The Cursed Cave

Springtime in the year 3002. Edith is on her way to meet a team of diggers outside the town of Deep Hollow. She could hear the pinging sound of picks and hammers on stone as she drew closer. The dig site was roughly 10 miles outside of town and the countryside can be dangerous this far out. Whatever was being dug must be worth it. Edith rounded a bend and the site came into view. The diggers were too busy to notice her until she was nearly on top of them. “Excuse me!” she hollered over the noise to one digger. “Who’s in charge here?” The digger pointed to a man in a tent. “That chap there, see.” She instantly recognized him for it was Burdy Buttom, a friend she made at the university. He looked stressed. He was discussing something with one of the diggers. “Burdy?” she called. Startled, he turned sharply. Instantly his face lit up. “Edie! When I requested some protection I wasn’t expecting someone of your prestige!” “Oh please” she replied facetiously. “What is going on here anyway? My briefing was pretty scarce on details.” “What isn’t going on is more like it. Make yourself comfy and we’ll talk. We have plenty of beer too.”

Burdy finished his conversation while Edith unpacked and found a grassy spot for Boomer, her horse. Burdy poured a drink for each of them. Edith sat down and put her feet up on the table. Burdy jumped right into the story of how a townsman found the site. Word got around and eventually Burd secured permission to dig it. “But what are you digging for?” Edith inquired. “History! We have bones, pottery, bits of architecture. All coming out of that cave!” “Curious. I wonder how it all ended up there.” “We haven’t a clue yet. But that’s why we’re here. That and the prospect of treasure.” “I had a feeling there was an ulterior motive.” “What’s that supposed to mean?!” “You’ve never been one to shy away from an easy pay day.” She said teasingly. “You think all this digging is easy? It’s hot! And so dusty! And when it rains work has to stop altogether! The workers don’t exactly get along all the time! I have to manage resources and logistics for supply deliveries!” “How long have you been out here?” Edith replied in a somewhat surprised tone “Four days!” Edith couldn’t help not snickering a tiny bit. “Only four days?” “It has been a very long, arduous four days!”

They finished catching up for a while. They hadn’t seen each other since last autumn but eventually Burdy had to return to work. After a few hours this was shaping up to be a dull assignment. Guard duty, in case something or someone wants to attack the dig site. It was not uncommon for creatures to maim or kill those who wander too far but it wasn’t exactly common either. Edith passed the days by drilling her longsword techniques, some light exercise, drinking with burdy and playing games with the diggers on their breaks. At night they sat around a fire for dinner and of course drinking.

Edith and Burdy went into town one day to look for fresh workers. The diggers were dwindling from injuries. “While we’re here I’m going to the bath house.” Stated Edith. “To look for workers?” Asked Burdy “No. To take a bath. I’m filthy. Who goes to a bathhouse to recruit workers anyhow?” Burdy shrugged. “Meet you in the pub house when I’m finished.” Edith headed off to the bathhouse while Burdy went to the pub. Confidently he swung the door open and got right into it. “Good day to you all! My name is Burdy Buttom. I am looking for able bodied workers to assist me in my venture!” He was cut off by a patron “Shut up!” Another patron threw a drink at him “How rude of you, sirs!” Burdy retorted. “Hold on, I want to hear him out!” another patron yelled. “Thank you! I am facilitating an excavation.” “A what?” He was cut off again. “Escavation, it means diggin’!” another patron answered. “Yes, digging, I am excavating a site full of historical remnants. The goal is to determine where they might have come from and to find anything else that might be among them.” “It aint that one place over yonder west is it? In the cave?” “Well, matter of fact it just so happens we are digging west of here, about ten miles, and there is a cave.” “Don’t you know that place is cursed!?” “Curses aren’t real! They’s just in kid stories!” A rabble grew. “Alright! Alright! Everybody settle down. The offer stands for anyone who doesn’t believe in curses. I will arrange your payment plus you can keep a share of the treasure!” Merely the word treasure was enough to entice a majority of patrons to swarm him.

