The Elements of Zion: The Vine, The Branch, and The Thorn

Chapter 7

"Two temples in a day? We're pushing it." I adjusted the belt around my waist, trying to ignore the weight of my armor. "You think this is smart?" Dove's wings rustled as he glanced back at me, his gaze unwavering. "Evil doesn't rest, Isaac. Neither can we."

I groaned, but the truth of his words sank in. The sweet, intoxicating aroma from the surrounding temple grounds seemed out of place for the struggle that lay ahead. Still, I couldn't shake the exhaustion settling in my bones.

As we neared the second temple, Dove moved toward a mysterious opening ahead. Upon closer examination, it resembled not only a cave entrance but one that bore the intricate, skillful work of man or perhaps, the artistry of branches, interwoven like a subtle electric dance.

Without hesitation, Dove ventured in, and I followed suit, immediately finding a narrow footpath leading us deeper into the abyss. Torches flickered hesitantly, casting deep shadows against the damp, cold cavern walls, providing meager light to guide our steps.

"Is this the routine from now on? Dark, clammy tunnels with a funky mix of 'what-is-that' and 'dead things' smells?" I asked.

Dove countered, "Not exactly. You'll understand when things change. Just be patient, as the revelation will come in its own time."

I hesitated in the tunnel, the victory at the temple illumination still fresh in my mind. I'd conquered the challenges there, felt the rush of clarity and strength as Oak had praised me. But now, standing at the edge of this new descent, something gnawed at me from the inside.

What if it wasn't enough? The thought slipped in, uninvited. What if one victory didn't make me strong enough for what was coming?

I looked at Dove, my guide in this strange journey, his wings steady, confident, as if he knew I could do this. But the weight of the armor felt heavier now, like a constant reminder of the battles ahead. I've come this far... but am I ready for what's next? What if I fail again?

That same gnawing sensation crept up, like the ghosts of past mistakes. The moments when I hadn't been fast enough, strong enough. My brothers in battle... the ones I couldn't save.

I shook my head, trying to clear the cloud of doubt. But the feeling remained, a quiet, persistent whisper. "What if I don't have what it takes this time?"

Dove glanced back at me, as if sensing my hesitation. "Ready?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp.

I nodded, swallowing down the fear. No turning back now.

As we delved deeper into the seemingly endless pathway, the distant rumblings of thunder began to permeate the silence, adding an electric tension to the air. The condensation from the walls dripped down languidly, forming winding, little streams that meandered their way to converge with a larger one in the center of the cavern. A faint glimmer of light flickered in the distance, and Dove quickened his pace as if drawn by the lure of that illumination. I followed, my every step weighed down by trepidation, unable to match his speed; he disappeared as he rounded the corner. What awaited me there was nothing short of perplexing. The expanding stream flowed gracefully into a petal-shaped pool, surrounded by darkness that seemed to mark the end of the cavern.

I glanced around and realized with a sudden chill that I was now alone. "Dove?" My feeble voice called out, only to be swallowed by the void. "Dove!?" My voice echoed off the cavern walls.

In the eerie silence, the menacing roll of thunder rumbled once more. My gaze was drawn to the pool, where I observed water rippling as if disturbed by an invisible presence. Trembling with a mix of terror and curiosity, I inched closer and peered over the edge, only to find myself staring at something both horrifying and enchanting. The depths of the pool seemed to hold a pulsating web of electric energy; with every haunting flash, I glimpsed a reflection of a sky that was certainly not above me in the cave.