Chapter 04: Blackthorn Ridge

Blackthorn Ridge loomed over the Misty Hollow Inn, its dark, jagged silhouette cutting a sharp line against the early morning sky. The ridge was a prominent hill point that stood as a natural lookout, offering a commanding view of the vast Tatawood Forest below. The terrain was rugged and steep, covered in dense thickets of blackthorn bushes, their spiny branches interwoven like nature’s own barbed wire. These bushes gave the ridge its ominous name, and they had a reputation for ensnaring the unwary traveler who ventured too close. Yet, despite its formidable appearance, Blackthorn Ridge was also a place of breathtaking beauty. The climb to its summit was rewarded with a panoramic view that stretched for miles, revealing the deep green expanse of the jungle, the winding rivers that cut through it like silver threads, and the distant peaks of the Shadow Mountains rising in the background.

It was an hour’s trek from Misty Hollow Inn to the ridge, a journey that took the students through winding forest paths, over small streams, and up rocky inclines. The morning air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the earthy scent of wet leaves and the faint, distant call of jungle birds. As the students made their way up the ridge, the sun began to climb higher in the sky, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow across the forest floor. The sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs underfoot accompanied their progress, mingling with the occasional murmur of conversation and the quiet rustle of the wind through the trees.

When the group finally reached the top of Blackthorn Ridge, they paused to catch their breath and take in the view. The ridge was a narrow, rocky outcrop that jutted out above the treetops, offering a perfect vantage point for observing the forest below. The sight that greeted them was awe-inspiring. The jungle stretched out in every direction, an unbroken sea of green that seemed to go on forever. The trees were so thick and tall that they formed a continuous canopy, with only the occasional break where a river or clearing cut through the foliage. From this height, the students could see the winding paths they would soon explore, the shimmering surfaces of hidden lakes, and the distant movement of wildlife among the trees.

The students were divided into five groups, each consisting of two boys and one girl. This division was strategic, designed to ensure that each group had a balance of skills and perspectives. The sixth group, composed of the teachers—Professor Gideon Darkhelm, Dr. Alaric Stormwatch, and Professor Morgana Ravenshadow—was tasked with monitoring and overseeing the students’ activities. Their role was crucial, as they would ensure the students’ safety, provide guidance, and assess their research and observations.

The groups were assigned different responsibilities, with a rotating schedule that allowed them to experience a variety of tasks. Three groups were designated for active research and exploration, venturing out into the jungle to study its flora, fauna, and geography. These groups would collect data, take notes, and document their findings, contributing to the university’s ongoing research on Tatawood Forest. The remaining two groups were responsible for the security of the camps. Their job was to ensure that the campsites were secure, the equipment was safe, and that no one wandered off or encountered any of the forest’s more dangerous inhabitants.

The students set up multiple camps along the ridge, each one strategically placed to offer both shelter and a good vantage point for observing the surrounding area. The camps were simple but functional, consisting of sturdy tents, cooking gear, and basic supplies. Despite the remote location, the camps were well-organized, with clear paths connecting them and designated areas for cooking, sleeping, and working. The teachers made sure that each camp had a map of the ridge and the surrounding forest, along with a list of safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Blackthorn Ridge was more than just a base for their research—it was also the starting point for a series of thrilling adventures that awaited the students. The ridge was known for its challenging terrain and the numerous activities that tested both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Among the most anticipated activities were the canopy walkways, a network of suspended bridges that allowed the students to walk high above the forest floor, giving them a bird’s-eye view of the jungle below. The walkways swayed gently with each step, adding an element of excitement and danger to the experience.

Zip lining was another popular activity, offering a fast and exhilarating way to travel from one point on the ridge to another. The students would harness themselves to a steel cable and then launch themselves off the edge of the ridge, soaring through the air with the wind rushing past them and the forest racing by below. The thrill of speed and the feeling of flying made zip lining an unforgettable experience, one that left the students both breathless and eager for more.

For those who preferred a slower pace, jungle trekking offered an opportunity to explore the forest on foot, following narrow trails that wound through the dense undergrowth. The students would navigate through thickets of ferns, climb over fallen logs, and wade through shallow streams, all while keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife that called Tatawood Forest home. Jungle trekking was a test of endurance and observation, requiring the students to be both physically fit and mentally alert.

