Revolutions

107 - Teqosa

There's a deep, ominous grumble, like a warning growl from the tomb itself, as if it knows we've taken what it cherishes, what it swore to protect. Dust rains down from the vanished ceiling—I had nearly forgotten we're still within a pyramid, not in an actual garden outdoors. Amidst the calamity, my fingers tingle as I barely manage to clutch the turquoise amulet. Suddenly, the floor beneath us shudders violently. The stones begin to give way, falling into an endless abyss below.

I barely have time to think. My instinct kicks in—Upachu! Debris crashes down around us, clattering on the stone before dropping into the void. The grand tree possessing fruits from all over Pachil disappears into the black pit. Beside me, Upachu stumbles, his old bones unsteady on the shifting ground.

The floor beneath Upachu's feet cascades into the darkness below. He wavers, teetering on the brink of the abyss. I leap towards him. Our fingers brush briefly before I manage to seize his wrist. My muscles strain as I heave with all my might, fighting against the pull of the void. As the ground beneath him gives way entirely, I tighten my grip on his arm, refusing to let him fall.

"Hold on!" I shout, my voice barely audible over the deafening noise of grinding stone and collapsing rubble. Upachu's eyes widen with fear, but he clutches my arm, his grip surprisingly strong for an old man. His weight drags me down, and for a terrifying moment, I think we'll both go over.

My heart drums in my ears. I shift my position, digging my heels into the crumbling stone. As I pull, the amulet slips from my grasp. It glints in the dim light, tumbling as it falls through the dust-choked air.

With a desperate lunge, I stretch out my free hand, fingers grazing the amulet. The stone crumbles further, and I fear all will be lost into the endless pit. Still gripping Upachu, I lunge again, my other hand darting out to catch it. My heart lurches as I fumble, the amulet nearly slipping beyond my grasp. With one last effort, I manage to hook it with the tips of my fingers, pulling it back from the precipice. Relief floods through me as my fingers close around its cool surface.

But it's short-lived as the ground trembles more violently. It's as if the tomb is enraged by our intrusion. The floor is still plunging into the vast sea of black. We need to go. Now.

"We have to move!" I bark, hauling Upachu to his feet. He looks dazed, stunned, but nods while catching his breath.

"Head for the platform!" Síqalat shouts, pointing towards the only stable ground in sight. She's already on her feet, her eyes searching for the safest route. She shouts something else before dashing through the chaos. But her words are lost in the din, as the walls now tumble around us.

We scramble, leaping from one collapsing stone to the next. The abyss yawns beneath us, a dark maw ready to swallow us whole. Just as we reach the platform, the floor gives way, cracking and splitting behind us. We sprint, my feet barely catching solid ground as we make it to safety. Only a gaping void is left where we had just stood.

There's not much further to go. The exit is in sight. As we reach a narrow passage, the ground gives one last heave. A loud crack splits the air, and the corridor begins to collapse behind us. We run, reaching a flight of stairs and scramble up them, not daring to look back. As we approach the top, I push Upachu forward, diving after him, and the three of us barely find firm footing

We collapse on the floor. Panting, I glance at my companions. Upachu is shaken but safe, and Síqalat is already catching her breath.

"What is with this tomb and its floors?" Síqalat mutters, her voice strained.

I clutch the amulet, feeling its power pulse through me. "Let's keep moving," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "We have to get out of here before this tomb decides to bury us for good."