Once picking a weapon, we carried camping gear and duffle bags of clothing and other personal items, beginning the hike up the mountain. Along the way, however, Marxus turned to everyone, dispersing the new coats and boots he and Thomas had purchased; they were warmer and nicely styled in lighter colors of tan and blue for the men, and pink and purple for the young women.
Before Sarah could complain, I called dibs on the purple coat, because there was no way in Hell, I was going to wear a hot-pink coat!
Looking at her, she groaned, watching as Yzavela shrugged, then she shook out the pink coat.
“Where’s the rest of the rainbow?” I teased.
“I bought what they had.” Marxus answered bluntly.
“Where are we going?” Sarah asked, zipping the coat, and as she stood, looking at everyone, she felt ridiculous, then pouted, hearing everyone chuckle and laugh, “Ha-ha, funny.” she complained, looking like a fluffy pink marshmallow-peep.
“We’re going up the mountains straight ahead in the distance, the Ben Nevis mountains.” he pointed toward a set of tall, and menacing peaks, “We should be there in four and a half hours, if we follow the precise trail, then afterwards, we’ll veer off.” his hand made a swerve through the air, “It would lead us up and around the side, hence not being able to utilize the craft.” he turned to her, “Make sense?”
Sarah, and everyone, nodded in agreement.
“Good.” Marxus affirmed, then turned, leading them ahead.
Beginning our trek toward the base of the Ben Nevis peaks, the weather had given us a break from the rain.
“Better to look like a grape than a marshmallow.” Erik teased.
“Yeah, well…look at you, you look like a puffy cloud.” I joked.
“Eh, I may look like a cloud but I’m not angel sitting on it.”
“That’s for sure.” I smiled teasingly, and innocently.
“Excuse me?” he didn’t like her words, “You’re no saint either, in case you’ve forgotten.” he walked on ahead of her.
“Wh…” I stuttered, wondering what just happened. Feeling a hard tug from Zanzabarr’s leash, I glanced down at him, and watched as he took in all the scents along the path, “Enjoying yourself?” I smiled, watching as he looked at up me, “Yeah.” I scratched between his ears, then glanced ahead, taking notice that Marxus had renewed his white pea-coat while strolling with Thomas and Anthony, who trailed behind to share some idle chit-chat. Glancing down at the path behind us, I stopped abruptly, because strolling a few paces back, was Marxus, but yet not. Squinting at least several times, rubbing them even, I turned gazing at the path ahead where Marxus still walked alongside Thomas.
“Little Yza, what’s the matter?” Anthony worried.
“It’s…” I stuttered, pointing both behind, and ahead of us.
“Yzavela?” Anthony muttered her name softly, then turned, gazing in the same direction where another Marxus stood in his white pea-coat, “Che diavolo?” he cursed, wondering what the hell was happening, for glancing ahead, another Marxus walked alongside his brother.
“You see him too, right?” I whimpered, grabbing his arm.
“Yes, but…that’s not possible.” Anthony frowned.
The second Marxus smiled, giving a two-fingered salute, and as he took a step back, he eerily vanished in a swirling flame.
Jonathan turned, hearing both Yzavela and Anthony whisper among themselves. Slowly making his way toward them, he quickly inquired, wondering if they were all right.
“Yes, but I, or we, could have sworn we saw Marxus just a bit back there.” I pointed down the path behind us, “But yet, he’s up there with Thomas.” I shook my head.
“I saw him too.” Anthony supported her claims.
“Did you get enough sleep?” Jonathan teased.
“Not really, no.” I complained.
Erik paused on the path, leering back at Jonathan standing with Anthony and Yzavela, feeling a sense of jealousy brew deep down. As he spat at the ground, he turned, following the path behind Sarah and Nathan, who kept glancing back with a smug grin.
“She ian’t going Demon.” the Lycynian’s words spoke to him.
As the three of us pushed aside the strange occurrence, the real Marxus leading our party, trailed a bit behind, walking alongside me, inquiring about a doppelganger that Jonathan mentioned. Once she told him that she and Anthony had seen him, it worried him, for what would a doppelganger be doing, following their look alike so closely, much less on this tedious journey. Hearing this, Marxus had become more vigilant and alert of his surroundings and those in his company, making sure there were no duplicates. Nodding, saying nothing more, he walked ahead.
After an hour’s walk, everyone finally reached the base of the peak, where the beginning of the zigzagged hiking trail was seen among the rocks. Walking on for another two hours, we rested, sitting on boulders along the track. There were some groups of hikers that slowly, and carefully, descended down the path, and as they passed, giving friendly morning wishes, they awkwardly swerved around the black wolf, never seeing such a magnificent creature, especially in these parts of their country. Nodding, and offering their farewells and greetings, the hikers disappeared down the path around the curve of the mountain. Resting for thirty minutes, drinking the cold water, and snacking on beef jerky, Zanzabarr sat close, panting and wagging his tail, wanting a few pieces. Looking into his wide yellow eyes, I smiled, giving in, squeezing the meat through the spaces of his muzzle.
“All right everyone, let’s continue upward.” Marxus stood. As his Hazel eyes scanned the skies, he reached out to Axeon but the dragon hadn’t answered, not even after his several urgent pleas.
