The Spinetinglers Anthology 2010 by

Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Spinetinglers Elite Publishing
Published: 2011-11-02T16:00:00+00:00

The Cave Of Cruachan

By Nolene-Patricia Dougan

“Why, Neasán? Why did you do it?”

Neasán looked over at his former wife and smiled. “I knew you would be here. You still look the same.”

“I was sent back as I was, so that you would recognise me?” Alana answered.

“The final wish of a condemned man has been granted; all I wanted to do was see you again,” Neasán replied.

“Well you have seen me but you still haven't answered my question.”

“I did it because I had to. I couldn't let that man live another moment.”

“I warned you what would happen if you did it.”

“I know, but surely you are not going to spend the few moments we have together scolding me. What's done is done.”

Tears started to well in Alana's eyes.

“But how can I not think of what you did to bring us both to this place!” Alana could no longer stifle her weeping, and she began to sob uncontrollably. Neasán stood, turned from his wife, and ran over to the entrance of the cave.

“Has my punishment started already? Am I condemned to suffer the most gut-wrenching trial… my wife's tears? Come out! Come out and take me. I am close enough to death to enter!” As these words reverberated through the air, the ground started to tremble. The cave which had been in total darkness now started to shine from within, but it was not a bright, reassuring light that shone it was thick and oppressive all-consuming light. A blast of hot, searing air accompanied it. It thrust Neasán back nearly a hundred yards. He scrambled back onto his feet as quickly as an old man could and looked back towards the cave.

Both Alana and Neasán now heard a wailing coming from within. The wailing was the sound of human suffering so great, the pair had never heard the likes of it. It was as if millions of people had all called out together, voicing their agony and lamentation. After a few seconds the source of at least one voice appeared at the entrance of the cave. It was a man, or what they thought used to be a man. His body was twisted and misshapen, his skin and flesh had been burnt off. The tissue on both his cheeks had been cut away. As he ran past them you could see right through to the other side of his face. All over his body, through the scattered patches of flesh that still remained, you could see his bones. No living being could have endured such treatment. Despite this man’s mangled body, he was running as fast as he could, still making his Hellish sound.

Alana and Neasán’s attention was almost immediately brought back to the cave. The ground had again begun to shake, and another blast of hot air radiated from the opening. A scratching could be heard from deep within. The pair watched as they saw giant fingers grappling through the dirt and rock. A prodigious hand, then an arm, appeared and meandered out into the open air, like a snake being charmed out of a basket.

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