Daurius watched. listened but after a few moments, nothing seemed to move. He let out a heavy sigh as he left the wall. He began walking back toward the tunnel. He was about to give the all clear, when a pair of fur covered eyes glanced over the tunnel. He stopped dead in his tracks, hardly able to catch his breath. The tongue crossing hungrily over the animal's mouth almost caused the young boy to faint. One step after another, he slowly backed away. What happened next was so quick that it all seemed to be a blur. A swipe of a paw sent the tunnel rolling away. Daurius watched as the furry beast batted at the tunnel his brothers were in with pure horror. As fast as his feet could move, he ran home to get help.

Baurius along with Caurius bumped around the tunnel, being tossed in all manner of directions. There were screams, grunts, and groans until the tunnel hit something before crashing to a stop. Caurius rolled off from top of Baurius with a moan. "Maybe you were right, we should have turned back." He struggled to a sitting position rubbing at his elbows while taking a look around. The tunnel grew so dark that it was hard to see. After a few moments, the tunnel began to vibrate as something hard pounded the roof. Caurius reached for Baurius, "What are we going to do? Baurius? Hey, are you alright? Come on, say something."

A small grunt came from Baurius as he moved very slowly. He could hear Caurius but the voice echoed, seeming so far away. His sides along with his legs hurt so much. All he wanted at that moment was to be at home. Facing his parent's wrath seemed far better than this. Oh why did he listen to his brothers? His body trembled from the ramming against the tunnel. Each time a vibration hit, the pain intensified. He began to cry, he felt foolish for doing so but the tears would not stop streaming down his face. He winced when he felt Caurius' arm on his shoulder which made him feel even worse. "Caurius." He barely managed to speak, in fact, a whisper was all he could manage.

Drexel opened the door, walking to the closet to grab a jacket. "Stay here with the children, I am going to see if I can get a few people together to search." Melinda had tears in her eyes as she hugged herself tightly. He went over to his wife to console her for a few moments. "I am sure the boys are fine. Please, try not to fret. Right now, the children need us to be strong. I will do what needs to be done." He allowed Melinda to wrap her arms around him for a few moments before kissing the top of her head. "We will be back soon." She released him, nodding her head before wiping her face. He smiled reassuringly, "That's my girl." With that, he headed out of the house. It was then he saw Daurius running in his direction. The other two were not with him which caused all sorts of alarms to go off. "Daurius, where are your brothers?" He listened to what Daurius had to say while the anxiety built up inside. "Go inside with your mother, you stay here." Drexel knew the area his son spoke of, and it was a very dangerous spot.

Hammond had just finished a wonderful supper. His wife was one of the finest cooks he knew. His favorite arm chair waited for him by the fire where he proceeded to light his pipe. Smoke rings filled the air as he lifted his feet on the newly acquired footstool. It was in these moment he truly felt like a king. "Have I thanked you for that glorious meal yet?" There was no answer, probably from his lady tidying up the kitchen. He was almost inclined to go assist her but thought better of it. The kitchen was a woman's domain he reminded himself. He would prefer not to break anything or be in the way. He stared happily at the portrait of him and his bride above the mantle place. She always mention the desire to have children but for some reason, that didn't happen. At times, he wondered how life would change if he had a son or daughter running about. He turned to see his wife coming toward him when there was a loud knocking on the door. "Who could that be at this hour?"

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Janine looked at the door shaking her head as she went to find out. Hammond listened to find out who it may be. "Mr. Drexel what's wrong you are as pale as a ghost. Please, please do come in. May I get you a cup of tea?" She went straight to the cupboard to fetch a mug. "Hammond is in the sitting room." A hot cup of tea was ready in moments, since it was the after meal tradition in the house. "Here take this, I'll bring you in to see my husband." As she led Drexel to the room she saw the puzzled look Hammond gave her shaking her head. She was just as confused at the moment but wanted to be the proper hostess.

Drexel collapsed in a small chair in the corner of the room. If the situation was not as urgent, he would have appreciated the warm glow of the fire. "Mr. Hammond, I need your help. Two of my sons are trapped by some furry creature in a tunnel." The words he spoke made little sense to him. "It's Baurius and Caurius, sir. Please, you have to help me." He placed his hands over his head, trying desperately to think. His face was wearied as he placed his hands hard enough to make a clapping sound on his knees. Hammond placed his pipe off to the side on the table near him. He asked where the boys were trapped. Drexel let out a sigh, the sweat beading across his forehead, "Death Alley."

Hammond saw the reaction on his wife's face, the pleading look she was giving. He sighed heavily as he placed his feet onto the floor. "Well, as mayor, you have come to the right place." He stood up, walking toward the very concerned father, "I will gather the physician, and a few men. We will begin the search and rescue in the morning." He smiled at his wife, who did not seem very enthusiastic of what he just said. Why would that be so displeasing? He watched as she left the room heading once again to the kitchen. He shook his head before turning his attention once again to Drexel. The poor man was as white as a sheet.

Drexel could hardly believe his ears. Morning? His sons could be in serious trouble! "Mr. Hammond, the boys may be hurt. I know how afraid they are, too. Is there no way we can start the search now?" He noticed the mayor's face, getting the answer from that glance. There were no need for words, even though he knew what was coming.

"Mr. Drexel try to understand. It is past dark, the danger alone from this area is sure enough to scare people away from the search. What makes it worse is that the boys are in Death Ally. I assure you, we will leave at first light. It is much safer for everyone that way. I am sure your boys will be fine. They are fine young lads with strong wills." The look of desperation made the older man's heart ache but he could not risk any more lives at this point? How could he? "I will make all the arrangements, we will by your house to search together." He felt there was nothing else he could say as he watched his troubled guest stand. "Try not to worry."

Drexel left the house feeling quite defeated. How could he bare to face Melinda with this news? His thoughts ran in so many directions. He just stood still debating within himself. It did not take long for him to decide. He began his journey toward Death Alley.