At the baths, Edith enjoyed a nice soak. She paid extra for her clothes to be washed. When she finished there she went to the markets. Where there is a market there are usually paupers begging, she knew from personal experience, and beggars will do just about anything for food and pay. While she was chatting with a pauper she felt a pull on her trouser leg. It was a child no more than seven years old. “Excuse me.” The child said meekly. “Well hello there.” One does not have to be psychic to read the child’s face; she is obviously distraught. “Can you buy me some food, please, pretty please!” “Hold on, where are your parents?” Edith knelt down to be eye level with the child. “Do they know you are asking strangers for food?” “Mummy died when I was younger. Daddy hasn’t come back yet. Edith’s own memories of childhood flashed in her mind in an instant. “Where did your father go? How long have you been alone?” “He went out to dig clay, he’s a potter. He left two days ago.” “Can you show me where he might have gone?” “Alright. You can show me after we get some food. Come to the pubhouse with me.” Then Edith stated to the pauper,“If you and your mates want some work, meet us at the pubhouse by supper time.”

Edith approached Burdy’s table. “Who’s this then?” He asked surprisedly. “I’m Fiona!” The child answered before Edith could. “I brought her here to eat. Long story. Fiona, this is my friend Burdy.” Edith pulled up two chairs for them to sit. “Barkeep? Some food for the little one.” Edith turned her attention back to burdy. “How goes the recruitment?” “Some of those chaps are very interested.” “Hopefully you didn’t over promise, right?” “I may have mentioned the possibility of treasure.” Edith rolled her eyes. “What’s that look for? It is a possibility, a slim one, but it’s possible! By the way, something’s been turning in the back of my mind. Do you know anything about curses?” Edith shrugged. Not really knowing how to answer. “Why?” she inquired. Burdy leaned in closer and in a hush tone “One of the patrons said our digging site was cursed, started a row.” “You believe them?” “I didn’t at first. But think about how many injuries there have been.” “Its digging, in a cave. That’s dangerous work, injuries will happen.” “So you don’t think there’s a curse then.” “Anything is possible. The surviving records of curses show they are all ancient and extremely rare to come across in our time.” “So they are real!?” “Short answer; yes.” BUrdy sat back and sighed. “What’s the plan then?” “I can ask the person who brought it up. But I have something to do first.” Burdy subtly gestured in Fiona’s direction. “Yeah.”

Fiona practically gorged herself. Edith followed her through the city to the western gate. He goes into the woods over there. She was pointing due west, parallel with the road to the dig site. Curious, she thought, rumor of the curse, missing person, could they be connected? The only shared aspect is the direction, west. “Thank you Fiona, where will I find you when I’m done?” “Rodveer’s Wares, father’s shop but also our home” “How will I know him if I find him? Can you give me some clues to identify him?” “Last I saw he was wearing a blue tunic, and he always takes a cart.” I’ll be back by nightfall.” Edith headed off into the forest. Songbirds were singing and the air was nice. It would be an enjoyable time if not for the job at hand. The forest was vast and the only hope she had of finding Rodveer was following tracks or the smell of his deceased body. A ways off in the distance Edith began to hear the babbling of a stream. Clay is deposited by streams. I should look there

At the stream there was no immediate sign of Rodveer. She took a minute to think. In her periphery she noticed a motion. Something tumbling or fluttering in the stream. Edith walked over to it for it had piqued her interest. A piece of blue fabric was hung on a stone and twirling on the water’s surface. Blue fabric. Rodveer was wearing a blue tunic. She broke a twig from a tree branch and picked up the fabric to examine it. Blood stains. The answer lies somewhere up the stream.

The body was lying in the stream. “Fuck!” Edith muttered sternly. But she wasn’t at all surprised. The prognosis of being lost in the woods is always poor. For the most part the body was still intact save for some deep wounds and where the buzzards were picking. Contusions, lacerations over the whole body. Torso eviscerated. Skin looks yellowed, dry, almost charred, unusual. Cheeks and eyes sunken in severely. He hasn’t been here long, something is off. This is not the way freshly dead present. As she was engrossed in the examination, a loud shriek startled her. She jolted to look in the direction it emanated from. “Fionna!?” She ran over to console the child who had started bawling. “I’m so sorry dear! Don’t look. Look at me I’ve got you!” Edith was on the verge of tears herself. After that emotional moment her rationale came back. “Fionna, how did you follow me all the way?”

