Once I got feeling back in my body I stood up and stretched the numbness out of my body. Looking around I saw that Artemis had already walked beneath the bridge. “Is it open yet?” I asked while stumbling over to the bridge. “It’s opening right now” she replied. Looking closer I could see as the shadows crept through the cracks in the crumbling bridge, three small shafts of light lined up on the curve of the bridge making a small triangle. Stepping back I gave a mock bow, “would you do the honors milady?” “Why of course kind sir” Artemis said with a curtsey. Reaching out she pressed the center of the triangle which started to glow. The glow expanded until it was large enough for a person to fit through.
Stepping through the light we ended up in a small stone hallway that immediately started sloping down. We walked down the single hallway until it opened up into a large cavern. As we entered a ring of torches lit themselves on the walls. The cavern was a large dome that had a large fire pit in the center. Behind the pit sat a large shape hidden by the glare of the fire. The fire pit darkened and the form took shape. “Hey yoostus” Artemis called out. The shape rose up and came into the light of the fire. “Hello children, what brings you here today?” At 8 feet tall Yoostus would scare most people away with one look. He had a round pudgy face that appeared smooshed flat. His massive body was a bit on the fat side except for his arms which rippled with muscles. His skin was a pale yellow color and his small eyes shone under his think eyebrows. Yoostus was a troll.
“Hey Yoostus we just came to pick up some stuff.” I said “Ah yes your order” he replied. His voice was a deep tone that sounded like he had woken up from a long nap. He picked up a piece of paper with his 4 fingered hand and started reading it. “one single edged Viking berserker sword, one double edged ax, twenty five titanium throwing stars, two k-bar knives, and thirty steel tipped arrows. Quite the order children. I assume you have payment?” Artemis pulled out a duffel bag stuffed to the brim. “Of course, only the best for you.” She said with a smile. With some difficulty the troll unzipped the bag with his stubby fingers and inhaled deeply. “Aahhh, your mother makes the best brownies.” Yes you guessed it, we paid him in brownies. “Well children here are your toys go have fun.” He tossed a large sack at me while already beginning to dig in on his payment. I caught the bag and put it over my shoulder. “Come again soon children, I am always here if your need anything and I do so enjoy your company.” We turned back towards the tunnel as I called out “sure thing Yoostus see you soon.”
Once outside the door slid shut behind us. “I can’t wait to try out my new arrows with that crazy bow!” Artemis said excitedly. “Yea Yoostus makes the best..” before I could finish my sentence I was stopped by a searing pain in my stomach. I fell to my knees as the pain worsened. “Cal what’s wrong, what’s happening.” Artemis yelled in panic. I could feel the pain slowly inch its way from my stomach to my left arm as it continued to increase. I managed to look up as the world in front of me seemed to be ripped open. It was a ragged tear that swirled with an eerie gray light. The rip widened as a person walked through, but that’s all I could see as my vision started to go dark. I strained to focus on the person coming towards me only to see the angry face of my least favorite demon. Artemis was immediately on the offensive pulling a knife from her bright purple combat boots. Even with that knife pressed against his neck he answered impassibly. “I need to take him to the tomb now!” The pain was getting worse but I could barely feel as he pushed Artemis away and dragged me towards the portal. “Artemis its ok just tell mom what happened, I’ll be fine I promise.” I croaked. I managed to stand up and shuffle towards the swirling portal. Squeezing my eyes shut I stepped through.
