Page 105 of The Silent Mountain
The area beyond the stream changes. Instead of the rough corridor, it looks like a man-made path now with lanterns all along the walls. “People have to cross here sometimes,” I whisper.
“Look,” Elio nudges me and points at something that looks like a shelf for weapons. “Weapons, at least some plain ones.”
I frown. He is right. There are weapons… some swords, daggers, and some other basic things. Most of them are rusty though, indicating that they haven’t been used much. I feel relieved instantly. It means that whoever is living here doesn’t usually come that far.
Without second-guessing it, I grab an ax. “Better to be prepared,” I proclaim.
Elio nods and takes a spear before we continue our walk, much more cautious this time. The squeaking sound that has been accompanying us gets louder and louder, until the path opens up to a gigantic round room. Elio and I both halt, first in awe at the high walls and the open ceiling that opens up to the sky and the setting sun, then in horror, as our gaze wanders over the floor. Hordes of rats have gathered here, squeaking and gnawing at each other. I am not one to be scared of animals usually, nor do they gross me out, but this is the most unsettling and terrifying sight I have ever come across.
Above us, I can hear a fluttering sound, and two birds approach the room, moving straight to the stream that crosses the room. It must be the same one that Elio and I walked past before, because I watch them drink from the stream, my heart stopping for a split second when I see how the birds scream and convulse before their feathers turn black.
Elio grabs my arm in shock.
That’s how it happens! That’s how they are being affected by the dark magic. It’s exactly like Erin said. It’s not a curse, it’s a spell, something that binds these animals to this place and poisons them with something dark.
We need to get out of here!
I scan the room again. Behind us, there was the shelf with weapons. Sure, the items were rusty and old, but someone had to have put them there, and this person certainly didn’t jump down from the ceiling–it’s far too high. I let my gaze wander through the room again, this time scanning the walls, until I see a small opening in one. It’s not on ground level, but there seem to be small rocks sticking out that make it easier to climb and reach it. Turning to Elio, I put my index finger on my lips to signal him to stay quiet and then gesture to the other side and the opening in the wall.
Elio follows the direction I am pointing at and nods.
The sun has almost set by now, providing us with much-needed darkness.
*FAVIAN*
The sun is setting when we gather at the shore. True to his promise, Theodor has gathered some of our best warriors. Stefan, Erin and Cassie have arrived too–I am not surprised about the first two, but am about Cassie.
“Are you certain?” I ask her.
“Yes,” she nods firmly. “I…” She gazes at Erin.
“Cassie has learned a lot from me,” Erin says. “But she has talents I don’t have. They might not be polished yet, but it’s in her.”
“And what are her talents?” Stefan asks curiously.
“Cassie comes from a lineage of witches that can do offensive spells if needed,” Erin explains. “She thinks she is not quite there yet, but I believe in her.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt, Cassie,” I say.
“I like it here,” she whispers. “And I want to help. If the clan falls, I have no place to call my home anymore. This is my home, isn’t it?” She looks at me hopefully.
“Of course it is,” I say. “You have become a clan member now.” I turn to my warriors. “Right?”
None of them looks away or is in any way uncomfortable. They don’t mind anymore that a witch is with us. “You are one of us,” Theodor says. “Just, minus the wings.”
Cassie’s eyes light up with joy. “That’s why I want to come. Besides, Elio is my best friend, and Princess Alana has been so supportive all the time.”
“Stefan,” I say. “You should stay here and represent me.”
“I apologize for disagreeing, Your Highness,” he says. “But being at your side today is exactly where I need to be. We either fight back the evil that is haunting us, or we will fall. There is no in between. I need to be with you and our warriors.”
“Alright.” I turn around and gesture for two of the warriors to bring the cages with the birds. The plan is simple. We will release these creepy beings and then follow them wherever they go to. Erin’s potions will hopefully help us. It’s not a perfect plan by far, but I am certain that these birds have been circling the main base of whoever is attacking us for a while now. They are coming and going to the place where the curse or dark spell started.
It's the only shot we have.
“Wait,” Erin whispers before I can give the word to release the birds.
I turn to look at her. “What is it now?”
