Ascent into Hell
The passage dim, we cannot see
May lead into Eternity.
*****
They began the ascent. Solid rock walls and sheer cliffs left little room to put a foot or grasp a solid handhold. The donkey was securely tied to a tree at the bottom of the mountain.
Xhahari bent backwards to survey the rugged peaks.
"I cannot see the Caves of Rotou," he said.
"My dear boy," said Perdix, "you would not be able to see their entrance if it was right here in front of you."
"Then, how do we enter?"
"I am even now saying the spells to pull the curtain from their door silently in my head."
"Good," said the boy. "I would not like to make it all the way to the top only to have you say the way is barred."
"It will not be," said the old man. "Not if I have anything to say about the matter."
"How much of this stuff will we need?"
"All of it and more. Tie as much as you can carry on your back. I will take the rest and tie it to myself."
"But you are . . ."
"Say no more," said Perdix. "I am not dead, yet. Merely up in years. That is all. I am stronger than I look."
He winked at Xhahari.
"Especially," said Perdix, "after the healing balm you applied to my leg got its chance to dance through my veins."
Xhahari laughed.
"As the owl, old man, you are quite a hoot."
"We will try to make it up to that silver ledge that hangs about out. See it, there?"
"Umm."
"That will give us a table to lay out heads upon out of the gales."
"Gales?" said Xhahari.
"The stormy winds blow treacherously when night falls. I have witnessed it many times. If you can find a small ledge to wedge yourself in, chances are, you will make it till the morning."
"We have everything."
"Good," said Perdix. "You first. And remember – once you start, do not look down. The curse of curses if you do. And I cannot reverse such strong black magic."
"As you say, Master."
YOU ARE READING
Vampyre: Desire Immortal
HorrorThe ancient village of Megara is getting ready for a wedding, and the bride is a vampire. Let the Blood Plague begin. As her thirteenth birthday approaches, Ava, Princess of Megara, knows her upcoming marriage to Wolfstan will plunge her into hell...
