The cave looms before us. I really don't want to go in there.
The excitement and curiosity of the others are not contagious this time.
Ade hands me my clothes. "You better put these back on. It's going to be cool in there."
I take my time getting dressed, trying to delay the inevitable.
"Come on, El," Rhia says impatiently from the cave entrance. She's already halfway inside. "This will be fun.""I'm coming," I grumble and take Ade's outstretched hand. He smiles at me and presses a soft kiss to my lips."Who knows, we might find treasure," Rhia's jovial voice comes from inside. "Maybe pirates came here over the centuries to hide their loot.""Yeah, yeah… and of course we're going to be the first to stumble across it," I reply sarcastically, as I squeeze through the opening.
The cool, damp air sends a shiver down my spine. For a split second, the memory of entering the dark cave the first time I tried to escape from Tiero flashes before my eyes.
Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that this time it's very different. I'm not alone, I'm not scared for my life, and there's light. I can see what's surrounding me. In fact, the light of the two flashlights illuminates the small space as if it were daylight.
So it's really not that scary… nor is it that interesting.
"There are only rocks," I comment. "We've seen it all now. Let's go for that mud bath."
"You're not looking close enough," Ade says, pointing at something on the side of a wall. "We're definitely not the first ones here. There are symbols carved into the rock. Look."
He shines the flashlight onto it, and we gather in a half-circle, examining it.
"Wow," Rhia says, winking at me over her shoulder. "Pirates might really have been here. This symbol looks like a treasure box."
"It's a square," I deadpan.
"Exactly. It could be a treasure box."
I roll my eyes and spot another carving higher up.
"There's also a star." I point at it. "And one ray is a lot longer. Do you think it's pointing us a certain way?"
"Only one way to find out," Lex says.
He shines his flashlight in the direction the star indicated, and there might actually be another opening in the rock. It's a lot smaller than the entrance of the cave and somewhat concealed. Our guys will have to duck low to fit through.
My curiosity is lit now. What if these symbols really point to something?
The flashlights cut through the darkness as we press forward. The cave walls echo our footsteps and even the sound of our breathing seems magnified.
On close inspection, we discover more markings, each one ramping up our excitement. These clues are like breadcrumbs leading us closer to some elusive prize. The air grows thick withanticipation as we navigate the narrow passages, the suspense driving us onward.
My senses are heightened by the possibility of the unknowns lurking in the shadows. So far, we've not come across any signs of animals. It's a relief, though my mind insists it only brings us closer to an unwanted surprise.
But hey, what can possibly happen when Rhia and I are sandwiched between two guys who are practically invincible? At least, that's what I'm telling myself.
Finally, we reach some sort of grotto. The air is stale and tinged with the scent of ancient stone… and maybe even Indiana Jones.
The chamber is small. There's just enough room for the four of us, but we can't turn easily.
"Is this it?" I ask.
"Now what?" Rhia's voice echoes off the walls. "I can't see anything out of the ordinary. Do you think there's a hidden hollow somewhere in here?"
"There has to be," I reply. "Otherwise why would the markings lead us here?"
Ade and Lex shine their flashlights systematically along each inch of the rock, before setting them on the ground to serve as an uplight.
Nothing stands out.