“Exactly where are we going?” Thomas asked, “Not another town, I hope.”
“No, Thomas. No towns, or villages. This place is just at the midsection of the mountain.” Marxus answered, looking at the Italian, “We’re almost there, so you’ll see for yourself.”
“That’s not reassuring.”
“Don’t worry, Thomas.” Marxus grunted, stepping over some of the larger rocks and crevices.
“It’s not me I’m worried about.” Thomas complained, “It’s the others, and you better not put them through anything else.”
Marxus huffed as he stopped, leering at him.
“Stop being such a doubting Thomas.” he groaned then sped up his pace, “Come on everyone, we’re almost there!” his voice called out over his shoulder.
“Thomas…” Anthony called out, beckoning him forward.
Even though the granite rock seemed slip proof, there were a few occasions where Sarah stumbled on rocks, almost causing her to lose her balance, falling on the jagged trail, but she had Jonathan, and Nathan, gripping her arms, keeping her steady.
“Ugh, won’t this end?” she complained, feeling aches in her legs.
“Nope.” I answered, breathing heavily, “Builds up the muscles though.” I chuckled sightly.
“F*ck that…” she huffed, “besides, aren’t you uh, muscular enough?”
“Um…” I frowned, with nothing else to say, because I wasn’t muscular, I’m naturally toned. I too lost my steady footing occasionally, but had more support with Zanzabarr, who slowly pulled me up the path, watching the placement of his paws that wore heavy-duty boots protecting his pads from the rough terrain. There was a moment though, where he pulled too soon, before I could place my foot in one of the large niches of the rock, and stumbling forward, it was then I felt hands grab my wrists. Glancing upward, there was Erik, bracing his feet as he pulled my weight forward.
“Thank you.” I appreciated.
“Anytime.” he grinned.
Finally, reaching the mid-section of the mountain, there was a large cave opening that appeared, once veering around the slope. There were large boulders that concealed it from the air so if anyone were trying to find it, they would have to be on foot. Reaching the cave, it was massive and appeared to be naturally carved out from the rock. Stepping inside, it was at least wide enough to squeeze several tents with spare room to move about in between like a maze. The main color of the dark granite rock seemed to fade, becoming a light brown as it ventured further in, with tinges of yellow here and there.
“Is this it?” Sarah dropped her bags, panting.
“Indeed.” Marxus answered her.
As everyone else dropped their bags, arching their backs and feeling aching twinges here and there, some claimed seats on large boulders while others just squatted for rest. As all eyes scanned the ground, it too, was uneven as our feet echoed on the rock when we stepped around, then took notice that there were natural platform-like protrusions slightly raised off the ground; the air felt cold and damp, making the walls look as if they were wet from water.
Leading far back, I didn’t want to know where the cave led.
Piling the bags, everyone rested.
Glancing at my phone, the time was 12:45pm, but I paid no attention in that moment, because I had missed calls and urgent messages from my mom. Quickly replying, hoping she wouldn’t be too angry with my lack of communication, I gave the excuse that the area we traveled through didn’t have a single signal. And that wasn’t entirely a lie.
Hiding away the gadget, I raised my gaze looking at Marxus, asking if he had brought us here to investigate the cave today, or tomorrow.
“Preferably today, since there’s plenty of time.” he announced, “But there’s a catch.”
“Of course there is.” I groaned.
“What catch?” Anthony wondered.
“You, Yzavela…will have to go through it alone, for it is your quest.” Marxus casually clasped his hands behind his back.
“Wh-what?! You’ve got to be kidding, right?!” I objected as I stood, “Why, Marxus…why do you keep putting me through these dangerous situations, they don’t end well in case you haven’t noticed?! And don’t tell me it’s part my training, I swear to God I will scream and bring this mountain down upon all of our heads!”
“Please don’t!” Sarah shrieked.
“Yzavela, please.” Marxus looked at her intensely, “I thought you and I had come to an agreement that you wouldn’t ask, or protest against what lies ahead of you.”
“I know but…” I glanced down into the depths of the cave, “I can’t see anything back there, it’s too dark and how do I even know what’s in there?” I looked back at Marxus, “Something else that wants to eat me?!”
“Well, you do look like a juicy grape!” Erik teased.
Everyone laughed, except Nathan, who scoffed as he lit a new cigarette.
“Enough of that!” Marxus affirmed, looking around, then he turned back to her, “Yzavela, please?”
“But what’s in there? A giant spider or cave troll?” I huffed.
“Neither.” Marxus casually answered, “Nothing living.”
“Nothing living?” Anthony wondered.
“Exactly, nothing living?!” I snapped sarcastically, “That does not make me feel any better!”
“Yzavela…” Marxus led her away from the others, standing at the mouth of the cave, “all I will say is this, there are traps inside that might be dangerous and…”
“Might be dangerous?! You’re not sure?!”
“No, I am not. I did not set them, but you will figure them out. You’re resourceful and attentive, which is a big plus, but take the map and compass with you.” Marxus continued calmly.
“The map and the compass, really?”
“They will help guide you through.”
“A compass and map will help guide me through. No sword?”
“No weapons.” Marxus instructed, “For there are no battles.”
