We were dangerously close from the explosion. My ears rang as my vision was blurred by the ashes that covered the area. As I regained my hearing, I heard a very discreet sound that sent chills down my spine. I was certain that the others heard it, as well, when they turned their heads from left to right. It sounded like a silent howl of something that I have not heard before. It was like a strong gust of wind passing through a shattered horn or a screech being forced out from a dry throat.

When the area was cleared, Father yelled at Danny for putting us all in danger. But his anger was quickly overwhelmed by his curiosity when Henry pointed at the black stone. One side of the arc was turned to rubbles. Like what Danny said before, the explosion was able to push the black stone slightly forward. It created space that was barely enough for a person to squeeze right through. The passageway to the chamber behind the black stone was finally opened.

I was told to stay back as they slowly approached the entrance, but they were also pushed away by the foul stench the came out from the chamber. Even though I was relatively far from that small opening, it was obvious to me what was in there because of what that odor. The filthy stench of what I could only describe as a sudden burst of intolerably foul smell from countless corpses almost knocked me out.

George screamed and ran away before he could even see what was inside the chamber, but the others pushed ahead and shone a light through the opening. I also wanted to get closer despite of the filthy smell, but Father told me stay where I was standing with a serious tone in his voice. They started whispering to each other. They didn’t even bother to run after George.

Henry grabbed his ropes and tied the end on a tree nearby. It was then when I realized that the chamber was deeper than we thought. Danny and Henry went in first. Father was supposed to stay at the surface, but I could see in his face that he wanted to get closer to whatever it was down there. Eventually, he ordered me not to move once again and keep an eye on the rope. He entered the chamber, as well. Needless to say, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to take a look at what was inside. I slid halfway into the opening and took a peek. When I finally saw what was behind the black stone with my own eyes, I couldn’t blame Father for having the urge to see more.