by S. Robertson
“Good idea,” replied Wolfram.
Each one took their first sip of the fluid being careful not to overindulge as it had to sustain them for the duration.
Angi finding Morgan’s wound intact, replaced the pad and secured his head gear. “No headache?” she asked.
“All’s well on the noggin front,” replied Morgan with a weak smile.
“We’re ready to go,” replied Angi.
“Well, there’s no doubt this time,” came Vette’s comment after her first footsteps into Chamber Three, “We’re into snow. It’s already coming down.”
The dogs, fascinated with their new environment, played and rolled in the white fluffy ground cover.
“If it’s already snowing, let’s get a bead on what constitutes high ground in this scenario,” replied Wolfram, pressing ahead. Over his shoulder he added, “Best prepare for frigid. Put on your goggles, pull your headgear down tight, and put on your gloves.”
Angi added, “Wolfram, we should also activate our Aqks to a long walking stick, deep snow can hide all sorts of problems.”
“Gotcha,” replied Wolfram as he stopped to do as directed.
Trudging along with their walking sticks through a silent screen of fallen snow, Wolfram asked, “It must be the snow. It’s hard to see any distance in this weather, even with these goggles. I can’t see anything beyond twenty to thirty feet and the visibility is deteriorating.”
Vette responded, “I’m getting likewise, but within sight is a side path which leads across a frozen brook to a cave. Could that be it or does that seem too easy?”
“Watch that ice,” advised Angi, seeing rushing water underneath the glasslike surface, “Let’s use our walking stick to test its thickness.”
“Yeh, you and Vette should be experts in ice and snow,” said Wolfram.
“Oh here we go again,” said Vette, “You Americans always think Canadians spend their lives in snow and live in igloos.”
“Woops, I’ve touched a nerve,” said Wolfram with a chuckle, “Actually, since Morgan and I have always lived in cities where you just stay hibernated until the roads clear, I thought you might have some practical advice.”
“Sorry, Wolfram,” came Vette’s swift apology, “I’ve had too many encounters with non-Canadians and their rather truncated view of our country.”
“Vette that annoyance is inevitable,” replied Angi placing her walking stick firmly on a section of ice as she applied her full weight. “This looks solid, but keep testing as you cross. It’s about twenty-two feet to the other bank and ice is never even. Best we travel single file to reduce any weight concentration.”
“I’ll go first,” said Vette, “Then Morgan, followed by Angi and last Wolfram. Is everyone OK with that?”
“Agreed,” came the reply, as they positioned themselves.
Vette and Morgan crossed without a problem. When it was Angi’s turn she was half way across when she heard a crackling sound and called out, “Wolfram, take a different path, the ice may be weakening with our weight.”
“OK,” answered Wolfram as he gingerly stepped onto a patch further down. He was within three feet of the opposite bank when the ice gave way, and, with a yell, he broke through. The water was up to his chest as he floundered. Dusky, following Wolfram, managed to make it to the bank and hovered near the women.
“Hold still,” yelled Angi, “Put the walking stick across the ice to give you balance. Come on Vette you and I will have to crawl out on the ice and rescue Wolfram.”
Vette and Angi moved cautiously using their long poles as they approached Wolfram. “Grab the poles,” yelled Angi, “Your gloves have gripping power even if wet.”
Wolfram did as instructed and was amazed at the strength of the two woman as they pulled him out of the water. When he got to shore his wet uniform froze instantly.
“Let’s get to the cave,” said Angi to Vette.
Wolfram walked stiff legged behind them and made it to the nearest rocky seat just inside the entrance.
Right behind them came Dusky dragging Wolfram’s Aqk. “Good girl. Come here,” said Wolfram. Dusky dragged the Aqk and dropped it at Wolfram’s feet. Then she manoeuvered her way to sit next to him to observe.