“As far as you know.” I mumbled, “Guess Zanzabarr and I have our work cut out for us then.”
“Unfortunately, he will not be able to accompany you.”
“No…” I protested, “I need him, look what happened when I left him with you. He broke the trunk door off the hovercraft.”
“Yes, but this is different.” Marxus grew agitated, “You will be able to bring one of your companions, if any of them will be brave enough to go with you.” he nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder, “It wouldn’t hurt to ask, hmm?”
“Two.” I begged.
“One.” Marxus suggested.
“TWO…” I argued, beginning to steam.
“Fine.” Marxus surrendered, “Is anyone willing to accompany Yzavela into the cave?” he turned to the others that stood, or sat around.
Anthony was immediately first to offer his assistance, but not knowing the extent of his head injuries, he turned to Thomas who objected.
“Thank you Anthony, truly, but Thomas is right.” I offered a warm smile, “I wouldn’t want you getting injured again, this time far worse.”
“We’ll go!” Jonathan stood with Erik.
“Very well.” Marxus announced eagerly, “Make sure that you have a flashlight on your person, it’s pitch black in there.” he nodded toward the young men, then turned to her, “You will be needing this.” he removed the pendant and its chain from around his neck, placing it in her right hand, “And this…” he laid a gold coin in her left hand, “I believe that you will know what to do with both of them.” he grinned, then backed away.
“Right.” I nodded, placing the chain around my neck, and the coin in my pocket. Turning away, approaching Zanzabarr, I scratched his neck, kissing his snout, while Thomas removed a sturdy steel stake from his bag, anchoring it deeply into the rock, “Thank you, Thomas.” I reached out, attaching the long chain leash to the stake. Standing, ignoring his heartbreaking whines, I approached Jonathan and Erik; the three of us had removed our heavier coats, laying them nearby, revealing our leather jackets, “Ready?” I stood between the two Demons.
“After you.” Jonathan teased, gesturing ahead of her.
Holding our high-beam flashlights, aiming them deeper into the cave’s abyss, we reluctantly entered the passage that must have been wide enough for a British double-decker tour bus. Venturing deeper, the entrance behind us seemed to vanish, as if it were never there. Walking ahead of the two Demons in my company, I examined the map, then shone the beam of my flashlight around at the walls.
“Are you afraid of the dark?” Jonathan softly called out.
“Yes.” I answered bravely, “And you?” I turned to him.
“Eh, not really.” the Australian mumbled, “I mean, being in a cave with a pretty lass can’t be all that bad.”
“Uh-huh…don’t get any ideas.” I smiled.
“I would never.” Jonathan joked.
“Excuse me while I interrupt the bloody ridiculous flirting between the two of you, but do you know where we’re going?” Erik barked arrogantly.
I stopped, turning to him, shining my flashlight at him.
“What’s your problem all of a sudden?” I groaned impatiently.
“I don’t know what you mean.” Erik shrugged.
“Yeah man, what the hell?” Jonathan added curiously.
“Look, both Jonathan and I know you’re arrogant yes, but it seems during this entire trek through Scotland, you’ve had a stick up your a** so what the hell, Erik?” I watched him.
“Nothing, doesn’t matter.” he groaned, “Are you done now?” he walked past Jonathan, and around her, leading ahead.
Jonathan approached her, giving her a solemn expression.
“So you’ve got a map, what does it say?” he urged softly, as he shone the flashlight over her shoulder onto the parchment, “It’s blank.” he observed.
“To you, yes.” I grinned, “But it say to keep going straight.”
“Okay then.” Jonathan nodded.
Walking in silence, only our footsteps echoed with the faint buzzing of our flashlights, until on the map, a black X rapidly appeared, followed by some sort of crossed arrow symbol and a riddle of some sort written beneath it.
What is metal, is not a stone. You will have the time, go through it alone.
Since neither Erik, or Jonathan, could read the map, I relayed the riddle, and remembering what Marxus had claimed about traps being set, shining our flashlights up ahead, we stumbled upon the first one, just as the map claimed. Up ahead, there was an iron gate stretching out across our path from wall-to-wall and stepping on what felt like a loose stone, it must have triggered something within the walls as they swiftly opened outward, slamming against the rock, embedding themselves with massive spikes on the surface of the bars. Jumping back, avoiding shards of slate and granite that ejected from their place, Jonathan was unfortunately struck by one of the shards, grazing his upper right arm, leaving a deep gash that bled, staining the fabric of both his shirt and jacket.
“Jonathan!” both Erik and Yzavela called out, rushing to him.
Grunting in discomfort, he leaned against the wall away from the gate and the shards on the ground. Holding his left hand over the wound that bled profusely, it leaked through the tips of his fingers from the applied pressure.
“Jon, mate…are you all right?” Erik worried, standing close.
I tore the hem of his shirt, making a quick bandage, wrapping it around his arm.
“This seems to be a habit.” I commented, “First Anthony, and now you. Maybe I should be Doctor Yza, instead of Keeper.” I attempted humor, but neither men paid attention, “That’ll do until you get back to the camp.”
“Wh-what?” Jonathan looked at her, “No, I’m staying.”
“She’s right, Jonathan.” Erik urged.
