Chapter 10
It was obvious no one had been down in this part of the castle for generations. Spider webs coated the entrance and the sound of rats fleeing from them echoed off the narrow walls. There were no lanterns or torches this far down so they had to feel their way through
'Do you know where we're going?' Sofia whispered holding James's arm tightly
'Um…I've never actually been down here' he confessed running his hand along the hard cold wall beside him hoping for a doorway to open up. The tunnel was pitch black and his eyes couldn't seem to adjust to the sea of darkness 'my father told me about a vault that was used when the castle was under siege but it hasn't been a necessity in almost a hundred years, I wish someone had put torches up. I can't see'
As he said that the amulet around Sofia's neck began to glow filling the room with bright purple light
'Well, that's helpful' James laughed amazed that his gift was coming in handy
Sofia held the stone in her hands examining it closely 'So we are going off of a rumor? Does this vault have supplies?' Sofia asked resuming the conversation astonished at his lack of a plan
'It's said to have been enchanted so whenever the king needs to access it the room will fill with food and other basic necessities'
Sofia didn't say anything else as they continued their search. James felt the wall dampen and he knew he was getting close. There was supposed to be a spring that ran close by the vault so he sped up a little, hopeful that they wouldn't be stuck in the dark much longer.
Finally after what seemed like hours a soft glow appeared in the distance. James and Sofia were both relieved and cautious; worried that somehow someone had found them. As they approached the ominous light they found themselves on a boat dock next to small two seated row boat that was floating on a small currant river
'Well, I guess we're getting in a boat' James sighed stepping into it and grabbing the oars
'I'm not too sure about this' Sofia said looking at the boat skeptically 'How do we know this isn't some kind of trap?'
'Set by who? The rats? No one has been down here in years, Sofia, This is the right way, I can feel it'
His confidence seemed to have an effect on the scared girl and she nodded her head and joined him and sat across from him. There wasn't much of a need for oars since the moment James released the boat from the dock it swiftly and expertly slid down the currant on t's own
'It must be enchanted' James commented as torches on the walls around them lit up as they got close to them
'At least we can see' Sofia sighed looking around the mysterious room
James couldn't help but notice how beautiful Sofia's face was lit up by fire light and her eyes sparkled as the flames danced in them. She began twisting the ring on her finger nervously reminding him that she was verging on being terrified. Something tinged in his chest, he knew he didn't want her to be afraid but he didn't know what to say to make her feel better.
'Sofia, tell me about your dad' James said hoping to take her mind off of their situation
'My dad? Um…he was strong. He worked as a fisherman fifteen years before he died. He was always making jokes and he could cook better than my mom' she said giggling at a memory
Her laugh sounded like bells and James didn't want it to stop
'What did he do before he was a fisherman?' James asked
'I'm not sure. He wouldn't talk about it whatever it was. He said it could get a lot of people hurt' she said shrugging
'Maybe it has something to do with that ring? Can I see it?' he asked wanting to get a closer look at it and she nodded taking it off
The silver band was warm in his hand and the amethyst seemed to glow. The markings looked so familiar but he still couldn't place them.
'I know I've seen these markings before' he said studying them closely 'did he ever mention what they might mean?'
'No, but I overheard him talking to the blacksmith in the village about grinding them down before the attack. Maybe he knew something bad was going to happen'
'Touch me' James said as an idea popped in his head
'What?' Sofia asked curiously
'Touch me, my arm or something. I want to see something'
Sofia grabbed James's arm and as usual it felt like ice on a burn
'Well there goes that theory' James sighed 'I thought maybe it was spelled'
'If it was wouldn't wearing it get rid of your pain?' she pointed out and he slid it on his ring finger. The ring burned his skin and he quickly took it off 'It's spelled alright, just not the way I would have hoped' He muttered annoyed 'why would it burn me but not you?'
'No idea, perhaps it has something to do with blood?' Sofia suggested sliding the ring back on her thumb
'Yeah, maybe. The boat is slowing down' He said irritated that the ring wasn't his answer and he had to continue relying on Sofia for comfort
The boat came up to a dock next to a blue door, James got out and helped Sofia out as well before making his way over to it. He twisted the knob and pushed revealing a bright giant room with a table in middle full of food
'There's enough food to last us for a lifetime' Sofia gasped and James sighed hoping they wouldn't get to prove her right
There were two doors on the left side of the room, one led to a bedroom with a king size bed and the other led to a bathroom
'There's only one bedroom' Sofia pointed out 'Kind of strange for a vault. Shouldn't there be bunk beds or something?'
'It's enchanted, it must have changed to fit our needs' James said not thinking
'Oh? You wanted to sleep with me?' Sofia giggled and James's face got red once again
'No…I-I didn't say that! There is a couch for you to sleep on' James pointed across the room
Sofia rolled her eyes 'It's better than a torture table at least'