Thick, dark clouds had moved in rather quickly and it began to rain heavily, with lightning and thunder. So we went back inside, at least it was nice and dry. However, it was a bit chilly considering it was a summer day. “It can get cold here, even in the summer,” said Jinni, “that is what grandpa said anyway. I sure wish I knew what was going on out here and why those people want to kill us.”

“Not kill us,” said Mac, “just scare us off.” “Yes, I agree,” I said, “they could have killed us easily last night, at least some of us anyway. I would like to know where they live, since it is obvious they do not live in here.” “Perhaps there is an old gold mine or something,” said Jinni excitedly. “Do not get too excited,” I said, “more likely it is just a group of people that do not want to be part of our modern world.”

“Yep, my guess too,” said Mac. He then started to look around the room some more. It kept getting darker all the time, then suddenly there were 3 lightning strikes just outside the building which caused Jinni to scream and she jumped at me hugging me tightly. “Uh, that is my husband Jinni,” said Sky politely. “Oh, sorry Sky, I was just scared by that lightning,” she said blushing.

Sky smiled, “I can understand that.” That made Jinni feel less embarrassed. Hard to know what to think about Jinni. Sometimes she seems quite natural and believable, other times I am not sure she can be trusted. I took Sky and the cats to a corner of the room. “What do you make of Jinni?” I asked them. “I think she is okay,” said Sky, “but I think she is not telling us everything.”

Meow,meow.=Yep, me think so too, she keep secret. Meowr.=Yep, me say so too, but not seem dangerous human. Meowi=Me think something wrong with her, she not tell truth to us. “Hmm, a holdout in the group,” I said, “thank you Tiia for your honest thoughts. Never be afraid to say what you think, even if others do not agree.” Muffin and Storm look at each other.

“And what do you think Steve?” asked Sky. “She is very pretty,” I said. “I should slap you for that,” said Sky firmly. “Now that would not be nice,” I replied, “that was the only thing I could think of saying about her. I am not sure what else to think. She is lying, but I do not know what about. I think she might be working with that old lady in town.” Mac had come to us by that time.

“They both have good rehearsed stories,” he said. “I think she just wanted protection,” said Kate. She was standing behind me again and put her hand on my shoulder just before talking. It made me jump again. Meow,meow.=He very jumpy on this case. Meowr.=Yep, very nervous this time. Meowi.=It pretty girl that do it. “It better not be pretty girl doing it,” said Sky frowning at me.

“It is just people sneaking up behind me all the time,” I said, “that is what makes me jump.” The rain continued the rest of the day, so we ate dinner and decided to turn in and hopefully get an early start in the morning. Everyone went into the tower with Mac, Kate and myself the last ones to enter. Mac went in first and the door suddenly slammed shut.

“That was not very nice,” said Kat. Next thing I knew was waking up chained to the wall of a dungeon. “Nice of you to awaken Sir Steve,” said Kat somewhat sarcastically. “Thank you,” I responded, “my head hurts, have you seen anyone?” “Only a big ape,” she said, “somewhere between John and Rock in size.” “Hmm, a rather big one,” I said, “did it talk?”

“No, just kind of grunted a bit,” she answered, “I imagine we are under that building, I did see a door open in that fireplace.” “Too bad we did not use that one for cooking our food,” I said, “must remember that for next time.” “That would be a good thought,” said Kat, “give them a hot foot.” Then she giggled. I looked at Kate. “After that giggle, you cannot fool me Kat,” I said. “I never tried to,” she said smiling.

“Hmm, I wonder how long they will leave us hanging her like this?” I asked. A door opened when I said that and a woman entered, along with her bodyguard, which I imagine was the ape that Kat saw. “Well now,” said the woman, “do I leave you there or will you cooperate with me by answering my questions?” “Actually, I have a few questions to ask as well,” I said, “like why did you kidnap us and hang us on this wall?”

She nodded to her bodyguard and he hit me in the stomach. I groaned and went rather limp. “He will do that to you also girl,” said the woman, “so do not be sarcastic like your friend here.” “Come here big ape,” said Kat. He did so. “Now, look into my eyes,” she said. He smiled, but did it.

He then backed up. “If you touch him again, I will kill you,” she said very calmly. The woman laughed loudly. “That I would like to see,” she said, then she slapped Kat and the two of them turned to go. At the door she turned again to say something, but Kat was standing just a few feet away from them…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.