Destiny

CHAPTER 12

Dawn came in the form of Will shaking my shoulders; I get up slowly, still groggy from the sleep. Stifling a yawn I look towards the cave entrance, events of the night came flooding down at me making me feel lighthearted. I felt liberated, like the heavy weight that I had carried on my shoulders from past two years, had suddenly vanished.

The promise I made to Jake kept ringing in my ear, like the voice of some annoying kid that doesn't know how to keep quiet.

The realization that Jake wanted me to move on made me feel exultant and distraught at the same time, I was jumble of emotions too chaotic to be solved on my own.

Stepping out of the cave I was greeted with a wild gush of cool air, brushing through the mop of my wavy hair. Closing my eyes I reveled in the feeling which was coursing through my veins, happiness, contentment, exhilaration, I had finally got the closure which was holding me back from moving on.

Sighing, I look around the woods, which seemed calm and serene in the daylight, totally opposite of what it was at night. Sound of rustling of trees and trickling of water caught my attention, halting my thoughts I try focusing my ears on the sound of the trickling water. Why didn't I hear it at night? A sense of elation washed over me when I perceived we were near the waterfall. Beckoning Will to follow me, I set out towards the direction where the sound was coming from.

Dodging the branches and leaves which were blocking my path, I stumble, once again, into the meadow. Its beauty never ceased to amaze me, still as beautiful as ever, standing proud in the middle of the treacherous woods. Proving the proverb, there's light even in the darkest places.

Not wanting to waste any time further, I head towards the water craving to quench my thirst. Will follows silently beside me.

Standing in the midst of the water, I let the freely flowing liquid wash away the dirt and grime that had encrusted me from the past 24 hours. It had just been 24 hours yet it seemed like life-time since I had last seen Evan.

Finally having my fill I sit on the edge of the water-body, my legs dangling in the water.

"Look what I got.. Breakfast", I look up to see Will grinning towards me, his boyish features stretched into a fully blown grin, holding a dead fish in his hands. My stomach rumbled at the sight of something worth eating, beaming, I saunter towards him.

Eating raw meat was not my cup of tea, but this whole kidnapping extravaganza has led me to perceive that worrying over such small things was not commendable, so leaving my reservation towards the raw meat I took hold of the flesh, which Will had just separated from its skull.

After having our fill, we started the excruciating journey towards the second clue. As we crossed the meadow, we entered an expanse which can be categorised as forest but not as dense as the one we had left behind. The trees were positioned few feet apart from each other, allowing plenty of sunlight to be dispersed in the area.

It was mid noon when we reached our required destination, which was a set of twin towers. The towers stood isolated in a vast expanse, which seemed to have been deserted from an extended time. The ground was covered with tall grass and unwanted plants, giving it a more deserted appearance. The towers stood apart from each other, tall and dark, both on extreme ends, giving off haunting vibes. Deciding that going to separate towers each will save time, we head in opposite direction.

Heading towards the tower on the far left, I was suddenly filled with dread. Going into unknown meant having no control over the events which might take place next, and I was not looking forward to it. Strolling ahead slowly, I was now standing in front of the tower, with intimidating heights. Saying that it was huge, would be an understatement, it was enormous in size and its height. The dark stones from which it was made of, gave it a daunting aura.