Chapter 18: The Map and the Warning
Frank returned from the back room carrying a stack of old, weathered maps. He placed them on the counter with a loud thud, dust rising into the air.
"These are the oldest ones I've got," Frank said, his voice tinged with curiosity and caution. "But I'll warn you—people who come looking for things like this usually find more trouble than they can handle."
Henry ignored the comment and began sifting through the maps. Adam stepped closer, peering over Henry's shoulder at the intricate lines and faded markings.
"Anything look familiar?" Adam asked.
Adam pulled out his phone and held the glowing disc up beside the maps. Frank's eyebrows shot up as he caught sight of the device.
"What's that you've got there, kid?" Frank asked, his tone sharp.
"Just... a tool," Adam said quickly, pocketing the phone.
Frank's eyes lingered on Adam suspiciously, but he said nothing further.
Henry paused, pulling a specific map from the pile. It was older than the rest, the edges frayed and the paper yellowed. Strange symbols were scrawled in the margins, and a faint, glowing mark on the map matched a carving on the disc.
"This is it," Adam whispered.
Frank's expression hardened. "You're really going after it, aren't you?"
"Do you know what this leads to?" Henry asked.
Frank hesitated, then nodded. "Legends talk about a place deep in the mountains—a temple built by an ancient order. They say it's where reality and dreams blur, where the impossible becomes possible."
Adam's stomach tightened. "And what's the catch?"
"The catch?" Frank snorted. "You mean besides the people who've disappeared trying to find it? The stories of madness, betrayal, and death?"
"Great," Adam muttered. "Sounds like a vacation spot."
Henry rolled the map and tucked it under his arm. "How much?"
Frank leaned back, eyeing the pair carefully. "For you, Henry? Consider it a gift. Just remember—you're not the only ones looking for this place. And some of them won't hesitate to kill for it."
Outside the pawnshop, the crisp air felt heavier with Frank's warning hanging over them. Adam glanced at Henry, who seemed lost in thought.
"You believe all that?" Adam asked.
"I believe enough to stay cautious," Henry replied. "Frank's not the type to exaggerate."
As they started walking back toward the forest, Adam pulled out his phone.
"Yeah, thrilling," Adam replied dryly. "Can you tell us anything else about this place?"
Henry stopped suddenly, his hand going to his knife. Adam froze, following Henry's gaze to the shadows ahead.
"Something's not right," Henry murmured.
From the darkness, three figures emerged, their faces obscured by masks. They were armed—knives glinting in the fading sunlight.
"Well, well," one of them drawled. "Looks like we've got ourselves a couple of treasure hunters."
The confrontation was tense, the air thick with unspoken threats.
"We're not looking for trouble," Henry said evenly. "Let us pass, and we'll forget this ever happened."
The masked leader chuckled. "You've got something we want. Hand over the map and the disc, and we'll let you live."
Adam's heart raced. He glanced at Henry, who gave a barely perceptible nod.
"Thanks for the advice," Adam muttered under his breath.
Henry moved first, lunging at the nearest attacker with a speed that took them by surprise. Chaos erupted as the remaining two lunged forward. Adam scrambled back, clutching the disc tightly.
One of the attackers turned on him, and Adam swung the disc instinctively. It connected with a metallic clang, sending the attacker reeling.
Henry dispatched the last of the attackers with brutal efficiency. The three lay on the ground, groaning but alive.
"Let's go," Henry said, his tone urgent.
Adam nodded, his hands trembling as they hurried back into the forest.
As they made camp that night, Adam stared at the flickering fire, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
"That was close," he said quietly.
Henry nodded, his expression grim. "And it's only going to get harder from here."
Adam glanced at his phone.
"Noted," Adam replied with a weak smile.
Henry unrolled the map and studied it in the firelight. "If Frank's right, this temple could change everything. But we're not the only ones who think so."
Adam felt the weight of the disc in his hands and the enormity of what lay ahead.
End of Chapter 18