As they approached the cliff, the sound of water crashing against the rocks grew increasingly overwhelming, reaching the point where it grated on their ears and prevented them from hearing any other environmental noises. It was then, when the noise became truly unbearable, that Apolo and Homero could see in the distance an immense wall that covered their entire horizon; this must be the cliff as seen from below.
The stream seemed to be constantly colliding with the cliff, and if one looked closely, they would realize that the stream was actually flowing into a hole that appeared to pierce the cliff. However, no sane person would venture into that hole, given the speed and force of the stream; it would be impossible to come out alive. Therefore, that couldn't be the cave the children were looking for.
The real cave was a few meters from the hole where the water desperately sought entry, and its entrance seemed large enough for an adult human to enter. The entrance of this cave was somewhat concealed by rocks and the green moss growing around it, but one could still see that there was a path long enough to hide the end of the cave.
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—Are we really going in there?— Homero asked aloud, fear in his voice as he gazed at the cave's entrance. The darkness inside was absolute, making it impossible to see what terrifying creatures might lurk within.
—Yes, what are you afraid of?— Apolo replied loudly, trying to make his voice heard over the noise of the water, while confidently gripping the hilt of his sword.
—Trees don't grow inside a cave, you ignoramus!— Homero nervously exclaimed—If they start shooting arrows at us in there, how the hell do you plan to make it out alive?
—It's impossible to use long-range weapons in a cave, you idiot! Besides, we have each other. As long as they don't kill both of us at the same time, we can rescue Helena— Apolo responded loudly, proceeding to find a way to enter the cave without falling into the stream.
In a few minutes, Apolo found the path likely used by Helena's kidnappers to enter the cave. With skillful leaps from rock to rock, the young nobleman managed to reach the cave entrance but did not enter. Instead, he patiently waited for his younger brother to gather his courage and also reach the entrance.
When the two brothers finally reached the cave, Apolo signaled to his younger brother to remain silent from now on. Then, he ventured into the cave, illuminating his steps with a faint flame that had ignited at the tip of his finger.