SIMEIN MOUNTAINS, ETHOPIA

A battered Toyota careens through the rugged twists and turns of Ethiopia’s high valleys, its engine growling as it navigates the unforgiving terrain. Inside, the infectious beat of “On Top Of The World” fills the air, courtesy of a pair of devoted Imagine Dragons enthusiasts. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they barrel towards a destination where the sunlight fractures into a kaleidoscope of hues amidst the breathtaking natural wonders of Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian driver, his eyes gleaming with admiration for the famous figure seated beside him, steers the car toward the summit of a small mountain peak. Despite his focus on the road, he can’t contain his excitement about sharing the joy of the ride. ‘Yo, man! Allan!’ he exclaims, his voice filled with enthusiasm. ‘This song, it’s pure fire!’

Allan, a 30-year-old fair-skinned American with a mop of medium-length silky hair, clad in a woolen rugged coat despite the scorching equatorial heat, flashes a grin in response. Beneath the coat, he sports a simple t-shirt, paired with ordinary tailored trousers. ‘That’s some real fire, man,’ he agrees, nodding in appreciation. ‘Imagine Dragons always bring the heat. Yo!’

The car grinds to a halt at a small peak, the music fading into silence as a somber mood settles over the occupants. Allan slings his bag over his chest, securing it around his shoulder, while the Ethiopian driver steps out of the car, followed closely by Allan from the other side.

‘This ain’t no small spot,’ the Ethiopian driver remarks, casting a glance around the expansive landscape. ‘You sure this is it?’

Confident in his conviction, Allan nods firmly and retrieves a weathered, ancient map from his sling bag. With purposeful strides, he makes his way to the rear of the car and opens the storage space, revealing a sturdy mountaineering backpack nestled within. Returning to the group, Allan spots a narrow pathway leading into a dense forest. Peering through the foliage, he catches sight of a valley below, where a majestic waterfall cascades down its rocky face.

‘This is it,’ Allan declares with a sense of certainty, his gaze fixed on the breathtaking vista before him.

‘You’re heading down there?’ the local remarks, his tone tinged with concern. ‘Alright, but let me tell you a story first. That’s the place where the Genwarar trees grow. It’s been untouched for over 150 years, and those who venture in never return. They say evil spirits haunt those grounds... There are many theories about it. When Ethiopia lost the war against Ahmad Gragn, many soldiers were imprisoned there...’

Allan interjects, his curiosity piqued. ‘And those soldiers... they died there and became the evil spirits?’

‘That’s the tale the locals tell,’ the driver continues, ‘but our family’s belief runs deeper. My great-grandfather was an excavator who dug into that land. He vanished for eight days, and when he finally returned, he was in a dark mood. He barely touched his dinner before retiring to his room. The next morning, he was found dead—an apparent suicide. It wasn’t until later that my grandfather discovered his notes, written in Semithara, an ancient tribal language of these mountains known to no one from 5th century. Among his writings were sketches of those. I’m telling you, it’s risky...’

‘But I’ve been tasked with this mission,’ Allan presses on, his determination unwavering. ‘If we can uncover any hint of a remedy, we could potentially save thousands of children afflicted by the ThunduPulma Plague. Our research is solid, and if we succeed, I have seen your records, and your son’s records… You know the pain, right?’

The local’s expression shifts from shock to profound sorrow in an instant, his gaze dropping to the ground. ‘Yes...’ he murmurs, his voice heavy with emotion. ‘And I believe you should have this.’ With a resigned sigh, he reaches into his sling bag and retrieves the ancient book belonging to his great-grandfather, offering it to Allan.

‘You have this with you?’ asks Allan, seeing the book.

‘I always keep it with me,’ the local confides, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and defiance. ‘It’s a secret between my grandfather and me. My parents believe this book was buried, but that’s not true. My grandfather never did it.’

Allan tucks the book safely into his sling bag before approaching the local and pulling him into a heartfelt embrace. Small tears escape the corners of the local’s eyes as he whispers, ‘Musafir... Keep faith in me. I won’t let other children suffer the same fate as your son. I promise. Thank you.’

As they regain their composure, Allan nods gratefully before turning towards the edge. Meanwhile, Musafir calls out, ‘Hey, Imagine Dragons! Yo! If you ever need a hand from Ethiopia, remember this good singing buddy!’, making Allan to smile.

