Atlas.

7,421 years ago, on the outskirts of the swamplands on Arfynium, a man composes himself to begin the day.

The morning fog lay gently and undisturbed the same as any other day. The feeling of comfort that the stillness in the air provided did not wash over me as it usually would. Today the sameness felt threatening, like a roar, “nothing will change.”

Jerking the laces in defiance, I tied up my boots. Contrary to the day’s reconciliation with consistency, I will forge a new path to attain what I need for my sister’s welfare. She has been ill for some time now, at least a full cycle of the moons, but likely longer given her stubbornness to acknowledge any ailments that might befall her.

I’ve brought every healer I could find to our home with anticipation of a cure. To my dismay, no one has been able to help her, but the last healer had more to offer than the others. He spoke of an unbelievable discovery: A cave that transforms as you walk through it, changing by the minute, making exploration dangerous and often deadly. He spoke of mad men determined to find what was so special about the cave that it might trap people to die instead of revealing its secrets. The cave's discovery is no new thing, but someone finally came back with a fantastic tale. Supposedly, a traveler that ventured into the cave found a large glowing object that he had never seen before. Though it was too large for him to move, he managed to bring back loose crystals surrounding it.

But it wasn’t the crystals that made the discovery intriguing; while the man was inside the cavern with the glowing object he spoke idly into the empty room, “I wish I didn’t have to fight my way back through this cave,” and as quick as a blink, he was outside. If not for the people at the mouth of the cave when it happened, they might not have believed him.

The story has attracted many to come and search for the glowing object for themselves. Several have found it and claim it made their wishes come true as well. Others claim it is a hoax.

I refuse to give up on my sister, so hoax or not, it’s the hope we have for today.

………………………………………

A friend who lives nearby agreed to stay and watch over my sister Amelia. Though I’m grateful for their aid, time was not mine to waste this day. I rushed through our greetings and thanked her fervently before racing down the porch steps, careful not to step on any soft spots in the marsh along the way.

The cave wasn’t far from our home. A brisk pace should put me there in just a few hours. The cave is very well known in the swamps; I myself had heard of its mysteries time and time again as a child, with little to no intrigue to go venturing inside myself.

I suppose things do change as we grow. My mother and father were fishers. Mother would sew together nets and prepare any fish father caught to be sold or traded at a nearby market that the people had established long before I was thought of. They have since passed, and the trade was adopted by my sister and me. That was the way of it I thought: tradition and survival.

Not to say I consider our lives to be sorrowful, just regular. No longer.

Our parents succumbed to the same patterns of illness Amelia is exhibiting now. When I return with a cure, we’re leaving the swamp. Accursed is the way of tradition.

I’d wager no one plans to change, until something of equal kindheartedness or cruelty convinces them to do so, and I can think of nothing crueler than to steal the last of my family away from me.

My musing kept me busy, pondering where we might move after this is all over, what I might ask for to grant my sister's health, occasionally even noting the differences in the landscape I’d neglected to venture through in some years. Either nerves or anticipation made the time go by quickly, and before I knew it, I had arrived.

The cave was surrounded by many people. A line of sorts had formed at the mouth of the cave and some structures built around it. From the looks of it, a makeshift town had sprung up to house all the onlookers interested in the cave. I pray this spectacle does not delay my efforts.

………………………………………

The structures surrounding the cave were new, but rickety. Several families’ presence was felt through the joy and laughter emanating from a group of children off at the clearing’s edge in some tall grass. Numerous stalls were set up with food and wares available for purchase or trade near the line originating at the cave’s entrance.

After looking around for a while, I realized the travelers were being exploited for the merchants’ personal gain. It disappointed me to see the greed in the eyes of the ones around me, and it put into question the legitimacy of the tales I had heard. I prudently put away those thoughts and made my way to one of the gentlemen in line who appeared nervous in comparison to the others’ insatiability.

“Hello friend,” I offered my hand out as a gesture of good will. Tentatively, he took his hand out of the pocket of his torn trousers and shook mine without a word. “Could you tell me what the line is for?” I wanted to be courteous, but I also wasn’t at liberty to waste time.

Releasing his light grip, he responded softly, “It’s the line for the cave,” and directed his eyes back forward.

Confusion twisted my usual composure as I spoke, “Why would there be a line for the cave?”

With the remaining patience the young man could muster, he spoke plainly without looking in my direction, “when word got around about the cave, people voted to delay everyone’s entrance so the explorers could make their way inside without pressure from strangers.” Sensing I had worn out my welcome, I gave him a nod and walked away.

This would not do. I couldn’t stand by for hours waiting for my turn to enter the cave. Amelia could only hold on for so long. Desperate for a solution, I scanned the encampment for options. It wasn’t long before I laid eyes on a jar of preservation salts at a stall selling meat, and instantly knew what I would do.

I obtained the preserving salts and some sugar from the stall merchant and hastily got to work. I found an abandoned fire, pulled out the small pot in my satchel, some water from my canteen, and got cooking.

