10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Nov 12

He wandered for a while, looking around. The gently rolling hills were interspersed with lakes, a couple sporting small streams that dribbled down lazily. One particularly large lake stretched as far as he could see left and right, but only a short distance forward. He would have assumed it was a river, if the water wasn't stationary. He shrugged, preparing to dive in. It'd been a while since he swam. He quickly realised, however, that the water didn't act as water, though it certainly felt like it. Instead of supporting him, as he had expected, he instead plummeted. He managed to avoid landing on his head, but he still had to hold his breath. He struggled through the liquid, slowly moving forward until he was able to climb out on the other side. He sighed as his head cleared the surface, air flowing into his lungs.

"Even water isn't right." he grumbled, shaking himself dry. It didn't take long; the water seemed eager to return to the lake. It barely stirred from the gentle breeze overhead. He shook his head again, looking ahead and carrying on towards the horizon. There was a large natural tunnel ahead, lined with a surprising number of pots. He looked within them, one at a time, and was pleasantly surprised. They all had little supplies to help! A couple of potions, arrows, torches and glowing sticks, even a few metal shards in an odd, curved star shape. He figured he could use them for throwing at more dangerous enemies and bagged them, continuing down this tunnel. Though he could see light at the other end, it was dark where he was so he revealed a torch and held it up. Brushing past some vines, he soon came across a treasure chest. Excitement filled his heart and he rushed to inspect it, putting a torch on the leafy wall. The chest looked to be large enough to hold him but didn't even rattle when he shook it. He frowned a little but opened it anyway. His concern was relieved; there was a little cash scattered around the base, a bag of herbs tucked into one corner and a strange pair of objects. They were black and sported a few metallic hooks on one side. Indents on the inside of the rectangular base suggested they were meant to slip over the knuckles so he cautiously put them on. He flexed his fingers a little, getting used to wearing them, before carrying on. The tunnel was opening out again, a cool breeze drifting through. It was colder than he remembered...