Rest

Elements // Lindsey Stirling

We enter the cave without another word spoken. I'm not surprised to find it dark as a moonless night but the lack of visibility adds a layer of tension to the unknown. I can hardly see one foot in front of the other. However, the beast, still holding my leash, doesn't slow down causing my feet to stumble over one rock after another.

"Please," I manage to say while attempting to breathe. "I can't see."

He grunts again, ending with a now-familiar chuff. I've come to recognize his irritation. I hear a rustle of fabric along with a swoosh of motion in the dark and instantly a beacon shines, lighting the darkness. My captor is holding some type of torch. I'm mesmerized by the strange object he holds glimmering into the inky blackness. Rather than a flame, the light emerges from a flicker within a crystal case. The handle, rather than carved from a branch of wood, is molded and formed from metal. Markings like gears are embedded in the copper colored material. It reminds me of the Ambit, the surface so smooth and polished, almost shining on its own accord. The illumination from its crystal top flickers throughout the cave, bringing with it more light then something of its size should have the ability to cast.

Saying nothing about the appearance of this strange new object, the beast continues deeper into the cave. I follow in blind obedience. What else am I to do? If this is the way to the dwelling, there is no chance I would have been able to get here without having been caught by one of the master's guards. At least that's what I am assuming this beast is, some kind of guard. Better the monster you know than one you don't. Captured by this beast is my best hope, I realize. Something weak and flimsy with which I hold on to hope.

The tunnels within the cave twist and turn. The passage is wide enough for two, and high enough for my escort to fit his massive form with room to spare. I am still in awe of his size, never having met his equal in height or sheer volume. He truly is a beast. But my curiosity and wonder turn to alarm when I realize we are winding lower within the mountain, rather than up to its peak.

"Where are we going?" I finally ask after stumbling alongside him in silence for longer than I can fathom. "Should we not be climbing up?"

His half glance in my direction indicates my mistake. "And why would you think that, human?"

Something in his tone registers as a smirk, reminiscent of the brooding Lord who sent me on this fated journey. Although it is much too dark for me to tell, even with his torch. I choose to ignore his question. Instinctively, I want him to remain ignorant of what I've been told by others for fear of their safety. We turn a few corners, all which lead lower and lower into the bowels of the cave. My nerves begin to reach near panic at being trapped underground but I mentally push against this notion, telling myself that I will get out.

Somehow.

But then the passage opens up before us. A soft glow fills the new space, much larger than the cave halls we've traversed. Ahead of us is a set of large doors, carved in a design similar to the torch still being carried by my captor. We walk toward them and my tethered panic begins to unleash. What could be waiting for me behind those behemoth doors?

The beast reaches out a large, muscular arm to pull one door open as he simultaneously puts out his strange torch light. My breathing hitches as the door creaks toward us, opening slowly. Nothing but darkness can be seen behind it once the door is fully open. To my additional horror, the beast pushes me in, following behind as he pulls the door closed.

Trapped in pitch darkness, I work on controlling my breathing to stay calm. It's harder than before now that I'm in a complete void of light, still very much alone with a beast in the dark bowels of the mountain..

"Relax, human. It's the way to the top. What you wanted, remember?"

His voice pierces through the utter silence and thick black surroundings. The words are sarcastic, though, and I find it hard to relax as he has commanded.

"This is the last time I grant a favor..." The beast whispers his words, but they fill the silence regardless. Noise as though he's shaking his head join his whisper.

And now I'm filled with curiosity rather than fear. "Whose favor have you granted?"

The beast chuffs. "Never mind."

I feel somehow triumphant. As though I have secret knowledge to use against this captor. And a secret may be just what he's given away, because this beast now seems uncomfortable, stepping a bit farther from me and rubbing his hand up and down his arm. I decide to push a little more to see what he will say.

"That is easier said than done, now that favors have been mentioned."

Another chuff and I add a tally to my side.

"Tell me, do you have a name?" I feel suddenly bold as I ask. After hours of being dragged through trees and darkness I think I deserve a name. His slip of the tongue has given me the courage to ask. He very easily could have hurt me, or killed me if he'd so desired, yet he's done nothing of the sort. Part of me believes he isn't truly against me, only following orders.

"Of course I do. But now is not the time."

As the last word floats toward my ears, I sense him lean forward, pushing the door to our chamber open. I'm shocked once the door is fully ajar, seeing the new view on the other side.

It is entirely different from the cave. A large living space opens before us, plush seating and rugs and light filling the room. The walls are a polished wood, much like the doors of the dark space had been, carved and etched with a pattern of circles and gears. In the distance is a large hearth, a warm fire burning brightly. The ceilings are so high I have to crane my neck to see the top.

As I stand and gape at my surroundings, I feel the slight tug against my waist from the rope still latched around me. My unnamed beast steps past the doorway and pulls me to him. I stumble out of the darkness and wonder how we arrived at this place. We only stood in the little dark box and then stepped out again.

How in the world?

"Keep quiet and keep moving. The Master does not allow anyone in his chambers. But it was the quickest way up." The beast, voice hushed, walks with a sense of urgency, keeping me by his side as he maneuvers through the large space. His steps are nearly soundless on the wood planked floors. I keep my movement light and quiet as well, following his example. His mention of a favor comes back to me as we move. Is this what he meant? Sneaking me up to the dwelling? My heart beats furiously at the unknown threat of this nameless master. Secrecy deepens the further into this realm I go.

We turn down a long hallway lined with tall wood doors and walls painted with red vines in whirling patterns. The ceiling isn't quite as high as it was in the bed chamber, but still much higher than I'm used to. After we pass eight or nine doors, the beast stops and opens one. He pushes me inside; ordering me to wait then closes the door, leaving me alone for the first time since I stumbled into him.

Now what? I peer around to see a nearly empty space save for a large window with a built-in bench seat. No adornment or decorations adorn the walls, no furniture and certainly no warmth. I shiver for the first time since entering the dwelling. My feet point toward the window and I find myself slowly moving that direction. I know I should still try to be as silent as possible. I wouldn't want a guard without a favor to grant find me alone in the master's dwelling.

Once I reach the window and look out, I gasp, quickly covering my mouth to muffle my shock. The dwelling is indeed on the top of the mountain and the view outside is one of a sheer drop down to the forest floor. Or what I imagine must be the forest floor, because I am not able to actually see it. Only darkness mixed with clouds can be seen below, creating an eerie vision of plunging endlessly. Even with the full moon at its peak, the ground is so far it can't be viewed from my location. Clearly why the beast chose this room to keep me.

There is no way out.

What did you think? Daralis made it to the high dwelling, but what will be the cost? 

Lindsey Stirling is always a good choice. The elements will come into play in some form while in the high dwelling: light, heat, energy. I liked this song as a prelude to what is to come.

https://youtu.be/sf6LD2B_kDQ

Thank you for reading!