Musafir hops into his car and starts the engine, preparing to head back. Meanwhile, Allan strides to the edge of the peak, his gaze fixed on the distant waterfall, lost in thought.

Allan retrieves his folding trekking pole and extends it, securing it in his grip. With the backpack snug against his back once more, he surveys the terrain ahead. Spotting a narrow path winding its way down towards the valley below, Allan takes a deep breath and begins his descent. Using the pole, he pushes aside overgrown bushes and navigates the steep, rocky trail with careful determination.

***

At the end of the narrow pathway, Allan reaches a point where he must descend a small elevated area to reach the river bay at the valley floor. Setting down his backpack, he retrieves his ropes, carabiners, and other necessary equipment for securing a descent. Carefully, he attaches the rope to his waist belt using the carabiners, then secures the other end to a sturdy, towering rock nearby. With the rope in place, Allan cautiously approaches the edge, turning to face the descent. Gripping the rope firmly, he begins his slow descent, carefully navigating the final steps down to the valley floor.

Allan beholds the grand waterfall cascading from the opposite bank of the river. With a sense of anticipation, he retrieves the map from his sling bag and carefully unfurls it. His eyes fall upon the pastel drawing depicting the majestic waterfall, rendered in varying shades of blue. Beneath the image, he notices intricate letters etched in the ancient script. Curious, he leans in closer to examine the details, tracing the characters with his finger as he attempts to decipher their meaning. ተሰማሁ፤ ግንባርዋ ከዚህ በፊት እንዴት ወሰን አይደለም፤ ከሰላም አንዱ አውሬዋ ከሌለው አይን ወደ ሰማይ ሆ. Allan delicately traces his finger along the small letters of the ancient script, methodically moving from one end to the other. With focused determination, he studies each character, “Mountains come through the water, going deep inside the mist.”

Perplexed by the enigmatic phrase on the map, Allan gazes up towards the towering waterfall. His eyes trace the path of the cascading water from its source high above to the ground below, taking in the majestic spectacle before him.

‘Mountains come through the water? What the hell does this mean?’ Allan mutters to himself in frustration, scratching his head as he tries to make sense of the cryptic phrase. He takes a moment to gaze at the waterfall again, closing his eyes in deep thought. Suddenly, a spark of realization illuminates his face, and he opens his eyes with a gleam of excitement.

‘Yes, that’s it!’ he exclaims. ‘Mist... When we see the massive flow of a waterfall, it creates mist... Mist that surrounds and envelops the mountains!’

With purposeful efficiency, Allan unpacks his backpack and retrieves a torch, a water bottle, and a packet of Cashew Nuts, stowing them neatly inside his sling bag. After securely closing the backpack, he sets it down on the ground and approaches the riverbank.

Without hesitation, Allan plunges into the water and begins swimming across the narrow expanse of the river. The current proves challenging, but he presses on, exerting himself against the force of the stream. Gradually, stroke by stroke, Allan makes his way to the other side of the river, drawing closer to his destination with each determined movement.

‘Ah, damn it...’ Allan mutters to himself as he reaches the opposite bank of the river, his breaths coming in heaving gasps from the exertion of his swim.

Allan approaches the waterfall with a sense of awe, drawn closer by its captivating beauty. Despite its slender appearance as it cascades directly onto the sandy ground below, the stream carries the weight of the mountain’s flow, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Undeterred, Allan continues to venture closer and closer to the waterfall, his curiosity driving him forward with each step.

As Allan follows the narrow path beside the river, he draws nearer to the roaring waterfall ahead. With each step, the thunderous sound of rushing water grows louder, echoing off the surrounding cliffs. Finally, he arrives at the base of the waterfall and gazes up at the towering cascade.

There, nestled between the rugged mountain and the veil of water, Allan spots a small gap—a narrow opening that seems to beckon him forward. Intrigued, he approaches cautiously, the mist from the waterfall enveloping him in a cool, refreshing embrace.

As Allan ventures closer to the gap, battling against the relentless cascade of water from the mountain above, his hopes begin to fade as he perceives nothing but solid rock between the waterfall’s stream and the mountain itself. Disheartened, he starts to turn away, resigned to the notion that there is nothing of significance to be found.