Fionna didn’t answer. “Fionna, it’s too dangerous for you to be out here!” She let Fionna go and from the tight hug. Instantaneously Edith was terror-stricken. She fell back and tried to crawl away. Fionna inexplicably had become a corpse. She fell limply to the ground when Edith released her. Bloody gashes, eviscerated and bruised. There were no words. Edith just lied there utterly confused and crying. A few minutes passed. Edith hadn’t moved.

“Surprise!” A croaky voice called out. Edith didn’t want to look up. She wanted to forget everything. But she had to look. Fionna’s corpse had been reanimated. “Nice trick, isn’t it?” she croaked. Edith drew her longsword. Time to get serious. She flushed the emotion out within a second. “This body is already dead, what’s that going to do?” Fionna croaked again as she was approaching Edith. “What are you?” Edith asked. “That’s not very nice!” the corpse of Fionna replied. “Let’s make this more fun. I’ll give you some clues and you can guess.” “Do I have a choice?” “No, if you don’t want to die.” Edith kept stoic, analyzing its mannerisms. “Clue number one. I’m dead.” “You’re a vengeful spirit of some kind.” “You could say that. Clue number two. I was bound to this cave, where the stream flows from.” Was bound. Meaning it is no longer forced to stay there, its ability has grown. “You gained enough power to manifest outside of the cave.” Edith looked over at Rodveer and made a connection. “A myling? But you’re a little old. Never heard of one this self aware.” “I waited years for my father to come close enough so I can have his life!” “That’s how you broke free from the cave.” “You’re a bright one.” “You need someone to lay you to rest. Why me?” “I have been watching you. You seemed braver than most.” The supposed curse on the dig site, which is not far. A cave the stream flows out of. The caves could be connected. If they go too deep they’ll incur the wrath of a myling.

“I take it you know about the digging not far from here.” The myling scoffs. “More like desecration” “What’s your game here? You could easily have killed us. Why draw this out.” “I’ve no quarrel with you or anyone else. I just wanted revenge on my parents, they be damned!” Remarkable. A spirit showing sentience like a living person. “I lay you to rest, the curse is lifted. They can keep digging.” “More or less.” Edith scoffs. “What else is there?” “You shall find out. My bones lie in a cavern deep in the cave. You know what you have to do.” The body of Fionna collapsed once again. Edith sheathed her sword and rode off towards the dig site.

Edith arrived at the dig site in impetuosity. “Is burdy here?” she asked a worker impatiently. “No, why?” “I need you to stop what you’re doing.” “What for?” “I need to speak with burdy before you dig anymore. Sit tight. Don’t go into the cave.” Evening began to creep into dusk. Finally Burdy showed up with a band of new diggers. Edith hurriedly grabbed his arm and pulled him away to talk out of earshot. “Listen closely. A myling haunts this cave.” “A WHAT “Shut up and listen! “A myling. Rare spirits that can’t rest. Potentially extremely dangerous.” “You mean the curse mumbo jumbo is real?!” “Exactly. But we aren’t in immediate danger.” “Excuse me! You just said it was extremely dangerous!” “If you piss it off.” “Ok like that’s any better? How do we know it isn’t pissed off already?” “We would be dead.” “Alive″ means happy ghost. ‘Dead’ means angry ghost.” “Not a ghost, a myling. They’re different. That doesn’t matter though.” “Can you just kill it?” “Doesn’t work like that. The curse has to be lifted and to do that I have to give the remains a proper burial and they’re somewhere deep in the cave.” “I don’t think I can keep these guys working with a clear conscience.” “I know what you mean but we might need help clearing the cave. Remember, the myling actually needs our help, so it should leave us alone.” “Still gives me the creeps.”