Angi moved into action, “OK Wolfram, I need to check your feet and legs that no water entered or you could end up with frostbitten toes.” Using her hand to break the ice on his uniform, she gently pulled off one boot and felt his feet and legs with her hands. They were warm and dry. She examined the other foot and leg to discover the same. “Thank God for these uniforms,” she said out loud, “Your feet and legs are fine.” It was then she noticed the blood. “But you’re bleeding.” She checked his hands to find that in his struggle the ice had cut into his right wrist. She pulled off his glove, retrieved a pad from his First Aid kit and placing her hands firmly around the wound proceeding to heal it in layers from the inside to the outer skin. When this was completed she noticed his hands were gray, water had entered his gloves. Holding both hands in hers she applied extra warmth to improve circulation.
Wolfram watched and when the treatments were over he said with a grin, “Angi, if I had known it took a dip in an icy creek to get you to hold my hands I would have done it weeks ago. By the way, the gloves are already responding, just touch the inside and see how warm they are. The uniform is also heating up to get rid of the ice.” He hardly finished the sentence when the thin layer of ice from his chest to his feet slipped to the ground.
Angi, pulled her hands away and looked into his face, saying, “Your jovial remarks mean you’re obviously recovering from your icy dip. When we’re through this misery we’ll chat again about warm hands.” Before stepping away she helped him put on his boots and checked his uniform.
“Well, now that we’re in the cave what are we up against?” asked Vette, acknowledging the end to their first crisis. “We’ll need to convert one of the Aqks into a light standard, the rest we can reassign to our belts.”
The light showed that the cave was huge with long icicles hanging from the ceiling and a wide path leading into the interior.
“Oh great,” replied Morgan, “how deep is this place anyway and where in this ice palace would someone hide a gate.”
“Let’s go back to basics,” replied Angi, “Where is the highest point in this cave?”
Vette went to the head of the path to investigate. When she returned she announced, “There’s a wide ledge in the distance, which must be the highest point. But to get there we have to pass through an icy, winding track which first descends before rising slightly to the ledge. I don’t suppose these boots have cleats.” She banged her boots on the ice. “No such luck. But they do have grip, I’ve tested it already. My suggestion is that we stick to the sides of the path where it’s a bit uneven. Is everyone ready?”
“Vette we’ll need light for the descent and ascent but we can’t manage the walking stick and maneuver this icy stretch. Any suggestions?” asked Wolfram.
“Is there any chance someone here has some background in throwing to get this walking stick up on that ledge?” asked Vette.
Angi replied, “I use to throw javelins in my track and field days. I’m out of practice and these uniforms are restrictive but I’ll give it a go.” She calculate the distance and holding the walking stick like a javelin she threw it with all her strength. It landed a perfect distance to provide the necessary light.
“Fantastic Angi!” yelled Morgan.
Vette, with a wide grin, stated, “That’s impressive………… OK let’s get on with it. What order should we use for this bobsled run?”
Wolfram responded, “Vette, let’s stick to the same plan; you first, then Morgan, then Angi and I’ll take up the rear.” Then he pronounced the final directives, “Go slow. No quick movements. Give each other lots of space.”
Vette carefully calculating her descent, crouching down as she inched her way along the ice encrusted wall. At the bottom she called back, “It’s your turn Mor
gan, follow the same route if you can.”
Morgan took longer but made it without a mishap.
Angi, following Vette’s instructions, took an identical path but slipped once before reaching the other two.
Wolfram, without the full use of his right hand, struggled on the descent and losing his step slid, landing at the feet of his companions.
Alarmed, Angi asked, “Wolfram, are you all right?”
“Other than my hurt pride, I’m fine,” came Wolfram’s abrupt reply. “I couldn’t hold on to that last sliver of ice. I’ll do better on the ascent.”
The four dogs stood watching at the top of the slide.
“What do you think they’ll do?” asked Angi. “They look as if they are communicating with each other. Let’s wait.” First, the four tested the ice with their claws and in unison crawled on their bellies down the slippery slope. Upon joining the others they wagged their tails at their newly discovered skill.
“I bet they have already worked out the climb,” stated Vette, “Those darling beasts can master anything.”
