Persephone's Ring

The smell of lavender filled the air. Rayen felt as if she were floating.

“You need to wake, there is much to do,” a gentle voice spoke to her.

There was a calmness, a warmth then a hand brushed against her forehead. She reached up to touch the hand, but it was gone replaced by voices.

“Well, it looks like a cave to me,” Fredrick groaned.

“We get it, but it looks like someone lives here,” Susan’s voice came a bit annoyed with her boss.

Rayen opened her eyes, staring at the rock ceiling. “...” she blinked then sat up. “Where are we?”

“Dear, take your time,” DeAnne put a hand on Rayen’s shoulder. “Do you remember what happened?”

Rayen shook her head. “Light then, nothing.”

“Don’t forget those dead things,” Natasha gagged. “They smelled horrible.”

Andrew brought over her canteen, passing it to Rayen. He then pointed at her then pointed his fingers at one another, twisting his wrist.

Rayen stared confused for a moment, taking a drink of her canteen.

“Oh, he’s asking if you’re hurt,” DeAnne laughed. “She’s fine,” she patted the young man’s cheek.

“Oh, yeah, I mean no, no, I’m fine, thanks.” Rayen gave a small nod then stood. She set down her canteen, repeating the motions Andrew did. “Is that how it’s done?” she asked him.

Andrew showed her the motion again for her to repeat. After two more tries, he nodded.

“Thanks,” she stood up.

She looked around. It seemed like a cave, but it also appeared that someone was living there. She wondered how they got there but wasn’t too worried, they all seemed fine despite everything, and all their things were piled in a corner. The strange part was that there didn’t appear to be a door anywhere, so finding a way out would be difficult.

Worrying about how and why wouldn’t help, and everyone seemed to be a bit on edge as it were. The best thing to do would be to distract one’s self so that stress levels were lower.

Rayen sat on the ground. “Can you teach me a bit more?” she glanced at DeAnne. Distracting herself and clearing her head may help

“Sure, I don’t see why not,” DeAnne smiled. “Let’s go over the things I’ve already taught you.”

“Thank you,” Rayen signed as she spoke.

DeAnne smiled and stood. “Andrew, honey come here,” she beckoned her grandson. “Why not be her partner,” she smiled. “If you see two people do it, maybe it’ll be a little easier.

The boy nodded, then sat.

“Then let’s start,” DeAnne sat again. “Let’s start with everyday phrases.”

Rayen watched copying the moves slowly. Revising what she knew was a help as was watching them both to understand hand movements. It was unclear how much time had passed, but at some point, the squabbles and bickering ended, and there was mostly silence.

Cole was looking for weak points or switches on the wall hoping for some trick door to appear. It was all a bit hopeless, but in the farthest end of their enclosure, the wall crumbled away into the form of an archway.

“My apologies,” an elegant woman entered the room. She was clad in white with long blonde hair trailing her back. “I would have come much sooner, but I was held up by other duties,” she gave them a bow.

Natasha opened her mouth to speak, “What are we doing here, and what do you want with us?”

“There is nothing that I really want with you but to help,” the woman spoke, smiling and kind. “I saved you from the Draugr earlier and brought you here to rest.”

Susan held up a finger then to point out her wanting to speak. “What the hell’s a Draugr and who are you.”.

“I am sorry if this all seems strange a Draugr is a form of undead to put it simply.” The woman stepped out of the doorway. “And I offer my apologies again, my name is Samara, the rest I will tell you after you’ve all had a proper meal.”

Samara glanced at Rayen then turned to head back the way she came.

“Well, that’s the only way out. We should listen to what she has to say.” Cole picked up his bag then followed after the woman.

Soon everyone else followed behind through the dark tunnel. The group was understandably nervous about what lay on the other side, but there was no turning back, no matter how weird things were getting.

The tunnel opened into a more spacious area that had carvings etched in its stone walls it seemed like they were above ground, though they were still under it. Before them lay a table filled with delicious food and drink and many lush pillows to sit on.

“Please eat, get comfortable,” Samara sat in a large comfortable chair.

As everyone took a seat, they hesitated to touch the food. To assure her guest, the food was safe to eat, Samara was the first to take a bite.

Samara watched them. “I am glad I got to you all in time, you would all be dead if I were a moment late,” she spoke.

