Demon Legacy: The Curse of the Amulet

Mission Info

Somewhere in the air in the helicopter, 12th December 2001, 9:10am

Derek POV:

It was cloudy when we took off from the military base yet with twenty minutes away in reaching our destination, I could not stop think about the mission info that we got from our senior.

12 December 2001, 7:30am Head Commander Office

 “Here is the case file that have all the information regarding the missing people and the archaeologist that have disappeared from Blencathra mountain.” Our head commander said pasting us a copy of the file to each member of our team. While reading through a bit, the commander explained us in detail the situation “First it started off with one or two people going into the mountain for their own pleasure but soon the number started to rise with no trace of bodies of the victim, yet people assume that it could be vicious animal attack so the local took action and prevented the people going up in the mountain with strict timing. For some time, the plan worked however around November, some university student went on the mountain for their holidays, but one came back alive and told the local wild story about a monster devouring his friend soul.” He stopped while looking at us if we have any question.

One of us Soldier spoke out “Commander permission to speak.” The commander granted him to speak, he steps forward asking his question “By any chance was the boy on drugs?” My best friend Carl said.

“No unfortunately that would have made more sense but when he was brought to the hospital, he was thoroughly checked which show no sign of drug in his system, he was admitted to the hospital for few days until one of the archaeologists approach him. Any question?” He asked.

“No Sir,” We said with union.

With a nod he continued “apparently one of the scientists were already investigating a certain item which could lead them to newfound discovery however the person got sicked and never recovered. The Project was halted until in near end of this year, one of the members of the scientist was able to restart the project and lead the expedition, where he inquired about the boy experience and deduced that there was something up there but due some sort of trap and illusion cause by certain device made the boy believed that a monster had killed his friend and was able to escape due some white mist stopping that creature. Anyway, the archaeologist along with some scientist and labor they went up to the mountain to investigate but when it was time for them to be picked up, the site where they were staying was found destroyed expect one tent where there was a letter left by the professor Jackson Emerson and a map that will guide you all to the location of the lost castle. You can read the letter now and asked me question if you have any.” He said while sitting back on his office seat.

I read through the copy of the letter which I found quite strange.

“I never expected this to happen. I never thought my research would cause so many of my colleagues’ deaths. It would have been the greatest discovery ever made, but I never believed that things would go so wrong. It started ten years ago, when one of my colleagues went on an Holiday to the Northern Falls of the Lake District, to enjoy his time in Blencathra Mountain. It was there that he discovered the rumor. While staying in one of the inn in Threlkeld village, he overheard some people talk about a strange man that only asked one thing and nothing else, curious my friend asked him his question and listen to his story regarding an amulet left by an English King whom, until then, no one had known anything about. This brought his interest to his attention. According to our sources, King Alexander the VI used the amulet to predict enemy attacks on his kingdom. This ensured his victory and made him the strongest King in England. His empire flourished for more than a hundred years. Then his grandson, Edmund IV, misused the amulet’s power and brought the Kingdom’s downfall.  According to our research, the amulet was hidden in the castle’s deepest realm, where no one would ever dare to steal it. However there was another side of the myth. There was a myth that a great powerful creature was imprisoned within the amulet, and that anyone who possessed the amulet would be granted the power to see the future, but would die a painful death. I never believed in supernatural tales of ghosts, demons, and witches, thinking them to be nothing but the products of a child’s imagination.

In order to get the map for the location my colleague asked what he wanted in exchange, so the stranger asked him to find an artifact to which took us some time but was able to find it. My colleagues went back to Blencathra Mountain to give the strange his item but only found a letter and the location of the lost castle. He asked the people where the man have gone but got no answer about his whereabout. He came back and told me of this discovery, starting our research but due to his early demise we were halted the project until now Our research led us to the Northern Falls, where one of my friends brought the surviving victim to question and base on his story we carry on the expedition where had found a castle that was believed to have been abandoned when King Edmund IV rule ended. My five colleagues and I went on this expedition to retrieve the mysterious artifact and add to our information about the king. We camped at the forest in Bannerdale Crags. There was a nearby cave. Many people before us had refused to search it, but my instincts told me that beyond that cavern was the hidden castle.

 Once inside, we went directly into the deepest realm where the amulet was kept. After figuring out the puzzle, we entered a large chamber, which had four large statues at each corner of the chamber. Each statue was pointing its left hand at the middle of the chamber; there we saw the amulet. However, there were something off as we explore around where there was no sign of  old and rotten skeletons around the chamber. This confused us as we know many people had died trying to get the amulet and to see no sign of corpse was rather strange. Regardless of fear of the so call curse I went to retrieve the amulet where when I touched them amulet everything changes. A dark mist starting to spill from the amulet ans started to chase us taking each of my colleague one by one.

