Underworld (Dark Passage)

by M. L. Woolley

  My ears pop and my eyes feel heavy. The oxygen has grown thinner and walking has become taxing. I push myself forward from the enormous cavern and follow Tyler into the tunnel with the narrow corridor. The tunnel flows slightly downward after about an hour and then opens up. The air does not seem as thin and then we find ourselves in another large cavern.

  The place seems unable to decide if it’s natural or created by someone. A fountain is hewn right into one of the rock walls and the rest of the cavern walls are lined with marble. I stare at the sheer beauty of the massive cavern and then my eyes rest on tree roots that can be seen trailing under the East side of the wall.

  There is something that I can’t define about the tree roots.It’s not unusual that they should be here under a mountain; as the root systems of old growth trees can be far reaching, and penetrate deep into the ground. The cavern emits a dank chill now and the warmth that I felt in the first part of the tunnels is gone. It seems surreal down here and I can feel a pulsing sensation coming from beyond the Eastern wall. A moment of panic comes over me and I breathe deeply to try and calm myself. I can’t imagine if we will ever escape this place and wish it were all a nightmare that I could wake up from.

  I am suddenly overcome with an urge to cry. I don’t explain or apologize as tears stream down my face.

  “What’s going on Ivy? Are you ok?” Said Tyler “Yes”, I squeak, trying desperately to hold back the floodgate of tears. I try and swallow the lump in my throat and sit down with my back against the cavern wall. Pulling my knees to my chest I lean back and close my eyes. A short while later I manage to get my thoughts together. From the corner of my eye I see Tyler moving something.

  Tyler had found a piece of stone with inscription on it and turned it over to see if there was anything written on the other side. As he was turning the piece over he saw a light coming from below the floor and looked

  inside to see what was in there. I heard him say something under his breath and turned to look at him with questioning eyes.

  “I want to show you something but don’t want to freak you out”. He looked at me solemnly but said nothing more.

  Tyler took my hand and led me down to the end of the cavern. When we reached the place he wanted to show me I stiffened. Tyler was silent a moment and then our eyes met. I half expected a scream to escape my lips but I was too horrified to do anything. Below where we stood was what appeared to be a pool. When my eyes focused in the dim light I saw that there were things moving around in the murky water. After a moment I realized that the pool was not really a pool at all but bodies stacked upon each other for as far as they eye could see. The bodies were moving and crawling over each other trying to get out of the area they were contained within. They were bloody and the water was boiling. To my utter horror and disgust I was watching people scrambling over one another to escape a boiling stew of living corpses. I wondered where they had come from and how long they had been here.

  The horror of what’s below where we stand is too awful to believe. I try and tear my eyes away but the sheer horror holds me captive. The bodies are wreathing almost like snakes in a den except I can see hands and fingers trying to find anything to hold onto so they can escape. The water is boiling softly and yet the people are not dead. I watch one particularly young girl hoist herself over a large man and her head is a foot out of the torturous water. I can’t help but gasp when I notice she is about my age.

  Then something truly horrible happened. The girl must have heard me because she tilted her head up and caught my gaze. Her lovely face contorted in pain. She reached her hand toward me and began to scream for me to help her escape. Her screams became shrieks and she begs us to help her. Then others looked up too and see Tyler and me peering down at them. The pool became a frenzy of bodies reaching toward us begging for us to help them.

  I stepped back in shock and put my hands over my ears. Sinking to my knees I rock back and forth to clear my mind. Tyler quickly put the stone back in place and the screams were somewhat muffled. I am beyond usefulness having seen this horror and great wracking sobs escape me. This place will break me into a million pieces until I am beyond repair. Despite the cooler temperature sweat trickles down my face.

  Tyler put his arms around me in almost a bear hug and held me until the sobbing subsided. My muscles are rigid with tension and my heart beats wildly. I can barely stay on my feet but for Tyler holding me. I can feel a buzzing in my head and breathe deeply until it subsides. I hate the feeling of losing control and am thankful that Tyler is with me.