“No, I’m fine.” the Australian protested, “I can do this.” but as he felt his balance weakened, he leaned against the wall again, “On second thought, maybe you’re right. Sorry, Yza.”
“Don’t apologize.” I comforted, “I appreciate your help, I do.” I glanced back down the path behind us, “I don’t think we’re that far in, so Erik will take you back, and I’ll wait here.”
“No, I’ll be fine.” Jonathan protested, “You shouldn’t be alone.” he looked at Erik, “It’s all right, I’ll be fine.” he nodded.
“Be careful, mate.” Erik worried, patting his friend’s shoulder.
Jonathan gripped Erik’s arm, then offered Yzavela a nod, and as he turned, he held onto the wall, following the slight curve of the cave until reaching the entrance; he was immediately greeted by Sarah, who jumped to her feet, rushing toward him. Hugging her, he grunted, feeling her arms stab at the wound on his arm. Pulling away, he took her hand, offering a brief smile then looked at Marxus, who rushed forward; the Immortal gently lifted his arm, examining the deep wound.
“What happened?” he inquired.
“It happened too fast, I don’t know.” Jonathan answered.
“Do you need help?” Marxus offered.
“No, but thank you. I’ve got it.” Jonathan nodded, then took a seat next to Sarah, “I need some water to clean this first.” he looked at her, “Hand me my bottle, please?” he gestured at his bag lying nearby. Watching as Sarah reached for it, laying it at his feet, a bottle plopped in his lap. Removing the bloody tie from around his arm, he poured the water on the wound; he closed his eyes, grunting deeply, for the cool water felt like a series of pins and needles, but once enough of the blood had been washed away, he placed his hand over it. Muttering soft words, closing his eyes, his hand glowed faintly, pulsating in a soft blue hue, healing the wound, that left a scar in its place as he withdrew his hand, “There…” he looked at Sarah, “I am all better.” he moved his arm around.
“Now what?” Erik looked at Yzavela.
“We keep going, I guess.” I answered, worrying for Jonathan, “But I don’t think that gate was the trap, maybe part of it.” I glanced at the map, reading aloud the first riddle so Erik was aware of its meaning. Just as I turned, taking a step, my right foot stepped on another loose stone, “Sh*t.” I cursed bluntly, and as I pulled my foot off the pressure stone, unforeseen iron crossbow-bolts with blades on the tips, projected across our path, from one wall to the other. Jumping back against Erik, we watched as they fell to the ground, once hitting the other wall, continuing to chip away at the slate and granite. Within the walls, it sounded as if they rotated and reloaded, “What do you think, how many are there?” I looked at Erik quickly, then glanced back at the cross-bolts in front of us.
There were six rows following the depth of the narrow path, at least sixteen feet ahead, horizontally shooting bolts with a two and a half foot space in between each row along the walls. Crossing in an interlocking pattern, a three second pause had given it a certain sequence.
“Maybe there’s a way to turn it off?” Erik looked around, “If you step on the stone like you did before, maybe it’ll stop.” he stepped on the loose rock hidden among the stone, but it did nothing.
“Erik, wait…” I turned to him, “look.” I pointed at the path.
“Yeah…so?!” he barked.
“Pay attention!” I barked, “Look for the pattern.”
Huffing impatiently, Erik stared and watched, until catching the sequence for himself. Nodding in approval, he looked at her.
“Okay, but how does that help us?” he wondered, then knelt, seeing if there was a way they could crawl beneath the iron cross-bolts but only a child or animal could squeeze through, “I don’t think I can portal jump us on the other side, nor can I teleport us over there.” he stood, seeing the clear path at the opposite side.
“I didn’t ask you to, not with the iron everywhere.” I grunted, “But this isn’t about using your magic to jump through, this has something to do with the sequence for that’s that only way through.” I looked at him, “Think about it Erik, hmm?”
“All right.” Erik agreed, knowing he had to trust her opinions.
“Don’t get yourself killed, we’re not slate walls that will just chip away, and despite your arrogance, I like having you by my side.”
“You sound like you care about my well-being.” he shuffled.
“Erik, come on…you know I care.” I stared into his gray eyes.
“I know you do, maybe not as much as Anthony though.”
“Meaning?” I frowned, before moving forward.
“Nevermind.” Erik dismissed the topic, “Let’s get through this.” he gestured toward the obstacle in front of them.
“No…” I argued, “tell me what you meant by that!”
“It’s just…” he huffed, placing his hands on his hips, “you say that you care about me, and I know you do, but not as much as you care for Anthony. Everyone out there can see it!” he gestured a hand toward the path outside.
“Seriously?! You’re doing this macho, jealousy bullsh*t now?! Oh my god…” I shook my head, “I’m not dealing with any of this drama right now, but in answer to your question or blind observation, yes I do care about Anthony because he treats me with respect, not like some friend or a passing encounter. And it isn’t just Anthony, but it’s Jonathan, Nick, Caleb and others I have come across on the island, so you’re going to say that I have feeling for all of them too?!” my voice raised, echoing off the walls, “Even Marxus, who is more of a fatherly figure to Sarah and I?!” I began steaming, sizzling against the slate. I received no answer as Erik was put in his place, “That’s what I thought! Now, pay attention before your shortness is skewered to the wall!” I took a deep breath.
