บท 9: 9. Shade

The group unanimously decided to follow the trail. As they were in a hurry, nobody disturbed Ragnar as he quickly discerned clues and led them forward. Lukas came to be in awe of the man, watching with wide eyes. He, too, would probably be able to discern where to go with such obvious clues, but to be able to do all this while running? Impossible. It goes to show that the celebrated hunter had honed his skill to perfection. The forest keeps getting darker as the branches overhead cast shadows everywhere. Tall trees, tens of meters tall, intertwining with each other and blocking out any and all sunlight there is to be found. Of course, as the forest gets darker, so does their speed slow down. Lukas instinctively thinks that they should probably light a torch at this point, but keeps his opinion to himself, respecting the silence that has fallen upon the group. And after a while, they stop.

"A cave" Someone mutters. And Lukas thinks to himself that, yes, it is a cave. A huge cave. It's not even that far away from the village. If he'd been a bit more daring in his adventures he would have found this cave… and probably died for it. He shivers at the thought.

"Yes, indeed!" Ragnar shouts. "I didn't think we'd need it, but a hunter is always prepared! I've brought some clothes, dipped in loads of delicious, flammable, fat. There isn't enough for everyone though, so only… let's see… 3, no, maybe 4 people can get one. So, anyone with a stick?" Throwing the sack he was carrying on his back towards the ground, Ragnar scours it for something wrapped in cloth. Pulling it apart reveals some filthy clothes covered in a greasy substance, the whole thing making Lukas insanely curious. A man comes up close and gives Ragnar a stick which he immediately fashions the cloth around the tip of. "Alrite, boys, take your pick. Remember to fasten the cloth tightly and wave it around a bit if you're losing your light." Ragnar then takes a swig of something before pouring it over the tip of the makeshift torch. He then takes out a rock and puts them both close together on the ground.

"Stand back, boy, or you might get a blister" The man winks at Lukas who's gotten a bit too close in the whole process, his curiosity taking over and leading him without fear. Blushing, Lukas stands back and watches as the man swings his sword at the rock, producing a couple of sparks. Like a true chain reaction the sparks land on the torch, immediately setting it on fire.

"So, what do you think, boy? Cool, ah?" He speaks in a proud tone. Harold scoffs at him, but doesn't say anything discernable. Ignoring him, Ragnar motions for everyone to get on with it. In short order, they're all equipped with torches, ready to head into the cave.