I don’t know how I was able to escape, but I felt that an evil force was chasing me. I didn’t want to believe it—it seems crazy! —but this is what has happened. So, if anyone is reading this message, please, I beg of you, save me and others. I will be waiting at the campsite. However, if you don’t find me there, search in the castle. I have written directions that describe the route way by which you can reach the castle safely and documented the process for solving the puzzle that is required before you can enter the chamber. Even if you don’t find me, please try your best to find the others. If you don’t, I will never forgive myself, as this is my fault.

10 November 2001, written by Professor Jack Emerson head of the research of lost artifacts.

Once everything was finalized, we went to put on gear on and prepare out weapon. I sent Lisa a message that I am leaving for the mission and would not be able to communicate until I come back.  Though she was disappointed that we had to cancel dinner, but I promise to make up to her once I get back. Now nearing our destination usually calm and cool yet the mission to rescue Jack Emerson made me feel eerie and ill at ease. I been having this feeling since I heard about this mission, however something struck me hard when I heard the myth about the amulet. A sort of apprehension sensation which I’m not able to understand, I’m not sure how can I describe it; I was having a conflict with my emotions. I don’t know why, I should be grateful that I’m nearing a lead to my parents death not get mix up due to some legend nonetheless I had to keep them under control, yet this sadness, angry, regard and rage, these emotions were trigger by something or better yet by someone and this someone wasn’t me. Another person thought were influencing my feeling which was very frustrating. Who though I wonder, why was this happening to me? Why did I felt strange and confused? But for now, I must focus on the mission and get the job then. Seven solider were sent on the mission, including me and my friend Carl Ramones. Carl is two years older than I and has been in the army for a year now. He has a dark brown complexion, raven-black curly hair, black eyes, a round face with thin lips and sharp nose, a well-built body, and a pleasant personality. The reason I was accepted into the army was that Carl suggested me to his superiors, mentioning my abilities. He and I have been friends since I helped him while we were at the university three years ago. Other members of the team were Alex and Parker, twin brothers, twenty-seven years old; they were both redhead with black eyes and fair skin and were highly trained shooters and swordsmen. Along with Finn are next in commander, he has the round and innocent face of a child, yet he is a mature responsible person which is why he was chosen second in command for the mission. With sweet blue eyes, brownish blond hair, with sharp nose and delicate nose, it to take him seriously but as they say do not judge a book by it covers. The rest are Mike the pilot, and our captain was Piers Muller, forty-eight years old, and the finest commander (and maybe the oldest captain) in the army. He had black hair streaked with white, greenish-gray eyes, a V-shaped face, a medium complexion, and a thick moustache. He had a strong, tough body, but was determined and a kind person.

When we were ten minutes from landing, the captain stood and spoke to us.

“All right, listen up people. Our main priority is to bring the professor and his team safely back home. I don’t want any failures, understood?”

“Sir Yes sir!” we yelled.

“We will be divided into two groups: Parker with Finn and Alex, and Carl and Derek with me,” he said. We nodded. “Mike will stay to keep an eye on the helicopter; the rest of us will search for the people.” Mike gave us a thumbs-up. “I can’t guarantee that all of us will make out of there alive, but I promise you I will do my best to make sure we do. If we stick together, we will make it through.”

We landed at our rendezvous point. We could see the archaeologists’ camp, which was now mostly covered with snow and appeared to be destroyed except for one tent which I assumed must the professor main tent. It was December 12, and the weather was extremely frosty, with a chilling wind. We got off the helicopter, wearing jackets, goggles, and gloves to protect us from the extreme cold, and began our search around the camp. It was empty; no one was in sight. We searched the tents, which contained only the basic survival needs such as food and water, along with several bags, computer system and some research papers on the table.

Among the papers we found the professor’s information about the castle; beside it was an envelope. I handed the envelope to the captain, who opened it immediately. It contained a map to the castle, some traps that we would encounter, and codes for the door of the chamber.

“According to the map, the castle is somewhere beyond a cave just near this forest,” said the captain, looking directly at the forest. “I wonder…is the castle inside the cave? Is that how it remained intact all these years? There are so many questions that aren’t answered.”

“Sir, is it possible that the myth is true? I mean, it is absurd, right? But…can it?” I asked.

“Don’t be silly, Derek!” said the captain, interrupting me. “I thought you were above that. I never considered that you would believe in such nonsense,” he said disturb by my ridicules idea, but then give me his rare kind smile. “We mustn’t waste any time here. We’ll leave for the castle in ten minutes. Inform the other.” Then he left.

I stared at the cold and gloomy forest as though I was looking at something else, thinking to myself, “I don’t understand why, but I feel that maybe the people who discovered the place never came back because someone doesn’t want it to be brought out into the light.” Then I went off to collect the others, in order to start on journey toward the forest but I felt as someone was watching me but when I turned around, I didn’t see anyone I want to convince myself that it is just my imagination, yet the feeling never went away. Soon we set out to the forest toward the cave where the supposed the castle is hidden.

Unknown POV:

“Whoa that was close, I thought he just saw us for such a distance. “The smiling man astounded.

