The Enchantments: Book 2 - The Key of Gandar

Chapter 17: Turmoil

"Brock, we've decided you and Heidi will be headed for the central region of the country and the Indian reservation of the Impashee tribe. The tribesmen were very reluctant to let outsiders into their midst, but after the doctor assured the chief that we were sending only our more gifted young adults they agreed. Now according to the report that Professor Tweedle drew up the relic is somewhere nearby the village. Now the whereabouts are sketchy at best so you'll have to work on your own on this one. Please do not draw a lot of attention to yourselves, it will only make the search that much more difficult. The Impashee do not trust many people so be courteous and polite. Fin and I will join you in the search when we have the opportunity. Since there is no timeline on this one, you'll have to do the majority of the hunting yourselves. Good luck and stay safe."

Heidi Waterbridge stood at the precipice of the forest staring up into the full moon sky with the breeze from the east touching her skin like a cool drink of water. Every fiber of her being said that the area she was in should terrify her, but for some strange reason it both invigorated and excited her.

The tall pines waved savagely in the throws of the upcoming storm turning the water into the distant lakes choppy and menacing. She closed her eyes feeling the energy of the area fill her with wonder, and for the first time in who knew how long she felt right about the world.

She passed through the last of the underbrush leaving the soft smell of pine to the wild scents of jasmine and sandalwood. She smiled as the beauty of the surroundings filled her with hope and she couldn't help but turn towards the first outcroppings of the great mountains and it was there her eyes found the figure standing proud and true upon the rock. She stared intently trying her best to figure out if her eyes were just playing tricks or if the spirit before her was real.

She walked closer to the rock her cloak billowing in the breeze. Her long black hair, straight as an arrow flew about her face and shoulders, she brought her fingers to her face and gently pushed them away.

'Who are you?' She asked the figure, but she realized that no words came from her mouth. She half expected a response but none came. She was fascinated by the great figure standing upon the rocks as his long mane of feathers fluttered in the wind. Waiting in silence she stared up at the muscular spirit when it suddenly began to raise its arm and point in the direction of a valley on the far side of the rock. Heidi followed its hand and gasped. Coming from the near side of the valley was a small glowing light of fluorescent yellow.

'What is this place?' she asked herself.

'Buriiiaaaaallllllll grounddddddsssssss.' A voice whispered as if it were part of the wind.

'Is what we're looking for in there?' She thought again.

'Daaaannnnnngerrrrr livvvveessssss therrrrreeeeeee.' The voice echoed menacingly.

Heidi felt the wind shift in direction; instead of the soft warm breeze from the east a cold bone-numbing gust from the north suddenly blew in. She shivered through the light material of the cloak and pulled her arms around herself to stay warm. She looked back up at the rock noticing the spirit had gone. She decided that the atmosphere had changed so she turned around to head back to the village.

As the moon began to disappear behind a dark menacing cloud the creature was upon her like a shot, knocking her down upon the sharp pine needles. It's foul smelling breath within inches of her face. Heidi screamed, her voice echoing through the forest in search of someone to help.