  Then I have a moment of clarity. I am filled with the realization that we are here to help Jen and the others. I tell myself this over and over again and this is all that holds me together. I will not give in to my panic. I am here for a purpose and I will not leave my friend to suffer in this place. I swallow hard and meet Tyler’s eyes.

  “We’ll be fine, really,” he said. I don’t know if we will be fine but I nod anyways. Sometimes all a person needs to be strong is to simply play the role. I can do this and if I can just find Jen then we will take her to safety. I know that the chances are slim, and there may never be a way for me to escape death, but I will not give up.

  The tunnel beyond the cavern is large and we decide to ride for a while. I swing up first and then Tyler settles behind me and we move forward. I try and imagine the world before we went into hiding below Bill’s house. It’s as though I open a door and step back in time. I can almost see the last day Jen and I sat on the porch swing watching waves crash on the beach as the sun set in the evening sky. Only a glimpse of that world is enough to keep me going.

  It’s difficult to see past fear despite the knowledge that I have been chosen. I can see the things in my life that have led me to this time and place. The very things that I thought made me weird and had even hated about myself would now help me. Fear is gradually replaced with determination I have never felt before.

  It must be past midnight because we had entered the caves early in the evening. My stomach is rumbling but I don’t feel like eating. We ride into a rough, rocky area that is tangled with tree roots. We dismount and I bend down to take a closer look at the roots. They are massive things that are a minimum of a foot in diameter with some parts 3 or more feet across. They meander through the tunnel and snake their way into the side of the far wall. I touch one of the massive roots and feel pulsing inside of it. I put my ear to the wood and the sounds become louder and I can feel vibration from inside. It almost feels like a presence, full of secret purpose.

  Tyler’s large frame appeared just behind me and he knelt down and put his hand on the root. He stood tall and elegant and my heart skipped a beat looking at him. He noticed me eyeing him and smiled, his handsome features making my face grow warm. I flashed a faint smile.

  “What do you make of the roots?” He said as he walked over to me. “I’m not sure. They seem to be electrically charged by something. Could it be that they reach the second realm and touching a reactor of some sort”? He stopped, tensed his body and then spun around. He couldn’t be sure but felt that someone else was in the tunnel. He quickly turned back to me and drew a deep breath.

  “I think someone may be behind us”. He said in a soft voice. “We had better be moving”. I shiver and my heart speeds up. Then I hear something too. It sounds like a child laughing in the distance. I frown and turn to Tyler. Leaning down, his lips touch my cheek and he kisses me sweetly. There is a pause, and I thought he was going to speak, but he begins walking forward instead.

  He’s keeping something from me and I can’t put my finger on what it is.His silence doesn’t sit well with me but then again maybeit’s just that he doesn’t want me to worry more than I already am. Don’t trust him. He already sold you out once. The little voice in my mind prattled on and it was making sense to me. Tyler glanced at me sideways and gives me a half smile. The intensity of his gaze makes my stomach quiver and I can feel warmth flood my cheeks. I chose to ignore the paranoid thought
s that are running through my mind about him.

  Considering my options it makes no sense alienating the one person who is here to help me. How can we move through these tunnels without detection? If we can’t we are trapped like rats in a trap. My mind leaps back to the memories of when I first met him. He helped me find the strength to get through that horrible event, and just like that day, I need his resolve more than I know.

  We walked on for some time without saying a word. The ground descended steeply and the floor of the tunnel became increasingly stony the further we walked. The air had grown warmer and in the distance we could just make out the glow of blue light. The light was no more than that of dusk just before darkness falls.

  The last mile plunged steeply down, and the rock was loose, making it difficult to stay on our feet. Then the floor became flat again and the tunnel grew narrow. We walked single file with me in the lead and Jast following just behind me.

