Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

F iona

"I wish we'd stopped for an early lunch before we got going," Aislinn grumbled as she stepped around a small bush in her path.

Turning my head, I glanced back at the town below us. "Eating bread and fruit is the price of getting caught up in Bartleby's tales. I think he gave us some beef jerky too."

I pulled out a small piece of dense bread as we ascended the rugged slopes of Mount Tambora. The dense forest enveloped us in a tapestry of vibrant greens and earthy browns. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above, casting a mottled pattern of light and shadow on the moss-covered trail. Each step was a labor against the incline, our boots sinking into the soft undergrowth.

About half an hour later, Aislinn suggested we stop for a few minutes to catch our breath. We gratefully settled under the shade of a massive banyan tree. Its colossal roots wound around the base like gnarled fingers gripping the mountainside. Bartleby had thoughtfully provided us with trail mix I realized. That was a nice bonus, and we eagerly shared it. I savored the crunchy nuts and dried fruit while enjoying the scenic view. The ocean provided a serene backdrop.

"To the joys of mountain exploration," Violet remarked wryly, fanning herself with her hand. "Remind me again why we thought this was a good idea?"

I smirked as my gaze moved over the sweeping vista before us. "Because we're intrepid adventurers on a quest for ancient secrets," I replied with a grin. "Besides, Bartleby seemed pretty confident there was something up this mountain. With luck, it'll be Metis polishing her shield.

Aislinn nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Legends often have a kernel of truth," she mused. "We won't know until we search everywhere."

We debated going all the way to the top or stopping to look for the first location Bartleby mentioned. We decided to play it by ear and see what we could find. Rested, we shouldered our packs and resumed our ascent. The trail grew steeper and more rugged. The distant rumble of the volcano added an ominous backdrop to our journey. It was a reminder of the mountain's volatile nature.

Violet glanced up at the dense canopy overhead. "Let's hope this isn't just a wild goose chase," she muttered under her breath.

I shot her a playful smirk. "Have a little faith, Vi. I think there is some merit to Bartleby's stories."

Aislinn was covered in sweat as she looked over at me. "Who knows? Maybe we'll stumble upon more than just a hidden temple." We were excited by the idea, though it was hard to muster.

We pressed onward, our curiosity outweighing the fatigue in our muscles. The mysteries of Mount Tambora beckoned. This was one of those times I wished we weren't so determined. Hiking up a mountain was hard damn work.

The jungle around us was alive with the chorus of insects and the occasional call of a bird. They blended together in a cacophony of natural sounds. Shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the dense canopy. That made it possible for us to avoid the beams that would burn us. Every once in a while, I looked around weary and uncertain of our exact location.

Violet sank down onto a fallen log, her face flushed with exertion. "I never thought I'd say this, but I miss urban sidewalks," she quipped, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Aislinn chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Who needs Google Maps when you have Bartleby's legendary napkin map?" She unfolded the crumpled paper in her pocket.

I grinned, though my thoughts were less amused. "Let's face it, we've wandered into the heart of a jungle that's probably home to more bugs than we bargained for." I punctuated my comment by slapping and smashing a flying insect on my forearm.

The conversation turned from jest to genuine concern as we continued our hike. The shadows lengthened around us. A cool breeze stirred the leaves overhead, signaling the approach of evening.

"Should we try to backtrack?" Violet suggested, looking back at the way we had come.

Aislinn frowned, considering the idea. "Maybe, but we might end up going in circles," she mused, glancing at the fading light. "I say we find a safe spot to rest for the night and reassess in the morning."

I nodded in agreement, eyeing a rocky outcrop that offered some protection from the elements. "We need to find the right place to set up camp. Preferably inside a cave or other form of shelter," I suggested, relieved to have a plan.

"Agreed," my friends echoed, and we resumed our journey.

We stumbled upon a remarkable sight while we trudged through the dense undergrowth. The second I saw the unfamiliar creature, I went on high alert. Before anyone could react, a surge of fear and uncertainty propelled me to conjure a magical bomb and hurl it toward the creature. The explosion reverberated through the forest, scattering leaves and sending the creature reeling back in shock.

The beast was a bizarre fusion of a bear and a deer. When I looked closer, its fur was a patchwork of earthy browns, greens, and grays. It blended perfectly with the forest surroundings. The animal's frame was sturdy like that of a bear, but atop its head sprouted a magnificent set of antlers. Each branch was adorned with leaves and small blossoms as if it were a walking part of the forest itself.