It wasn’t fast work, but it was faster than standing in that line. I picked up my things and moved around the encampment with a quickness, making my way to the mouth of the cave. I lit several matches at once, sticking them fireside up into my concoctions as I placed them down around camp, keeping one match for myself. I didn’t want to mess up my timing.

I dropped my match to the ground moments before the fire breached my fingertips and made my move as soon as the show began. Smoke billowed out from underneath the stalls and from behind rocks around the cave until the entire area was obscured. I was careful not to place them near anything flammable, but I was under too much pressure to watch my work unfold. While everyone was distracted, I dashed into the cave. Afraid the smoke would clear and someone would catch me, I ran as hard as I could until the light from the opening faded.

That was it. I was inside.

………………………………………

I dashed behind a stalagmite after I thought I was clear of anyone seeing me from the entrance. I could just barely make out the light from the mouth of the cave. I turned into the darkness, held out my hand, and flicked my fingers, creating a ball of flame to light my way.

Seconds after summoning the flame, I heard a commotion behind me. Fearing I’d been discovered, I turned to face my would-be attacker, only to find the cave walls were closing in behind me. Panicked, I spun around on my heel to flee. Seeing is believing I guess, because the fear of being lost or trapped in this cave ruptured my sensibilities.

Though I was able to light my way, I was running blind through the cave. I must have put half a mile between myself and the creeping cave walls before I realized the sound of the shifting caverns was long lost. I stopped to catch my breath, and noticed the damp chill in the air for the first time. With my free hand, I pulled a cloak out of my satchel and wrapped it around my shoulders, drawing the hood to warm my ears.

I wandered for hours, turning down passageway after passageway, with no plan or experience navigating the depths of the underground. A feeling of dread seeped in as I realized that this foolhardy decision of mine may have doomed both myself and my sister. I trudged on for what was easily another hour before I needed to rest for a moment. I hadn’t come across anyone in the caves the entire time that I’d been aimlessly wandering around. When I sat on the ground, I held my hand up in either direction of the cavern, and when satisfied with the empty space, I extinguished the flame in my palm and placed my head between my knees to wrap my cloak around my chilled body.

I couldn’t give up, not now. I had come too far and risked too much to be discouraged by a few short hours of ineffective searching. I gave myself just a few minutes of rest before reaching into my satchel for my canteen. My culinary improvisation had left me with little water. I drew my head back to take a final swig of the remaining liquid when my eyes were met with a faint glow from the ceiling. I replaced my canteen, my thirst forgotten and intrigue ripe. A quick investigation of the glow revealed that it was coming from crystals embedded in the ceiling: they were traveling down a line through the cave. The light from the conjured fire was too bright and had obscured them before. In my heart, I knew this would lead me to my goal. I stumbled for some time following the crystals. The glow was bright enough to reveal their origin, but not bright enough to light my way, so my pace had diminished by a measurable amount.

The crystals lead me around a sharp turn and I could see bright light through a wide arch. As I approached, the glow from the crystals faded, and the brightness from the doorway grew stronger. Once I reached the entrance, the light was almost blinding; I could see nothing from the other side. Defensively, the cavernous rock began to close up the archway, growing like roots from a tree.

This was my only chance. Before the entrance to the cavern could close completely, I walked inside to see what awaited me.

………………………………………

The glow began to fade moments after the entrance closed behind me. As my eyes adjusted, the magnificence of what I saw rattled me to my core. My hood fell while craning my neck to take in the full scope of this glowing beauty: it was like a giant seed standing straight up. Winding branches of rock stretched to support it. Some of the branches had glowing crystals growing from them, like the ones found in the cave ceiling, but brighter.

I shook my head, attempting to pull myself out of my admiration stupor. I was on a mission, and it had taken me long enough to find this place already; I couldn’t waste anymore time. I approached the seed with my hand out. I wasn’t sure how this wish thing was supposed to go, so laying my hands on it seemed like the obvious choice. Before I even made contact, I could feel tremendous power radiating off of it. This had to help my sister; I was out of options.

When I touched the seed, it brightened, and the walls around it began to slowly pull inward, triggering me to pull away. I dropped my hand and took a step back.

I observed the scene before me for a moment, and when the glow faded again, and the walls stopped creeping, I reached out to place my hand on it once more. Once again, it brightened and the walls crept inward. I could tell the seed was trying to protect itself. The walls that were growing around it were a cocoon. Every time someone finds this chamber, the need to protect itself must grow stronger. Unable to move, the best it can do is alter the terrain around it. That must be why the cave changes as well: another defense mechanism.

People were exploiting the power of this object, the same as those merchants were exploiting the travelers that came in search of it.

I knew in that moment, that if I wished my sister to be healthy once again, I would arrive home to her happy smiling face – but I couldn’t do it.

Tears began to stream down my face as the weight of defeat crashed into me like a tidal wave. This was it. I would arrive home to tell Amelia I wasn’t able to help her. She would greet me with a smile and open heart and thank me for trying and tell me I would be okay, taking care of everyone else before herself, even with her own life on the line. I sobbed into my hands until I had no more tears to give.

