Whispers In The Wind

Chapter 14

Finally, they reached the foot of Silent Mountain. Looking at the majestic mountain upclose is a wonderful experience. It's covered in green color because of the trees, and the richness of the mountain rocks and soil. They can even smell the freshness in the air.

The sun already set, and as Brandon said, it's not safe to go on at night. They all agreed to stay at the cottage for the night. Natalie took out the bottle of vodka that she brought with her, while Brittany took out a bottle of scotch. None of them are heavy drinkers because of the fact that they are still minors. But, Margarette convinced them that since they will be away from their parents fo a while, they deserve to have a little fun.

"You guys will drink?" Brandon asked when he saw the bottles of alcoholic beverages.

"Yeah, Sarah's birthday is tomorrow, and we will be busy hiking. So, it's better to do this tonight, and then we will just finish off the rest once we reach the top." Antoinette responded.

"She's right. Besides, we need something to help us sleep." Sierra added.

Gaia and the others prepared their dinner, while Keisha, Camila, and Kristine prepared their sleeping bags. All of them somehow calmed down, and Keisha noticed it. She even saw Latacia and Dianne sneaking out of the cabin with their phones. She secretly followed them, and listened to their phon conversation.

Latacia called her dad to check in on them. She heard her friend apologizing for not answering their calls. Dianne on the other hand, called her eldest siste to give an update about they are. She also saw Bethany with her phone, but Antoinette caught her. Keisha was shocked when she got angry for no apparent reason. It's a good thing that Brandon came in to stop them from fighting.

"She's just telling her family that she's safe. There's no problem with that, okay? No need to get angry. You guys can use your phones, as long as you will still have quality time together." Brandon tried to calm Antoinette down, and she seemed to listen.

"Uh–guys, look. I think there are fireflies outside. See?" I tried to lighten the mood. It's a good thing that I saw some fireflies near a large tree behind the cabin.

"She's right! Look! They're so beautiful!" Latacia and Dianne agreed.

The tension simmered down at last, and they enjoyed drinking outside the cabin while watching the fireflies. They are like stars dancing right above their heads. Even Keisha somehow forgot all her worries. She and her friends drank until they're all drunk, and forgot about everything.

What they didn't notice is that Brandon is watching them from inside the cabin. Not to make sure that they are safe, but to ensure that they will be drunk enough. He needs them to be deeply asleep by midnight, and it seems that it will happen without problem. One by one, each of the young girls went inside the cabin to sleep.

------------------------------

May 25th 1992

A family decided to go on a hike, and chose the Silent Mountain. A couple, their four children, their in-laws, and some friends. They were all excited because from what they know, the Silent Mountain is a beautiful place. What they didn't know is that the beautiful mountain was riddled with a dark, and bloody past.

Everything started just like any other vacation. Exciting, fulfilling, and perfect for family bonding. But, everything quickly changed when they started the hike. The moment that they stepped foot on the mountain, when they stayed at the cabin for the night. First was the father-in-law. He acted strange and angry.

They never had the chance to realize what was happening to them. It only lasted four days, and on the fourth day, each one of them are dead. All of them, except for one, his name is Brandon Leonne.

Present time:

At exactly 12 midnight, Brandon went out of the cabin. Quietly, he made his way to the deeper part of the mountain forest. For years, he was forced to lure people into the mountain, and to their death. He wanted to stop, but the mountain had a strong hold in him. There are times that he wants to escape, or to ask for help, he even tried coming to church once, but they wouldn't let him.

"They're at the cabin. By morning, we will proceed with the hike." He said, even though there's no one with him.

"Do they really have to die? They are nothing but children." He added. There was no response aside from the sudden blow of strong wind, and the headache he felt out of nowhere.

"Okay! Okay! Just stop!" He finally surrendered. There is no way that he will be able to stop. He needs to do everything to see them again. The mountain promised that he will see his family again as long as he do everything they tell him.

At first, he thought it was only about guarding the mountain, until they demanded a human sacrifice. He refused at first, but they threatened to finally kill his children. Brandon had no choice, or so he thought. The mountain allows him to see his children, and his wife sleeping inside the cave beneath the mountain. They all aged after almost two decades of being in a deep sleep, but they are alive. He was able to hold them.

"I will do everything to see my family again. Just please, don't hurt them. Promise me that you will bring them back to me. I just want to be with my family again!" The wind blows, and somehow, Brandon understood it as a yes.

He came back to the cabin with a heavy heart. Fifteen lives that will be lost in the Silent Mountain. They still have a whole future ahead of them. He never wanted any of this, but he will do everything for his family, especially for his children.