The Collector

CHAPTER 3

I was still in the cave when I passed the flowing waters. I clutched on to myself for warmth, fully aware of dousing. The area was strangely lit. I eventually realized, by following the trail of light, that it came from an opening at the end of the cave. For some reason I faltered to proceed, and then managing to retract myself back into the waters, I found out that the entrance that brought me was no more. The other side of the waterfall had become a wall of stone: again, flat and polished. I then came to my senses that whatever was happening had turned not into a mere reality, but an inescapable and irreversible one. To my conviction, I turned and confidently paced directly at the end of the tunnel, overwhelming myself with sunlight once more.

The outside of the cave was blinding. I never really thought I stayed at the cave for too long. But then, when I was able to see clearly again, I recognized I was standing on a clearing. It was not the same clearing before when I obtained the necklace. It was different. Although they are similarly covered with trees, they were not willows and pines, but gigantic redwood trees. There are some small trees like birches, hazel and a lot ton of firs. The winds were a bit still and colder. And the atmosphere felt strange as time went by.

Treading between trees was quite a decision, for being in an open space made myself felt vulnerable. From the forest floor, I raised my head to see the majestic canopies and simple wildlife - birds and tree rodents. Winds were gushing out from nowhere; I walked around snugging.

Yet still, moments passed by, I watched the sun gradually setting down. I wandered trying to search for signs of the outside realm. Dusk was getting deeper. The trees then swayed horrifyingly as its shadows were casted. Flocks of birds flew in every direction, as if implying a certain, imminent danger. I tread a quickened pace from that than earlier, a symptom of unearthed vigilance; an old feeling of mine. From my knapsack, I put out the cast iron lantern Odine gave me back from the caverns. I lit it through a match in a match box from a small pocket inside that I haven't been aware of as she were giving it to me. Then I continued walking precariously.

Eventually, I heard a strange sound. It was a low-sounding horn that sure gave chills. I began to look on any sides and try to implement a careful watch until I can be sure of safety. I began to clutch my hand on the sheath beside my waist to ready myself. Meanwhile, many thoughts had circled my mind. I was thinking of good places to hide - like huge and wide trees. Or maybe, I could just prostrated myself and let the amber leaves bury me.

The waiting part was the hardest. I knew if that sound didn't come from a human blowing a horn, that could be an unlikely creature. Just the imagination of those uncertainties would kill the lowliest of heart. But I for once have maintained the poise even amidst terror. I kept on warily.

Not a few minutes later, I heard another noise. This time it was a noise created by movements around the bush: the sound made by walking through the forest floor's vegetation. Then, I heard a fallen branch break. I was looking attentively practically everywhere. Then noise disappeared. It was sure frightening.

I was walking past a tree when I looked sternly from afar. Suddenly someone grabbed me, covering my mouth with his hands, and interlocked my arms so that I could not escape. The cast iron lantern fell from my hand right next to his foot and managed to put it out. For a while I could hardly breathe. But then, I was allowed to speak when he gradually lessen the tight of his grip. He embraced me behind a tree, his back against the trunk; mine against his anterior, as if we were hiding from someone.

"What are you doing?!", I exclaimed.
"Let go of me!"

My voice was muffled.

"Shhhh... They might hear you", he whispered.

"Wait! What?", I replied.
The following words that came out from my mouth were unintelligible as he tensed his hand once more.

Then I heard some gushing behind us. I knew that sound came not from just one person, but many. People racing after one another. A lot of bushes were disturbed; fallen branches were broken at their trail. Foosteps were left under the brush. Then they were no more. He loosened his grip on me and eventually, I stepped back, gasping for air.