John grabbed Ben’s arm and he raced to a door he hadn’t noticed before. He swung it open and rushed both of them into a basement of sorts. He turned on a light switch and the room lit up. It was like a bunker. It had a table in one room and there were spears, swords, and bows lining the walls. He closed the door which he estimated to be at least a couple inches thick. The meager bulb barely lit up the place but he could also see a metal door that was about ten inches high by five inches wide.

What is this place?

Well, you heard your dogs barking outside right?

Yea.

Well I’ll tell you this much, I call them Verschlingt.

Ver-what?

Ver-sh-lie-t. It’s a bear of sorts but it is bigger and has poison fangs.

Wh-wh WHAT?

Do I really need to repeat myself?

I think so.

Fine I’ll go slower V-e-r-s-h-l-i-e-t. I-t i-s a b-

OK I get it.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

See, I told you I didn’t need to repeat myself. Now, we wait here until dawn then we go outside and see what the broke.

Ben couldn’t sleep that night, the floor was hard and cold, there was a constant roaring all night, he was freezing and worried about Jack and Bob. He also wondered why John didn’t just build a boat and sail out of here? Why would anyone want to stay in a place like this? Did he come here by choice? Does he have a way off this island? He finally drifted off into the endless abyss of sleep. He woke up after what seem like a couple of seconds, He say that the door was open and that his dogs were on the other side of the room. One of them looked up and wagged its tail. He got up and walked to Bob and started stroking his back.

We’ll get out of this. Together.

Well when you’re done giving your sulky speech to your dog, breakfast is ready.

Ok, be up in a minute.

He wondered if he was right. Maybe John did come here by choice, to do research or something. He brushed the thought off and dusted himself off. Sleeping on a dirt floor doesn’t leave you the least bit clean. He went up the stairs to find some apples and a cup of orange juice. There was also a coffee machine. He sat down and grabbed an apple and took a bite out of it. It was like the sweetest and richest fruit in the whole world. He took another bite and came up with the same satisfying taste. He couldn’t stop savoring the flavor and he soon realized there wasn’t any apple left. John came into the room and stared at him for a moment. Then his mouth filled with the most horrific taste he ever experienced. He coughed and gagged and spit everywhere. John couldn’t stop laughing. He was on the floor laughing hysterically to the point where his face turned red. Ben slapped the table.

That is NOT funny.

Ok boss, it’s not funny.

He was still giggling uncontrollably and then he stopped.

I should have told you not to eat them too quickly. Don’t worry, it doesn’t happen if you eat is slowly.

Ok, I’ll remember that.

Oh there is something I want to show you.

What is it?

The way off this island.

They packed a backpack with some more apples and a thermos of water and set off. It took about a half an hour to get there. There was a huge building by the water. They went into the door and he could only stand there in awe at what he was seeing. It was a huge ship, sails and all.

Wow.

Cool, right?

Yea. But I have a question, why haven’t you left yet?

Well isn’t it obvious? I can’t pilot this ship all by me oneself now can I?

Good point.

Well let’s get packed.