Protectors of Pandora

Chapter 17 ~the artifact of the hunter~

The group trekked slowly through the cave because the sea serpents had to carry their leader, Skyla and Nash flew a bit ahead of the rest, “so.. what’s it like being the daughter of the chief?” Nash asked. “Oh it sucks, I’m an only child, and since I had no brothers I have to be next in line, I have to train day and night, be at ceremonies and rituals and on top of all of that I have to find a “proper chief” to m a r r y ugh I just wish I could go into the jungle and explore.. come to think of it this is the most fun I’ve ever had…” Skyla said. “At least it’s not like most princesses having to act all proper and stuff” Nash said. “Oh no it’s worse.. harder to sneak off. And to top it off! My mother.. nevermind I don’t know why I’m telling you this why would you understand..” Skyla said, Then she flew forward ahead of Nash. “Oh I understand.. more than you know..” he said softly.

The cave was gloomy, there was bioluminescent mushrooms here and there giving off a green light but that was it, from what Nash could tell the stone walls were black, if not a very dark brown and it was very foggy, Skyla avoided Nash the rest of the trip until they heard something in the distance, it was a strange squeaking sound. “What’ss that??” Said a sea serpent. “No idea..” Nash said. The sound got closer and closer until they could see it’s shadow through the fog it looked huge, and then got smaller and smaller until a bat flew out, it was an onyc but probably a juvenile it wasn’t bigger than Nash bat was close. “Who dares trespas- oh forget it what do you want..” the onyc said. “We come seeking safe passage through you cave and your precious herbs to heal our wou-” “woh woh woh Ima stop you right there.. we don’t have any herbs and you can’t come through” the onyc said interrupting Nash. “Oh shut up you stupid onyc we know you have herbs everyone knows!” Skyla said angrily, this was the first time in an hour she had talked. “What she means I-” “well we don’t have any, any more!” The onyc said, interrupting Nash again. “How do you just not have it!!” Skyla said. “It won’t grow anymore, it used to grow using the beams of the great light but some monkey-bear things took it.” The onyc said. “Can I say somet-” “you listen here little guy I’m supposed to escort these creatures and that one is dying we need the flipping herb!!” Skyla said, interrupting Nash. Nash just walked away with a grimace, he clearly wasn’t getting a word in this conversation. “Little guy!! IS THIS THE WAY YOU ADDRESS A KING!” the onyc yelled, he was trying to seem intimidating but it just made his voice squeakier. “A king? But your what, seven..” Skyla said. “seven and three quarters!” The little king said. “Ugh enough of this what if we go get this “great light” back for you hmm?” Skyla said, sick of the conversation. “Okay deal, but good luck getting past the monkey-bears.” “Wait, what about our friend he won’t last long without medical attention.” Nash said. “My people can take care of him, but without the special herb we can only give you two or three days.” The onyc said” “well let’s get a move on.” Skyla said, glaring at the little king.