River rafting was another challenge that awaited the groups. The rivers that flowed through Tatawood were fast and unpredictable, with currents that could change in an instant. The students would navigate these waters in inflatable rafts, paddling furiously to stay on course while avoiding the rocks and branches that jutted out from the banks. The thrill of battling the rapids and the sense of accomplishment that came with successfully navigating a difficult stretch of river made river rafting one of the most rewarding activities on Blackthorn Ridge.

As the students spread out across the ridge, setting up their camps and preparing for the adventures ahead, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The challenges of Blackthorn Ridge were many, but so were the opportunities for discovery and growth. Each group was eager to prove themselves, to push their limits, and to see what the ridge—and the forest beyond—had in store for them.

Elara was focused on setting up their campsite, carefully pitching the tent and securing the guy lines into the rocky soil of Blackthorn Ridge. The sun was just beginning to climb higher, casting long shadows from the trees that surrounded their camp. She worked methodically, her hands moving with the confidence born of experience. The ridge was a new and challenging environment, but Elara was determined to make their campsite as secure and comfortable as possible. She was in the middle of driving a stake into the ground when she heard soft footsteps approaching.

Mira, her usually bubbly companion, approached with an uncharacteristically subdued expression. She hesitated for a moment, as if gathering the courage to speak, before finally stepping forward to join Elara. "Need some help?" she asked, her voice tentative.

Elara looked up and offered a small smile. "Sure, thanks. This ground is tougher than it looks."

Mira knelt beside her and began helping with the tent. As they worked together, Mira finally broke the silence. "I was really frightened last night," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was thinking of coming to join you, but I didn’t want to seem like a coward."

Elara paused for a moment, considering Mira's words. She knew how unsettling the first night in a new, unfamiliar place could be, especially in a place as eerie as Tatawood Forest. "It’s understandable," Elara said, her tone gentle. "Last night was our first night here, and the forest can be pretty intimidating. But honestly, there’s no shame in being scared. It’s natural."

Mira nodded, but she still seemed troubled. "I just felt so alone," she admitted. "Everyone else seemed fine, and I didn’t want to be the odd one out. I came here to work and do research, not to be frightened by shadows."

Elara stopped what she was doing and looked directly at Mira. "Mira, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re all here to support each other. If you ever feel scared or need someone to talk to, you can always come to me. No matter what."

Mira seemed to relax a little, taking comfort in Elara's words. "Thank you," she said softly. "I was hesitating because I thought I should be stronger, but last night… it was like every noise and shadow made my heart race."

Elara nodded sympathetically. She could remember feeling something similar when they first arrived. The oppressive darkness, the unfamiliar sounds, and the weight of the jungle’s ancient history had all combined to create an atmosphere thick with tension and unease. But she had pushed those feelings aside, knowing that they had a job to do.

"You know," Elara began, "part of why you might be feeling this way could be because of that book you were reading." She glanced at Mira with a knowing look.

Mira blushed slightly. "You mean my forest novel?"

Elara smiled. "Yes, that one. I saw you with it last night before we turned in. Sometimes, those stories can really get into your head, especially when you’re in a place that feels like it could be straight out of one of those books."

Mira laughed a little, a sound tinged with embarrassment. "It’s a werewolf novel. The story is really captivating, but I guess it didn’t help with the whole 'being in a dark, creepy forest' thing. The werewolf in the story is this monstrous creature that hunts down beautiful girls in the woods. The whole time I was reading it, I kept imagining what it would be like if it were real."

Elara's expression softened. "That sounds like a great story, but maybe it’s not the best thing to be reading when you’re out here in Tatawood Forest. Your mind can play tricks on you, especially when you’re in a place like this."

Mira nodded, her earlier fear slowly dissipating as she talked about the book. "You’re probably right. I was just so drawn into it that I didn’t think about how it might affect me. The werewolf is terrifying, but I couldn’t put the book down. It’s like… even though I was scared, I wanted to keep going, to see what happened next."

