Disclaimer - I don't own Relic Hunter, only the story idea and any original characters I create are mine. (although I have taken inspiration from a few movies ;P)
Chapter I
Glancing fearfully behind him, Nigel swiped at the lock of unruly brown hair that threatened to obscure his vision as he crept further down the narrow, dark and dank tunnel that was in a dire state of decay and appeared as though it would collapse at any moment.
Cursing the fact that there had only been one rotting wooden torch in the rusting bracket on the wall at the entrance to the passage, he quickened his pace to catch up to Sydney and the bright flame she was carrying, which seemed to be his only salvation in this festering old gothic castle that had probably been magnificent in its day, a palace of beauty and splendour, its occupants being of the highest nobility.
Thinking wistfully of the glorious heat of the sun beating down on the ancient, yet still functional, vineyards and the bustle of the native people on market day along the wide lengthy boulevards of the Louvre Valley outside there was no doubt about it that the handsome young teaching assistant would much prefer to be among them. Perhaps even rifling through the odd box of old French literature that so often turned up in these huge displays of culture and trade.
Feeling a pang of slight annoyance towards the renowned relic hunter a few steps ahead of him he reasoned that it had been his choice to follow her into this putrid hole, she had given him the option to wait for her in the car. Nigel knew he was lucky to have the job that he did and realized that he would follow Sydney anywhere if she asked him.
Thinking the better of voicing his musings, he settled instead for gritting his teeth, getting a better grip on his backpack and his nerves and continued to walk, determidly ignoring the colossal rat that had just scampered over his right foot. He really was getting better at controlling his internal instincts to flee, screaming for the nearest exit at the moment something slightly unpleasant happened.
Hearing a faint grunt of frustration from the beautiful, slightly oriental looking woman in front of him Nigel moved closer to the light to get a better perspective at what was going on. On further scrutiny he realized the Sydney was struggling with what looked like a wall blocking the passage. However as he took the flaming brand from her and raised it above his head he realized that not only had the ceiling risen considerably, but that the wall was in fact a huge pair of heavy wooden doors with a weighty looking length of wood barring their opening.
The appearance of the doors was of plain elegance, purpose built to prevent any body getting out or in of whatever lay beyond. The carvings in the doors matched the grandeur of the castle yet there was a certain simplicity about them that gave the viewer the impression that they were definitely forged for durability over style.
From Nigel's point of view the obvious purpose of these doors was ringing true as he watched his employer struggle with the heavy beam stopping them from advancing any further.
Admitting defeat, Sydney gave a sigh of irritation as she slumped back against the adjacent wall to catch her breath, certain that the barrier wouldn't budge. As she was steadying herself to stand she saw Nigel pad slowly over to the doors that towered over them both.
With an unreadable expression on his face Nigel reached out uncertainly for the door, laying his right hand softly on the wooden beam he gave a short gasp of surprise as he felt a sudden warmth emanating from the coarse surface.
Feeling his hand glued to the blockade, the heat steadily built and he could hear Sydney demanding answers of him, what was going on? As the wood began to burn fiercely Nigel managed to wrench his hand away with a shout. Collapsing on the floor in shock he looked on in horror as he realized the beam had snapped in a small explosion of splinters and dust and the large overbearing doors were gradually beginning to part and creak open.
AN - I hope that you enjoyed the beginning of this story, I tried to make it reasonably atmospheric. I was running out of ideas for my other story, 'The Sword of Sir Galahad' and I felt like trying something new, a different style of writing maybe. Anyway I hope you keep tuning in and please review to let me know what you think, like/dislike, where I should go from here, that sort of thing. It would mean a lot if you did. Until next time, byee!
Chapter I
Glancing fearfully behind him, Nigel swiped at the lock of unruly brown hair that threatened to obscure his vision as he crept further down the narrow, dark and dank tunnel that was in a dire state of decay and appeared as though it would collapse at any moment.
Cursing the fact that there had only been one rotting wooden torch in the rusting bracket on the wall at the entrance to the passage, he quickened his pace to catch up to Sydney and the bright flame she was carrying, which seemed to be his only salvation in this festering old gothic castle that had probably been magnificent in its day, a palace of beauty and splendour, its occupants being of the highest nobility.
Thinking wistfully of the glorious heat of the sun beating down on the ancient, yet still functional, vineyards and the bustle of the native people on market day along the wide lengthy boulevards of the Louvre Valley outside there was no doubt about it that the handsome young teaching assistant would much prefer to be among them. Perhaps even rifling through the odd box of old French literature that so often turned up in these huge displays of culture and trade.
Feeling a pang of slight annoyance towards the renowned relic hunter a few steps ahead of him he reasoned that it had been his choice to follow her into this putrid hole, she had given him the option to wait for her in the car. Nigel knew he was lucky to have the job that he did and realized that he would follow Sydney anywhere if she asked him.
Thinking the better of voicing his musings, he settled instead for gritting his teeth, getting a better grip on his backpack and his nerves and continued to walk, determidly ignoring the colossal rat that had just scampered over his right foot. He really was getting better at controlling his internal instincts to flee, screaming for the nearest exit at the moment something slightly unpleasant happened.
Hearing a faint grunt of frustration from the beautiful, slightly oriental looking woman in front of him Nigel moved closer to the light to get a better perspective at what was going on. On further scrutiny he realized the Sydney was struggling with what looked like a wall blocking the passage. However as he took the flaming brand from her and raised it above his head he realized that not only had the ceiling risen considerably, but that the wall was in fact a huge pair of heavy wooden doors with a weighty looking length of wood barring their opening.
The appearance of the doors was of plain elegance, purpose built to prevent any body getting out or in of whatever lay beyond. The carvings in the doors matched the grandeur of the castle yet there was a certain simplicity about them that gave the viewer the impression that they were definitely forged for durability over style.
From Nigel's point of view the obvious purpose of these doors was ringing true as he watched his employer struggle with the heavy beam stopping them from advancing any further.
Admitting defeat, Sydney gave a sigh of irritation as she slumped back against the adjacent wall to catch her breath, certain that the barrier wouldn't budge. As she was steadying herself to stand she saw Nigel pad slowly over to the doors that towered over them both.
With an unreadable expression on his face Nigel reached out uncertainly for the door, laying his right hand softly on the wooden beam he gave a short gasp of surprise as he felt a sudden warmth emanating from the coarse surface.
Feeling his hand glued to the blockade, the heat steadily built and he could hear Sydney demanding answers of him, what was going on? As the wood began to burn fiercely Nigel managed to wrench his hand away with a shout. Collapsing on the floor in shock he looked on in horror as he realized the beam had snapped in a small explosion of splinters and dust and the large overbearing doors were gradually beginning to part and creak open.
AN - I hope that you enjoyed the beginning of this story, I tried to make it reasonably atmospheric. I was running out of ideas for my other story, 'The Sword of Sir Galahad' and I felt like trying something new, a different style of writing maybe. Anyway I hope you keep tuning in and please review to let me know what you think, like/dislike, where I should go from here, that sort of thing. It would mean a lot if you did. Until next time, byee!