The River King

Chapter 2: The Cave

Finneas made his way to the city's western wall. He had to walk past the rich part of town to get there. Most of the people living here didn't care much for the poorer people, living down towards the seaside. As long as they had a view, they were very much complacent. Finneas wasn't too keen on the people living in this district. They lived off the backs of the lower folk. The poor worked in the factories and on the docks so that the rich can live in their mansion on top. Finnea would dream of living in those flash buildings up on the hill. He knew very well those dreams would never come true.

By this point, Finneas was puffing. He'd run here as fast as he could. He looked around to make sure no guards were looking. Making his way down one of the dark alleyways, rarely ever visited by anyone, Finneas rediscovered the crack in the wall. It'd been years since he'd last visited this place. Due to growing a bit since the last time he'd visit, Finneas struggled to crawl through the gap. He eventually made his way to the other side. His heart was still beating. Finneas didn't want to be caught. He knew perfectly what the punishment would be if a guard caught him. The simple thought of the cane almost made him turn back. He decided to continue, however.

Reaching a tall cliff, Finneas tried his damn hardest to remember the path he'd taken many years previously. He'd visited the place before, many times when he was younger. It'd been years since the last time. Although all his friends knew about the place, Finneas always went alone. They all knew he needed time to himself. Everyone did, every once in a while. Sometimes his mind would get so clogged up, that Finneas needed a place to think. After the boy in the mayor's residence mentioned a cave, Finneas knew exactly the place he was referring to.

Finneas began climbing the cliff. He knew the right places to climb. Finneas was always good at climbing. It was a skill he quickly learned to navigate through the city. He was quite agile, moving upwards rather quickly. Only once did he nearly slip. Finneas placed his foot on a rock he thought stable. It wasn't. The rock simply tumbled away, the sounds of it hitting the ground many feet below. Luckily enough, Finneas grabbed hold of another rock, this one far larger. He was able to use it to pull himself up.

He found himself on a flat patch of ground. Finneas decided to stop for a moment to regain his breath. He looked out towards the city. Up in the sky, the Major Moon had already risen; its golden crescent a glowing beckon. The smaller moon, known as the Minor Moon, was yet to rise. It was too early yet. The small asteroid-like moon would dash across the sky at least twice a day, once around midnight and another around midday. Finneas had heard from some sailors that the minor moon couldn't be seen further north. He wasn't sure to believe this. Finneas had never left Estmere, let alone Angleum. It was highly likely the sailors were telling the truth. There was also another moon, known as the Stranger. However, only those with a telescope could see it.

Finneas couldn't remember the last time he'd seen the city from such a distance. It was quite beautiful, although he would never admit such sentimental feelings to other people. He knew quite well he'd be mocked for it. Several apartment towers scattered the cityscape. The bright lights glimmering from the buildings reminded Finneas of the Bell Tree. People would decorate the tree, situated in the centre of town, with lights and all He always found the tradition strange. Apparently, they did it to celebrate the birth of the Maker. However, Finneas never paid much attention to that sort of stuff. Rich kids would always get presents. Finneas and his friend never did. The Bell Tree Festival did not affect him.

With another deep breath, he continued climbing upwards. Finneas felt a cold breeze coming from the north. The wind was beginning to pick up. The night sky was slowly becoming cloudy as if threatening to rain. Finneas knew he had to pick up his pace. he eventually made it to the top of the cliff face. Using all his strength, Finneas pulled himself up. For a few moments, he lay there, regaining his breath again. From there, it was a small and simple path towards the cave. Before entering the cave, Finneas checked to see if he'd been followed. The whole act of checking was ridiculous. No one in their right mind would climb such a cliff. He was certain he was alone.