Destiny

CHAPTER 13

I have been walking for couple of hours now, winding through trees and shrubs, the afternoon sky had turned into dark shade of grey, with winds howling in the background, indicating the presence of impending storm. Walking further ahead was proving to be a gruelling task, but halting was not an option. Clutching the backpack closer, which Will had handed me, I step through the wailing winds, struggling to keep my upright posture.

The sounds of wind slapping against trees and rocks was the only sound prominent, while tress sashayed dangerously. A sigh escapes my mouth when the realization dawns on me that I will not be able to continue further in a storm like this. Looking around I notice big boulders of rock running parallel to the forest, reluctantly I step closer towards them, planning to camp near them until the storm elapses.

Sitting down at the deepest spot, I gaze towards the forest, dark clouds overshadowing and engulfing the whole expanse. The pitter-patter of heavy drops of precipitation was accompanied by thunderous flashes of lightning, shaking the whole forest to consciousness.

Sinking deeper into the rock, I try shielding myself from the heavy downpour. The soothing sound of rain pelting around me, lulls me into a deep slumber.

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Cold air biting through my bare skin compels me to rouse from my slumber. Groggily I gather all my belonging and come out of my hiding. The woods was covered in semi-darkness, the dark reddish-orange glow spread throughout the sky indicated that night was yet to arrive.

Increasing my pace I stagger ahead, still feeling uncoordinated from the unscheduled sleep. My stomach growled in anger, demanding the attention to be fed.

Leaving the forest I come across a cliff, an old and battered suspension bridge connected it to the adjacent cliff. The bridge seemed ancient, no longer fit to be used. I slowly step forward towards the edge of the cliff. Even in the darkness I could see the flow of sparkling water thousands feet below. I look around frantically trying to find any other way, but I was stuck between the dark woods on one side and an old bridge on another.

Cursing my fate, I sluggishly saunter towards the bridge, it was truly a sight for sore eyes, with cracked wooden planks and worn out ropes, I was sure it was a recipe for disaster.

Sending a quick prayer to god, I step on-board, my fingers clutching the ropes, desperate to maintain my upright composure. The darkness surrounding me along with the heavy wind was making it impossible to even begin the impending journey. Taking a deep breath I step forward, slowly and steadily, avoiding looking down. Midway into the bridge, a crack resonates beneath my footing, its sound echoing in the depths of the valley. Gazing down I come face to face with a large crack on the wooden plank, I was standing on, holding my breath I lift my left leg at a snail's pace and step forward. A sudden jerk catches my attention as I am pushed downwards by Gravity, an involuntary scream escapes my mouth as I find myself dangling in the air, my hands grasping the ropes.

Propelling upwards I land on all four, my breath comes out in pants due to exertion. Rising from my slouched position, I turn back to do the inventory of the damage, a huge chunk of the bridge now belonged to the river bed.

With the support of the rope I somehow manage to cross the gruesome bridge. The cliff, which I was standing on, was again covered with dense woods, like every other place I have been to in last six days. Six days! I sigh. It feels like I have been here for years.

After walking for few minutes, I come across a clearing. A huge entrance gate stood in-front of me, shielding the view of whatever it held behind. Looking back at the map I realize this is the place where I would find Evan, a sense of elation washes over me.