“Really?” he complained, “My shortness?!”
“You’re short, deal with it.”
“Coming from the petite one, that’s not comforting.”
Saying nothing more, trying to extinguish my steam, I shone my flashlight ahead, taking steps forward, waiting as the first set of bolts passed before taking another, and so on and so on, I repeated this three more times until making it across, but as I glanced down at my jacket, there were scratches on my arm, and cheek, but nothing too severe, leaving only a slight graze.
Erik watched as she paced, before proceeding after her. Once proceeding through, he too, suffered minor scratches on his arms and legs.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yes. You?” he answered.
“Nothing too bad.” I looked around, then down the path that lay ahead, “That way, I’m guessing.” I shone my flashlight.
“I’m guessing.” Erik added, “After you.” he gestured ahead.
Continuing forward, the map reached another black X with a flame symbol and another riddle beneath it.
On the 16th step, you will find a wall. Be wise and quick, for a place to crawl.
Proceeding further, commenting we desperately needed to be cautious of our footing, counting our steps, sure enough Erik took one extra, activating trap number two. As he turned, glancing over his shoulder, he muttered.
“Oops.”
“What did you step on?” I worried.
“What do you think?” he removed his foot, glaring ahead.
Along the ground, there was a one foot trench dug deep into the stone, where sparks of flame began their journey across the path, becoming a full-fledged flame. However, they didn’t quite ignite fully, looking similar to a pilot light-like fire.
“Is that it?” I stared.
Abruptly, without warning, straight across our path, both ahead and behind us, from wall-to-wall, flames burst into full ignition, creating walls of fire with deep shades of orange and red. Growing until reaching full potential, inches away from the rocks above, both Erik and I stepped back, falling quickly to the ground, backwards, avoiding the fire ahead of us. As the flames roared, spitting violent embers, we felt the intense heat on our faces as they danced.
Erik jumped to his feet, then turned, holding out his hands. As he pulled Yzavela to the ground, he watched as she tucked the map and flashlight in her pocket so they wouldn’t burn.
“Now, we have a problem…” Erik fretted, looking behind them, seeing the fire had ignited a wall that blocked their retreat.
“You think!” I feared, watching as another trench ignited. It took time before the next row ignited, giving us time to find a way out. Examining the walls, they were too smooth to even climb, and there were no ridges, cracks or crevices. Nothing, damn slate! Both Erik and I even tried kicking some of the dirt over the trenches, but that effort failed for the fires just wouldn’t extinguish.
“There has to be a way out of this!” Erik placed his hands on his hips, feeling the heat of the flames. Trying to create one of his barriers around himself and Yzavela, it lasted only a few minutes because the fires just melted through it, “Well, there goes that.” he lowered his hands, feeling both magically, and emotionally incompetent.
“Never thought about my death but what a crappy way to go, being burned to death leaving nothing but ashes behind.” I moaned in complaint, tying my shorter hair back into a small ponytail, “And you know, damn Marxus, again, sending us in here, cause what’s next? Going to Hell to fight Lucifer?!”
“That’s not funny.” Erik muttered with frown, “So if you’re a fire-Demon, can’t you just…I don’t know…manipulate all of this fire, or walk through them or something? Like some sort of a firestarter?!” he waved his hands around.
“For the last time, Erik…” I shouted, “I’m not a firestarter!” I steamed once more, then caused the fires to spit more embers into the air around us, “And even though I might possess a natural source of Pyrokinesis, there’s no chance in Hell that I can walk through this, I’ve never been around this much, and it would be just my luck it’s Greek fire!”
“Greek fire?” Erik’s gray eyes widened, “Damn…well, there goes that then. We’re both useless in this instance, again so it seems.” he exaggerated, “If only we had water.”
“If only it were that easy, besides…if this is Greek fire, water would only accelerate the flames, now please, can we stop this bickering back and forth, and find a way to get out of here before we both become barbecued Erik and Yzavela, hmm?!” I nodded, “There has to be a lever or something somewhere hidden on the walls so start there!” I turned, approaching the opposite wall.
Erik nodded, then he too, turned, examining the walls but his, and her search, came up empty handed. Wiping his forehead, Erik then spotted a hole that couldn’t be seen straight on, but from the angle of the fire, it highlighted the gouged-out rock.
“Hey, over here!” he called out over his shoulder, “I think…I found something, Yza over here!”
Running over, my own eyes could see the tunnel among the rock at the unfortunate angle, large enough to crawl through. Removing my flashlight, aiming it inside, I wondered where it went, hoping it wasn’t another trap.
“At this point, we don’t have much of a choice.” Erik advised, “It’s better than sitting around waiting to be burned alive.” he too, shone his flashlight forward, “I’ll go first to see where it leads, I shouldn’t be too long. Hopefully.” he fretted.
“Be careful.” I looked at him.
“I’ll be fine.” he encouraged with a quick wink.
“And be careful of rats.” I joked.
The expression on his face, and in his eyes, changed.
“That’s not funny.” he complained, having a dislike for rats.
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” I stepped back, raising my hands.
Groaning deeply, he leaned forward, crawling inside, inching his way forward on his stomach and elbows, disappearing.
