struggles and regrets. This moment deeply affects the group, particularly Whitehead, who mourns the loss and feels compelled to discreetly hide Friend's body amidst rising tensions.

In an altered state induced by the mushrooms, Whitehead conjures a chaotic storm that wreaks havoc on O'Neill's camp. The surreal experience reflects the internal and external chaos among the group as distrust grows and alliances become increasingly fragile.

Cutler confronts O'Neill, accusing him of deceit regarding the treasure. The heated exchange escalates rapidly, culminating in O'Neill's violent retaliation, leaving Cutler dead and adding to the dread that has overtaken the group.

In the aftermath of Cutler's death, Whitehead and Jacob gather weapons from Cutler's arsenal to prepare for an impending assault. The remaining band members brace themselves for a conflict that feels inevitable, underscoring the loss and betrayal felt within their ranks.

A violent skirmish breaks out when O'Neill shoots Jacob, but in a moment of courage, Jacob fatally wounds O'Neill. The battle starkly illustrates the often tragic consequences of their desperate quest for treasure and the breakdown of their makeshift brotherhood.

As Jacob succumbs to his injuries, he reflects on the true treasure being the bond they shared, delivering a poignant message on love and friendship just before his demise. This moment encapsulates the tragic loss felt by the remaining survivors.

In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Friend tries to use Cutler's pike against O'Neill but ultimately meets his end at O'Neill's hands. His demise adds to the mounting tragedy and underscores the futility of their violent quest for wealth.

Seizing an opportunity during O'Neill's moment of vulnerability, Whitehead shoots him from behind, ending his tyrannical hold over the group. This act signifies a shift in power but raises ethical questions about revenge and survival within a broken alliance.

After the dust settles, Whitehead solemnly buries his fallen comrades in the very ground they sought to claim for treasure. Dressed in O'Neill's clothes, he gathers his master's stolen documents and retraces his steps, ultimately witnessing a magical vision of friendship as he steps through the hedge.