However, just as he prepares to leave, his gaze falls upon a small Gelada Baboon baby perched precariously on a branch of a nearby tree. The tree, growing horizontally from the mountain’s side, provides an unexpected sight amidst the rugged terrain. Intrigued by the presence of the baboon, Allan pauses, his curiosity piqued once more.

The tiny Gelada Baboon captures Allan’s attention with its unusual golden, sparkling eyes, a striking contrast to the typical black or brown eyes of its species. Mesmerized by the intensity of its gaze, Allan finds himself transfixed, unable to tear his eyes away from the mysterious creature. In a silent exchange, the baboon and Allan lock eyes, each seemingly entranced by the other’s presence. Time stands still as they share a moment of connection amidst the rugged wilderness.

‘This is a Gelada Baboon, famous in the Ethiopian region,’ Allan murmurs in awe, his voice filled with wonder. ‘Holy! Damn it! You look... weirdly attractive to those golden eyes.’ He speaks softly to the tiny baboon, marveling at its captivating gaze and unique beauty.

The Gelada Baboon suddenly leaps onto Allan’s shoulder, its tiny body pressing against him as it rubs its face affectionately against his shoulder. Allan’s initial surprise gives way to a sense of joy as he feels the warmth of the baboon’s gesture. ‘You like me?’ he asks with a hint of amusement, his voice filled with genuine affection for the curious creature.

The Gelada Baboon fixes its gaze on Allan’s eyes, its golden orbs reflecting a profound curiosity and intelligence. Allan feels a strange pull, as if the baboon’s eyes are drawing him in, captivating his attention entirely.

‘You can hear me?’ Allan asks, his voice filled with wonder and disbelief. ‘Little boy?’

The baboon continues to regard him with intense interest, its gaze unwavering as they share a moment of silent communication. Allan senses a connection forming, transcending the barriers of language and species.

With a swift movement, the Gelada Baboon leaps up and delivers a powerful kick to a rock jutting out from the mountain. The impact causes the rock to shatter, sending fragments tumbling down the mountainside. Before Allan can react, the baboon bounds effortlessly onto a nearby tree and disappears among the foliage, blending seamlessly into the surrounding forest.

Allan watches in astonishment as the baboon vanishes from sight, leaving him standing alone amidst the rugged landscape. The mysterious encounter leaves him with more questions than answers, his mind racing with thoughts of the extraordinary creature he has just encountered.

Intrigued by the hole created by the baboon’s kick, Allan approaches cautiously and examines the material that has been dislodged. To his astonishment, he realizes that it’s not ordinary sand, but rather gold particles finely dispersed within the sandy matter.

With a sense of wonder, Allan gathers some of the golden sand in his palm, holding it up to the light to examine it more closely. The particles gleam and sparkle, catching the sunlight and casting a mesmerizing glow. Allan’s heart races with excitement as he realizes the significance of his discovery—the mountainside conceals a hidden treasure of gold.

As Allan observes the small break inside the hole, his eyes widen in amazement as he experiences his hand passing through the surface. The discovery sends a thrill of excitement coursing through him. Determined to explore further, Allan retrieves a pry bar from his sling bag, a basic archaeology instrument he had brought along for the expedition.

With a decisive strike, Allan drives the pry bar into the surface, and to his astonishment, it penetrates effortlessly. He attempts to remove the pry bar with his hand, but encounters resistance, realizing that the material is coated with mud and soil. With careful determination, Allan cleans away the debris and reveals an unknown material with a grayish-gold composition.

As Allan examines the strange substance, he notices another large hole forming nearby, revealing something silvery within. Recognizing the potential significance of his discoveries, Allan carefully gathers the unknown material and the pry bar, stowing them inside his sling bag for further examination later. With a sense of anticipation, he prepares to explore the mysterious depths of the mountainside further, eager to uncover its secrets.

Allan’s senses sharpen as he hears a metallic sound emanating from the mountain above. Before he can react, he watches in horror as the coated unknown material begins to rupture and detach from the surface, cascading down towards him with increasing speed.

‘Damn it!’ Allan shouts in alarm as the material hurtles towards him. With quick reflexes, he surveys his surroundings and spots the nearby river below. Without hesitation, he takes a sudden leap, plunging into the icy waters just as the debris crashes down behind him.