He struggled to squeeze through, feeling protrusions that are, or were, too bulbous to maneuver around, but he managed as he continued moving forward. There were moments where he paused, hearing rustling ahead, and thinking maybe it was a rat, he shone his light forward, but it was just pebbles falling from their place because of the vibrations caused from all of the constant movement that disturbed the stillness. Grunting, he argued with himself, telling himself to move forward, and he did. Following the awkward curve to the right, ignoring the tunnel to the left leading somewhere unknown, he took a chance and went right, thinking about the angle of the path of flames. Once making it to the other end, he had to chip at the rock that blocked the hole with the end of his flashlight, and was careful not to disturb the natural foundation, so it would not collapse.
Pacing, I glanced at my watch, taking notice Erik had been in there for a little over five minutes, going on six. Repeatedly, I shone my flashlight into the tunnel, hoping to see him, but nothing. At this point, looking ahead and behind, the flames grew closer, with one last trench to go; the one that I stood on. Sweating profusely, pulling on the necklines of my jacket, blouse and bustier, I tried catching my breath from the lack of proper oxygen, when after another two minutes, I finally heard Erik’s voice calling out. Turning around toward the tunnel, I smiled hoping to see him but I didn’t.
“Erik?!” I called out, peeking my head inside.
“Keeps!” his voice entered her mind.
“Erik?!” I leaned on the edge of the rock.
“Yza, turn around and look through the flames!” he pleaded.
“Turn around and look through the flames?!” I muttered, and as I stood, turning toward the fire wall, there he stood on the other side, waving his arms and flashing his light.
“Come on through!” he beckoned her, “It’s a tight squeeze but you’ll make it through, hurry, and be careful of bugs!” he teased.
Nodding, I began crawling inside avoiding the jagged rock and just as my feet entered the narrow opening, the center trench erupted in flames, singing the soles of my boots. I had quickly bent my knees, pulling away from the opening, then I turned, focusing ahead, and Erik wasn’t kidding, it really was a tight squeeze, even for me. Coming across the fork ahead, I glanced both left and right.
“Erik, which way?” I reached out telepathically.
“Right, go right!” he answered her.
“Right.” I huffed, then felt something snag on my right boot. As I turned, one of the thick protrusions were caught on one of the buckles or straps, “Damn it…” I cursed, then managed to squirm my left foot around, pushing the strap aside with the heel until my right foot was free. Sighing heavily, moving forward, I continued following the curve.
Erik paced, keeping his eyes on the tunnel, until catching the beam of a flashlight, followed by dust erupting from the small opening. Waiting until hands grasped the ledge dropping her flashlight, he rushed forward, tucking his under his arm, as he gripped her wrists, gently pulling the half-breed out and onto her feet.
“Glad to see you made it through.” he joked, “Any bugs?”
“No, but why didn’t you tell me it wound around and had a fork? I almost went left, then my boot caught a snag on one of the rocks.” I complained, then coughed, examining my straps and buckles.
“You didn’t ask.” he shrugged.
“Uh-huh.” I squinted.
“There’s another passage back there…” Erik turned, pointing toward the wall behind them, “where it goes, I don’t know.”
“Great, more tunnels.” I voiced my discomfort, “After you.” and just before we could take a step, the crawl through tunnel collapsed, spitting dust and pebbles at our feet, “Well…” my voice cracked as I gulped, “that was close.” I looked at Erik.
“Too close.” he grinned, then turned, leading me through the tunnel.
Removing the map from my pocket, reading the words that had etched themselves onto the parchment, I didn’t watch my footing, bumping into Erik.
“Bumping into me again, really?” he complained softly.
“Sorry.” I kept my eyes on the map.
“What’s so bloody interesting on that anyway? It’s blank.”
“To you it’s blank, for me it’s everything.” I looked at him, “It says there’s another obstacle ahead but doesn’t say what yet.”
“It says.” Erik nodded in disbelief, “We’re in here, following a map that only you can read, sure…why not?”
“Erik, this isn’t funny.” I argued, “If it weren’t for the map, we never would have known about the traps behind us, we could have died for sure.” I huffed, “Geez…” I shook my head, “be a little grateful, for something!”
“You’re right.” Erik agreed, “I’m sorry. What does it say?”
“Do you even care?”
“I have no choice.” Erik mused.
Raising the parchment, a third and final black X appeared; a symbol of what looked like a bridge flashed with a last riddle:
Across the bridge, a traveler flows. What was above, is now below.
“I wonder what that means?” Erik bit his lip.
“I don’t know but I guess we’ll find out.” I contemplated, “It could be a pit full of rats.”
“Or maybe a pit of bugs.” Erik rasped over his shoulder.
Again, we continued forward, this time counting twenty-two, when we entered a vast cavern with a huge pit in the ground below with no apparent bottom. There were no edges or way across, except for a decrepit iron bridge with a checkered grid-like walkway, attached by rusted clamps and bolts. Iron girders and chains, fastened through metal rings and hoops, suspended the bridge above the pit. Leading into the darkness that lay ahead, neither of us noticed the obstacle that would have presented an issue for our crossing.
