Chapter 0

How I got into this mess.

I had to get out of here. I was going insane in this freezing cave.

I set my last pack of dynamite on the ice wall in front of me, blocking my way forwards.

My name is Dr. George Slobodkin. I am one of the Professors of Archaeology at Oxford. I'd started this expedition months ago with some of the best men around, who now lay in their icy graves miles behind me. I felt grief beyond imaging as I thought of them, so happy when I'd found them, now cold and dead and that fact, all my fault. I struck a match and lit the fuse. Everything I did was with great difficulty, for I was frost-bitten and starving. I watched the fuse burn. It's funny how several months of trials in artic cave can knock silly dreams of billions right out of your head. All I wanted right now was to see my wife again. I missed her like crazy. The Viking Idol meant nothing to me now.

BOOM!!!!!

I ducked. Thousands of pieces of ice shot every where. I slowly got up and staggered through the rough door-way I'd made. The other side of the looked almost the same as the side I'd come from. I dragged myself forwards. Then, the floor gave-way.

 

I woke-up to a intense pain in my leg, which I took for a good sign, because it meant that I was still alive. I lead there in pain for a few minutes before I opened my bleary eyes to a dazzeling light. I thought for one incredibly happy moment that I had finally found the exit. But, as my eyes cleared, I saw not the exit, but THE IDOL.

Tears filled my eyes. I hated it. That cursed thing had ruin my life. Thanks to it I probably would never see my beautiful wife again. Anger surged through me. I wanted to destroy it, like it had destroyed me. I, then realized how stupid I was being. It had not forced me to start this dooming trip, that had been my own greed. I still was on the floor, so after a lot of pain, I sat up. The Idol was a tall cylinder of diamond with the most exquisite carvings on it. The Idol had been the Viking Kings most prized possession. It was so beautiful. Without thinking, I reached out and touched it. And that, My Friend, was my mistake...

Author's Note

Please ignore the grammar problems and go easy on me, because I'm very new to writing! :)

Reviews

[Amanda Dawn Sanderson-G..]

First timer? I couldn't tell from your imagination and as for your grammar, it doesn't bother me. I don't notice those type of things and spelling errors do not drive me bonkers... if you bore me, then I'll stop reading and that my friend is something you did not do. You kept me interested even when I struggled a few times on your "ideas". I would have also liked a few longer descriptions of his situation. I didn't know how he could have had dynamite... would he have really thought to bring that with him? Maybe so, since he spent months planning the trip but maybe more descriptions of his journey and thoughts of it beforehand would have been nice. I'd have also like more reason as to why he hated the idol so when clearly it was once such an important piece to his life. I get that he is angry and blames it for his troubles but I also don't know much other than he was in an icy cave that he quickly (or so I assume since he had dynamite) left from. I don't see nor know of any of his struggles or as to why he was in the cave or even how long he was in the cave...? Again, I assume it wasn't long because he has a way of escaping... just some ideas and suggestions, and simple thoughts.

All in all, an interesting read... it definitely makes me want to read more and learn more of this doctor and his travels.

[JoshuaStribbell]

Awesome intro. I like how the character is alone with a lively inanimate object. Haunting.

[Hobbit]

Thank you so much for your review!!

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

I stayed very interested throughout the entire chapter. You did well at description without getting so lost in explaining the setting that the story was forgotten. Good stuff.

[Scott Mou]

For a first time, it was entertaining. Other than a few mistakes it's an interesting read. The way you described the "Idol" was good, I also enjoyed how you showed his hatred for it.