"What did you do?" Violet exclaimed. Her eyes were wide with disbelief.

I winced, immediately regretting my impulsive action. "I... I thought it might be a trick of Metis," I admitted sheepishly.

Aislinn knelt beside the injured creature and reached out slowly. "It's okay. She didn't mean to hurt you. We'll take care of you," she murmured softly.

The creature regarded us with wide, curious eyes. Its gaze alternated between each of us as if trying to discern our intentions. Aislinn remained where she was with her hand outstretched in a gesture of peace. "We mean you no harm," she said gently.

The animal made a noise that was pain-filled acceptance. The sounds tore at my heart. Together, we worked to tend to the creature's injuries. Violet used her magic to summon fresh leaves and soft moss to create a comfortable bed for the creature to rest on. The forest around us seemed to quiet. I swear the trees themselves were observing our efforts.

As we cared for the creature, Aislinn glanced up at me. "Fiona, can you try to identify its magical signature? "

I nodded when I saw her expression in earnest. I thought I understood what she was getting at. Focusing my attention on the creature's unique aura, I said, "I'll use this signature to scry for its origin. It should lead us to its maker."

Violet cast a gentle smile at the creature. "We're sorry for the misunderstanding," she said, her voice warm and apologetic.

The injured animal seemed to relax under our care. Its breaths became steadier, and its eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. Around us, the forest hummed with the sounds of nature. It was a serene backdrop to our unexpected encounter.

"I hope this leads us closer to uncovering the secrets of this island," Aislinn remarked, her eyes glinting with determination. With the injured creature now resting peacefully, we exchanged glances filled with resolve. Despite our rocky start, we were united in our determination to uncover the truth behind the mysterious incidents on Mount Tambora.

"I wonder what other surprises this island has in store for us," Violet mused, her gaze drifting to the surrounding forest.

As the sun descended beyond the tree line, we left the creature. I felt awful for what I'd done and was busy scolding myself. Knowing I'd been trained to react first and ask questions later didn't make me feel any better about hurting the unique being. I should have held myself back.

We gathered at the edge of a small clearing a few minutes later. I prepared myself to scry for the origin of the mysterious power behind the deer-bear. Aislinn stood to my left, her eyes glinting with anticipation. Violet paced nervously on my right and her fingers twitched with restless energy.

I took a deep breath, focusing on the magical signature I'd extracted from the peculiar creature. I didn't have the traditional scrying water, so I was improvising. It wasn't something all witches could do. I prayed that being a nicotisa gave me the power I needed to pull this off. Drawing upon the innate power within me, I began to weave the threads of magic. The forest around us seemed to hold its breath in anticipation.

Aislinn reached out, her hand joining mine, her touch grounding and reassuring. "We're here to lend you our power," she said.

Violet nodded. Her eyes were fixed on the center of our makeshift circle. "Yeah. Let's get to the bottom of this before it gets any darker." There was a hint of nervousness underlying her tone.

Thanks to our combined efforts, the air crackled with energy. The familiar hum of my magic resonated around us. As the spell unfolded, a shimmering trail of light materialized before our eyes. It was blinding at first, making my hand rise to shield my eyes from the glare. Through slitted fingers, I watched the illumination weave its way through the forest like a spectral guide.

"Look at that," Aislinn said in a voice barely a whisper as she followed the trail with her gaze.

Tugging them, I started walking along the light. It led us deeper into the heart of the forest. I shivered as the dense foliage closed in around us with each step. The air was thick with the earthy scent of damp leaves and the distant rumble of wildlife.

Our progress was abruptly halted by a natural blockade. There was an imposing tangle of fallen trees and twisted branches barring our path. Violet let out a groan of frustration, eyeing the obstacle with exasperation.

"We'll have to clear this," I remarked and then assessed the obstacle with a critical eye.

Aislinn shook her head and grabbed a branch. "I wish we'd brought Argies and Bas after all. They'd make quick work of this. "

I chuckled. "Your mate would shift and fly us over it."

"I wouldn't mind that right about now," Violet quipped.

Together we dismantled the blockade. Branches snapped, and leaves rustled as we yanked them free and tossed them aside. Our determination lent strength to our actions, but it was still slow going. My mind raced through possible spells we could use.