That night a storm rolled in. Everyone was huddling in their tents. The wind was vicious and one tent nearly flew away. Nobody could sleep. The rain continued into the next day and then into evening. The next morning was clear except the ground was thick mud. Water has seeped into the cave leaving deep pools where they were digging. Everybody was bailing water out. “How far has the cave been explored?” Edith asked Burdy “Not far atl all, we’re only focusing on the mouth really.” “When it’s all bailed out, I want to go in there.” Edith went to prepare her equipment. Luckily her armor and sword stayed dry in the downpour. Gambeson, check. Boots, check. Gauntlets, check. Brigandine, check. Longsword, check. Dagger, check. Utility belt, check. Better prepare some nightlight. “Be back soon.” She alerted Burdy and the crew, and walked off into the woods.

She returned with an arm full of various plants and laid them down by the fire pit; then went and got her cooking pot from the saddlebags. She crushed the plants into the pot and boiled them down. After it cooled she dencated the mixture into small glass vials and stashed them in her belt pouch. “I’m ready.” She told the crew while fixing a rope around her belt and tying it off to a post. A worker handed her a torch, and she went in.

Deeper and deeper it twisted and turned more and more. The dirt walls transitioned into stone. Tool marks. Like a man made tunnel she noted to herself. “Edie? Can you hear me?” It was faint but Burdy’s voice was unmistakable. “Yes I read you!” She shouted back.” but her voice barely reached the mouth. “What can you see?” Burdy shouted back.” “I think I see a door!” “A door? Who in their right mind would put a door in a cave?” One of the diggers murmured. “Can you open it!?” Burdy shouted back. Edith noticed lines carved on the supposed door and got a closer look. The torch burned just bright enough to see but the letters, at least that’s what she thought they were. The writing is worn, it’s very old. These squiggly ones almost look like ancient speech. “I will try!” Burdy waited for a response anxiously. “No way to open it! I’m coming back out!”

She reached the mouth of the cave unscathed. “What’s it like?” Burdy asked excitedly. “Nothing much to see until you reach the door. It’s inscribed with letters I don’t recognize.” Burdy thought for a minute. “Can we break it down? Or should we dig around it?” “I suppose if we have to, we can do either. You’re in charge” Edith replied. Burdy sent the diggers into action. Over the following days the cave was made workable. Braziers lined the passage, more rope and tools were ordered from the town, and Edith started participating in the work as well instead of just being on guard duty.

Another rainstorm pelted them yet they still toiled away trying to clear the cave. Everything was slick in mud. Everyone took a rotation chipping away around the vast stone door. If they could get it loose enough it might pry open. It was nearing dusk, Edith, burdy and as many diggers that could fit were desperately prying the door. Gradually it came looser and looser until it gave and cracked open. Just enough to fit through. Edith went through to appraise the tunnel further down. “Clear.” she affirmed. Burdy and the crew of diggers congratulated each other. By that time another worker came down the cave to tell everyone dinner was ready and the smell of roasting meat followed him. “You go, I want to stay and check it out a bit more. Save me some.” Edith told Burdy, still keeping her mission secretive to the diggers.

Burdy and the crew of diggers emerged caked in mud. Hot meat and beer on their minds. Everyone changed clothes if they could. One of the diggers had hunted a boar. Burdy noted Edith had not come back yet. Nobody noticed a glob of mud falling from the mouth of the cave. Then another a few minutes later. Then a stone, and another stone. The cave collapsed with a thud of the heavy stones and soaked earth. Everyone was on edge. “Edie!” Burdy bolted to the cave. Frantically he tried clearing away soil and stones.

Meanwhile Edith was trapped on the other side of the collapse in utter darkness. In the commotion she had stumbled and dropped the torch in the wet mud. There was only the sound of her nerve-wracked breathing. She reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a glass vial then shook it thoroughly. The vial started to glow, shining yellowish light brighter than a torch. Do I wait or go on to finish my task now? She went through the door. Fuck it. From then on the tunnel was sloping down in a fairly straight line. She knew she had A few hours of light from the vials and if the tunnel leads right to Fionna’s remains it should be over soon.

A bellow broke the silence and gave Edith a start. What could be down here? There was nowhere else to go but further down the tunnel. It seemed like it was narrowing. Must be getting closer by now. There was a heavy feeling in the air. Dread and unease began to slip into her thoughts. The tunnel came to an abrupt end where it opened into a cavern. The smell wafting out was atrocious. Something is in here. I can’t see it but it can see me. Edith drew her sword out. This must be the place. The creature came closer. The eyes began to glint the light she was carrying. Its facial features began to show yet she couldn’t make it out completely. Edith and the creature paused and looked each other in the eye. She was ready to make a move.

