Eric--Part Sixteen

Splog # 83

Sixteen

   Eric was walking as quickly as he could in the darkness that was deepening around him. Luckily, the trail seemed to be fairly even beneath his feet. Mostly, he kept his head lowered trying to see where he was walking, but there simply wasn't enough light. He could barely see his feet as they swiftly came into view and then disappeared with each step. He would raise his head every few moments to check for branches or anything else waiting in the gloom to attack him. But he found Bev to be a very competent and trustworthy guide and leader. Shortly it seemed that he could feel, through the belt connecting them, an evenness in her movements that made him less concerned about his own. By staying attuned to her he would know if the footing of the ground changed or if he had to duck or swerve aside to avoid an obstacle. Once this realization settled into his mind and body, he had no difficulty in matching her speed and agility.

   While focusing his attention on the belt leading from his hand to Bev, he found that in the growing darkness his sense of hearing was becoming more sensitive to the night around him. At first his breathing seemed as loud as the train they had left behind, but as he became accustomed to it, he became aware of Nol's breathing behind him and even Bev's up ahead. He let his breathing match Bev's so he could follow her more smoothly and soon all three of them were breathing in unison. Eric tried to hear their footsteps and figured these must have become united also. Their movements had gotten quicker and quicker and Eric found himself panting and moving with a speed he never would have expected of himself in the dark in unfamiliar territory. He was feeling exhilarated and exhausted at the same time when Bev pulled up short and Eric stopped himself one step shy of a collision. Nol was right behind him and just under the breathing of the three Eric could hear the sound of running water and found himself instantly parched with thirst. The path seemed to have ended at a fountain with a large obscure statue rising from its center. The three of them bent over and drank their fill of the cool, fresh water.