“He didn’t yet he sense our presence which mean that he the one we have been waiting for.” The man said excitedly.

“Wait hold on, you saying that human is the one we have been waiting for? He looks no different than the one we have sent here before. What is about this guy that will be able to break the curse?” The smiling man asked his associate.

“Do you have doubted my old friend?” The man asked smugly knowing well that he wouldn’t disagreed with him.

“Of course not! I known you long enough to never judge your choice still what does make him different?” The smiling man asked while observing Derek and his team from a distance.

“Take a good luck then and tell me.” The man said pointing back at Derek. The smiling man overserved Derek carefully as he couldn’t last time when he met him in the caffe but when looking at him closely, his eyes widen in shocked.

“Don’t tell me…... he is?” The smiling mam was cut by his partner who chuckling amused at friend late discovers. “Yes, he is indeed.”  

“But this is not possible, even after so many generations gone by, how does he have it?” The smiling man asked surprised.

“Normally it shouldn’t but it appears one generation did survive after all.” The man said confidently.

“Yet he doesn’t know it yet?” The smiling man asked.

“No, he doesn’t but soon he will know, and this single truth will change his life forever.” The man said while observing the rescue team that were about to enter a place which he hoped to keep the monster seal, but he underestimated that monster power and the heart of the people that rule that land many centuries ago.

Derek POV:

It wasn’t long before we set out into the forest when I noticed something strange, the snow had covered most of the ground, along with the trees were empty of leaves and seemed hollow yet there was no animal insight. Usually there would be some sort of animal moving around the forest yet there were none, assuming that we had trespass on their land but there wasn’t any sound of sort, it was death silence which was eerie to say the least.  As we walked on, I heard a sound—a weak whisper, to be precise. I looked around, but I didn’t see anyone except my team, so I wondered who was calling me. However, I noticed that we reach the area where there should be a lake where apparently should see a woman crying, could there someone here beside the professor and us? I wanted to go when I heard someone call me.

“Derek, what’s wrong?” Carl stopped to check on me. I could see he was worried about me.

“It is nothing but Carl, do you hear a sound? I asked.

“Sounds, you say? Derek, are you all right?” Carl asked, looking confused.

“It’s nothing. Must be my imagination.” I didn’t want him troubled about me, so I quickly added, “We should hurry. We don’t want to be left behind in this weather.” We caught up with the others. I kept the voices to myself, but if I had told Carl or even the others, maybe none of this would have happened.

Snow started to fall just as we arrived at the cave. The cave was oval, ten feet tall, with weeds blocking it. Above the entrance was an inscription in Latin:

Spelunca iacet extra castra, ac vita quondam, mox pulchritudine pro maledicto transierunt. Quoniam terribile fatum egestas futura et qui conabitur mutare. Visio phylacterium mortem tenentur. Ubinam locus intrare antrum intrantibus expectans comedere spiritus malus animas eorum. Semel tantum qui vicerunt bestiam perdere.

Finn translated it for us. “Beyond this cave lies a castle once a place of beauty and life but soon taken over by the curse. The curse of seeing the future is a terrible fate for those who try to escape it and change it. The visions and death are bound by the amulet. Those who enter the cave enter a place wherein resides an evil spirit waiting to devour their souls. Only the one who once defeated the creature can destroy it,” said Finn.

“Warnings, evil spirits, visions, and death…what does all this mean?” I asked to myself.

“What is this nonsense written on the wall?” Our Captain spoke feeling annoyed.

“Well Sir, it was during that period where supernatural and paranormal activity were high among the society. Someone must have believed that downfall of kingdom and city was cause by sort of magic or demonic entity so it would be natural that person written as a warning for those who believe in this stuff.” Finn explained.

“Can you really believe that a monster was responsible for a destruction of Kingdom.” Alex asked curiously.

“Well even if it not true, the mental state and hysteria of the people was enough to do so.” Finn said stating the fact.

“Anyway, we should move ahead.” The Captain said. Once the captain and the other were out of site I walk up to the inscription, caressing the word that written on the wall.

“Who was this person that once defeated this monster” I asked myself then suddenly I back away from the wall. What the hell is wrong with me? Why I’m thinking like this?

“Derek, do you think it’s true?” Carl asked, murmuring in my ear surprising me. Carl held up his hand in defense.

“Wow, didn’t mean to scare you but what you think about all of this.” Carl asked pointing out the inscription.

“I’m not sure, Carl,” I whispered back not knowing the answer yet.

Soon captain called us ordering us to examine the cave. It was pitch black in there, and we used our flashlights to see through the dark. The only thing we saw was water dripping from the rocks, and some walls that were cracked but seemed stable. There wasn’t any sight of those stone that professor teammate had mentioned nor any secret pathway that will lead us directly to the chamber. As we proceeded farther, we saw a narrow opening, but we can pass one by one. Forming into position, we quietly entered, one by one, until we reached a sight that took away our breath.