For a moment, she was quiet as their eyes focused on her. She was taking that moment to find the best way to explain what was happening to them.

Taking a breath, she shook her head. “You will not be able to get home,” she finally spoke. She let the words hang a moment to reflect the seriousness of the situation. “You want to get home, but that is impossible at this point in time, at least, the only passage back is blocked,” she explained.

“Lady, I don’t know what kind of stunt you’re pulling, but I will have you arrested if you try holding me hostage!” Fredrick growl waving a piece of meat her way.

“You do not understand…” she sighed. “Let me try this again.” She closed her eyes then stood. “I am an oracle, I see the future and the what-ifs,” she explained. “Two nights ago, I saw the cabin,” she told them. “Six months ago, all of you in the rain after the crash, and even before that your lives before. I saw the steps that led you all here to this moment,” she stated.

Samara sat back down, scanning their faces as they stopped feasting. “Please continue eating.”

Charmayne laughed. “So you see the future yeah right,” she rolled her eyes.

“Please, I am being honest Ms. Charmayne,” she said.

Charmayne was surprised the woman knew her name. She huffed then took a sip of her glass.

“It sounds very odd, I know, but it is the truth,” Samara said. “And if you really want to get home, I know of a way though it requires retrieving an item long lost,” she told them. “In all the futures, I see only in the ones were you acquire this item in some way end with you getting off this island.”

“So… what a hero’s quest and we get home what is it Excalibur? The Holy Grail?” Susan chuckled.

“Excalibur was destroyed years ago, and the Holy Grail is a myth,” Samara stated. “But yes, in a way, this is like that.” She glanced at Rayen.

“Why are you looking at me?” Rayen became slightly defensive. Her arms crossed as she leaned away from her. “Something on my face?”

“Sorry,” Samara shook her head. “I just see the possibilities that were brought about, each of you changes the outcome in many different ways.” She took another sip.

“So, what is it we have to get back?” Cole asked. “And why does it have to be us? I’m sure in this little fantasy, there are some real heroes in your head.”

“I know you think this is a joke or a prank, but I assure you it’s real, as for why you…” Samara trailed off into thought. “Well,” she glanced around, “You were headed to a pharmaceutical conference with your assistant,” she motioned to Fredrick then Susan. “Trip to some high-end show,” Samara pointed at Natasha then Charmayne. “Vacation,” she glanced at the family duo. “You are looking for a fresh start,” she glanced at Rayen. “And you,” she turned her gaze to Cole, “on your way to meet with family.”

“Well, by the looks in the room, she’s pegged them all right,” DeAnne laughed. “Then tell us, where are we?”

“That, well, she knows,” Samara pointed at Rayen.

Everyone’s eyes turned to Rayen, making her feel uncomfortable. “What?” she looked away. “I don’t know where-” she trailed off when she had a thought. “The Island of Flames,” she mumbled. “This is the Island of Flames, that book was a guide for this place right?”

Samara gave a smile, nodding. “Yes. The Island of Flames and home to many things, both good and bad.”

“It sounds familiar some other way, but I don’t know why.” Rayen played with a grape.

“Yes,” Samara tucked some loose strands behind her ear. “Now,” she interlaced her fingers. “Now though you must all leave, I have kept you safe from the others, but I can’t do much more,” she told them. “You need to find the ring, a special one, it’s been missing for a very very long time, you can use it to gain passage with the right person.”

“And how will we know when we’ve found this ring or the right person?” Fredrick asked.

“You’ll know.” Samara stood. “Come, you must go.” She waved a hand, then a door appeared on the wall to her right. “Up the stairs, and you will be on the surface.”

As they all stood, Susan took the chance to fill one of the packs with fruit. “We should take this, so we have something in case food becomes scarce,” she pointed out.

“And here,” as they were gathering themselves to leave Samara handed Andrew a compass. “To help you if you lose your way.”

Andrew gave her a nod in thanks, then pocketed the compass and followed the others.

Rayen was the last to leave as she was stopped by Samara, who gently held her hand. “Keep your eyes open and don’t lose heart,” she smiled then let go. “Good luck.”

“Okay…” Rayen was confused then headed for the stairs. She’d already lost sight of the others, but they came back into view in the bright sunlight above ground.

