Unraveling the Darkness (Excerpt)

Excerpt of the first story

The Challenge

It was a hot Tuesday morning. We had started on Sunday. Just two days left now.

We had to spend five days in the woods and if we came out alive, we would have five million each. I needed the money badly, and so did my other friends- Lucian and Ruth.

“Two more days. “I reminded my friends.

“As long as we aren’t eaten by lions.” Ruth replied quietly.

“As soon as I get that five million, I’ll buy Margaret a big house and we’ll have twenty kids.” Lucian said.

Ruth snickered and patted him on the back. I looked back at my friends and understood what they were doing. It was better to think about the prize rather than the journey ahead of us. I was happy for Lucian. He and Margaret had been neighbors and childhood sweethearts. But Margaret’s father had never approved of their relationship because of Lucian’s financial status.

“I shall invest my five million in a factory.” Ruth said. “What about you Phil?”

I looked at my friends as they waited for my answer. I tapped my walking stick on a rock and stepped forward. I needed the money to survive and that was all they needed to know.

At midday, we stopped and took a swig from our water canteens. It was horrible, living in the woods, evading the ferocious wildlife and being careful not to step on poisonous plants that dotted the area.

I thought back to what General Reginald had said. On a quiet evening, over drinks, a wager had been made as the General had narrated a horrific tale that had taken place in these very woods. We had taken turns scoffing at the legend until General Reginald had leaned forward and challenged us to spend five nights in the woods.

“Five million each.” He said, sipping from his glass. “A million for each night spent in the woods.”

“Where will you get the money from?” Ruth had asked in a drunken stupor.

“I have a lot of property in my name.” The General had replied imperturbably.

I had watched this happen, unable to decline the offer as my friends jumped in at the chance to win some easy money. They had looked at me then and I was unable to back out.

Now glancing at our torn clothes and the cuts and bruises on our skin, I wished I had shown the nerve to speak out then. This wasn’t a good idea.

Suddenly, we heard a noise.

“What was that?” Lucian asked.

“It may be a woodcutter whistling.” Ruth replied quickly.

I started to feel nervous and wiped my palms on my dirty shirt. I watched as Ruth pushed the leaves away and walked forward. We followed him with trepidation and I prayed that it wasn’t a lion.

“I think I see something.” Ruth said and Lucian and I exchanged anxious glances.

“What?” I asked in a shaky voice.

“Something bad will happen in the woods. Something strange and unexplainable. Few have survived to tell of their tales.” The General had warned us.

I swallowed as Ruth moved forward to inspect. I glanced at Lucian and saw him holding on tight to the strap of a bag that held our food.

Ruth came back several minutes later with a confused look on his face. “I was pretty sure I saw something.”

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