Vampyre: Desire Immortal

Chapter 42

The Raging Torrents

Blood, sweat, and fears.

*****

The storms blew in just before dawn. Perdix and Xhahari were soaked. There was no where to hide from the torrential sheets of water that poured down. The gales whipped the water inside the little grotto with hurricane force. There was nothing to do but tuck your head down and wait it out.

Xhahari's teeth chattered. The cold wetness chilled you to the bone. Perdix began coughing. Xhahari prayed earnestly that the old man would survive the blast.

"We should have stayed home," he muttered.

It was only a passing thought that sprung from his lips before he could stop it. But Xhahari was certain the softness of his voice and the roar of the wind prevented the old man's ears from discerning what he'd said.

"No," said Perdix. "Fate decreed this journey had to be made."

He did not raise his head, and Xhahari's heart dropped to hear the rattling cough that came at the end of the old man's words.

At last the winds abated. The rains ceased.

"We must make haste," the old man said.

The sun was shining brilliantly. Both were blinded by its radiant glare. They tied their bundles to their backs and began the steep climb. Neither said a word, concentrating instead on the arduous progress up the mountain peak.

At last, they reached the ledge to the entrance of Rotou.

"That cough threatens to throttle you, Master," said Xhahari. "Don't you have a spell to stop it?"

"I am alright," said Perdix.

He reached beneath his tunic and pulled the pouch out that was tied to the string around his neck.

"I want you to take this," Perdix said, starting to untie the knot of the string.

"No, Master," said Xhahari.

"Do not say no for you do not know what this is," said the old man.

"I know exactly what it is," said Xhahari. "I am not in need of it. But if that cough worsens, you may well have to drink it to survive this ordeal."

"I am an old man who has lived a very good life," said Perdix.

"And I am a young one who may need the help of a wiser soul to guide me out of these caves."

"I will keep it as you wish,then," said Perdix. "For now."

Xhahari smiled.

"I remember you said these caves had a curtain that prevented you from entering," said Xhahari.

"They did," said Perdix. "But is seems that, for now, the veil has been lifted. Careful, son. Be very careful. I do not trust this place."

"I will practice caution, Master. Here. Let me take some of the load from you. Your back is bent and mine barely feels the load."

Xhahari took some of the bundles from Perdix and tied them onto his back.

"These caves take your breath away," said Perdix. "Remember. Do not be deceived by their beauty. They are like the polceti. You must be very careful. Use the utmost caution. Don't let your guard down for one second."