Page Four

(Revised from  Image Text)

Once the explosion had subsided and the smoke recedes into the shadows, the two shaken issars lower their arms and stand up to see what has become of that gargantuan cyst. The only things that remain are piles of steaming, gray sludge encircling a boy’s shin-less body covered in sheets of yellow mucus. Niseka cautiously maneuvers over the sludge mounds, feeling a numbing anxiety over whether or not VerNous had succumb to his entrapment. His heart pounds ferociously as he kneels and presses his trembling fingers into the underside of the boy’s limp risk. VerNous’ body is frigid and stiff; all signs of life lost. Time and neglect has taken its toil and their harrowing journey could end in the shadows of the cavern.  Yet, all of a sudden, just as Niseka is haunted by the onset of discouragement, a mysterious sub-zero wind zooms pass the issar’s body, nearly knocking him off balance. This is a peculiar happening, since they are miles underground where the air has no movement or disturbance. As if prompted by the chilling gale, the boy flinches his eyes and moans, yet renders no other movement. Niseka immediately shouts for Nelet,

            “There’s life in him! Hurry, bring the cloth.” Nelet does as commanded and gives him a plain wool cloth. Niseka then wraps the body very tightly in order to shield it from the icy air of the cave. He then picks up the lightweight boy, cradling him in his arms, and starts the long journey up to the canyon. Once more, they march upward through the stone maze with relative ease. As they reach the middle of the labyrinth, Nelet allows worry to cloud his mind. His fear has created doubt that the unhinged explosion did not ripple through the valley undetected. During the entire walk back, Nelet keeps a keen eye on their surroundings, looking for anything out of the ordinary. For Gwenliba’s minions are merciless and stealthy, capable of ambushing them and putting an end to their progress thus far.