  At once the tunnel ended and we stood looking out at a heavy forest and just beyond a wide lake of dank water. On the other side was red rock and pools of fire leading into yet another mountainous region. Swirling spires of smoke rose and beyond it was a great fire that expanded as far as the eye could see. The land seemed to moan as though alive and I felt a deep premonition of evil and thought of Jen. If there was even a chance to help her I would not give up.

  We make our way into the forest and onward toward the lake. There is a feeling of malice here and a sense of utter despair. Terror is beginning to grip me and I force myself forward. The air is stifling and sweat trickles down my face as I walk. The heat is making me weary and the only thing that keeps me going is my sheer determination. I can hear Tyler behind me followed by the almost inaudible sound of hooves.

  From the black sky above came the sound of wings followed by a horrible shriek. I looked far up and saw several creatures flying overhead toward the lake. Dark beings, with glittering eyes, and the shapes of men, soared past at alarming speed. In the distance the moaning we had heard earlier seemed to grow in intensity.

  Within a half hour I reached the edge of the lake and I stopped to wait for Tyler. A soft wind blew over the water bringing the putrid smell of rotting flesh. I sat down looking into the murky water and wondered if it was safe to cross. My hand rested on the leather sheath at my hip and I removed Anathema. I stroked the tiny horses that graced the handle and the beauty of it captivated me for a moment. Soft light bathed the handle and slowly crept down the blade. I touched the blade and felt a surge of power go into me. I stared in wonder at the weapon and when Tyler was just behind me I put it away.

  Tyler crouched beside me holding Jast’s reins lightly in his hand. He did not speak for some time and we both stared out into the shimmering lake. Soon we would plunge into the dark water and make our way across to the other side. Somehow it didn’t hold any terror for me. The real challenge would come when we reached the inner core on the other side.

  Tyler sank beside me and took my hand in his. He laced his fingers in mine and I leaned my head against his chest. Jast’s soft nose touched my hair and I closed my eyes for a moment of rest. Sleep took me almost immediately and I was oblivious to the world.

  I woke with a start about a half hour later and felt Tyler’s arms securely around me. The stench of death reminded me where I am at and I watch the water for a moment. It is difficult to say how deep the water is and I imagine there are creatures in the murky depths.

  Tyler stood to his feet and helped me stand up. Our gazes met and he gave me a reassuring smile.

  “We should each hold onto the side of Jast’s saddle and swim alongside him. Be sure and stay right next to the saddle or you could be hit with a hoof as he swims”. I hesitated. “If anything is down there let me take care of it. I have a sharp blade”.

  Tyler started to object but I pressed a finger up to his lips. He took my hand, kissed the palm and then reached down and tilted my chin upward. His eyes flared with intensity and my cheeks flushed. He pulled me closer, pressing his lips softly to mine and kissed me deeply. I wrapped my arms around his neck and ran my fingers through his hair. I wish we could be like this forever but then the kiss ended. He held me close for several minutes. I heard him exhale slowly, and I closed my eyes, pushing everything else from my mind. I hesitated for a moment then pulled away.

  We scrambled down the steep bank and each grabbed onto a side of the saddle. The cold water shocked me and I gasped as we waded in. The water became deep quickly and Jast began to swim. Despite his strong pull I struggled against the current. As we reached the middle of the lake a wall of mist rose before us. I looked down into the deep water and could see something swimming below us.

  I fought down panic and moved closer to Jast. I couldn’t see Tyler but could hear him on the other side. The water splashed around us and the mist extended its reach. Then a soft light began to glow all around us and I realized it was coming from Jast. Below me I saw what appeared to be large snakes coming toward us. Terror shot through me but the light acted as a barrier and they were unable to swim past the barrier of the light. I tore my gaze away from what is below and look toward the shore. The water is churning around us but we are no more than 100 yards from the bank. Then I feel a pull underneath. The current is charged with electricity and I feel myself being pulled under the water. A scream wells up in my throat and then I feel an arm around my waist and I am pulled upward.