Violet's voice distracted me. "Could this day get any longer?" she muttered.

I was sucking too much wind to reply, so I just kept hauling shit off the pile. My friends didn't have the same problem and were busy chatting and suggesting which limb to grab next. Like a good little follower, I did what they said as they said it. It would have been a better idea to stop and think this through, but I didn't want to stop.

After what felt like an eternity of toil, the blockade relented. We'd removed enough of the debris that we could clamber over the top of it. When we reached the summit we saw the path ahead was clear. Sweaty and covered in dirt, we exchanged triumphant smiles.

The corners of my mouth turned down. "What is that?" I flung my arm out to the right.

"That's an entrance to a cave," Violet said with a grin.

"Yes!" Aislinn said with a fist pump.

It loomed before us. Its dark mouth was inviting yet foreboding. The air was charged with mystery, beckoning us to venture deeper. "Shall we?" I asked my friends.

Violet and Aislinn exchanged glances. Their expressions were a blend of excitement and trepidation. They nodded to each other and then turned to me. "We need to follow that trail," Violet replied.

Adjusting the strap of my bag, we stepped into the cave. The darkness enveloped us two feet inside of it. It was an unnatural darkness that made me want to turn and run. Forcing myself to pause and take it in, I realized I didn't feel any malicious intent nearby. A fire flickered and came to life. Aislinn had conjured flames that hovered near her shoulder. The air was cool and musty, the scent of earth and ancient rock permeating our senses.

"We're really doing this, aren't we?" Aislinn murmured, her voice echoing softly in the space.

Violet chuckled nervously. "Looks like it."

"Come on. Let's find that trail again," I suggested and started walking.

A few feet later, the oppressive darkness closed in around us. It swallowed the feeble light of Aislinn's floating fireball. The faint scent of earth and minerals surrounded us. Every footstep echoed against the rocky walls, amplifying the sense of isolation in the subterranean realm.

"Remind me why we couldn't have picked a less ominous cave to explore," Violet said in a voice tinged with unease.

I stuck close to them. "Where's the adventure in that?" My joke would have sounded better if my voice hadn't wavered. "We weren't shown another option. This was it."

Aislinn nodded in agreement. Her expression betrayed more than a hint of uncertainty. "At least it's new. I mean, how often do we get to face magical traps in a pitch-black cave?" Her fireball cast shifting shadows that danced eerily along the jagged walls.

The tunnel widened into a natural cavern, revealing intricate rock formations that glistened with moisture. Stalactites hung like frozen daggers from the ceiling. Their tips were adorned with droplets that sparkled in the firelight.

"Watch your step," I cautioned as my gaze swept the uneven ground. "These rocks don't exactly look stable."

Aislinn's brow furrowed in concentration as she navigated the treacherous terrain with Violet right behind her. The cavern seemed to stretch endlessly before us and its depths were shrouded in an impenetrable veil of darkness. Suddenly, a soft rumble echoed through the cavern. It was followed by the distant trickle of water. We exchanged wary glances. My senses were on high alert.

"What was that?" Violet whispered. Her voice was barely audible over the ambient sounds.

Aislinn's fireball flickered, momentarily illuminating the cavern walls. "Could be underground streams," she suggested.

Ignoring the ominous sounds, we pressed onward, determined to uncover the source of the magical disturbances that plagued the island. After what felt like an eternity, we emerged into a vast chamber illuminated by a soft, silvery glow. It was emanating from a pool of luminescent water. Crystals of varying sizes adorned the walls, refracting the light into a dazzling display of colors.

"Wow," I breathed. The wonder around us was astounding. "I've never seen anything like this."

Aislinn nodded in agreement, her expression awestruck. "It's like stepping into another world," she murmured.

Aislinn's fireball dimmed when we approached the shimmering pool. Its light was swallowed by the ethereal glow of the water. We exchanged curious glances. I had no idea what was going on. I was busy looking around when a low growl echoed through the chamber. It made us freeze in our tracks. A massive creature emerged from the shadows. This time it was a cross between a lizard and a fox. Its fur was matted, and its eyes were filled with pain.

I instinctively reached for my magic. I barely stopped myself from conjuring a spell to defend us. "We shouldn't jump to conclusions like I did last time, but it looks scary as hell."

Violet nodded in agreement. Her eyes remained fixed on the creature. "It doesn't seem hostile," she observed.

