Castle of Treasure

Chapter Two: Shelly Trail

Alex, John, Theo, Nicholas and Winsley had to travel their way by foot to what likely seemed to be a magical castle on a hill in the east. Alex gave a shot of his eyes back, and he saw what he called "Home" stood near the oak tree and the place which he called village zoomed a little smaller and smaller as he made his way forward and forward with every step he took. The sun did not have enough strength to light the day yet, though they could see the dim-colored grass and tree branches around them in the early morning sky. He felt slightly nervous but rather excited and glad for, first, the castle, then, his future ahead.

"What did you forget?" questioned Nicholas.

"A knife," answered Winsley, "traveling like this, we better have it." Alex admired that she was so thoughtful.

The sky had become more and more clear, the sun had risen higher and higher above the horizon, and more and more footprints were left behind. They could hardly see what was lying ahead, for there was likely a cloud hiding everything from view in front of them.

"I'm tired," whined Nicholas, "when will we get there?"

"Hey, it hasn't been a morning yet!" exclaimed Theo.

"My feet hurt!" continued whining Nicholas.

"Close your mouth and go on!" raged John and walked on.

Something like clouds had faded from view slowly as they marched toward it, revealing water, much water slowly flowing toward the south. They reached the river. Its water was right at their feet, just like the sea water at the beach. Alex was unable to tell how wide it was; because there was still fog covering the other side of the bank.

"How are we going to cross this river?" asked Winsley.

"I don't know too," answered John.

"Well, guess I shouldn't have come with you," sighed Nicholas, and all eyes turned on him.

"What do you mean?" asked John.

"I want to go back," said Nicholas, "I don't really believe in it at all, and it's like going to nowhere. Kids at the market may just talk nonsense."

' "But I do," said John, "do you Winsley? Alex? Theo?"

"Yeah," said Winsley and Theo.

"Uh, yeah," said Alex, but he was not so certain.

"Look, how are you going to cross this river?" demanded Nicholas, gesturing to the river.

There was no one answering his question other than silence, then he went on, "See? l suggest you go back home."

"No," said John after a split silence, in an emphasized tone, showing he was certain with his choice.

"No, once I'm out, I'm not going back there, I'm not going back to the orphanage," added Alex, and Winsley and Theo agreed with him.

Nicholas looked around at each of them, and finally said, "OK," handing Winsley his package, "here's what I've packed. Wish you safe along the way," and turned his way around.

"Wait. Tell Sister Camellia nothing, will you?" yelled Alex at Nicholas's back.

"Sure," said Nicholas, turning his face back, "I'll tell her I'm just doing some exercise." Then he turned and headed back to the village.

Alex, John, Winsley and Theo stood firm there watching Nicholas zooming out of sight. Alex felt a bit miserable. Losing Nicholas from the journey was a great deal for him; because he had left the orphanage without which he had nothing left. And now, five of them were all that was remaining for him. Without Nicholas, there were only four.