“So, what now?” Susan asked.

“We follow the compass,” Rayen stated. “Andrew leads the way,” she put a hand on his shoulder.

“Why is he leading,” Natasha frowned. “Anyone else would be ten times better.”

“The compass was given to Andrew, so he leads, shut it, and follow. I’m sure it’ll lead us where we need to go.”

Andrew pulled out the compass, then opened it. Inside it didn’t seem entirely like a standard compass. It had the poles for north, south, east, and west on it as well as some other unreadable markings. The needle began to spin wildly clockwise and counterclockwise. The needle soon slowed point northwest.

Andrew pointed in the direction, then started walking. Rayen stayed at the back once more, marking trees.

“You know you don’t have to be the one to do that,” Cole commented, watching her.

“It keeps my mind off things,” Rayen replied as she pocketed the knife in her boot.

“Maybe, but there are other ways to distract yourself that don’t involve pointy things.

“Not the time or the place to think of something like daydreaming.”

“No, but you could stand to relax a little more, you’ve been on edge since this all started,” Cole stopped her then took the knife and copied Rayen marking one of the trees.

“Maybe when we figure out what’s going on, but for now, my paranoia is what kept me awake last night when to see the dead horde ready to kill us,” she stated.

“True,” he nodded in agreement. “But you’ll burn out without proper rest, so I’ll take first watch when we set up camp.”

As camp was set up with the last moments of sunset, the group started a fire and settled near a tight cluster of trees. The smoke of the fire raised high into the sky as the amber flames warmed them up.

“So find a ring and we can get home,” Susan sighed. “Not trying to sound cliche, but easier said than done,” she shook her head.

“Well, she said we’d know it when we see it,” DeAnne chimed in.

“What I want to know is how that one knew where we were,” Fredrick pointed at Rayen, who ignored him.

“Yeah, like how’d you know?” Charmayne put a hand on her hip.

“Because I read,” Rayen pulled a book out of her bag for a few moments. “This is a book from the cabin, says Flame Island on the cover and was the only book referring to a place on the shelves, the conclusion it’s where we are,” she grabbed a twig by her feet then snapped it.

Charmayne crossed her arms, huffing.

“Does the book have anything useful?” Cole’s asked.

“No clue I can only read the cover and a few pages that make no sense, it’s in another language,” Rayen shrugged, throwing the twig on the fire.

There wasn’t much said after that they all quietly snacked on some fruit to tide them over. Once more, a bush rustled in the night. This caught everyone’s attention.

“Two nights in a row, a bush rustles come on!” Susan groaned.

Rayen reached for her knife but glanced at Cole, remembering he had it. The male jumped up, ready to try and defend. There wasn’t much else to defend with, but the others picked up whatever they thought would work. Though there was no need. Out of the bushes stepped a handful of people. They seemed just as battered as the group remembered being after the crash blood twigs and leaves on them all.

“Oh, thank god people!” A man let out an exasperated breath. “Are you survivors too?” He glanced at them.

Rayen and Cole let out a breath as Cole dropped the knife.

“Yes, we are,” Cole put the knife away. “You all are survivors? How did you make it out?” he asked. “I know the plane was ripped in half, but surely the other half burned up, right?”

“Well, our half did get hit bad but we are all making it…” the man nodded. “So as fellow survivors, can we join you?” he asked.

“Right, please.” Susan smiled. “Come and get comfortable.”

The man motioned to the others who came out into view. The man sat down, feeling a bit more relaxed. He had salt and pepper hair cut short and to his face, tan skin and an injury to his arm that was bandaged. “Henry,” he introduced himself.

Next came two middle-aged women. One of the middle-aged women looked like she was more on the luxurious side her hair short, blonde, and messy, who was in a white torn pantsuit. The other was more down to earth looking Indian woman in a skirt and a t-shirt with a shawl and graying dark hair. They each gave a small nod as they sat down.

“That is Grace and Padma,” Henry pointed to the blonde one first, then the dark-haired one.

An arrogant looking man in a jersey with jeans with some semi-expensive shoes followed behind them. “Well, isn’t this group filled with some pretty young things,” he grinned. “The name’s Robert but you fine ladies can call me Bobby,” he winked.

