Sorrow’s Release. This exit cannot be seen from the outside since it is protected by illusion. It is said to take 8 Peaks to find the way through the cave.”
What the hell is a Peak? George thought. “This cave sounds like a pain in the ass. It also sounds fake.” He put his hands on top of his head and continued to think. I can’t believe I’m going to say this. Ahhh, what the hell. “Even if everything you’ve said is true, how would a guy stop this Maldwin from screwing with his mind, find his way to this ‘Pool of Sorrow,’ and lift this boulder off the map to get to it?” George was becoming anxious despite his disbelief.
“I’ve asked the same things myself,” Jason replied. “I understand your troubled mind. This is no easy task, clearly, or every man would strive to attain the prize.”
The traveler motioned for George to come close again. “What I’m about to say, you must keep to yourself. Do you swear to hold your tongue?”
George fought the urge to laugh. This guy is intense, he thought. He really does believe the crap he’s shoveling. “Sure, whatever, man. I can shut up for a bit of dirt.”
The skin between Jason’s eyes wrinkled. “Does that mean you’ll hold your tongue?”
“That’s what I said.”
Nodding, Jason continued. “I may have a solution to the problem the beast’s visions presents. In town, there’s an old mage who has mastered many beneficial uses of magic. He could help. I’m sure he would have a spell that would assist you through the cave.”
“What?” George blurted. “Turning stuff to stone is bad enough, and now you’re spouting off about spells?” He reached out to take the hide from Jason. “I’m cutting you off. You’ve had enough.”
Jason shoved George’s hand aside. “You must listen to me. You’re going to need a spell that’s powerful enough to block the beast’s visions. You’ll need to get close to it to kill it.”
“ Kill? I’ve never killed anything. Well, I almost killed my old man, but I wasn’t lucky enough to finish him off.”
“Wonderful,” Jason responded. “That’s good.”
George took a step back. “You’re not listening. There’s nothing good about it. I’ve never killed anyone. Sure, I’ve come close, but I’ve never physically hurt anyone that didn’t deserve it.”
Lasidious enjoyed George’s reaction. “I understand the thought of killing is troublesome, but don’t you think the beast deserves to perish? His visions have killed many who harbored him no ill will.”
George shook his head. “I suppose the beast is bad news since he’s hurting people. Killing him would save others, and I do like the idea of the reward.” He looked toward the horizon, smirked and then added, “Maybe I could handle it after all.”
“Good,” Jason replied. “Run to town, and buy the supplies you’ll need. You can have my map. You can also have my pack. That should help.”
George hesitated. “I don’t have any money on me to buy anything. Hell, I don’t have a pot to piss in right now.”
Jason eyed George. “I get the sense when you say ‘money’ that you mean coin. Seeing what’s on your person, the pot in which to piss is on your wrist. It appears my eyes have spotted something of value. It looks as if it might be worth a substantial amount of coin. You could sell it.”
Fellow soul ... true to form, and George being the jerk that he was, the object Jason referred to was a Rolex that an old widow from Orlando gave him. She had come into the dealership to buy a new 45-foot Meridian Yacht, which gave George the opportunity to work his way into her life. The manipulator spent six months giving her the attention she was after, and he collected many expensive gifts along the way. The widow paid a small fortune for the watch, and it became a piece of George’s anatomy.
“Hell no!” George snapped. “This watch is worth a ton. I can’t replace it.”
“I understand,” Jason nodded. “It has sentimental value. Too bad. I would hate for you to lose this opportunity. But you do realize, you could always buy it back once you have the means to do so.” The traveler paused. “On second thought, perhaps I should keep the map for myself and go after the treasure once I’ve healed.”
George thought for a moment. “You don’t mean that. Take another drink. You’re right. I could always buy the watch back like you said.”
George rolled his eyes and