Separated in the Phantoms

Chapter 16

We turned around every stone and branch, being as quiet as possible. But we found nothing. We regrouped behind the swamp again. I sighed.
“What now? Where else could it be?” I asked. Torin shrugged.
“This is the only place that I could think of.” He said. I took the letter from my bag and read it again. I muttered the words. Then, it hit me.
“Guys! I think I know it!” I said. Both Faith and Torin looked at me.
“The letter said: There where monsters roam the grounds is where the next hint sounds. The next hint SOUNDS. You guys, we need a sound!” I exclaimed.
“OMG Ruby, I would’ve never thought of that! Great job!” Faith said. I smiled.
“I think you're right, Ruby. But what sound?” Torin asked. I stared at the paper in my hand.
“I have no idea.” I replied. I sighed and sat down.
“We first have to figure out what sound we need…”I said. Faith and Torin both sat down as well. Faith sighed and ran her hands through her hair. Then, she looked at me.
“Are we just going to sit here?” She asked. I looked at Torin for confirmation before nodding.
“There’s nothing more we can do, Faith.” I said. Faith sighed again and leaned against a rock. Torin opened his back and handed us some tangerines. He told us to finish quickly so that the ogre’s wouldn’t smell our food. I smiled and quickly peeled and ate the fruit. As I gave my and Faith’s peels to Torin, I suddenly heard a sound, like someone was ringing one of those old fashioned, gold bells. It was very faint, at first. But it grew louder very quickly. Soon Faith and Torin heard the sound as well. We hid behind the stones as an ogre walked by us, ringing a gold bell. It actually looked really funny.  The few ogres that were still in the swamp followed him. At the moment the ogre with the bell walked past the swamp, something fell out of the bell. As soon as they were gone, I ran towards the swamp. Torin and Faith quickly followed me. I picked up what looked like a folded piece of paper. I smiled.
“That was our sound.” I said, holding up the paper. The two laughed with excitement as Torin took the paper. He helped me up from the ground and handed it back to me.
“Let’s get out of here!” I said. They both agreed and we quickly left the Land of the Ogres.
When we were sure we were back on safe Mithian grounds, I opened the letter:

Well, well dear Ruby. This was a liiiiiiittle tougher. I am surprised that you found it. Now, let’s not beat around the bush any longer. Here is your next hint, dear RUBY:
Dark and gloomy, underneath the ground.
You will hear and see things all around.
Madness will come to those inside.
You will feel the presence of those who died.
Your mentality will be tested, that I swear
You will see things that aren’t there.
Will you come out of this dangerous place?
You must, because that is the last hint you’ll face.
Have fun with this one, my dear DEAR Ruby~.

“That scumbag is an absolute psycho!” Torin exclaimed.
“Tell me about it.” I replied. I folded the paper and turned to my friends.
“I know where we need to go. This place is famous: The Caves of Doom.” I said. Torin nodded and we immediately took off, back into the Land of Ogres.