Elara understood that feeling all too well. There was something about scary stories that drew people in, that made them want to explore the darkness even when it frightened them. But she also knew how important it was to stay grounded, especially when they were in a place where reality could be just as terrifying as fiction.

"I get it," Elara said, "but out here, it’s important to stay focused on what’s real. We’ve got enough challenges ahead of us without adding imaginary werewolves to the mix." She gave Mira a reassuring smile. "But if you ever need to talk about anything—whether it’s werewolves, the forest, or just how you’re feeling—I'm here. We’re in this together."

Mira smiled back, the tension in her shoulders finally easing. "Thanks, Elara. I really appreciate that. I’ll try not to let my imagination get the better of me. Maybe I’ll save the rest of the book for when we’re back at the university."

Elara nodded in agreement. "Good idea. For now, let’s just focus on making sure our camp is secure and getting ready for the day ahead. There’s a lot of work to do, and we need to be at our best."

Together, they finished setting up the tent, their conversation making the task seem easier and less daunting. As they worked, the sounds of the jungle filled the air around them—the distant calls of birds, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. It was a reminder that they were in a wild, untamed place, far from the safety and comfort of the university.

But it was also a place of incredible beauty and wonder, a place where they would learn and grow in ways they had never imagined. And as long as they stuck together and supported one another, Elara knew they would be able to face whatever challenges the jungle had in store for them.

The dense, emerald canopy of Tatawood Forest loomed overhead as Orin, Kael, and Elara ventured deeper into the wilderness. The three of them had been grouped together for their first adventure—jungle tracking. The task was simple enough on paper: identify and catalog plant species, observe animal tracks, and note any unique features of the terrain. But the reality of trekking through the jungle was far more exhilarating—and intimidating—than they had anticipated.

Elara led the way, her sports bag slung over one shoulder and her notebook in hand. Every few steps, she would pause to examine a plant or jot down notes on her observations. Her pen scratched against the paper as she carefully documented the flora they encountered, from the towering trees with their sprawling roots to the delicate ferns that carpeted the forest floor. Her attention to detail was meticulous, a reflection of her dedication to their mission.

Orin and Kael followed closely behind her, their footsteps crunching softly on the undergrowth. Orin kept his eyes on Elara, his mind racing with thoughts that had been building for days, ever since they first arrived at Misty Hollow Inn. He had been waiting for the right moment, and now, as they ventured further away from the safety of their camp, he saw his opportunity.

As they reached a point where the dense foliage obscured their view of the camp, Orin caught Kael’s eye and gave a subtle nod. Kael, understanding the unspoken signal, lagged behind, pretending to be engrossed in studying a particularly unusual plant. Orin quickened his pace, closing the distance between himself and Elara until they were walking side by side.

“Elara,” Orin began, his voice steady but laced with a hint of nervousness, “I want to say something to you.”

Elara stopped in her tracks, turning to face him with a curious expression. “What is it, Orin?”

Orin hesitated for a brief moment, gathering his courage. “Elara, I want to be more than just friends,” he said, his voice earnest. “We’ve been through a lot together, and I really care about you. I want to give you something… a symbol of our friendship, something that will keep you safe.”

Elara looked at him, puzzled. “But we are friends, Orin. You don’t need to give me anything to prove that.”

“No,” Orin replied, shaking his head slightly. “I mean… I want to show you how much you mean to me.” With that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately decorated box. He opened it to reveal a delicate golden cross necklace, the metal gleaming even in the dappled light filtering through the trees.

Elara’s eyes widened in surprise. “Orin, this is beautiful… but it’s too much. It must be expensive.”

Orin’s expression softened, his gaze earnest. “Elara, please take it. It’s not just a necklace—it’s a charm. My grandmother gave it to me, saying it had protective powers. I’ve always kept it close, but now I want you to have it. It will keep you safe in the jungle, where anything could happen.”

Elara hesitated, the weight of the gesture pressing down on her. She had always seen Orin as a close friend, someone she could rely on. But this was different—it was more intimate, more meaningful. She wasn’t sure how to respond, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. After a moment of internal deliberation, she nodded and gently took the necklace from Orin’s hands. “Thank you, Orin. I’ll treasure it.”