As Allan resurfaces, he takes a deep breath, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He watches from the safety of the river as the cascade of material settles, grateful to have narrowly escaped the danger. With a sense of urgency, he swims to the riverbank and quickly makes his way to solid ground, his heart still pounding from the close call.

After a tense few minutes submerged in the river, Allan’s ears register the absence of the falling sound. Taking a deep breath, he emerges from the water and surveys his surroundings. To his astonishment, he finds that everything has come to a standstill.

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But what truly catches Allan’s attention is the dramatic transformation of the rocky surface. Instead of rugged terrain, he beholds a shimmering metallic expanse stretching out before him. His eyes widen in disbelief as he takes in the surreal sight.

And then, amidst the metallic surface, Allan’s gaze falls upon something truly extraordinary—a hidden, gigantic golden door, its intricate design gleaming in the sunlight. Allan’s mind races with wonder and excitement as he realizes the magnitude of the discovery before him. With trembling hands, he takes a hesitant step forward, drawn irresistibly towards the mysterious portal that beckons to him with the promise of untold secrets.

Allan stands before the gigantic golden door, his mind buzzing with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. Despite the overwhelming urge to explore further, he finds himself at a loss for what to do next. The enormity of the discovery leaves him feeling paralyzed, unsure of how to proceed.

For a moment, he simply stands in idle contemplation, absorbing the magnitude of the moment. The intricate design of the door looms before him, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. Allan takes a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lies beyond, knowing that the journey ahead will be filled with both challenges and revelations.

Allan’s heart sinks as he opens the map, hoping to find some clue about the mysterious golden door, only to be met with disappointment. The drawings on the map reveal nothing about the door, leaving him feeling lost and frustrated.

Desperately, he runs his finger over the inscriptions on the map, searching for any hidden messages or clues. But his efforts yield no results, and a sense of despair washes over him.

With a heavy sigh, Allan rolls up the map and stows it back inside his bag, resigned to the fact that it holds no answers for him. Turning his attention to the book given to him by his Ethiopian friend, he feels a glimmer of hope.

Perhaps within its pages lies the key to unlocking the mysteries of the golden door. With renewed determination, Allan opens the book, eager to delve into its secrets and uncover the truth hidden within its ancient pages.

Allan’s heart quickens as he comes across the drawing of a lion symbol on a door within the pages of the book. ‘Is this it?’ he murmurs to himself, a surge of excitement coursing through him. Eagerly, he approaches the golden door, his eyes scanning its surface for any sign of the symbol depicted in the book. But to his disappointment, he finds nothing.

Undeterred, Allan continues to flip through the pages of the book until he comes across a drawing of the sun and a mirror. Closing his eyes, he takes a moment to ponder the significance of both images. Suddenly, inspiration strikes.

Without hesitation, Allan retrieves a pocket mirror from his pocket and angles it to reflect the sunlight onto the surface of the door. His heart races with anticipation as he waits, hoping that this might reveal the hidden secrets of the mysterious portal. But as he inspects the door, he finds no immediate change.

As Allan’s mind races with ideas, he recalls the magnifying glass tucked away in his pocket. With a quick motion, he retrieves it, his hands trembling with anticipation. Placing the magnifying glass between the sun and the door, he focuses the thin beams of sunlight onto the surface, hoping for a breakthrough.

To his amazement, he notices a faint dark line beginning to emerge on the door. With careful precision, Allan adjusts the angle of the magnifying glass, guiding the sunlight along the invisible lines etched into the surface. As he does so, the imprints of the sunlight begin to illuminate the previously hidden markings, casting a soft glow upon the door.

A sense of excitement courses through Allan as he realizes that he’s onto something. With renewed determination, he continues to trace the lines with the magnifying glass.

As the doors swing open, a sliver of sunlight filters into the dark room, illuminating its shadowy interior. Allan’s heart races with anticipation as he steps forward, his hand clutching the book tightly.

With a sense of determination, Allan enters the room, his torchlight cutting through the darkness as he navigates the pathway ahead. The air is heavy with the weight of ancient secrets, and Allan’s pulse quickens with each step he takes further into the unknown.

As he delves deeper into the mysterious chamber, Allan’s senses are heightened, every sound and shadow tinged with an air of mystery. With the book as his guide, he presses onward, eager to uncover the secrets that lie hidden within the depths of the ancient room.

