AMBERCREST CAVE

Petra walked the shore of Allanon many times but stopped and turned around before passing Ambercrest Cave. The legend surrounding the cave had everyone afraid.

She had to know if the legend was true but didn’t want to go alone. She convinced Aydran to explore the cave with her.

“Are you ready?” She asked.

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Aydran replied.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid. Nothing’s going to happen.”

“What about the disappearance?”

“Old wives’ tale. Something our parents made up to keep us away. Besides, don’t you want to try and find the hidden treasure?”

“Okay, let’s do this.”

Petra had been preparing to explore the cave for weeks. She pointed to a group of rocks near the cave. Hidden behind them were two backpacks containing flashlights, knives, food, and spray paint.

The took out the lights and slung the backpacks over their shoulders. Aydran took her hand and led them into the Ambercrest Cave.

The sound of dripping water and wind howling made Petra tighten her grip on Aydran’s hand.

“Now who’s scared?” he asked.

“I’m not sca— Did you hear that?”

“Your imagination is getting to you. Come on. Let’s go. If there’s any treasure, it’s going to be further into the cave.”

They walked deeper into the cave, using their lights to check the walls and floors for anything valuable, pausing to mark their way with the spray paint. An hour passed and they found nothing.

They came to a large area and paused to decide which way to go. “Let’s stop for a little and eat. I’m starving,” Petra said.

“Yeah, good idea.”

The sat and pulled the food out of their packs.

“I think we should turn around,” Petra said. “There’s nothing here. We’re wasting our time.”

“You’re scared, aren’t you?”

“No, but I have a bad feeling. Let’s go. Please.”

Aydran stood and helped her up. “Yeah, I think we need to get back.”

The wind howled louder, and they could hear the crash of the waves. They picked up their pace following the marks they’d left. A clink and tapping sound echoed in the cave. It grew louder as they ran toward the entrance.

When they reached the entrance, it was blocked. Trapped. The entrance had been sealed by rocks. She felt it. Water. Climbing up her feet.

“Help us. We’re trapped,” she screamed.

The water rose up her leg at an alarming rate. They climbed up to the top of the sealed cave, frantically pulling away rocks, but made little progress. The water continued to rise.

Loud thunderous noises shook the cave.

They kept digging, but the water had risen leaving only their heads above it.

A voice echoed, “You’re mine.”

This story is prompted by Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo Thursday photo prompt:  #writephoto.

Stop over and give it a try. You might be surprised at what you can compose.

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