The Seven Swords of Diya: An Indiana Jones Fan Fiction - Part 2

Chapter 300: Cave, Kamchatka Wilderness, Soviet Union, 1960

Cave

Kamchatka Wilderness

Soviet Union

1960

"Looks like a bridge," Emily announced. "Its low to the ceiling so we'll have to crawl through, but as long as we don't have any major earthquakes, we shouldn't have to worry about the water rising."

"I'd be more concerned about the earthquakes, Em," Indy warned, as the water sloshed at his boots. He swallowed. He wanted to climb higher, but his arm injury prevented it.

"I've got the rope," Emily announced. "Look out below."

"Ow!" Shorty yelled. "It dropped on my face!"

"Gotta wear a fedora," Indy and Emily answered in unison.

Shorty grabbed the rope, then wrapped it around Lizavet. "You first," he offered. "Emily can pull you up. It'll take both of you to haul up me, and then Dad."

"Not sure I'm gonna make that trip, kids," Indy spoke.

"Oh yes you are, Dad!" Emily insisted. "I'll have Shorty, Lizavet and me. We can get you up here. You didn't teach me tomb raiding and mountain climbing rope skills without the stubbornness to go with it."

"That stubbornness is from your mother, hon," Indy replied.

Lizavet climbed beside Emily. "He is not doing well."

"I know. But he's what's holding us together," Emily replied, determined. "And I'm not leaving without Dad." She leaned over the edge. "Shorty! You're next!"

The rope dropped, missing Shorty's face this time. Shorty grabbed the rope and slipped down to Indy, setting his cigarette lighter in a small rock crevice. "You're coming with us, Dad."

Indy grinned. "I knew you kids wouldn't leave me, but I've only got one hand for climbing."

There was a rumbling noise deep inside the earth.

Shorty looked at Indy. "They'll have to pull you up. I can climb along and steady the rope - since you can't guide it."

"I can hold the cigarette lighter, so we can both see," Indy replied. "Not totally helpless. Old. But not helpless."

"Dad? Shorty?" Emily called, her voice echoing, against the growing rumble.

"We're on our way up!" Shorty answered back. He grabbed the rope and lifted himself up, half climbing.

"Ready, ladies?" Indy called. "I'm gonna try to make myself as light as possible."

"Belay on!" Emily called down. "Just like you taught me, Dad!"

"On belay," Indy grinned, bracing himself against the pain, following in Shorty's handholds and footholds, as they both climbed by the light of one cigarette lighter. "I hope there's no big rock chase involved in this," he muttered.

Emily heard his complaint and started laughing.

Indy grinned despite his pain.

Shorty reached the edge of the stone where Emily and Lizavet were. He swung his legs over and helped them pull Indy up.

Indy lifted his boots onto the platform and gave a precarious roll as his three kids steadied him, making certain he was secure.

He held the cigarette lighter for a moment, getting a chance to look around.