Frustration mounts within Allan as he flips through the pages of the book, only to find them blank. ‘Okay,’, he mutters to himself, his brow furrowing in disappointment.

Determined not to give up, Allan carefully examines the pages, running his fingers over the smooth surface in search of any hidden clues. Suddenly, his eyes catch sight of some script written in a different language, its meaning eluding him.

With a sigh, Allan racks his brain, trying to recall any knowledge of the language. Despite his efforts, the script remains incomprehensible to him. Undeterred, he resolves to continue his search, knowing that the answers he seeks must lie somewhere within the ancient pages of the mysterious book.

Allan’s eyes widen in amazement as he comes across the golden-eyed Gelada Baboon once again, nestled within the depths of the cave. A sense of wonder washes over him at the sight of the creature’s ethereal presence.

Without hesitation, Allan sinks to his knees, a warm smile spreading across his face. ‘Hey buddy! You’re back?’ he says softly, his voice filled with affection and awe.

The baboon regards him with a knowing gaze, its golden eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that transcends words. In this moment of connection, Allan feels a sense of kinship with the mysterious creature, bound together by the shared experience of discovery and exploration. With a sense of gratitude, he reaches out to gently stroke the baboon’s fur, cherishing the fleeting moment of companionship in the heart of the ancient cave.

Allan follows the Gelada Baboon eagerly, his heart racing with excitement as they journey deeper into the cave. Suddenly, the baboon comes to a halt and turns to face Allan, a mere two feet separating them. Allan takes a step closer, reaching out instinctively to touch the creature.

But before he can make contact, a small trapdoor unexpectedly opens beneath him, causing Allan to plummet downward through a slide hidden in the cave floor. He cries out in alarm as he tumbles into the darkness below, the rush of air whipping past him.

Meanwhile, the Gelada Baboon, sensing Allan’s predicament, swiftly shifts its gaze to the opening in the floor. In a surprising display, the baboon’s eyes change color to a fierce red hue, and it to close the trapdoor, with an evil smile.

As Allan lands in the darkness below, he quickly takes stock of his surroundings. With a flick of his torch, he illuminates the area, revealing a cavernous chamber enveloped in shadows. The only sources of light are the fire torches hanging from the walls, casting flickering shadows across the black rock surfaces.

Allan’s heart pounds in his chest as he takes in the eerie scene. The walls of the cavern, constructed from rough black rocks, seem to absorb the light, creating an oppressive atmosphere. Even the floor beneath his feet is composed of the same dark stone, adding to the sense of foreboding that permeates the air.

As Allan’s senses are assaulted by the piercing scream of an adult Gelada Baboon, he is caught off guard as something falls upon him, knocking him to the ground. Before he can react, the creature begins attacking him, its frenzied assault causing Allan to struggle beneath its weight.

Gasping for air, Allan feels the weight of the adult Gelada Baboon pressing down on him, threatening to overwhelm him. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he fights back with all his strength, using his fists and palms to fend off the creature’s vicious attacks.

Each blow is met with a desperate counterattack, as Allan battles to defend himself against the relentless onslaught. In the dim light of the cavern, he fights for his survival.

As the onslaught of Gelada Baboons intensifies, Allan finds himself overwhelmed by their ferocious attacks. Desperate for escape, he throws the attacking baboon aside and breaks into a sprint, his heart pounding with fear.

In a stroke of desperation, Allan grabs hold of one of the nearby fire torches, his hands trembling as he fumbles for his lighter. With a flick of his thumb, the flame ignites, casting a flickering glow in the darkness.

With the fire torch held aloft, Allan comes to a sudden stop, his back pressed against the cavern wall. He turns to face the advancing baboons, the flames dancing ominously in the dim light. The baboons hesitate, their screams turning to fearful cries as they recoil from the threatening blaze.

With a mixture of relief and determination, Allan stands his ground, the fire torch held firmly in his grasp.

With the Baboons momentarily held at bay by the threat of fire, Allan seizes the opportunity to assess his surroundings. As he scans the dark chamber, his eyes alight upon another rusty door in the distance, its presence hinting at further mysteries yet to be uncovered. Above him, the sight of countless trees lining the ceiling fills him with a sense of wonder.