Erik cautiously examined the rickety construction, as he and Yzavela advanced forward. Carefully grasping the iron chains with his gloved hands, they carefully walked across the bridge, that swayed a great deal as they had both approached the middle. Erik, noticing something out of the ordinary, halted quickly. Shining his flashlight ahead, in the center where the bridge should have been connected, a fifteen foot gap stood in the way of the other stretch across the pit. It must have collapsed as the iron metal rusted over the years.
Veering around him, noticing it for myself, there was no way I could jump the distance.
“Do you think you can jump that?” I wondered.
“Maybe.” he answered, looking at her.
“Maybe, that’s it?”
“Yeah, maybe.” he examined the ceiling, noticing chains that once held the bridge in place among the crumbling stalactites. Old age had crept upon the chains, causing them to rust, or eventually break. There was one chain in particular that was unaffected, hanging closer to their stretch of bridge, and was within easy grasp; it still had a hook attached its end where it would have latched onto the bridge. Reaching out, grabbing hold of it, it lowered at least two feet, dropping pebbles and rocks from their place above.
“Erik, stop…stop!” I feared, for if he pulled on it any further, he could bring the entire cave down upon our heads, “Please, stop!”
“It’s all right…” Erik stood startled, then pulled on it again, testing its strength from his strong pulls, “I think this will be able to carry my weight across. It’s only thirteen feet, give or take, we can make it. Hopefully.”
“Hopefully?”
“Well, do you have any better ideas?” he turned in a huff. As he continued holding onto the chain, he finished bluntly as he placed a hand on her trembling shoulder, “Because you and I both know that the iron in this mountain is making us weaker by the minute, so either make it across or we can just fall into the pit below and just die, because my magic and yours, aren’t doing sh*t, pureblood or half-breed, doesn’t matter! Bloody hell, I can’t even portal us out of there, much less over there.” he held out his right hand, “Look.” he made the attempt to conjure a ball of energy in his palm, and only sparks ignited without full power, “I can’t even do that!” he closed his fist.
“You’re right.” I mumbled, “I’m sorry, I’m just…scared, and I know you are too.”
“Mm.” Erik nodded, then tucked his flashlight in his pocket. As he turned, grabbing onto the chain with both hands in a firm hold, he placed his right foot on the curvature of the old hook, giving himself a leap forward, swinging across the gap. He had to swing his body once or twice, gaining momentum, until barely making it to the other side. Even someone as fit as he was, this was difficult. Reaching out his left foot for the ledge of the metal grates, he missed as it slipped off from the dampness on his boot soles. Grunting heavily, he swung once more and reaching out his right hand, he grabbed hold of one of the chains holding up the other half of the bridge. Hanging in the air, he pulled himself forward, landing on the stretch of the iron bridge, then he removed his foot off the hook, but he kept his left hand gripping the chain. Removing his flashlight, he examined the area using his Demon vision, taking notice it was clear of future obstacles, pits or anything else that would present further problems.
“Erik!” I reached out telepathically, watching his struggle.
“I’m all right, I made it.” he answered her as he laid his large flashlight at his feet. Holding onto the chain, he called out in a telepathic bond, not wanting to have their loud voices cause any disturbance, for the constant movement of the chains had caused dust and pebbles to fall from above, “The chain should be strong to hold you, just give yourself a good push then all you have to do is swing. Put your foot on the hook, then go!”
“I want to put my foot somewhere all right, and it isn’t a god damn hook!” I snapped sarcastically, but followed Erik’s instructions. Tucking my flashlight and map in my pocket, I watched as Erik swung the chain forward with one strong push toward me. Holding onto the chains nearby with one hand, I reached for the swinging chain with the other, after missing a few times with fear of falling off the ledge, but then I finally caught it. Stepping closer to the edge, doing the one thing I shouldn’t have, looking down, nothing but blackness stared back up at me, “I can’t do this…” I whispered, “I can’t do this.” I glanced at Erik’s distant figure, taking deep inhale, “I can’t do this….”
“Yes you can, just swing…I’ll catch you.” his voice addressed.
Taking another deep breath, tucking my boot along the curve of the hook, I then stepped off the ledge, giving it my all, but I didn’t make it, falling short a few feet because as I reached out my free hand, Erik wasn’t able to grasp it or I would have fallen. Swinging back and forth, my fear of falling and depth of the pit below, held me back and I gripped the chain with both hands. Suddenly, the weight of my boot slipped off the hook, followed the sound of chains squeaking. Looking up at the ceiling, despite the darkness looming above, I knew the chains were beginning to weaken, breaking themselves free of the link next to it, bit-by-bit until the chain completely broke. Losing my grip, sliding down the chain, I screamed aloud, causing bats to fly from their habitat among the stalactites; a swarm of the winged vermin swirled around the invaders. As I slid down the chain once more that swung from my frantic movements, I reached out grabbing onto the ledge of the iron bridge on my side.
“Yza!” Erik hollered out, watching her struggle, “Keeps, are you all right?!”
“Do I look all right?!” I yelled, trying to pull myself up but to no avail because there wasn’t anything sturdy enough to grab onto except for the iron grid which was too small for my gloved fingers to squeeze through. I even tried grabbing onto the chains that held the bridge in place but I couldn’t reach far enough. Holding on as tight as I could, the grid started to loosen from the rusty iron bolts and screws being pulled from their holes and fastenings. Glancing both left and right at the grids, they loosened more and more.