The creature took a charge at her and Edith lunged back to miss it. Then She deduced the creature couldn’t fit through the tunnel exit she stood in. I just have to annoy it enough so it runs away. Each time it got close enough she would slash at it from the tunnel and turn back for cover. One time however, the creature swiped at her with its front foot. As a result she was thrown into the cavern. The vial of nightlight crashed onto the ground leaving a glowing puddle, the only light source. Edith was winded and dazed. At this moment she was fully expecting to be killed but nothing happened. She lied there and listened; the creature seemed to be passive now. It thinks I’m dead. She was frozen there, waiting for the creature to leave. If this is a den it must have come in through another tunnel.

After an agonizing wait the creature left through a tunnel. Edith shook up another vial of nightlight and scoured the cavern hurriedly, ignoring the pain and stiffness. Bones of a child, bones of a child Where are they? The more she looked around it was evident Fionna wasn’t the only one who met her fate here. Disarticulated skeletons were strewn across the cavern floor. One of them was relatively fresh. An unfortunate adventurer? She kept looking. Too tall, no. Male, no. Most of the clothes on the skeletons were all but rotted away. Aha. Cloth, a dress? A child’s dress. Fionna. “You poor, poor thing. You didn’t deserve this.” Edith couldn’t help feeling emotional. A tear ran down from each eye. “Let’s get you out of here.” She laid the nightlight down next to Fionna and went over to the unfortunate explorer. “Sorry mate, I’m going to need this.” She took his rucksack and emptied it. Gingerly she gathered up Fionna’s remains and placed them in the rucksack. She put the pack on her shoulders and then faced a decision. Go back the way I came in or go out the creature tunnel? The first one is safe but completely blocked. The second hopefully leads to outside. Creature’s tunnel it is.

Edith finally made it out of the tunnel. The cool air purged her nose of the stench. Now, where am I? Can’t be more than a few miles. There were no landmarks around she could recognize. The moons were rising high. Burdy and his crew of diggers were desperately trying to clear the cave. It didn’t have to be neat and tidy, just enough for Edith to get through. Pale after pale of soil was carried away, stone after stone was pried free. Stones too heavy were split into pieces. One of the diggers noticed Edith’s horse, or rather how her horse was walking off suddenly. “Oi Burdy. Where’d her horse going? What’s its name, Boomer?” “Boomer! Boomer, come back!” Burdy yelled.” Another worker ran up to the horse and tried to get the reins. “Slow down what’re ye doin’?!” Boomer was dragging the poor man through the dirt. “Stop! Stop! Don’t ye know how to listen?” “Come one, mount up and we’ll follow him till he calms down!” Burdy commanded. The rest of the dig team stayed to keep clearing the cave.

Boomer sped up to a trot. His longer stride meant he outpaced Burdy and the diggers easily. “Giddy aunt, he’s quick!” “Riders use a special breed!” “Something just occurred to me, Burdy, how are we going to know the way back?” A blank look washed over him.” Well shit, I hadn’t thought of that. Maybe the horse knows.” Boomer sped up again into a canter. “You hear something just then?” Asked one digger to the others. “I just hear the crickets.” The other digger stated. “No, no. It was like a faint high pitched note.” “Maybe that’s where the horse is going.” “We can’t lose sight of him!” The trio followed Boomer aways until he stopped. “Evening!” A voice called out from above, startling them. It was Edith from up in a tree. “Edie!? Why are you up there? How di-” “I shall explain back at camp but right now we have to go. We are close to a monster’s den.” She climbed down, got on her horse and they all left. On the way to camp Burdy asked “Does Boomer know the way back? Since he knew where to find you?” “Yes. It’s like an instinct.” “And how did he know where you were anyway?” Edith reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a small object and held it up to her light. “A horse whistle. Boomer can hear it from a few miles away. Good trick if we get separated.”