Before he can fully process his surroundings, Allan is startled by the sudden weight of a baboon landing on his shoulders, sending him crashing to the ground once again. As the creature attacks, Allan’s torch is knocked from his grasp, casting the chamber into darkness once more.

Fighting through the chaos, Allan defends himself against the relentless onslaught of the baboons, his fists and palms striking out in a desperate bid for survival. With the creatures closing in, Allan’s instincts kick in, and he lashes out, kicking the attacking baboon aside.

With a swift motion, Allan grabs hold of the rope dangling from the ceiling, his muscles straining as he swings his legs upward, using the momentum to propel himself into the air. As he ascends, he glimpses the distant door, his determination to escape growing stronger with each passing moment. With a surge of adrenaline, Allan continues to climb, his eyes fixed on the promise of freedom beyond the confines of the dark chamber.

As Allan ascends the rope, his heart pounds with a mixture of anticipation and fear. To his surprise, the rope begins to move upwards of its own accord, carrying him towards the towering trees that line the ceiling of the chamber.

Below, the baboons react with panic as they witness Allan’s escape. Some scramble towards the ends of the walls, using the rocks as footholds to climb towards the safety of the trees. Others, overwhelmed by fear, retreat to the walls and begin scaling them in a desperate bid to avoid the impending danger.

Meanwhile, Allan’s ascent is interrupted by a sudden rumbling beneath him. With growing dread, he watches as the floor of the chamber begins to split apart, revealing a chasm of molten lava raging below.

The heat and intensity of the lava fill the chamber with an ominous glow, casting flickering shadows across the walls. Allan’s heart races as he realizes the gravity of the situation, the danger of being trapped in the chamber with no means of escape.

With quick thinking, Allan redoubles his efforts to reach the safety of the trees above, his muscles straining with exertion. As he climbs higher, he prays that he can evade the deadly threat that lurks below, determined to survive against all odds.

With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Allan swings from branch to branch, his agile movements propelling him closer to the safety of the towering trees. With each leap, he feels the rush of wind against his face as he navigates the dense foliage, his senses heightened by the urgency of his escape.

As Allan races along the branches, the baboons in hot pursuit, he pushes himself to the limit, his muscles straining with exertion. With each leap, he feels the tension of the chase mounting, his determination to reach his goal unwavering despite the danger that lurks behind him.

With a final burst of speed, Allan reaches the end of the branches, his eyes fixed on the wide arch that covers the door to freedom. With a leap of faith, he launches himself towards the arch, his heart pounding with anticipation as he lands on the solid ground beyond.

Breathless and exhilarated, Allan turns to face his pursuers, his eyes blazing with defiance.

As Allan takes his final leap from the branch towards the arch, his heart races with anticipation. With a swift motion, he grabs hold of the top part of the arch and swings himself towards it, his muscles straining with the effort.

To his surprise, the chase of the baboons abruptly halts at the end of the branch, their faces contorted in disgust. With a sense of relief, Allan watches as they retreat into the safety of the trees, their menacing presence fading into the shadows.

But even as the threat of the baboons subsides, Allan’s fear of falling into the molten lava below remains palpable. With each moment that passes, the heat and intensity of the chasm beneath him serve as a constant reminder of the danger that lurks just below the surface.

With a steady hand and a determined resolve, Allan clings to the arch, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Despite the fear that grips him, he remains steadfast in his determination to survive, knowing that the only way forward is to push through the fear and continue on his journey towards safety.

With cautious steps, Allan ascends to the top of the arch, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. As he reaches the pinnacle, he spots a large rock elevated in the middle of the platform. Curiosity piqued, Allan approaches the rock and places his hand upon its surface.

To his surprise, the rock gives way beneath his touch, revealing a hidden chamber concealed within. Allan’s heart quickens with anticipation as he steps inside, the sound of a massive door opening echoing through the chamber.

With a determined leap, Allan swings himself into the room beyond, his eyes widening in awe as sunlight streams in from above, illuminating a statue placed atop a towering rock. Without hesitation, Allan jumps into the room, landing gracefully upon the floor below, his senses alive with the thrill of discovery.

With heightened senses, Allan cautiously navigates the chamber, his ears attuned to any potential dangers lurking within. Suddenly, he hears the unmistakable sound of metal slicing through the air, and he instinctively drops to the floor.

