The House of Prophecy by Dahlgren Glen

Author:Dahlgren, Glen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mysterium Storyworks
Published: 2022-08-28T00:00:00+00:00

Even before they left the town proper, their path was confusing, full of narrow alleys, holes in fences, and more than a couple double-backs. Galen suspected that it was intended to throw off anyone who may be following. Certainly, he had lost his way after the first few minutes.

Finally, they left the more populated area behind and cut through a field choked with weeds and high grass.

“Stay down and you won’t be seen,” said Lightfinger.

“Who could possibly be watching us?” asked Galen, hunched down.

She frowned. “You never know.”

Crouching, they navigated the weeds until they approached what looked like a wide and deep ditch that extended both ways beyond sight.

“Wait, is this the creek?” asked Galen. “The actual Freethorn Creek?”

“Yep. That’s it,” answered Daskin. “Were you expecting something grander?”

When they reached the edge, Galen looked down and saw nothing but dirt. “I was expecting water.”

Daskin chuckled. “It’s always dry around this time of year. The creek won’t have water for a couple of months yet. Still, it’s best to cross with a bridge.” He pointed to a small but sturdy bridge further down the bank.

Lightfinger led them over the bridge, but once she reached the other side, she stopped and began to unwrap a rope from the railing. Once it was loose, she tossed one end into the ditch and began to rappel one-handed down the side. Galen was amazed at how easily she did it.

“What? How is this the way to the camp?” asked Daskin. When Lightfinger didn’t respond, he continued, “Wherever we’re going, I’m thoroughly confused.”

Lightfinger hit the ground like a cat and held up her hand for Eve. Excited, Eve bounced until Galen took both of her arms and lowered her down safely into Lightfinger’s one-armed embrace.

The others climbed down as well—with the exception of Navar, who just scoffed and jumped in. “Not so old that I need a rope for a drop like that.”

“Now what?” asked Daskin.

Lightfinger shot him an impatient look, but ducked under the bridge and walked to the bank on the side away from town. There, she moved some rocks, pushed away a few leafy branches, and uncovered a small cave entrance. “Through here.”

Daskin let out a breath and snapped his fingers. “Of course. The caves. Most of the year, they’re flooded, but right now, they’d be the perfect hiding place.”

“You know them?” asked Navar.

“I explored inside there some when I was a boy. Great place to hide from work.”

“I know the attraction,” laughed Galen. “Of avoiding work, that is.”

“One can only muck so many stalls a day before you need a break.” Daskin chuckled. “You know, for a hidden camp, this makes a lot of sense. The caves have lots of entrances and exits. I didn’t even know about this one.”

The group squeezed through the opening. The tunnel beyond wasn’t large, but it gave most of them enough room to move freely. Lightfinger, Galen, and Eve were already trudging forward, but Navar found himself stuck.

“Wait. I don’t think this opening was made for someone like me,” grunted Navar.

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