Aislinn approached cautiously. She had extended a hand in a gesture of peace. The creature regarded her with cautious interest before its gaze flickered between us. "It's injured," Aislinn observed. Her expression softened. Following her gaze, I noticed the creature's limp.

"We need to help it," Violet said. "Do we have any cloth to wrap it with?"

Aislinn pulled a sweatshirt from her bag, and we ripped it into strips. Using that and our other supplies, we tended to the creature's wounds. Aislinn's gentle touch seemed to calm the creature. Eventually, its wary demeanor gave way to a sense of trust.

"There," Aislinn said softly as she stepped back to admire our handiwork. "That should do it."

I nodded in satisfaction. My eyes lingered on the creature with a mixture of relief and curiosity. "At least we know we're on the right track. It's not a coincidence we encountered another hybrid like the first."

Leaving it behind, we delved further into the cavern. The terrain grew more treacherous as we went. Narrow passages and steep inclines challenged our progress. Aislinn's fireball continued to cast a dim glow. It was enough to continue illuminating the path ahead. Every once in a while, we would catch a glimpse of the path of light leading to the animals' energy source.

Turning our fiftieth corner, we encountered a magical barrier. It was a shimmering force field that blocked our passage. The air crackled with the energy in front of us. We stood together, looking at our newest obstacle. We couldn't see much because Aislinn's fireball dimmed as it neared the barrier.

Violet stepped forward. She examined the magic closely. "Let me try something," she said. Her power rose in her body, and she chanted something under her breath. A burst of energy exploded out of her and headed right for the barrier. When it hit, the thing flickered and faded.

"Nice work," Aislinn told Violet. I echoed the admiration in her voice.

We cautiously moved forward, only to encounter another obstacle. This time, a series of enchanted vines snaked across the path. Their thorns gleamed ominously in the dim light.

"I hate plants," Violet muttered as she eyed the vines warily.

Violet and I summoned our magic, and Aislinn added her power. She was a Fae and didn't have traditional magic. But Aislinn had been changing ever since I shared my power with them to keep others from sensing I was a nicotisa . We cast a spell to wither the vines and clear our path. I felt Aislinn's elemental power join the magic. It reminded me I could wield the elements too.

As the vegetation wilted and crumbled, we pressed on. I was weary and ready to find the forgotten god. This was exhausting after our hours of hiking. A third barrier materialized when we thought we were in the clear. This one was a wall of shifting shadows that seemed to defy our attempts to pass through. It kept throwing us down the way we'd come.

"This is getting ridiculous," Violet muttered. Her frustration was evident in her voice.

Aislinn studied the barrier intently, her mind racing with possibilities. "How do we need to disrupt this magic?" She threw out a few ideas involving wind, fire, and water. It was enough for me to get my mind working.

"We need to find the vulnerabilities. That'll tell us what to use," I said. I did as I'd suggested. Within seconds I found that answer. "We need to use all three elements and add light to the mix," I explained to them.

They nodded, and we pooled our energies. Aislinn and I focused on wind, water, and fire while Violet cast a sunlight spell. The magic hit the barrier. It dug into the weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Gradually, the shadows began to dissipate, revealing a path forward. We emerged on the other side with a collective sigh of relief. "I hope that's the end of the obstacles," Violet said as we walked down the tunnel.

Our steps were cautious. All of us were afraid of running into a new barrier. To our surprise, we stumbled into a cavern. Aislinn's fire bobbed ahead of us and joined the light from my scrying spell. We stood there looking around the dimly lit cavern.

"Those artifacts... do you think they were connected to Metis?" Aislinn's voice echoed softly as she pointed to a large antique mirror sitting in an alcove.

There were several pockets built into the space. Violet pulled out her phone and began snapping pictures. "I'd say it's more than possible. They have a certain ancient vibe. Maybe they were part of some scheme to hide clues about the shield."

I glanced around the cavern, my mind racing with thoughts. "If these relics are linked to Metis, then what was her purpose in concealing them here?" I mused aloud.

Aislinn nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps she wanted to safeguard them from prying eyes... or to keep her involvement hidden."

The ground suddenly gave way beneath us while we were inspecting the relics set in alcoves around the cavern. There was an endless moment of weightlessness. That was followed by a rush of wind. It was all I could hear. Fucking hell. This wasn't going to end well for us.