The Tragedy Of The Thumbs Down Pin

Chapter 3: A Dance Of Deception

Edgar's mind raced as he faced Mortis, the darkness around them pressing in. He knew heneeded a plan, and fast. The idea of pretending to befriend Mortis flickered in his mind—a riskymove, but it might be his only chance to get closer to the thumbs down pin.Edgar forced a smile onto his face, hoping it looked genuine. "Mortis," he said, his voicesteady despite the adrenaline coursing through him, "I've heard stories about your power andwisdom. I wanted to learn from you."Mortis' eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his gaze. "Learn from me, you say? And whatexactly do you wish to learn?"Edgar took a step forward, keeping his movements slow and non-threatening. "I'verealized that brute strength and speed aren't enough. I've seen how you command respect, howothers fear you. I want to understand that power, to be more than just another brawler."Mortis tilted his head, regarding Edgar with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "Youseek power, then? And you think I would simply teach you?"Edgar nodded, trying to maintain eye contact. "I believe I can be of use to you. I knowthese woods, Starr Park, and its secrets. I can be your eyes and ears, help you in ways otherscannot."A long silence followed, the tension between them palpable. Edgar could feel Mortis'gaze probing him, searching for any sign of deceit. He remained still, his expression open andsincere.Finally, Mortis spoke, his tone thoughtful. "Very well, Edgar. I will allow you toaccompany me. But understand this: I trust no one. Any sign of betrayal, and you will regret it."Edgar inclined his head in a show of respect. "I understand. Thank you, Mortis."With a flick of his cloak, Mortis turned and began to walk back towards the mausoleum.Edgar followed, keeping a careful distance. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He needed tofind a way to gain Mortis' trust while remaining vigilant.As they entered the mausoleum, Edgar's eyes adjusted to the dim light. The interior wasas eerie as he had imagined, with ancient stone walls adorned with cryptic symbols and fadedtapestries. Mortis led him down a narrow staircase, the air growing colder with each step."The crypt below," Mortis said, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "It is a place ofgreat power and danger. Only those with true resolve can navigate its depths."Edgar nodded, making mental notes of every detail. He needed to understand the layout,the traps, and the secrets hidden within. He couldn't afford to make a single mistake.They reached a heavy wooden door at the bottom of the stairs. Mortis paused, turning toface Edgar. "Before we proceed, you must prove your loyalty. A task, to ensure you are not aspy."Edgar's heart skipped a beat. "What task?"Mortis' smile was cold. "Retrieve an artifact from the depths of the crypt. A simplechalice, hidden in a chamber. Bring it to me, and I will know you are sincere."Edgar swallowed hard. This was it—a test of his resolve and cunning. "I accept."Mortis opened the door, revealing a dark corridor lined with flickering torches."Remember, Edgar. I am watching."Edgar nodded and stepped into the corridor, the door closing behind him with a heavythud. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and ancient secrets. He moved cautiously,aware that Mortis' eyes were on him, scrutinizing his every move.As he navigated the winding passages, Edgar's mind worked overtime. He had to find thechalice and return with it, but he also needed to gather more information about the thumbs downpin. Every shadow seemed to hold a hidden danger, every creak of the floor echoing his owndoubts.He finally reached a chamber, its entrance marked by intricate carvings. Inside, a pedestalstood in the center, and upon it rested a simple, yet ornate, chalice. Edgar approached it, his stepscareful and deliberate. He reached out, his fingers brushing the cool metal.Suddenly, a voice echoed through the chamber. "Edgar," Mortis' voice, seeminglycoming from nowhere and everywhere at once. "Remember your place. Do not think for amoment that I trust you."Edgar clenched his jaw, lifting the chalice with steady hands. "I understand, Mortis. I willprove myself."As he made his way back through the corridors, chalice in hand, Edgar couldn't shake thefeeling of being watched. He had to tread carefully, every move a step in the dangerous dance ofdeception he had initiated. He would earn Mortis' trust, learn the secrets of the thumbs down pin,and claim it for himself. But for now, he had to survive the shadows that surrounded him.Returning to Mortis, Edgar presented the chalice. Mortis took it, his eyes never leavingEdgar's. "Well done," he said, a hint of approval in his voice. "But remember, this is only thebeginning."Edgar nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "I won't forget."