“How’s our time?” asked Angi.
“We’re doing just fine,” replied Morgan, “We’ve used up an hour and a half. My rough estimate is that even if it takes another hour for us to reach the ledge, we’ll still have a half hour before the third bell. And, may I remind you, so far Zolar hasn’t used the third hour.”
“I don’t trust Zolar,” said Vette, “So let’s aim for the third hour. Everyone ready? We’ll stick to the same order. Wolfram are you OK with that?”
“Yah, I’m fine, I’m well acquainted with the ice now.”
Vette hugged one wall edging her way up the slippery path until she reached the ledge. As Morgan completed his run he had Vette to help him up onto the ledge. Angi, followed and had both Vette and Morgan to aid her. They watched as Wolfram struggled and when he reached them he had all three to pull him to safety.
They stood watching to see what the dogs would do. Again they worked in unison. Digging in their claws they inched their way up the icy slope and were pulled over the ledge by their designated owner. Exhausted by their efforts they found a smooth spot on the surface and lay down.
Exceeding the hour, the four candidates made their way towards a flat wall covered in ice at the back of the ledge.
“If there’s a door behind that ice shield then we’re in trouble,” commented Morgan after patting the wall. “It must be a foot thick. Even if we could, it would take ages to melt this ice. Now what?”
They sat on raised bits of ice staring at the icy wall and trying to devise a quick solution.
Exasperated, Vette commented, “I’ll be damned if we are going to let Zolar win. Angi, can you perform some laser magic with that medallion of yours?”
“Not that I know,” replied Angi, “Perhaps it’s a later lesson of Myttrwn’s.”
‘Laser’…………… the word registered, and Wolfram replied, “If Angi can’t, I can,” as he reached into a pocket bringing out a small metal device he had forgotten about. “This is Corb’s contribution to our journey, a simple lazar gun.”
Amazed, Morgan asked, “Do you know how to use it? And Wolfram, not to rush you, but we’re within fifteen minutes of the third hour.”
“Yes, Corb taught me how to use it. However, I have no idea how the ice will react so please take the dogs and stand clear. I’ll work from the center.”
The laser quickly cut through the ice, the blocks falling in a pile to reveal a beige stone wall.
As the third hour approached, Angi said to Wolfram. “You’ll have to stop or we’ll never hear the click, not that it’s ever occurred on the third hour.”
Wolfram, stopped, convinced it was temporary.
Instead, at the third hour Angi exclaimed, “My God, there it is. I heard the click.”
“Angi’s right,” yelled Morgan. “Look, a gate has appeared on the wall. I’ll be glad for some warmth after three hours in this refrigerator. Don’t forget your Aqk, Vette, we’re moving on.”
As they slipped into Chamber Four, the House of Life technicians in the monitoring room announced their progress, to the delight of those glued to the monitors.
* * *
The House of Life
In the House of Life monitoring station, no one had budged. Everyone kept glued to the monitoring screens mesmerized by four bright green dots which was their only contact with what was happening in the pyramid. Positive news finally began to relieve some anxiety. The technicians reported the four candidates had made it to Chamber Four and that they were making headway in dissolving Zolar’s pyramid communication blockage. They could now bring up faint silhouettes of the four humans. Everyone now became transfixed on eight objects, four human and four dogs, as they continued to follow their progress through the pyramid.
Next, Myttrwn, who had been fully engaged in bringing Zolar out of his self-inflicted coma in his therapy centre, suddenly reappeared in the monitoring station saying to Sirona, “I’ve identified the components of his elixir and we are now detoxifying Zolar. This will take time but it is progress. He’s being monitored by two of my best students. I’m also delighted to see our stalwart four are making progress. This means we can hold our fire until, and if, we see them falter. It’s best we don’t destroy the pyramid if it can be avoided.” Then he emphasized to Andrew and Bryce, “Sirona and I have kept the Queen up-to-date on what is happening.”
