He was tempted for a moment to once again experience the artifacts’ true power, before they hid them. It could happen so fast and it would allow him to experience the divine. His hand reached for one of the artifacts. It was so mysterious, so compelling, so powerful... and not yet fully understood. That lack of understanding had led to the terrifying deaths of those who did not respect just how dangerous the artifacts, in this place, could be.
He stopped himself. He pulled his hand back and took a deep breath. He was devoted to their protection and any delay would put them in jeopardy. He could not risk it. He also knew the danger that he could lose himself in the artifacts’ ancient promise. The warnings were clear. He backed away, agonizing over how close he was to deepening his understanding of some of life’s greatest secrets. But it would have to wait. He prayed he would return.
Finally, they finished what they had come here to do. They looked around. There was no trace of the artifacts for anyone to spot should they ever stumble into this space, though that had never happened. It was exceptionally well-hidden, the secret of its location well-guarded since time immemorial.
“We all know what to do,” the young man said to the others.
“Yes,” the young woman answered. “We all take our individual routes back. We meet once we are back in the city.” They had each mapped out and memorized their own solitary return paths. They knew the jungle well.
He nodded, his expression grave. “And you understand that if any of us does not make it back, by the time we realize it, it may be too late.” They were forced to travel separately to ensure that if anyone was spotted or captured, the others could escape.
With somber expressions, they nodded.
He took out the ornate compass. It was no ordinary compass. Its hands spun wildly in response to the nearby artifacts. It was crafted by a member of their secret order, an order sworn to protect these artifacts, a vital part of their heritage. It was made to resemble a compass to disguise its true purpose.
He pocketed it and zipped the pocket closed. It had been entrusted to him. He would give his life to keep it safe. To keep all of this safe.
“Then, let us pray for our safe return.”
They all bowed their heads in silent prayer.
Without looking back, each brave soul made their way through the expansive, twisting, and perilous subterranean tunnel system, and then out into the dark and deadly jungle that lay beyond. Hope and prayer were now their guides through the many dangers that lay ahead...
* * *
After he completed the first leg of his journey in the dark, forbidding jungle, desperately trying to avoid predators on the prowl for their evening meal, he stopped to rest for a few minutes. Thirst and exhaustion were exerting their strong influences over him. He fished his water out of his pack and took a long sip. Suddenly, he heard something—something out of place. He crouched down, listening intently, trying to determine what direction it was coming from.
It was voices. Human voices.
Oh, no, he thought. He knew there shouldn’t be anyone out this far at night. Fear crept up on him. Adrenaline flooded his system anew. Though still a long way from the cathedral cavern, their presence was too close for comfort, or for it to be a coincidence. His people kept their ears to the ground for those attempting expeditions into the surrounding jungles. There weren’t supposed to be any.
He tensed. He tried to think of what to do next. Should he keep going and report back on the location of the intruders? Or should he try to gain more intel first? His mind raced. It would be safer to just leave and get back as fast as he could. He listened again. It was a group of men. How many he could not tell. He tried to make out what they were saying, but he was too far away. Rivulets of sweat dripped down his face and neck as his heart thundered in his chest.
He made his decision. He would try to get closer to hear what they were saying and assess what they were doing out here. He hoped against all reason that it wasn’t what he feared. That they were looking for the hidden cathedral cavern and the artifacts within. But he had to know. He had to be sure.
With the utmost stealth, he carefully made his way towards the voices. He stopped every couple of minutes to sit in silence to glean anything he could about their location and movement. It seemed like they were sitting still. Perhaps they had settled in their camp for the night.
He crept forward, staying as low to the ground as possible, keeping one ear out for predators, and one ear out for any guards they had posted to watch their perimeter. One man stepped into view through the trees. He was armed.
The young man ducked down. He held his breath, his heart pounding furiously. He waited to make sure he hadn't been seen. He crawled forward, edging close to the camp, staying as low as possible.
Finally, he managed to get within earshot.
We may be there soon...
We will need to get word back upon our arrival... the metal library...
The prisoner will tell us what he knows...one way or another...
Either way, he will be dealt with...
His feelings of panic spiked hard. They were looking for the cathedral cavern. He turned back to resume his journey. He had to make the utmost speed now. Danger was approaching. Time was running out.
He started to creep back through the thick jungle foliage. Adrenaline pushed him forward.
A couple of minutes later, he suddenly stopped. A face looked back at him. A human face. He gasped, frozen in place.
He locked eyes
