บท 10: 10. Shade

Entering into the cave they all realize they've been deceived from the exterior, as the inside of the cave is much larger than the opening would suggest. The ceiling, several meters above ground, rises into nothingness as they keep walking downwards. Their torches cast shadows of light on the cool, damp, cave walls. The tension is high among the group, none of them entirely certain of what is in store for them. Their weapons are ready for any situation. Once in a while, an unlucky fellow would have a drop of water drip down on them from the roof of the cave. Scaring them shirtless and sending echoes of their yell deeper into the cave. In those instances Ragnar would scowl at them, move really close, with only a torch separating them and berate them in a low voice.

"You're gonna be scared of some water dripping down on your back? Huh? What you really should be scared of is if your voice is going to attract one of those hideous beasts that we haven't seen yet. Imagine giving away our position like an idiot, we're the hunters, not prey" And they'd all gain a small smile on their faces from the interaction. Lukas tended to stick close to Ragnar, as his respect for him grew with each passing moment. The man was cool, collected, knew how to loosen up a tense situation and skilled. In a situation like this one, it was to be expected that he gained the child's admiration. Steve stuck close as well, as he'd already promised Linda that he's going to take extra good care of the child.

After walking for a good while they were all starting to get worried about just how big this cave is, it just wasn't natural. And as they mumbled this to each other they came upon a divide. The cave split into two.

"The cave… it split into two…." Steve mutters and Harold scoffs.

"Yes, genius, the cave split into two. That means we're going to have to split as well. We don't have time to be dallying around like this." There was a murmur of uncertainty in the group as they all mulled the situation over. Grace felt it necessary to provide some input.

"I think we should split up the hunters on each team, so that each team has the same amount. There is no knowing if the caves are going to split up further." Ragnar nods at this.

"That's true, it'd be dangerous if one team didn't have an experienced hunter with them."

And as so, they begin counting how many people there are. Harold stands around impatiently as they do so, tapping his foot on the ground.

"30 people total. Including me and Grace, 7 of us are hunters. As am incredibly amazing and count as two, that rounds it up to 8" Ragnar smiles blindingly.

Grace gives him a look from sideways which says 'Really dude?' and another hunter speaks up. "Uh, I don't believe that is how it works, man. Like if we have to split up, what are you going to do? Cut yourself in half, one team takes your legs, another the head?" This causes the group to start laughing, but quiet down as they remember where they are. Lukas confusingly looks between the people bantering. Harold speaks up once again.

"We don't have time for these kinds of games!" He whispers in ill contained rage. They all swallow before deciding to hurry up with the dividing. Even though they all joked around, they left Ragnar with one less participant, knowing he'd be enough to take down two of them if needed. Grace, Harold and Steve all decide to stick around Ragnar as well, knowing that they'll have a better chance to kill the beast and find the kid if they do. At this point Lukas really begins wondering what they're all thinking. He tugs on Steve's sleeve and whispers to him while walking behind everyone else. "Hey steve… Do you really think Rick is alive?" He looks sad as he speaks, the words sounding hollow to even himself. Steve looks down on him and thinks for a moment.

"Sometimes, in life, you don't really know what is going to happen before it happens. We've looked for clues… and although it's strange and rare for a human to be captured like that instead of killed, it's not unheard of. Now, to know if Rick is alive or not… we can only open the metaphorical box to find out." His gaze hardens. "But don't be fooled, Lukas, we're not here to save Rick… We're here to kill that beast, so that no more children will die. Here, this is for you, because you've been so brave." Saying that, he rummages in his vest before pulling out a knife in a sheath. Handing it to Lukas. Lukas looks at the knife in wonder.

"First I thought I'd give you a sword… But, it might be a little bit too heavy for you. You know how to use a knife, and more importantly, how not to use it, right?" Lukas nods at this and straps the knife on the side of his belt, making sure that it is fastened properly. At this moment there is a commotion from the front. "Guys, there is some kind of light here. Be ready for anything!" Hearing that, both Lukas and Steve snap out of their own little world and look to the front. And as they said, there was some kind of light in the end of the cave. The light seemed like daylight, and they all knew that would mean some kind of exit.

"But… why does it feel so ominous?" Lukas mutters.