Another man stepped into view. He was young with black hair and emerald eyes. He was in fashionable but torn name brand clothing. He quietly moved over to a tree and sat against it. He didn’t look at anyone just crossed his arms.

“And that is-” Henry was cut off.

“OMG!” Natasha squealed.

“It’s Keiran Blackwall!” Charmayne continued. “I was on the same plane as him!” she was as giddy as her friend.

Susan glanced his way. “Well, he’s as stranded as us, so chill out and don’t harass him.”

“Oh whatever,” Natasha rolled her eyes. She moved a little closer, trying to start up a conversation. “I’m Natasha, and that’s my friend Charmayne,” she introduced.

“Susan,” she pointed at herself. “That’s DeAnne and Andrew,” she pointed at them. “Fredrick,” she turned to his direction. “Then Cole and Rayen,” she finished.

Rayen sighed, returning to her spot under the tree. “This is going to become ten types of annoying now…” she mumbled.

“Ray, huh, cute,” Robert came closer. “How about we get to know one another?”

“I carry a knife and I’m willing to stab you,” Rayen held out her hand to Cole.

“Oh, cool…” he stepped back. “Maybe later.”

“You should have seen that one coming,” Susan laughed. “But you should read the situation guy, not the time to be hitting on someone.” She began passing out food to them. “So what do you guys have?”

Cole just shook his head keeping the knife to avoid an incident.

Rayen retracted her hand then stood. “I’m going to check nearby,” she said.

“Don’t go too far,” Susan said then turned back to Henry.

“We have just a few bags, not too much with us most of it was unusable,” he replied.

“Well at least our supplies increased a bit.” Susan laughed.

Rayen stepped away from the light of the fire going a bit deeper. A little peace and quiet was welcome. Increasing numbers was a good thing but it also meant that they had to manage and ration everything more. Scavenging and fishing may become a way to keep themselves fed now.

As she kept walking her mind cleared up a bit. “We can do this we can make it back.”

Out of the corner of her eye there was an object glowing. Everything in her body told her to not approach but she did anyway curiosity getting the better of her. As she stepped closer the glowing died down and an obsidian egg came into view. It was large and about the length of a pillow.

“What the hell,” she mumbled leaning in. Rayen picked it up in surprise. “It’s warm…” she gently caressed it. “Wow!” carefully she took off her jacket one arm at a time balancing the egg. She wanted to keep it warm so her coat seemed a logical way. “So this really is a magical place,” she chuckled in disbelief. “That or an elaborate park…” she held the egg firmly then turned around, heading back to camp.

“Oh, you’re back pretty fast,” Susan smiled. “Just finished catching up our new…” she glanced at the bundle the girl was holding. “What is that?”

Rayen sat down then unwrapped the bundle, “I found it out there, it’s warm and alive,” she told them.

“And you brought it back!” Grace yelled. “If what this girl says is true then that thing could hatch and kill us.”

“I kinda agree,” Cole nodded. “You don’t know what it is.”

“What hatches will be a baby, most creatures imprint on the first thing they see right, it could be useful,” Rayen stated. “Let’s just wait; if it seems dangerous after it’s born, then you can kill it or whatever.”

“No way!” Natasha shouted. “Get rid of it.”

“Yeah,” Charmayne chimed in.

“We’ll just vote, it’s helped us so far,” Susan piped up.

“You vote?” Henry asked. “No real leader?”

“Voting puts less pressure since, in the end one person isn’t left holding the bag,” she explained to him. “So all in favor of not killing it hands up.” Susan raised her hand.

“Guess that makes sense,” Henry nodded. He contemplated both sides but didn’t want to risk it so he didn’t raise his hand.

Rayen raised hers, which was an obvious vote as she was the one who found it. Andrew raised his as well. For a moment, DeAnne wavered but raised her hand in the end.

“Well, I don’t see a problem; some kind of pet would be fun to have around,” Robert raised his hand.

“I see no use in offing the poor thing,” Padma raised her hand. “Could just be a bird geez.”

“Seems it’s even so far,” Cole stated. “And you?” he motioned to Keiran.

The man glanced up but said nothing. He looked at the egg then to Rayen holding eye contact for a few seconds. He uncrossed his arms and raised a hand much to the surprise and irritation of Natasha and Charmayne.