Andrew was pressed to add, “By the way, Myttrwn, have you noticed that the time in each chamber varies, not the strict seven hours we originally thought. But the exact conclusion of this initiation is at present unknown.”
“Agreed,” replied Myttrwn, “Zolar is using variation to confuse both the candidates and ourselves. My greatest concern is that he may have also revised the program to such an extent that the four are facing a variety of challenges, some quite advanced. But I have every confidence in their innate survival skills.”
Tired and irritated, Andrew replied, “I’m not sure what you’re basing that assurance on. Admittedly, they have Angi’s medallion plus youth on their side, some innate skills and the dogs, but is that enough?” The ongoing stress was taking its toll on Andrew and Bryce. Earlier in the day they had tried taking a brief nap but gave up and returned to the monitoring room.
Sirona was pleased the four had reached Chamber Four but telepathically conveyed to Myttrwn, “If we see them falter, will we have enough time to rescue them? I know the Queen and the Council of Elders are stalling on any destruction of the pyramid, but deep down I know we’re facing an inevitably tough decision.”
Telepathically, Myttrwn replied, “Be assured, Sirona, Corb and his crew are set to act and you and I will make that decision. I believe the wrath of the Council will not be on us but Zolar who has dishonoured his position, shattered countless rules and will force a re-examination of his position and powers. I wish I could do more to help Andrew and Bryce. It will soon be over. Keep trying to contact Angi telepathically, it might work.”
* * *
Pyramid, Chamber 4
“You’ve got your wish, Morgan, it looks like a desert ahead. We should be toasty real soon,” replied Wolfram as he took the lead. “I guess we best leave on the goggles and head gear for protection against the sun. None of us has sunscreen. We’ll reconsider our Aqks once we get a bead on the terrain.”
The four stepped into a scene of endless sand dunes to their left and in front of them with an eighteen foot high red rock blocking any view on their right. The sun, blasting down on the sand, was creating a heat haze which hovered in the distance. A wind, in bursts, lifted loose sand adding to the drifts. The setting was devoid of vegetation.
“I can’t see anything on a raised level to the left or in front of us,” replied Morgan, “So our only hope is behind this rock. By the looks of things we have about a half hour walk to find out. The rock stops in the distance.”
“I agree,” replied Wolfram, “Let’s press on, it could be slow going
in this sand.”
The four dogs unencumbered, using their webbed feet to stay on top of the sand, scampered ahead, which gave their owners a pretested path.
Morgan’s curiosity eventually pressed him to take the lead. First to reach the end of the rock he called back, “Wait till you see what I’ve found beyond the rock.” Growing impatient he called out, “Hurry up, you won’t believe this.”
When the others joined him they looked in amazement. In the distance on a high rocky precipice stood a magnificent building partially covered in sand, the exposed white marble glistening under the blazing sun. There was no other structure in sight. Its architecture and grandeur spoke of wealth and nobility.
“That’s definitely the highest point in this chamber,” said Vette, “I expect we have about an hour’s walk to get there,” as she struck out in the direction of the edifice.
Within five hundred yards of the building they encountered a wide sloping stone walkway with marble railings on both sides, much of which was covered by the drifting sand. Closer to the building they counted seven columns on either side of the edifice doorway, about thirty feet high from base to top.
Morgan, who had assumed the lead as they approached the building started commenting on what lay before them, “It looks unoccupied. Just look at the artistry along those walls. It’s like nothing I’ve seen before. It’s a bit Egyptian but that’s a wild guess. The doors must be fifteen feet high and are made of metal, possibly copper or brass. Look at the workmanship on those doors. It’s a magnificent structure, untouched by time. This had to be built for a powerful ruler, no minor official.” As he walked up the main steps he said to Wolfram who was close by, “Let’s look around the sides to see if there are any possible gate sites other than this main entrance.”
Wolfram, taking two steps at a time, quickly joined Morgan.
Finding nothing Wolfram announced “It seems we have no alternative but to enter this building. Let’s see if we can budge those huge doors.”