With trembling fingers, Elara fastened the necklace around her neck. The cool metal rested against her skin, a constant reminder of Orin’s affection and the trust he had placed in her. She smiled at him, though her mind was still racing with conflicting emotions. “Where’s Kael?” she suddenly asked, realizing that their friend had fallen far behind.

Orin glanced around, his brow furrowing in concern. “He must have gotten distracted,” he said, his voice tinged with worry. “Kael! Where are you?” he called out, his voice echoing through the trees.

Elara joined in, her voice carrying through the jungle. “Kael! Come on, we’re waiting for you!”

For a moment, there was only the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, and then, from the dense thicket nearby, Kael emerged, brushing leaves and twigs from his clothes. “Sorry about that,” he said sheepishly. “I got caught up examining some tracks. They look like they belong to a large animal, maybe a jaguar.”

Orin and Elara exchanged a relieved glance, though Orin’s concern for Elara still lingered in the back of his mind. “Let’s stick together from now on,” he suggested, his voice firm. “We don’t want to get separated out here.”

Kael nodded in agreement, falling back into step with them. As they continued their trek through the jungle, Elara’s hand occasionally brushed against the necklace, a small, comforting reminder of Orin’s gesture. She felt a strange mix of emotions—gratitude, affection, and a touch of unease—but she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the task at hand.

The jungle around them was alive with the sounds of wildlife, the calls of birds and the rustle of unseen creatures adding to the sense of adventure. Yet beneath the surface, the tension between Orin and Elara lingered, unspoken but palpable, as they ventured deeper into the heart of Tatawood Forest.

Rylan, Alden, and Mira had been paired together for their adventure, and when their schedule time arrived, they chose "Rock Climbing" as their task. The thrill of scaling the jagged, towering rocks appealed to Rylan and Alden, who were eager to test their strength and endurance. Mira, on the other hand, was less interested in the physical challenge. She was drawn to the beauty of the landscape, her camera always in hand, ready to capture the breathtaking views of Tatawood Forest from above.

The trio made their way through the jungle, their path leading them to a chain of steep rocks that formed a natural staircase ascending into the canopy. The climb was challenging, each step requiring careful placement and a firm grip on the rough stone. Rylan, with his athletic build, moved quickly and confidently, while Alden followed close behind, his focus split between the climb and the conversation they were having. Mira, though keeping pace, was more absorbed in her surroundings, snapping photos of the lush greenery and the intricate patterns of light filtering through the leaves.

As they reached a particularly high and flat rock, the group decided to take a short break. The boys dropped down to sit and catch their breath, their conversation shifting from the climb to their plans for the rest of the day. Mira, however, was drawn to the edge of the rock, where the forest spread out below her like an endless sea of green. The view was mesmerizing, and she couldn’t resist the urge to capture it. She stepped closer to the edge, her camera clicking as she framed shot after shot of the treetops, the vibrant green a stark contrast to the rocky ledge she stood on.

Rylan and Alden, engrossed in their discussion, paid little attention to Mira. They trusted her to be careful, knowing how passionate she was about photography. But as Mira leaned out further to get the perfect angle, she didn’t notice that her footing was becoming precarious. The edge of the rock was uneven, and with her focus solely on the camera’s viewfinder, she failed to realize how close she was to losing her balance.

In an instant, Mira’s foot slipped, and she felt herself teeter on the brink of the rock. The world seemed to slow down as she flailed her arms, her heart leaping into her throat as she realized she was falling. The camera, still clutched in her hand, felt like dead weight as she plummeted toward the abyss below.

Rylan was the first to react. Hearing the sudden scuffle of feet on stone, he looked up just in time to see Mira topple over the edge. With a burst of adrenaline, he sprang to his feet and lunged forward, his hand shooting out to grab her. Alden, equally alarmed, was right behind him, his own hand reaching for Mira’s other arm.

By some miracle, the boys managed to catch Mira just in time, their fingers gripping her wrists with all the strength they could muster. Mira dangled over the edge, her legs kicking helplessly in the air as she struggled to regain her footing. The camera slipped from her grasp, tumbling down the rocky slope and disappearing into the underbrush below.

