Shadows Burning

"Yes. We went to the library to get these books, but they all got checked out by this guy with a rainbow cape. We followed him to a room and we heard him talking to the fighting instructor. Then, when they left the room, we snuck in and stole the books."

Enya took out a suitcase and started stuffing clothes in it. 

"We don't have much time," she said.  "When they find out the books are gone, they'll probably suspect us since they saw us in the hall.  We have to leave before the fighting instructor can search our cabin.  We should find some food to bring.  Let's go to the kitchens."  she put the books in the suitcase under some blankets and looked up at her friends. 

"I'm still a little confused. Why can't we just put on the innocent faces and hide the books?" Nariko said.

Enya thought about it.  "I guess we could..." she said slowly, "but where would we hide them?  There's always a chance that the fighting teacher would find the books, and we can't afford for that to happen.  Besides, it will be easier to leave without being seen in the dark."

"You know how many things I've hidden under my bed, and none of you knew?" Nariko said slyly. "But maybe it would be a good idea to leave. Where would we go? They'd surely be after us within the moment they found out."

Zoe spoke up. "I... I know a place we can hide. They won't find us. Then, when they're searching elswhere, we can go, far away, and try to find the sure for Calixte."

"Okay," said Enya.  "Where are we hiding?"

"Just follow me." Zoe said. "Get together everything you need, and then follow me."

Enya obediently zipped up her bag and slung it over her shoulder.  She followed Zoe out of the cabin. 

Nariko awkwardly packed a bag and hobbled out into the cool night air.

Zoe led her friends through the darkness and into the woods that were nearby. They followed a tiny trail that wound through the thick underbrush like a snake. As they went, the trees grew bigger and bigger and closer together. Soon they were almost in complete darkness, the only light being that of the moon, which could just barely be glimpsed through the canopy of leaves.

Zoe was beginning to worry that she had taken a wrong turn, when she recognized a rock that they had come upon. She proceeded more confidently, climbing over the rock and beckoning to her friends. Then they went past a few other rocks, some as large as boulders, and then slipped into a three-foot-wide crack between two rocks. Zoe couldn't help brushing against the stone. It was damp and rough and cold. Zoe shivered.

She felt around for the cave opening. When her hand felt a dip in the rock, she whispered,

"In here. Can one of you conjure a light?"

Enya nodded, even though the others couldn't see her gesture in the darkness.  She was happy to finally be helpful.  Breathing slowly, she pictured her mother's symbol in her mind and began to conjure a fire.  Soon she held a crackling flame in her palm.  She held it out in front of Zoe. 

"Thanks." Zoe said. Then she entered the cave. They went through a few tunnels before arriving at a large cavern with a stream flowing through the center. On the ceiling, something glimmered. At first they looked like stars, but then Zoe realized that they were millions of tiny crystals. 

"whoa..." Enya breathed.  "How did you find this place?"

"....Sweet!" Nariko said.

Zoe smiled to herself. "It's a secret. The people who told me about it wouldn't want this place to be common knowledge."

Enya frowned, but didn't push for the answer.  "what do we do now?" she asked instead. 

"I suppose we should look through those books and find out what we can about a cure for Calixte." Zoe replied.

"Sounds good." Nariko said. "Is this going to be boring?"

"Depends on what you consider "boring"" Zoe replied, sitting down with one of the books and opening to the table of contents.