The four moseyed into camp. The rest of the team was still working away at the collapsed cave. “Good news chaps! we found her!” Everyone looked over at them in relief and put their tools down. Edith took a bucket to the nearby stream and washed her face and hair and changed out of her grungy armor; then went into the rations tent and got herself a nice big mug of ale. The first mouthful was sacrificial. She swished around and spit it out, as she still had the putrid taste of the cave in her mouth. By this time the dig team had settled into their bedrolls except Burdy who came over to talk. “So, about this curse then. What’s new?” “You know the pack I was carrying?” Burdy nodded. “Oh yeah, I was wondering about that. What about it?” “It contains the bones of a little girl who couldn’t pass into the afterlife and became the myling.” “Woah. That’s heavy.” “I’m taking her to the town graveyard.” “Then it’s all over.” “All except for the monster den deep in the cave.” “What now?” “It’s complicated. It can’t fit through our tunnel so don’t worry too much.” She and Burdy bid each other goodnight. Dawn was a few hours away still so she cozied up for a long nap.

Dawn broke over the trees. A fire crackled to life. “What do you reckons in that bag?” One worker said to another hushedly. The other man shrugged and asked “what do you think?” “What are we here looking for eh? Treasure.” “What you gettin’ at?” “She goes into the cave, no bag. She comes out of the cave with a bag. Therefore, treasure!” “She found it?! How do you know?” “There’s only one way to be sure.” He carefully picks up the bag and brings it near the fire. Just as he’s about to open it the other digger stops him. “Wait! What if it’s the cursed treasure?” “I don’t believe any of that hogswallop.” “I don’t think we should open it!” He grabs the bag away. “Ey! Give it here!. I’m opening it!” They scuffle over the bag resulting in one of them tripping over into the fire. Yelping out, he scrambled away, waking Edith.

She burst out of her tent sword in hand ready to face whatever threat there was. “Great! You woke up the scary sword lady!” “I thought there was a monster attacking.” her eyes darted over to the digger holding the bag. She approached him with fervor and grasped his shirt. “What are you doing with the bag?” “He was gonna open it! I wouldn’t let him!” Then the other digger blurted out “You’re keeping the treasure for yourself! Thought we wouldn’t notice eh?” “You’re a real fucking idiot.” Edith got the bag. “Playing innocent? Right? I won’t fall for that.” “Mate, I don’t think you should make her any more angry. You know, the sword and everything!” “She just acts tough!” At this point, Burdy had been awakened by the raised voices.

Burdy, still in undergarments, came out to see the drama. “Ok, ok. What the actual fuck is going on? People are still trying to get some sleep!” “Dumbass number one over there by the fire thought the pack was full of treasure. Luckily dumbass number two here wisened up and wouldn’t let him open it.” Burdy rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. “Are you in on this boss?” The confrontational digger proposed. “I reckon you two are in kahoots. Ain’t ye!” “Shut up! You don’t know what’s going on!” Burdy snapped. “You really want to see what’s in the bag? I can show you.” Edie? Are you sure that’s a good idea?” “He’s just going to keep complaining If I dont settle it.” She walks over to him, kneels down and opens the bag. His face went pale as milk, his eyes widened, his jaw nearly hit the ground. “Well, what is it? Is it as awesome as you imagined?” He was just stuttering, barely able to start a word. “That good eh? Gold? Gems? What is it?” The poor man backed away and started retching. “What did you do to him?” “Just showed him what’s in the bag. Do you want to know too?” The retching digger caught his breath. “Don’t look! Don’t look! Why in blazes do you have that?!” “I’m lifting the curse. The remains are the key.” “I told you! I said it might be cursed, didn’t I!?” “Is everyone satisfied now?” Edith asked, annoyed. Not having the right words both workers nodded. “Alright then.” She got dressed and left for town.