With a combined effort, Rylan and Alden hauled Mira back onto the rock, pulling her to safety. She collapsed onto the solid ground, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she stared up at the sky, trying to process what had just happened. Her heart was pounding in her chest, the rush of fear and adrenaline making her feel dizzy and disoriented.

Rylan’s face was a mixture of concern and anger as he crouched beside her. “Mira, what were you thinking?” he demanded, his voice sharp with frustration. “You could have died! You need to be more careful.”

Mira sat up slowly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to… I just wanted to get a good shot. I didn’t realize how close I was to the edge.”

Alden, who had been standing nearby, shook his head in disbelief. “That was way too close, Mira. You need to pay more attention. We’re out here in the middle of nowhere—if something happened to you, we might not have been able to get help in time.”

Mira nodded her eyes wide and filled with remorse. “I know, I’m really sorry,” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. “I promise I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Rylan’s expression softened slightly, though the worry in his eyes remained. “Just… don’t do anything like that again, okay? We’re supposed to be a team, and we can’t afford to lose anyone.”

Mira nodded again, her heart still racing from the near-fall. She glanced back at the edge of the rock; a shiver running down her spine as she imagined what could have happened if the boys hadn’t been there to save her. The thought of tumbling down the rocky slope, of being lost in the dense jungle below, was terrifying.

Despite her fear, however, a nagging thought lingered in the back of her mind. She had been standing carefully, she was sure of it. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something had caused her to lose her balance—something more than just a simple misstep. But she pushed the thought aside, not wanting to dwell on it, especially not with Rylan and Alden watching her so closely.

“Please,” Mira added, looking at both boys with pleading eyes, “don’t tell anyone about this. I don’t want the others to worry, and… I’m embarrassed enough as it is.”

Rylan exchanged a glance with Alden, who shrugged slightly before nodding. “Fine,” Rylan agreed, though his tone was still stern. “But you have to promise us that you’ll be more careful from now on. No more risky moves, okay?”

Mira managed a small smile, grateful for their understanding. “I promise. And thank you… for saving me. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

The boys returned her smile, though the tension from the incident still lingered in the air. As they resumed their climb, Rylan and Alden kept a closer eye on Mira, making sure she stayed well away from the edge. Meanwhile, Mira couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease, as if the jungle itself had played a part in her near-disaster. But with the warmth of the sun on her back and the support of her friends, she tried to push those thoughts away, focusing instead on the task ahead and the adventure that still awaited them.

Professor Gideon Darkhelm and Dr. Alaric, both experienced in fieldwork, had decided to indulge in a hunting adventure deep within Tatawood Forest. The two men, rifles in hand, moved with a sense of purpose, each footstep taken with careful precision. They were eager to test their skills against the elusive wildlife that called the forest home, driven by a mix of professional curiosity and the primal thrill of the hunt. However, accompanying them was Professor Morgana, who, unlike her colleagues, was far less enthusiastic about their chosen pursuit. She had no interest in hunting, and her skepticism was palpable.

“I don’t see the point in this,” Professor Morgana remarked, her voice tinged with disapproval as they made their way deeper into the jungle. She was clearly out of her element, her unease growing with each step into the thick underbrush. The sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the occasional crack of a twig—seemed to heighten her anxiety.

Professor Gideon chuckled at her words, casting a confident glance in her direction. “You underestimate us, Professor Morgana. I am a great shooter, and Dr. Alaric here is no novice either. We’re not just academics; we know our way around the wild.”

Dr. Alaric nodded in agreement, though he remained focused on the task at hand, his eyes scanning the dense foliage for any sign of movement. Despite their bravado, there was a tension in the air, an awareness that they were intruding into a place where the rules of the outside world held little sway.

As they continued on their path, Professor Gideon suddenly raised a hand, signaling for silence. He had heard something—a faint rustling in the bushes ahead. It was the sound of an animal, and his instincts kicked in. Motioning for Dr. Alaric to follow, he began to move stealthily toward the source of the noise, his rifle at the ready.

The forest seemed to close in around them as they advanced, the thick canopy above casting long shadows on the ground. Every step was taken with caution, their ears attuned to the sounds of the jungle. The rustling grew louder, and Gideon was certain they were close. He could almost visualize the creature in his mind—a deer, perhaps, or something more exotic.

