Week No 3 of the April Shower Monthly Writer’s Prompt: The Storm Goddess is Angry
503 Words
He stood frozen in place, his feet unwilling to move even an inch more. He was closer to his goal than he’d ever been, yet the task in front of him threatened to render the last six weeks a waste.
Did he remember the words? Would it let him back out? The rock gave him as many answers as the merchant had. Same facial expression too. Find a way in, take the relic, get out alive. Very simple on the surface, yet his brothers had argued relentlessly about it, to the point the three of them had separated. He wondered if his brothers were also facing rock walls.
The merchant had warned him to be as silent as possible. The creature that guarded the relics was known to be fierce. He was not a wizard known for his battle tactics. Get in, get the relic, get out alice. He made the sign of luck over his chest and in a nervous hush, spoke the words of entry.
The silence was broken by a chipping sound as the crack formed down the surface. The rock slid open with a sound that set his teeth on edge and he gingerly went inside.
The darkness was complete. It took him some time to find the side of the cavern, which was surprisingly dry. He shuffled slowly, trying to make as little sound in this echo chamber as he could. The darkness eased the further he went. THe lighter it became, the higher the humidity rose. The air grew heavy around him. By the time the tunnel emerged into the cave his clothing was soaked through.
The room was cool despite the many torches and candles. It was also thankfully empty. The wizard went straight to work despite the many oddities littering every surface. Get in, get out, quickly. Speed was key.
The relic he was looking for was small, but somewhat easy to find amongst the many crystals. The coin-sized wooden pegs stood planted in a shallow tray near the window. Innocuous things, it was hard to believe the power they contained. He felt the pulse of energy emanating from them and slowly reached for one.
He had no idea why the merchant wanted it, less information the better. All he was concerned with was the keystone in the merchant’s possession. One keystone for one rainstick. He gently lifted one of the pegs, deafened by the shrieking that rose around him.
It began to rain in the cavern. The wizard quickly enclosed the peg in a box he had prepared for it. The rain stopped, the shrieking however intensified and was approaching swiftly. He had little time.
He put his head out the window and shuddered as he took in the drop. Trees and vines covered the rock wall down to the valley below. The first 20 feet were a freefall.
He could hear the rain spirit approaching. Making the sign of luck again he leapt from the window, hoping fervently this would be worth it.
C.M. Wellsmore 