Temple: A New Journey Begins
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Kermit turned from the small graveyard and headed up the hill to the ruins of the temple. As he approached the threshold, he could not believe what he was seeing. Though nature now did its best to cleanse itself of the devastation, he could still see the scars from explosions that tore the temple apart. Sapling trees pushed up through the flagstone while moss grew in the darken corners of what was left of the stone walls. Only the sound of the birds and Kermit's footsteps could be heard.
At that moment, something came bounding out of the underbrush. Kermit's old desert eagle was swiftly in his hands, but he soon relaxed as he saw that it was a rabbit. It leapt up the stairs leading to the inner chambers of the temple, as if to lead Kermit through his search.
"Easy Griffin," Kermit said to himself. "At least your old reflects are still there in case you need them."
Kermit followed the path of the rabbit, making him feel a little like Alice in Wonderland. He ignored it when the rabbit decided to take a path off to the right.
"Looks like you won't be leading me down any rabbit holes today," he said.
Kermit continued straight ahead and soon found the spot that KC and Vance had told him about.
"Looks like I've found my own rabbit hole."
Kermit looked around and found a place to tie off his rope.
"It's been a long time since I've been spelunking. Hope I remember how."
Once secure, Kermit pulled out a helmet with a light and placed it on his head, making certain that it was secure so it would not fall off. He made certain that both the shovel and the plastic bag were secure on his belt before lowering himself into the opening. It would have been just as simple to drop both items into the hole, but then he would have to search for them in the dark and he did not relish that idea.
As Kermit lowered himself down, he was grateful for all the martial arts classes and the training that he continued to engage in, even during his retirement. He may have retired from the police force, but he was still called upon to do the odd mercenary job from time to time. Those though were getting few and far between. Younger men and women were being called on. Among some of them, he was referred to as "The Old Man." It was a term that had been used for another. Now it was being used for him. He didn't dispute them. He was getting old, but that didn't mean he was ready to be put out to pasture.
When his feet hit pay dirt, he gave a quick look skyward. 'I hope there's another way out. I'd hate to have to haul both me and a body out of here.'
Kermit turned on his helmet lamp and allowed his eyes to adjust to the gloom. He was surprised to learn that he was not in just a cavern, but a tunnel, one that ended nearly where he was standing.
'Well, at least the guys described this accurately.'
Kermit examined the tunnel's walls and discovered fresh marks in the jagged surface.
"If this tunnel was started at least ten years earlier, then the older portions would obviously be near the entrance. Well then, let's just see how far this tunnel goes."
Kermit walked for what seemed like an hour, being careful not to stumble over loose debris. Darker patches could be seen, interrupting the tunnel's surface. Soon he could see a large patch of light against the blackness of the tunnel, and he knew he reached the entrance.
'So, there is another way out.'
Kermit could see a path that wound around the cliff's surface, leading up toward a road.
'And there was another way down. I just bet there's a path leading from the temple as well. That will help. Well, I better return to my search."
Kermit re-entered the tunnel, this time heading for one of the side tunnels. If Peter's body were hidden here, then this would be the place. Peter's last note had indicated that he was going to search the area of the temple. That was the last he heard from his friend.
Kermit took a smaller flashlight out of his pocket to add extra light and to pinpoint areas that his helmet might overshadow and miss. The side tunnel looked like it was being used for excess debris. This particular side tunnel was nearly filled with it. It would take days to clear it. Kermit picked through some of the remains of the tunnel until he came upon an old newspaper. The date printed on the upper right corner revealed that it had been there far longer than even he expected. Kermit calculated that the paper had been there some time when the temple had been destroyed.
'They've been digging here for that long? No wonder these guys wanted the priest to leave. They wanted to dig here without being discovered. Some of the townspeople couldn't get rid of them so they waited for someone else to do it for them. Lovely.'
Kermit moved further into the tunnel to the next side tunnel, one hopefully that would reveal its age to be newer than the last. As he continued to sift through the debris of this second tunnel, he again discovered another paper, this time a letter. The letter did reveal the age of the tunnel to be newer than the previous, but still not old enough to hide a body.
Kermit stopped for a moment to take a breather and to grab something to eat and drink. He did not know how long he had been in the tunnels. Returning to the main tunnel, he could tell that the light outside was fading. He at least had been there for several hours, enough to where it was now early evening. He did not like the idea of having to return to town empty handed. Without proof that Peter had been murdered, the best that they would hope to prove was trespassing on private property and grand theft. Though it could put the men behind bars for a number of years, it would not be long enough to satisfy the ex-mercenary. Peter's disappearance would still be unsolved.
Kermit was about to continue his search when he heard voices. Turning off his flashlight and helmet light, he tried to scrabble through the debris to find a hiding place. It was no use trying to cover up his tracks. They would soon learn of his presence from the loosened debris. If he could at least get further into the side tunnel, he might be able to hide in the darkness long enough without being discovered.
Kermit tried to climb his way through the loose rock when he lost his footing. The slick rubble sent him tumbling back down to the bottom and he struck his head on the wall of the tunnel. A white light filled his vision, whiter than any thing he had ever experienced. The combination of the concussion and the light swimming in his eyes was enough. Kermit closed his eyes, and darkness claimed him.
Continues with Part 32
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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