Page 35 of Capricorn Blessed

“We need to head that way,” I say. “But it may not be safe. You don’t have to come with me.”

I step off the path, winding my way behind the closed sign and continuing down the path.

“Wait,” I hear Beorn call, as three steps of footsteps crash through the woods.

“We’re coming with you,” Kenric calls.

We follow the path downhill until we reach an ice bridge spanning out to what appears to be an island. The ice has a thin layer of water on it.

“Does this look like it’s melting to you?” asks Dennis. “Because that water looks way too cold for a swim today.”

“Guess we know why it is closed right now. Let’s hope it is still solid enough to get us across, but maybe one at a time,” Beorn suggests.

“I’ll go first,” I say. “But once again, feel free to stay here. What are the chances the caves have been boobie trapped?”

Before anyone can answer, I step carefully onto the bridge, listening for creaks. It holds, and I make it to the other side. Looking back across the space, I can barely see the far side. I yell out, hoping they hear me before heading farther up the island and through the round openings ahead.

Walking into the cave is a sight to behold. Ice surrounds the limestone room. Stalagmites and stalactites poke out, covered in ice. The floor is slick, and ice climbs up the walls. I stare around the room for so long that Dennis showing up startles me.

“Any luck?” he asks, resting his hand on my shoulder.

“I haven’t looked yet,” I admit. “I was distracted. Just look at this place.”

He looks around before nodding.

“It’s nice, but it’s cold,” he answers. “Why don’t we start looking? The bridge was making some weird noises when I crossed, and I don’t know how long it’ll last.”

I nod and move farther into the room.

“It’s here somewhere,” I mumble. “We just need to find it.”

Dennis moves in the opposite direction from me.

“Do you even know what a hair comb is?” I call out.

“No,” he answers, “but I know what pearls look like. I’m just going on that.”

I laugh, moving closer to the walls, continuing my search.

Beorn comes across next, calling out “Anything?” as he arrives.

“If we found it, do you think we’d still be looking?” I ask.

“Guess not,” he answers, moving to the middle of the room and starting to look himself.

Kenric appears a few minutes later. “No luck yet?”

I look over my shoulder but don’t answer.

“Do you think the caves always look like this?” Kenric asks.

“It’s magical, isn’t it?” I answer.

“But like during the summer,” he says. “Would they still be covered in ice or does it melt?”

“It would melt,” Dennis answers.

“So how do we know that the piece is above the ice?” Kenric asks.

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