  Tyler is beside me and I feel him pushing me into the saddle. He swims alongside and then I feel Jast’s feet on solid ground. The weight of the water and strong pull of the current make it difficult for Jast to pull free of the lake. I feel his muscles tighten and then he is scrambling to the top. I look back and see Tyler holding onto his tail and being pulled up the slick bank behind us. Relief washes over me and a slip off the saddle and land with a thud on the ground. The heat on this side of the lake is more intense than before and I am glad for it now as I am soaked to the bone.

  The scenery on this side is in stark contrast to the forest on the other side. The ground is hard, everything is dead and the land seems to be in a state of ruin. I can’t shake the feeling of apprehension that comes over me and begin to tremble. Despite my wet clothing sweat trickles down my face and I wipe it with the back of my hand.

  My limbs feel numb as we walk forward. The sky is black and darkness is all around us save for a faint blue light ahead and small fires burning in random places. The air is heavy and breathing is more restricted than it was on the other side. It’s difficult to know if it is day or night as I have lost track of time in the darkness.

  We stumbled on for another hour and then were descending yet again down a steep incline. I held onto the side of the saddle as my feet slipped under the loose rock. The hill became steeper but was now solid rock. The rock was rough and easier to get a footing upon but I worried about the sound of Jast’s hooves giving us away. I stopped to get some water out of the saddlebag. There is only a small amount left and I took a few sips and handed it over to Tyler who also took a couple of swigs. Cupping my hands I had Tyler pour some into them so Jast could drink. He slurped at the water and when it was gone wiped his muzzle on my shirt and pushed me playfully. I stroked his muzzle with affection handed the empty water canteen back to Tyler. Our hands brushed as he took it from me and I smiled up at him.

  We reached the bottom of the incline some time later and walked toward what looked like the entrance to a canyon. Beyond the canyon walls were little fires spread across the land beyond. We walked some 5 miles and left the trail to find a place to rest for a while. The stench of death made it impossible to forget what is ahead but we huddled in an 5 foot wide indentation in the red stone. As soon as I felt Tyler’s arms around me I feel into a restless sleep.

  We lay still for some time and when I woke it was too dark to see. It had been dark before but there had been a faint blue light. Now it was black outside and it must be nightfall. I felt Tyler stir beside me and he kissed my cheek before rising.<
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  “We should keep going Ivy. The water is gone and we need to find more. We won’t last long in this heat if we don’t find water soon”.

  With effort I rose to my feet and we made our way back to the main path. I was sheer luck that we hadn’t come across anything but then who would expect someone coming of their own accord to the inner core of the Underworld?

  We crossed into the canyon and beyond saw patches of fire that bubbled up and burst into the air. They remind me of the geysers I had seen at Yellowstone that spewed hot water and steam into the air. The great difference being that it was not water spewing into the air but molten lava. The landscape is one of utter despair and I dread what is waiting up ahead. I begin to wonder if Jen could even survive here for more than a day or two.

  Tyler must have sensed my despair for he took my hand and kissed it softly. I felt my resolve return and with it my determination to find her. Thinking of her spending eternity here will be a bitter reality if we don’t keep moving forward. I must find Jen and the others.

  My body seems to dry to have any liquid left inside it but I feel a single tear make its way down my filthy cheek. I close my eyes thinking about what is ahead and look for a shred of inner strength. I feel something inside me like a hidden reserve and I touch it with my mind. I feel a light flow from my stomach to my head and then the warmth flows through my body.

  I wipe the single tear away and turn toward the miles of spewing fires. All the land before us is sprinkled with flames that stand in contrast to the blackness of the place. There is nothing out there moving. No living thing dwells in the cruel lands that stretch before us. Evil shrouds the place and the heat is stifling. We are approaching the veil of the abyss.

  Our feet are blistered and we are in desperate need of water but we walk onward. The only light is from the shooting streams of lava and the air is heavy with death. My skin feels as though it is raw from the heat of the place and my muscles ache from exertion.