Dwellers of the New World Chapter Six ( Pt 3 )

Slowly with anticipation Dawson made his way into the cave, the mist making it hard to see anything. He had mixed feelings as to what he was getting himself into, but it was too late to turn back, not wanting his ego damaged. He took out his torch and shone it straight ahead, but still there was nothing to see.

Part of him felt fearless, daring to take on this mission alone, walking into the unknown, but another side of him, wondered what he would do, if he were to come up against real danger.

Because he was unable to see ahead, he stayed close to the cave wall feeling his way along, expecting it to be damp being so close to the ocean, he was surprised to find the wall quite dry and smooth rather like the pebbles on the beach.

A bit further in Dawson thought it would be a good idea to call out. “Hello...hello anyone there?” but no reply came, not that he really expected one, but still he called out again. “Addie it's Dawson...are you there, can you hear me?” still there was no response.

It occurred to him, that Addie might not have even come into this cave, though he was almost sure this was the one he had seen him enter.

Not being able to see was very unnerving like walking blindfolded, he knew then that he would have to depend on his other senses. So many thoughts started to go through his mind, mainly of where he would end up and what he would meet along the way, but also his family went through his mind, and if he would ever see them again.

Not really having any idea of how long he'd been walking, he decided it would be a good idea to check on Penny. Lifting his arm he pressed the communication button, there appeared to be no signal. 'That's strange!' he thought. Trying again, a feeling of panic came over him that all was not right. He turned around to go back to the entrance, deciding that Addie and his crew couldn't possibly have come this way.

As he walked back, a feeling of disorientation confused him, he tried to work out the distance walked, but nothing made any sense, it was as if he were in limbo.

Feeling sure that the light from the cave entrance should be coming up soon, the mist seemed to get thicker becoming like smog. Dawson was becoming tired, he couldn't understand why the opening was not in sight. Looking both ways it was becoming quite clear to him that he was trapped.

There was nothing for it, but to sit down and get his head together and start thinking straight. He took out his bottle and sipped some of the water. He would need to not only conserve the water for what lie ahead, but also his energy too.

The air was becoming thicker, he was starting to feel slightly claustrophobic, which made it hard to breathe. After some deep breathes and a rest, it was clear the only way to go now was forward,
making his mind up that whatever this smog was hiding, he needed to discover it.

Picking himself up, he made his way back along the way he'd come. The tunnel seemed to just go on and on. Every so often he stopped to listen to see if he could hear any sound at all, but there was silence, only the sound of his heart beating could be heard and his footsteps as he carried on his journey.

Feeling like he'd been walking for hours, hunger and tiredness once again came over him, but there was no way he would stop, till he left this smog behind him, so carrying on was his only option.

Hours seemed to pass when all of a sudden there was a breeze of cold air, like he was approaching an air vent. Thinking it might be leading him out of the cave, he started to pick up the pace. A way ahead of him he shone his torch, lighting up what appeared to be figures coming towards him. Stopping in his tracks he was tempted to call out, but then thought better of it. Deciding to stop, he backed up against the wall, sensing danger. Whoever these figures were, he went with his
instincts and kept perfectly still.

He noticed they appeared to be floating, there were ten of them. As they got closer, there wizened faces looked blank, as if they were not aware of him. They wore rags upon their scrawny bodies. A shiver ran through Dawson as he slipped down the wall to sitting, there was no where to hide...no where to run, he couldn't escape even if he wanted to. Pulling his knees into his body, he held tight for what was to come.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Six ( Pt 4 ) | ABCtales