Chapter 7

I raise my arms, stretching, alleviating the aches and pains from the night's slumber in the cave. 

Though it's daytime we are still wary of this unknown place. We carefully step out of the cave, not seeing nor hearing any monsters in the immediate vicinity.

"I'm starving. Let's get something to eat," I say to the horse, my hands on my grumbling stomach.

We venture further away from the cave. The scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers fills the air. I scan the surroundings, searching for a suitable spot to rest and forage for food. Hoping to find some berries or edible plants along the way.

We stroll deeper into the forest. Leaves rustle overhead, almost like a melody. The sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground, creating a serene atmosphere on our search.

Glancing around, a sense of anxiety begins to grow of the unknown. The horse suddenly picks up pace.

"Hey! What's wrong?" I pull the harness.

The sounds of the stream reach my ears. My eyes widen with the joy of finding water. We quickly head towards the sound, hoping to quench our thirst.

I dismount and run towards the stream. I kneel and scoop the water in the palms of my hands, bringing it to my mouth.

Ahh.. I quench my thirst.

 The feeling of cool yet refreshing water glides down my throat like a soothing balm, providing much-needed relief to my parched body. 

I could not have survived on my own.

 Feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude, I thank the horse that led me this way.

The horse nibbling berries under a tree. I approach it and brush my hand along its side.

"We've gone through so much, and yet I haven't a clue what your name is. So why don't I give you a name?" I tell the horse.

It neighs in response. 

I chuckle at the horse's reaction, taking it as a sign of approval.

"How about Pony?" I ask, excitement in my eyes.

It looks at me questionably, then shakes its head side to side, in disapproval.

"Alright, I know I don't have the best naming sense, but you don't have to look at me like that," I place my hands on my hips.

The color of this horse's coat is similar to the color of my eyes. A shade so beautiful under the sun and moon. 

"How about Orphnaeus?" I gaze at the horse, knowing the name is a perfect description, with anticipation I wait for approval. 

The horse's ears perk up. It seems to consider the name for a moment, then nods its head.

A smile spread across my face.

After gathering berries, I follow the flow of the gentle stream. The stream winds deeper into the forest, where the foliage is denser and the air is colder.

Strangely enough, we have not come across another monster yet. Keeping the thought in mind, we travel until noon. The sun is high in the sky. We reach a tunnel where the stream passes through. 

The tunnel is dark and mysterious. Orphnaeus looks just as curious as myself. His eyes gleam with anticipation. With a deep breath, we head into the tunnel. Ready to discover what lay on the other side. 

Following the sound of the stream is difficult in the dark as the water echoes along the walls. In the distance, I see something glow for a moment, then disappear.

"What's that?" We pause for a moment.

It appears once more before it disappears.

"Strange," I whisper, holding onto Ornapheus' reins tighter.

The glow reoccurs at the same spot as if I was supposed to go there.

It's calling out to me.

 We stroll towards the light, it becomes more frequent, flickering. Its ethereal light cast eerie shadows on the damp walls, yet it beckons me. I reach out, carefully touching the light. It wraps around me, casting a glow, emitting from the side of my shoulder. 

The flower.

The ethereal light infuses a newfound power within me. I can sense a small amount of energy coursing through me. A faint hum, like it's singing to me, calling me.

"Orphnaeus, let us continue," I mount his back. 

We continue on our way to what we think is our exit.

"What should we do?" I say, stumped. 

The stream appears to have split in two directions. We stand for a moment deciding which path to take.

 Something is heading our way. I can see the ripples in the water as small rocks fall off the cave. Sounds of hissing can be heard behind us, growing closer with each second. We hesitate for only a heartbeat. I pull on Orphnaeus's reins. No time to think– left, quickly making a decision. 

Orphnaeus runs through the darkness as his hooves splashed through the shallow water. The hissing echoes off the cavern walls, persistent. We dart through the dark with Orphnaeus's powerful strides. Despite his efforts, the hissing sound follows us, growing closer with each passing moment.

We come to a dead end where the water pools. There is no way out. 

"No!" I gasp.

Unable to avoid it any longer, we turn to see the thing that has been chasing us. Glowing eyes. Knife-like legs. 

Giant spider.

I've seen it in books but come on! I am tired of being tested.

 I pull out my dagger, with determination to leave this tunnel alive.

Another ball of glow passes in front of me with its sudden appearance.

Another one. I must obtain it.

"It's alright boy," I pat his neck, " When I say run, be ready to take off Orphnaeus," I whisper to him.

"You nasty turd! Come here!!" I yell at the monster.

I wait for an opening—a moment for the monster to make a move. As soon as I see it jump, I yell,

"Run boy!"

Orphanaeus dashes down the path, but is in vain. The monster is smart. It trapped us with webs blocking our path out. 

Our only chance at survival is to fight back. I dismount, getting myself ready. Keeping my eyes on the spider walking towards us. With a surge of adrenaline, I lunge at the monster, slashing at its legs with my dagger. It proves to be a formidable opponent, swatting me away effortlessly.

Orphnaeus neighs, pounding his hooves. 

"I am not dying again just yet!" I scream at the spider.

 Assessing the area, I quickly strategize. The glowing ball of light illuminates the cave. 

The large, unstable stalactite.

 I wait for the monster to move. A small opening is all I need. I evade its attacks and sprint forward with a burst of speed. Aiming for its vulnerable underbelly with my dagger. I strike the monster, but my dagger gets stuck. I scream, pulling my dagger forward, creating a split.

The monster is screeching. Orphnaeus creates distractions, giving me opportunities to strike it from beneath. With each strike, the monster screeches louder, and its movements become more frantic. 

I continue to attack each of its legs creating small incisions while evading as much of its attacks. I can sense its strength waning. The monster finally falls to the ground. 

Victory is within reach.

The beast writhes desperately from side to side. I rush out of the way as the stalactite plunges and delivers the killing blow.