Hours of Songs

Chapter 7: In the Cave’s Cavern

As I walk forward, further into the narrow path in the darkness, a shadow is illuminated on the cave walls to my right. The torch held by the old man moves as I move forward, following the speed of my footsteps.

“Keep walking," he insists.

I stop when I arrive at the intersection of three passageways from the center.

“Where do the passageways lead to?" I ask.

“If you are deserving, I'll let you know where they lead to," replies the old man.

I decide to zip my mouth. After all, I am the one asking for help.

“Keep walking straight and then enter," he leads.

We arrive at an unilluminated cavern through the center passageway. It is unkempt and abandoned. The structure of the cavern is similar to the one where Lim is waiting for us.

Unlike the outer part of the cave, we are too far to hear the crackles of the bonfire.

“Wait," says the old man.

He heads to the farthest end from the entrance and builds a small bonfire from the available stash of wood. Then, he sits cross-legged facing the entrance. After that, he gestures for me to sit opposite him.

“You and I both know that something is wrong with the water. It is unsafe," declares the old man.

I quickly nod.

“Yet you brought someone who is adamant to have the lake water day in and day out into my place of refuge," he adds.

“Sorry, Sir. However, he has provided me with important insight into this land."

“We are in Maica. I have lived here for many years. I am a local," the old man moves the wood under the fire.

“Why is this place not on geography?" I ask. This was information from Lim.

The old man laughs. “This is a secret. If revealed, my homeland would be invaded. You also need to use magic to arrive here. The people who you see popping here and there will be put under arrest by your local police for investigation. No one will tell anyone, except for those who know the black magic."

“For Lim, I expect a betrayal in the future," he continues. “The reason is that he is one of the partakers of the lake water. One sip and you will need it more and more. If not, you will suffer immense pain."

“I am sure that the boy has revealed to you that he does not need to eat or drink anything, but the lake water."

The old man's face is reflected by the fire.

“Had you drank the lake water, I would not have bothered about you. However, your hunger marks the fact that lake water has not entered your body. If I were you I would not go back to the pasture."

“I left," I inform.

“Good. You will be forced to drink the lake water once you get there. If not, you will face brutal punishment from President Bear," he says.

Once I heard that, I began telling him about how the fire formed as a result of it touching my tongue.

“Okay, you might resist the water's magic then," analyzes the old man.

“Yes, Sir. It is not important so much as leaving here, Sir."

“Take a look around. No one is adamant about leaving. As for Lim, he was forced."

I chuckle. “Yes."

“Why? He is a complete stranger. You could find a way out alone. Trust no one. I am fine here alone."

One of the reasons why I have been studying criminal justice at Citiland National University, the number one university in Citiland, is to ensure that the innocent are saved.

“Lim is only acting like this because of the lake water, Sir. As a result, it is not his fault. If he is being controlled out of his will, he is not guilty."

Both of our legs are crossed on the cold ground. There is silence.

“Do you mean everyone is innocent?"

“Sir, if everyone is moving beyond their control, then they are innocent."

The old man's face remains firm.

“It's always good to save lives," he finally smiles after that remark.

“But," he continues, “I'm sure that you notice that Lim's human eyes are no longer normal. His eyes are blurry. His pupils are almost no longer visible."

Upon the knowledge that he is someone who notices the glazed eyes, I become comfortable with the old man.

“One more thing. The president of Maica, President Bear, is a local here in Maica."

For some reason, I am not shocked. I expect to see more locals and victims from my world in Maica.

“What about Officer Joe? Is he a local? He told me that he was transported like me."

“There are converts, Pierre. This means he will live here. I, on the other hand, am in hiding," he discloses.

“How do I go back?" I ask.

“I do not know," he answers. “What I am trying to do is to warn you about the lake water, more so affirm you about what you know about the water, and to get you to avoid being with Lim. I know that to you he is 'innocent', but unless he stops drinking the water, he belongs to the other side."

“I understand. Thank you for your time, Sir."

“Where did you say you came from?"

“Citiland. I am a university student at our top national university. I major in criminal justice. In fact, I am about to graduate and be part of law enforcement," I divulge.

“There is something special about you, Pierre," he declares. Then, rubs his long white beard, the same as the length of the back of his balding head. It sways against his chest.

“And what is your name, Sir?" I ask.

“You don't have to know," the old man belittles.

“I'll just call you, Pops, then!" I laugh.

The old man ignores me and looks up from his gaze at the bonfire and meets my gaze.

I remain smiling at Pops and explain the rationale.

“From where I come from, the term 'Pops' could mean father or grandfather. Since you are an old man and it seems to me that you are giving me advice, Pops would be proper," I give him a big smile.

Pops chuckles.

“I said that I would get you food. Let's go," declares Pops.