The Enchantments: Book 3 - The Key of Sorcen

Chapter 19: From Under

Fin had never been so glad to get away from the Cupola tribe and all the people, yes they were friendly enough but all he could think about whenever he saw them was those blank sightless eyes staring back at them. He shuddered every time he thought of them coming at him from behind a bush or across the moon soaked the ground.

Fin stood at the side of the boat half emerged in the water waiting for Rowell to say his goodbyes to the people of the Cupola tribe. Although he was being friendly and courteous Fin could tell he was as, or more anxious to leave the small village then he was.

He waited with his hands purged on the side of the boat ready to push it out to continue the journey. He asked himself why he had embarked on the trek even though he had no leads to go on, but all that came to him was the urge to continue on. Something had to show itself soon or Rowell would start asking questions and he needed the man more on his side than against him.

Rowell had finally nodded at the last person and stepped in the boat. Fin gave the hull a mighty push sending the boat drifting farther out the river to where the current was stronger. Fin stepped forward, the water now to his waist and started to pull himself thankfully into the craft when a small child on the shore came running to the bank.

"Mr. Rowell, Mr. Rowell you must wait, Jordak the village elder wants to speak to the young boy."

Rowell sighed then looked over at a terrified Fin who was shaking his head drastically.

"Please Mr. Fin, you can not disappoint the village elder. I realize you do not trust the Cupola right now but you have to show faith. Believe me, if you do that they will respect you more after all the events that have occurred." Rowell said calmly.

Fin sat stunned in the boat dripping water from his soaked clothes. "Come on Rowell I really don't want to go back in there, how do I know they haven't changed back and are waiting to jump me?"

Rowell took a few large breaths then sat in the boat, "-Because I'm asking you. If you don't go in there it might look bad and all the time I've put into getting the tribes along the river onto my side will be for not. So, if you won't do it for me, at least do it for yourself."

Fin made what sounded like grunting noise then jumped from the boat landing in the water with a large splash.

"If he turns nasty on me and makes me one of the walking dead, you'll be the first one I come after!" He hissed and then walked reluctantly past the other members of the tribe who were now smiling brightly at him.

He understood what he was doing would go a long way in helping Rowell and his future with the Cupola, but yet it didn't make him feel less apprehensive. Trying the best he could to avoid the prying eyes of the villagers he stepped to the hut and knocked.

The small door swung open with a thud and he was greeted by a gargantuan of a man who's entire body filled the opening.

"Uh... I'm here to see Jordak... he, uh... asked me to come." Fin stammered.

The giant grunted and slammed the door shut. Fin stood shocked at the giant's lack of recognition and wondered what he was going to do next.

Should he wait or go back?

The answer was made for him as the door suddenly swung open and he was grabbed by the collar and whisked inside.

"Would someone please tell me what the heck is going –?"

"-Please come further child." A weak voice said from the other side of the hut.

Fin felt the heat of the small hut hit him like a stoked fire. Even though it was stifling he could feel a cold shiver creep up his back.