I found an exit from the chamber and knew if I followed the crystals in the ceiling, I would find my way out. Before exiting, I turned to see the grandeur of the seed once last time and spoke earnestly, “I’m sorry.”

………………………………………

The darkness of the cave was different now. When I found the crystals in the ceiling and followed them through the darkness before, it was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Now that I am on my way out of the caves, it feels more like a call to my wretched existence.

I considered what I should do about the glowing seed. Sacrificing my wish for its protection would be for naught if others continued to find and abuse its power. I had no conceivable idea of how I would stop it, though. I was impressed with myself when I kept a flame up just hours ago to light my path while exploring this cave. I didn’t have the power to protect something such as this — what was I thinking?

I would have to talk to Amelia on my return and explain everything: Not just that I failed to save her, but also about the seed and its suffering. She would have an idea to stop this. She was the smart one, the selfless one, the strong one, she had better control of her magic, and just all around was the better sibling. I began to cry again; what would I do without her?

This cave stretched on for a good long while. I knew that it had taken me several hours to find the cavern before, but I had hoped the longest portion of that had been me wandering aimlessly in any and all directions. The longer I walked, the more I thought about my sister, as well as the seed, and how for neither of which I had no successful plan in place.

Short steps in the dark kept me from tripping over the fallen rock, but when I reached my palm to my face to wipe my tears away, I wasn’t paying close enough attention and stumbled, falling flat. I didn’t have the emotional depth to feel anger or frustration right now. I just pulled myself back up to continue walking and heard my cloak tear; I was standing on it. With a deep dejected sigh, I continued my march of solitude.

I could feel blood trickling down my leg. I must have slashed it when I fell. Emptiness was encompassing me, and I hadn’t the will to fight it. We had one ray of hope left, and I spat in its face. Why would I choose something whose existence I can barely comprehend over my own sister? We have always been there for each other, now shouldn’t be any different. I think I could bear the weight of my actions if I had made the wish, but will I be able to bear the weight of my sister’s loss?

A bright light was shining from around a corner. It seemed I had made my way back to the mouth of the cave. I could hear some commotion from outside as well. Excitement maybe? It was hard to discern with no view of the pandemonium. I turned the corner and was greeted by a parade of people: looks like someone else came back with a granted wish.

Maybe I would go back for mine after all.

………………………………………

With no clear path through, and the crowd showing no signs of dispersing, I took my time making my way out.

I heard things like, “what was your wish?

“How did you find it?”

“How long were you in there for?”

Swarming for crumbs to validate their efforts. It was disgusting – and I was jealous. I should be out here celebrating my sister’s health; instead I’m slinking my way around a crowd of onlookers trying to sneak away.

“HEY!” I lurched my head toward the loud voice, “He just came out of the cave!” My eyes grew wide at my presence being announced. “Yeah, I just watched him come from around that corner!” That was all it took for the mob to refocus its attention onto me, and one by one, I was surrounded.

I was peppered with the same questions they were asking the man before me, but the sound of my own heartbeat overpowered them.

Thump.
Thump.
Thump.

I was paralyzed with the disgrace of my failure until one question finally caught my ear. “The other guy said it looked like the glowing object was wrapping itself in stone, is that true?”

Is that true? Do I tell them I saw the same thing? If I did, the people could swarm into the caves hoping to get their chance before it was too late. If I lied and spoke to the contrary, it would be business as usual for the line of travelers waiting their turn.

Thump.

A woman chimed in, “is it true?”

Thump.

I stared at her blankly, mouth gaping.

Thump.

“Well is it?!” she repeated herself, more forcefully.

The words flowed out of me like I had rehearsed them, “It was closing up just as I found the cavern, I didn’t even get to make my wish.” The displeasure on my face was sure to sell it, regardless of its origin.

I could hear mumbled groans of disappointment throughout the previously cheerful crowd. People had just begun to break away, when a crack of thunder was heard from the clear skies above. Multiple people, myself included, looked to the sky with confusion.

I saw it coming, and whether I couldn’t or didn’t want to move, I stood motionless as a bolt of lighting shot down from the sky and struck me.

Thump.
Thump.
Thump.

I was still here. I wasn’t sure why, but I knew I was fine. I saw the difference before I felt it. I looked down at my once tattered cloak and sliced trousers; it was all pristine. Not only were my clothes clean, but the pain in my leg was also gone. And still, that was nothing compared to how strong I felt. It was a familiar feeling somehow, yet I knew I’d never felt this kind of power inside myself before.

People started to swarm around me once more, and another onslaught of questions began. The inquiries were the same: all about the glowing object in the cave. And that’s when it hit me. The seed is where I had felt this power before – it was radiating off of the seed.

I looked down at my hands, realizing the power of the seed was inside of me, anda smile crossed my face; I know how to save my sister now.

The woman who insisted I confirm the other travelers’ story pushed her way to the front and asked, “what’s your name?”

I looked up from my hands and spoke slowly, still in disbelief. “I’m Atlas.”

The End