DAMSEL IN THE ROUGH
Ann Mary TempestaMy boots splashed across a rivulet emptying into a slim gutter of cerulean glow. Mice scrambled from the edges, cutting short their leisurely drink. I ducked my head under cool massaging cascades. Layers of road paste, sweat and grime lost their smothering holds. The waters smelled sweet like the fresh taste from a winter's mountain stream. I gulped handfuls, enjoying the cool inner cleansing. My first shiver thrilled me with hopes.
_____For how long?
_____"Who cares?" I said to myself.
_____Credit your moments, kiddo.
_____I strolled across the rivulet, wringing my shirt. If memory served, a set of gym warmups sat in the trunk of my car. Fresh clothes, new vigor. Softly, several pieces of gravel bounced deep inside the cave. I leaped swiftly into a shadow. It was as quiet as before, not a hush or a growl. I jerked my head, semicircle, whipping wet bangs from my eyes.
_____"Jimmy, Harry? Stay out there!" My voice echoed three times.
_____The depths of the cave rose upward into a dark cavity. Considering the vagrant hovels from several hundred miles ago, this cave resembled a great mansion: running water, security, and a breathtaking view. I sniffed for animal scents, none. Wiping my hands over my corduroys, I felt a bulge then pulled out a keychain flashlight. It's conical beam surveyed nicely across the inner sanctum. Dry granite blended into new walls shaped in hundreds of smooth, sparkling, horseshoe arches.
_____"Hello?" I cried.
_____Three echoes of my own voice replied.
_____"We're not here to harm anyone." I added.
_____My right foot led my left, climbing an incline. Reaching the top, I narrowed a focus of light to the rear. Several mice scrambled into darkness. Sliding the conical beam to the left, I found a decaying human skull tethered with hard leathery skin. Twelve-feet away sat the spinal column in front of a rectangular boulder. Most of the skeletal bones were closely, picked clean. I chuckled nervously to beef up boldness.NEXT