As we ate, Haven explained a little of what was happening.
"What Triana told me is that we have to get to a palace to get gifts that help us control our power. We are going through the caves because there are... people who make weapons in the caves. That's where we are going."
"Then why did she have to kidnap us? Couldn't we have all gone together?" Asked Lillith.
"The king -- I can't remember his name -- is men were tracking us much more quickly than Jaden and Sam had thought they would. They realized that we were too big of a group to travel quickly and unnoticed. So we had to split up. I think Jaden was getting a little paranoid but she thought that we were being watched so, we split up at night without talking beforehand about it."
We finished the meal in silence. Triana then led us into the caves. She walked through the cave without once stumbling. I could see clearly in the darkness and I noticed that Haven was glowing slightly. He seemed to be getting along pretty well but Lillith was having trouble. Stumbling over practically everything. I took her arm and we continued with me telling her when and where to step. We continued like this for a while until we came to a huge cavern. Huge isn't even the word for it. It was ginormous.
"So what's in these caves?" GRegory asked as we entered.
"Friends."
"Friends?" Dusty asked.
"Yes friends. They dwell deep in the caves and forge weapons."
"You mean like dwarves?"
"For the most part. Some are half-dwarves and I think there are a few refugees down there too."
"So why are we going to see the dwarves?"
"Because," said Sam, "the dwarves have dwelled so deep in these caves that Sarnom can't find them. Dwarves used to be out in the open and forge not only weapons, but artwork and tools. Now they have to keep working on building weapons and walls so that when the day Sarnom may find them, they will be ready to protect themselves."
"So they can hide us?" Kaleb asked.
"That... and they have a surprise for you," I answered.
"A surprise? What is it?" Gregory asked cautiously.
"If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" I looked over my shoulder to see the teens. Erica was walking next to Gregory, but with a stony look. I doubt she would ever forgive me for splitting the group up and practically give her a heart attack.
**Thank you dancingsprite for posting! You are my best friend! *gives cookie* **
We entered the caves with no incident. Not that there was any expected, but it was good to know that we were still relatively safe enough from Sarnom's all-seeing eyes. The sound of our footsteps echoed eerily throughout the vast tunnels and the light from the entrance behind us grew steadily duller.
"What are we going to do for light once we get farther?" one of the teens asked. I turned to see which had spoken, but they all looked guilty for probably thinking the same thought. The corner of my mouth twitched upwards in amusement, despite the current situation and I pulled two small lanterns out of the bag slung across my back and handed one to Jaden. I struck a match and lit both quickly.
"That's all? Those things give off almost no light!"
I didn't even bother to turn this time to see who had spoken. Instead I just started forward again, heading deeper into the mountains.
"It's either this or nothing. Would you like to continue in the dark?" I asked casually.
There was a faint mumbling of 'no' and 'nuh-uh' behind me. After that, there was silence other than the sound of our footsteps.
Then: "How much longer until we get to...uh, wherever we're going?" Kneph asked.
I glanced over at Jaden as she answered. "Three hours, take or give. The dwarves live deep enough that most of Sarnom's forces that do ever dare venture in here get bored and turn back before they ever find anything."
There was a collective groan from the teens.
Be the cartoon heart. Light a fire, light a spark. Light a fire, flame in my heart. We'll run wild, we'll be glowing in the dark.
"You all will be fine and we will take a few breaks so you won't die."
"Such cheery thoughts," Gregory mumbled.
I heard Sam stifle a laugh as we continued going. I think an hour past before the teens started complaining. (It was thirty minutes more than I expected)
"Sam, you want to take a break?" I asked. He shrugged and set his lantern on a rock.
"I guess so. Okay guys, we're taking a break."
A few whistles and sighs echoed, but didn't last for long. Once everyone was sat down around the two lanterns I took out and handed out hard wheat cookies.
"What are these?"
"It's food."
"What kind of food?"
"It's basically hard bread. Long lasting and somewhat delicious."
Sam gave me a look and I shrugged. What? We ALL needed our energy and these were the best way to get it.
**THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU MAYBE for posting!!!!!!!!!!!!!**
*gives cookie* **