“That settles it then.” Rayen wrapped the egg back up. She stood and moved over to the same tree she was using earlier and sat. She opened her bag, making a divot in all the clothes. She unwrapped the egg then placed it in the bag. She got comfortable then pulled out the book she had. She glanced up once at the group then opened the book.

“The Island of fire is said to be the home of the gods,” she read aloud. “It has many names as the home and birthplace of the Gods depending on the culture, Mount Olympus, Avalon, Asgard, Kunlun, and so on. It’s appearance and topography changes with each telling and rendition of the gods. To some, it exists in the underworld to others high in the sky on mountain tops or even different realms. To some, it is just believed to be Hy-Brasil the phantom island and that explains how it stays hidden so well from mortal eyes,” she flipped through the pages as nothing else seemed to be readable.

“Here’s something…” she pulled the book closer to make out the words. “Mortals live on the island as well as those carrying the blood of gods, they are a small few the gods took with them when they separated from the human world to rule themselves…” she pulled the book away, staring at the illustration of people gardening and farming.

It was in that moment she realized how quiet it was. Rayen looked up to see everyone looking at her. “What?” she frowned.

“Oh, just listening,” Susan answered. “So isle of the gods, that why dead things are chasing use and oracles are giving us missions and giant magical eggs are being discovered?” she raised a brow. “It’s cool but I really just want to wake up in my bed now.”

Mummers and nods of agreement seemed to be going around at the statement. Everyone turned back to Rayen as if waiting.

“There’s nothing else to read that’s it so stop looking at me.” Rayen put on her jacket as she put the book away and laid down. “I’ll give up my cover to someone else if there aren’t enough.” She closed her eyes but was still awake.

Not noticing she’d drifted off she woke up sometime later. Taking a moment she sat up yawning. She saw that one of the blankets was draped over her so she looked around for a possible lead as to who did it though everyone visible seemed to have one. Raising to her feet she stretched taking a breath.

“Who’s on watch?” she glanced around but there was no one awake.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Cole come into view. As he moved to sit by the fire she joined him.

“Come to relieve me on duty?” he asked.

“Guess so,” she passed him the blanket. “You should get some sleep, I’ll wake someone else later,” she assured him.

“Alright,” he stood and took her place under the tree.

She picked up a stick and started drawing in the dirt to pass the time. It was boring and slow going, but she didn’t mind. As time passed, she began to watch the flame tending to it since the wind started to pick up. Some of her companions shifted in there sleep, and one woke up. The oh so famous man that Natasha was all gaga for. Groaning, he let out a breath scratching his head as he looked up, seeing her.

She stared at him a moment then at the fire, poking it with a stick. Keiran stood stepping closer to the fire. He handed her the blanket without a word.

“I don’t need it, you can have it. I’m on watch,” Rayen shook her head.

“Well I’m all warm so I don’t need it you can use it I don’t need it anymore.” He stared at the fire. “You sure you want to carry that egg; someone may want to cook it.”

Rayen tried not to laugh at the thought. “They are welcome to try, but I doubt they can,” she stated.

“I see.”

“You have it worse, you’ve got those two riding you, I’d rather jump off a cliff.”

At her comment, he went quiet. “I guess that is a thing,” he said after a moment his voice was low, and he spoke as if talking to someone else.

The two sat in silence, watching the flame for a while before he stood. Rayen glanced up at him for a moment.

“Going for a walk,” he gave her a small nodded then walked off.

As he left, she saw something glinting near her. She picked up the tiny object for a better look. In her hand was a ring. It was a ring in a men’s size in the design of leaves, simple and unique. She looked it over for an inscription but didn’t find any. For now, she put it in her pocket, she’d ask Keiran if it was his when he returned.

As the man returned, she stood walking over to him. “Here,” she held out her hand. Once he held his out she dropped the ring in it. “I think this is yours, it seems very important,” she said. “I’m sure if you wear it, the harpies will stay away.”

Rayen draped the blanket over his shoulders then went back to sit by the fire. “Get some sleep.”

Keiran stared at the tiny object in his hand. It was indeed his ring; he was glad to have it returned to him before it was left and forgotten. “Thanks…” he gave her one final glance as he placed the ring in his pocket. He then laid on the ground once more and tried to sleep.