The town gate came into view. Is it closed? She rode up to the gatekeeper’s quarters. “Sorry, I have orders to keep it closed!” “Why?” “Captain’s orders.” “I have important business.” “And what’s that?” “Paying respects to a friend.” “I’ll see what I can do.” She waited there for a good while. “Sorry, the captain says I have to keep it closed up.” “Well can I talk to him?” The gatekeeper sighs. “I’ll go ask him.” Edith rolls her eyes. Another while longer and the captain shows up. “Are you the captain?” “Aye! Who’re you?” “Edith Avafenthaal” “Edith Avfa- what kinda name is that?” The captain muttered to the gatekeeper. “I don’t know Edith. You’re not from here then?” “No, didn’t he tell you? I am here to pay respects to a friend who passed away recently.” “You aint dressed like any regular traveler. What are you doing with that sword?” “Right… you don’t know the insignia I suppose.” “Who or what are you and why do I care?” “I don’t like doing this but you’re being stubborn. I am Edith Avafenthaal, of the Royal Equestrian Patrol Force. I carry the Jurisdiction of King Nidas therefore refusal to assist in my ventures can and will lead to you being charged for obstruction of justice.” The captain and gatekeeper look at eachother and snicker. “Thought you were here for a funeral, what justice you goin’ on about?” “That was just a cover story. So are you going to let me in?” “Depends. What are you covering up?” “I’m tired of explaining this so listen. I’m sure you have heard rumors of the cave west of here being cursed. Regardless if you believe in it or not, it’s true, and I’m lifting it. I need access to your graveyard.” “Oh no, no!. We don’t want any of your kind here! Find somewhere else.” A scowl grew on her face. “Fine.” Then she rode off.

She encircled the town wall. The cemetery should be on the edge of town. She thought to herself. It didn’t take long to find, Deep Hollow wasn’t a particularly large town. She walked through the graveyard towards the Undertaker’s hut. She gave the door a gentle knock “Hello? Is the undertaker here?” A man in a plain blak robe opened the door. “Aye lass. Tis me.” “I need your help.” The undertaker invited her in. Edith explained the predicament all over again. But this time it was refreshing to converse with someone who simply listened and understood. “We will build a pyre, gather the ashes and bury them. Come.” The undertaker assured her. “It will be an immediate release of the soul.” He took her to a clear patch amongst the trees where the soil was burned red. He uncovered a large cord of wood and together they built a pyre. Not much was spoken.

The pyre was finished. Edith laid out the bones on top. The undertaker sparked the kindling and the flame gently spread. When the flame fully engulfed the bones, the undertaker took a lyre out of his backpack. He plucked out a tune and began to sing in an unknown language. “Nuku, nuku nurmilintu,Väsy, väsy, västäräkki. Nuku nurmelle hyvälle,Vaivu maalle valkialle. Lintu tuopi liinahapaijan, Haapana hyvän hamehen. Kaskeloinen korvatyynyn Pääskynen peäalusen. Nuku, nuku nurmilintu, Väsy, väsy, västäräkki. Nuku nurmelle hyvälle, Vaivu maalle valkialle.” A moment of silence passed. “Nice tune.” Edith said, eyes fixated on the flame. “Tis an ancient lullaby. To mourn the death of a child.” “Its beautiful.”

Some hours passed. The pyre slowly burned down to ash coals. The undertaker presented Edith with a jar. “I’ve prepared the grave.” He said solemnly. Edith gathered what charred pieces of bone and ash were left into the jar. The undertaker showed her the grave site and she laid the jar in the earth “I hope you found some peace, little one.” she addressed Fionna, wherever her spirit is now. She covered over the grave and the undertaker put in a temporary marker. “It is done. She’s free now” He said reassuring edith. She gave him a tight hug and a few tears rolled out of her eyes. “Thank you.” “And thank you for bringing this child to peace.”

Edith went into town, the cemetery was not gated or guarded. She took Boomer to the stable for the night, dropped her worn clothes off to be cleaned , then went to the pubhouse. She got a hefty cup of fresh beer, still cool from the cellar, and half a road chicken. A free seat opened up by the fire so she sat down before it was taken again. Midway through her meal the tavern quieted down suddenly and a revelous singing was heard from outside. It got louder, closer, then the door flew open. It was burdy and the diggers. They were carrying a large wooden chest. They set it down with a heavy thud on the plank floor. “Behold!” Burdy announced theatrically and unlatched the chest. Everyone looked in amazement at the gleaming contents. The diggers once again started to rouse and celebrate. Burdy ordered drinks for everyone and the partying went all night.

The End