Hobart-Invitation of Adventure-ExplorationWilliam Downes is invited by Rourke to be part of a mysterious and secretive expedition. Downes goes to Hobart where he learns that he is to journey to Antarctica to map the uncharted east coast.

Rourke’s Character RevealedDownes begins to understand that Rourke is secretive, has a bad reputation with sailors, is rich and that he oddly criticises Antarctic explorers rather than celebrating their achievements.

The Raven-Journey BeginsThe Raven is the name of the metal plated ship that will take the exploration party to Antarctica. It is designed to cut through ice and Downes finds its appearance menacing and frightening.

Jimmy James killed onboard- Rourke denies attendance to funeralJimmy James and Dick Ryan have a drunken fight one night in Hobart. The following day whilst the crew is loading a heavy wooden beam onto the Raven, crew member Jimmy James is pinned between the beam and the side of the ship. His skull is shattered. Rourke calls for the crew to move on from the event. This spells the beginning of Rourke’s mismanagement of his crew.

The Raven Sails Silently South-Christmas DayAt last the Raven is ready to leave. She does so silently and unannounced in the night; an eerie beginning to the voyage. The crew celebrate Christmas Day on board the ship. Eaton remarks that this is the last time that Downes communicates real optimism in his journal.

A Storm-Ivan is Thrown Overboard-No Rescue Attempt Made-Piotre Grieves When a storm hits, Ivan the Russian dog handler is flung overboard. Contrary to normal convention, Rourke denies a search party. Piotre is overcome with grief and sedated with morphine by the doctor.

Ivan Drowns

Rourke’s Control-Tension Rises Amongst Crew

Rourke threatens his crew and tension begins between Downes and Randolph Lawson, the photographer and Alex, the meteorologist.

Two Crewmates Lost at Sea-Dog dies-InjuryIn yet another storm, two crewmates and a dog are flung overboard,. Per Peterson’s arm is almost torn off by strong winds. Boats and timber for the Antarctic hut are thrown overboard to lessen the load of the ship.

Icebergs Sited

The Raven passes icebergs; a reminder of how great and ominous the wilderness is and how insignificant man is when compared. They approach the coast of Antarctica.

Chess Analogy

Alex raises the idea that the ship’s crew are like pieces of a chessboard. They all have limitations of power, must be strategic and want to survive.

Raven Reaches Ice Pack-Conflict Amongst CrewThe ship reaches the ice pack and enters, however she is sailing west rather than east. The Captain declares to Rourke that he will not do anything that he considers unsafe or too risky. Rourke therefore threatens anyone who challenges his authority with being locked in the brig.

The Brig

Ship Running Low on Coal-Questions of Leadership

It becomes clear that the ship will run out of coal before they reach their goal. Captain Smythe-Davis asks Downes to take on the role of leader if Rourke becomes too crazy.

Piotre and Rourke Fight-Piotre Locked in Brig

Piotre refuses to manage the dogs. Rourke pushes him and shouts at him. Piotre attempts to stab him and is consequently locked in the brig.

Piotre’s Identity Revealed to Downes

Downes discovers that Piotre is the son of Ivan and only 15 years old, hence his misery at losing his father. Randolph Lawson watches over the boy and is a Russian speaker.

Journal Pages Missing. ???

Downes Dropped From TeamOwing to Downes’ continual (common sense?) challenging of Rourke’s authority, he is officially dropped from the expedition team to the continent.

Storm-Piotre’s Attempted Suicide?

Another storm. Piotre is found in the brig in a pool of his own blood. He is tended to by the doctor.

Still Stuck In Ice PackAfter three months, the ship is still stationary in the ice pack. The crew attempt to move her by blowing up the ice, but to no avail. The summer ends, and Rourke wants to spend the entire winter waiting again for summer so that they can complete the mission.

Piotre Disappears

Piotre leaves the brig. Rourke orders a search party to hunt for him.

The Ice ManDoctor Dalby, then Alex, then other men believe that they see a figure out on the ice. He becomes known as the Ice Man. The crew is filled with fear and paranoia.

Dogs DisappearThe dogs disappear. The mission can never be completed without them. Rourke orders another search party and those close to him are issued with pistols to shoot the possible ‘traitor’ who set them free.

Rourke’s New Rules-Piotre As ScapegoatRourke orders that no one is allowed to leave the ship unaccompanied. He tells them that Piotre is the Ice Man and that he is the traitor or set the dogs free. The silent, unseen, deadly enemy, that is fear, haunts the crew.

Coal FinshesWhen the coal finally runs out, death becomes closer to them all.

Lawson Wants Downes to Take Control

Lawson discusses leadership and mutiny with Downes. Downes will never agree.

Per Peterson Dies

More Death

Three crewmen go missing.

Dogs Heard Howling-Sledge and Food Stolen-New Man Hunt

The dogs can often be heard close by to the ship; an eerie reminder of the possible Ice Man or traitor. A sledge and food is stolen and Rourke consequently orders another man hunt for Piotre.

Refusal To Follow Orders-PunishmentLawson and Downes refuse to hunt for Piotre. They are subsequently forced to remain on the ice for 24 hours without assistance. Lawson becomes hyperthermic – near death for both men. Downes believes he sees the Ice Man.

Blizzard-Piotre FoundDuring a blizzard the ship’s mast falls. After it is over, Piotre’s body is found close by. Cause of death: blow to the head. Time of death unknown. Murder? Accident?

Ice Man Gone

In spite of the terrible situation, the remaining men are relieved and unafraid since the Ice Man has gone.

Rourke No Longer Responsible-Food StolenRourke remains in his cabin, in denial of the situation and refuses to lead. Downes sees a man creep onto the side of the ship to steal food. He leaves some out for him to try to save him.

DeathAnother crewman disappears. And Randolph. The doctor dies. Three more leave the ship. Doug dies. Then James. Then Alex. And Henry dies.

Ice Man Comes To DownesDownes awakens in his cabin to the face of the Ice Man. “You’re free” he tells Downes. Downes finds Rourke dead in his cabin, bleeding over his maps and leaves the ship. He hopes to find the others and return to safety. He walks out into the while silence.