Professor Morgana, meanwhile, was left standing a few paces behind, her nerves on edge. The silence that followed in their wake was unnerving, broken only by the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. She felt increasingly isolated in the vast, sprawling forest, the weight of the trees pressing down on her. Her imagination began to run wild, fueled by the eerie atmosphere of the jungle.

Suddenly, Gideon froze, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of movement in the bushes. Dr. Alaric followed his gaze, both men poised to take a shot. The sound of footsteps was unmistakable now, the creature just beyond the thick foliage. But as they moved closer, the rustling abruptly ceased. The jungle fell into an almost unnatural silence, as if holding its breath.

They waited, rifles at the ready, but whatever had been there was gone. The only sound that remained was the soft whisper of the wind through the leaves. Frustrated, Gideon lowered his rifle, exchanging a look of disappointment with Dr. Alaric. “It must have sensed us and fled,” he muttered, shaking his head. “We were close, though. Too close to give up now.”

But despite their desire to continue the hunt, something in the air had changed. The forest felt different—more alive, yet more foreboding. There was an undercurrent of tension that both men could feel, though neither spoke of it. With a sigh, Gideon turned back toward Professor Morgana, who had been left alone in the clearing.

When they returned, they found her standing rigidly, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear. The confident and collected Professor Morgana was now visibly shaken, her usual composure nowhere to be found.

“What’s wrong?” Dr. Alaric asked, his voice tinged with concern as he approached her. He noticed that her hands were trembling slightly, and there was a wild look in her eyes that he had never seen before.

“You shouldn’t have left me alone here,” she said, her voice quivering with anger and fear. “This place… it’s not right. Something was here with me—something not of this world.”

Professor Gideon frowned, exchanging a puzzled glance with Dr. Alaric. “What are you talking about, Morgana?” he asked, his tone both curious and dismissive. “We didn’t see anything, and you know how the mind can play tricks on you in a place like this.”

But Morgana shook her head, adamant in her fear. “I’m not imagining things,” she insisted. “I heard it—a voice, calling my name. It was distant at first, but it grew louder, closer. It was like a whisper in the wind, but it was unmistakable. There was something… someone, here with me.”

Dr. Alaric’s eyes narrowed as he studied her, trying to gauge the seriousness of her claim. Despite his rational mind, he couldn’t ignore the sincerity in her voice, the terror that seemed to grip her. “A ghost, you mean?” he asked slowly, as if testing the word on his tongue.

“Yes,” Morgana whispered, her voice barely audible. “It was calling to me, like it wanted me to follow. I’ve never believed in such things, but… this place, this jungle, it’s different. There’s something here that defies logic.”

For a moment, the three professors stood in uneasy silence, the weight of Morgana’s words hanging heavy in the air. The idea of spirits and supernatural entities was not something they had ever seriously considered in their academic pursuits, but here, in the heart of Tatawood Forest, it suddenly seemed all too real.

Gideon tried to shake off the unease that had settled over them. “Look, let’s not jump to conclusions,” he said, though his voice lacked its usual confidence. “The jungle is full of strange sounds. It’s easy to get spooked, especially when you’re out here alone. Let’s head back to camp. We’ll talk about this more with the others.”

But as they made their way back, the forest around them seemed to close in, the shadows lengthening and the silence growing more oppressive. Each step they took was accompanied by the sense that they were being watched, followed. And though none of them spoke of it, they all felt it—the invisible presence that seemed to lurk just beyond the edge of their perception, waiting, watching.

By the time they reached the camp, the professors were more subdued, the earlier excitement of the hunt long forgotten. Whatever had happened in the jungle that day, it had left its mark on them. And as they gathered around the campfire that evening, the stories of the jungle’s supernatural inhabitants seemed a little less far-fetched, a little more real.

Professor Morgana sat close to the fire, her eyes still wide with the memory of that ghostly voice. Professor Gideon and Dr. Alaric, though skeptical, couldn’t completely dismiss her experience. The forest had its secrets, and they were beginning to realize that not all of them could be explained away by science and reason.