Poor Erik paced frantically, trying to figure out a way to get back to her; he even stood, attempting to teleport or even an effort of opening a portal but he couldn’t do it. Shouting out in frustration, he stood close to the ledge scanning the chains that hung nearby, hoping he could find another that could get him across but they were too far away from his reach.
“God damn it!” he cursed, “Keeps, I-I’m trying to get to you!”
I heard his verbal and telepathic words but I didn’t reply for the worst that could happen in that moment, happened; the old bolts and screws popped from their places, dropping me. I shouted, and screamed, taking the twelve foot drop into the blackness of the pit below. Releasing a continuous, deafening scream, which all of Scotland could hear, I landed on my side falling unconscious. For how long, I didn’t know, but thank god I landed more on my side, shielding me from the impact of the fall.
The iron grid and chains fell around her, bouncing away from the impact of their fall.
Erik’s shouts blended with her screams, as he fell to his knees.
Marxus and the others paced worriedly, when they all heard screams echoing from within the cave.
“What the bloody hell was that, a Banshee?!” Sarah jumped to her feet, standing close to Nathan.
“Maybe we should go in?” Anthony suggested.
Marxus didn’t answer, keeping his eyes fixed upon the cave.
“I HOPE NOTHING HAS HAPPENED, OR I’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO FORGIVE MYSELF. PLEASE, BY THE GRACE OF HEAVEN, KEEP THEM SAFE.” he thought to himself, “MARXUS, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!”
“Seriously Marxus?!” Jonathan blurted, hearing the Immortal man’s thoughts clearly as if he spoke them aloud, “Marxus, if anything happens to them, it’s all your fault!” he shouted; he pointed an angry finger at him.
“Don’t you think I know that?!” Marxus turned to the young man, clenching his fists, “I don’t need blame weighing on my shoulders, not now!”
“But this is your fault!” Anthony growled, stepping forward, “Again, this is all your fault!” he flashed his yellow eyes.
“Anthony!” Marxus leered at the Lycynian, “Don’t start!”
“Why not?!” the Italian growled once more, “Are you afraid of hearing the truth?! Are you afraid that we’ll abandon you?!” he scoffed looking around, “You’re lucky we haven’t already!”
“Anthony, that’s enough! This isn’t getting us anywhere, nor is it getting Erik and Yzavela anywhere!” Thomas stood close, placing his hand on his brother’s shoulder, “Tony, please.” he begged softly.
Leering at Marxus, then glancing at Thomas, the Italian took steps back before turning to the rock wall nearby, punching it fiercely; large chunks fell from their place to his feet, leaving his knuckles bleeding from the jagged rock.
“What do we do now?” Sarah whimpered, then glanced at the black wolf that whined and pulled against the tension of his chain leash anchored by the stake, “Um…what’s he doing?!” she pointed at the canine.
As Marxus and everyone else turned, gazing upon the wolf who heard his mother’s screams, he successfully broke free of the leash, running past the men and Sarah, straight into the cave, panting.
“Zanzabarr!” everyone called out worriedly.
“Where’s he going?!” Sarah questioned.
“He must be going to Yza…” Jonathan observed.
“I should have gone with them.” Anthony argued, holding his hand that cramped from stabbing pains along his knuckles.
“Me too.” Jonathan added.
“No!” Marxus turned to them, “This is their quest, they must see it through!”
“Are you f*cking crazy?!” Jonathan fumed, “There are two of my friends in there, and if I hadn’t been injured by the rocks, I would be in there still, so wouldn’t you have gone in after us? Jesus Marxus, are you so selfish that you don’t care about us?! Or them?! She’s the next Keeper, doesn’t that matter to you?!”
“They’re kids, and you’re putting them in danger, yet again!” Thomas argued in addition.
Marxus had enough blame to last him a lifetime. Turning, he shouted loudly, gesturing at the cave behind them,
“If you want to go in there, go right head, but I won’t be the one to dig you all out!” he turned, exiting the mouth of the cave, disappearing around the corner out of sight,“Axeon…” he summoned the dragon. Glancing at the sky, he couldn’t see his cloaked figure nearby, “Axeon…where are you, I need you!” he still didn’t receive a reply.
Looking at one another, it was debatable.
“Should we, or shouldn’t we?” Jonathan muttered, looking at Thomas and Anthony.
“I want to but, in a way, despite his wrong doings, Marxus is right. If all of us get trapped in there, without knowing what lies in there…” Thomas sighed, “we could all die.” he looked at Anthony, who paced, “We have to wait, see if Yzavela and Erik emerge soon, and if they’re not back in two hours, then we’re all going in.”
“Two hours, and that’s it.” Anthony affirmed.
“Agreed.” Jonathan nodded, then placed a timer on his watch.
Suddenly, the loud sound of thunder booming outside erupted in the sky, with torrential rains soon after.
“Sh*t.” Jonathan stepped back, watching as the rain flowed in a thick stream through the area where their bags had been packed. Reaching for his, and Sarah’s, he watched as Thomas and Anthony did the same, then all of them stood on the rock platforms, watching as the stream turned into a flood within a matter of minutes, “It’s flooding into the cave.” he worried.
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