A sharp sword emerges from one side of the wall, swiftly crossing the chamber before retracting back into its hidden recess. Heart pounding, Allan carefully crawls along the floor, keeping low to avoid the deadly blade’s path.

As he reaches the end of the chamber, Allan rises to his feet, his eyes fixed on the idol placed atop a pedestal. With a steady hand, he reaches out to claim the artifact, his fingers trembling with anticipation. With the idol in his grasp, Allan’s heart swells with triumph, knowing that he has overcome the perilous challenges of the chamber to achieve his goal.

As Allan lifts the stone idol and secures it in his sling bag, a sense of relief washes over him. He turns to leave, believing the ordeal to be over and eager to find his way out of the mountain.

But his moment of respite is short-lived as the ground beneath him begins to tremble and crack. Panic surges through Allan as he watches in horror as the walls and floor of the chamber start to crumble around him.

With adrenaline-fueled urgency, Allan breaks into a sprint, his heart pounding in his chest as he races towards what appears to be an opening in the crumbling wall. Without hesitation, he leaps through the gap, propelled by the desperate need to escape the collapsing mountain.

As he emerges into the open air, Allan is greeted by the warm embrace of sunlight, his lungs filling with the fresh mountain air. Looking back, he watches as the mountain crumbles behind him, the once formidable structure reduced to rubble and dust.

With a mixture of relief and awe, Allan realizes that he has emerged victorious from the harrowing ordeal, the stone idol safely in his possession. Though the journey has been perilous.  

Allan’s heart pounds in his chest as he registers the sudden threat looming before him. With a sharp intake of breath, he turns to his right and is met with the chilling sight of a dozen archers poised in the trees, their deadly arrows trained on him with lethal precision.

But the danger doesn’t end there. From the surrounding bushes and trees emerge a horde of tribal warriors, their fierce visages set in determined expressions as they brandish their weapons menacingly. More than a hundred strong, they form an imposing barrier, their traditional attire and war paint marking them as formidable adversaries.

Caught in the crosshairs of their combined force, Allan’s mind races with the realization that he is outnumbered and outmatched. Every instinct screams at him to flee, but he knows that there is no escape from the deadly convergence of arrows and spears.

With a steely resolve, Allan braces himself for whatever may come, his hand tightening around the strap of his sling bag containing the precious stone idol. Though the odds may be stacked against him, he refuses to back down, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with courage and determination.

Allan’s shock intensifies as he sees Musafir, battered and bruised, being held captive by the tribal people. His heart sinks at the sight of his friend in such dire straits, his mind racing with fear and concern for Musafir’s safety.

The tribal leader, adorned with leaves tied to his head, steps forward, his imposing presence commanding the attention of all. With a grim expression, he holds Musafir before him, a silent warning to Allan of the consequences of defiance.

Allan’s fists clench with rage and helplessness as he watches his friend being subjected to such brutality. Every fiber of his being screams for action, but he knows that any misstep could spell disaster for them both.

With a heavy heart, Allan swallows his fear and squares his shoulders, ready to face whatever trials lie ahead.

‘ānite kedatenya nehi. t’a‘otuni sit’eni inyami initewaleni. yenya newi wede ḫwala inimelisewaleni.’ Says the Tribal leader in Amharic.

‘‘ou are a traitor. Give us the idol and we will leave you. It is ours, we will keep it back.’’Musafir translates.

‘‘orry…  I won’’ give this back to you. This can be used for a lot of people’’ cure. We need this for research please help us.’’Says Allan.

‘‘ik’’rita… yihini ālimelisilihimi. yihi lebizu sewochi ḥikimina t’’k’’mi layi līwili yichilali. yihinini lemirimiri inifeligaleni ibakachihu iriduni.’’Says Musafir translating it for the head.

‘y‘nini zerenya āginyi’ ’ays the tribal head shouting.

As the tribal people approach Allan, his eyes blaze with defiance, his muscles tense with the desire to fight back. But a silent gesture from Musafir stays his hand, a wordless plea for patience and caution in the face of danger.

Reluctantly, Allan submits to his captors, allowing himself to be bound and led away into the depths of the forest. Despite the ropes digging into his skin and the sense of helplessness gnawing at his resolve, he draws strength from the unspoken bond between him and Musafir, trusting in their shared determination to survive whatever trials lie ahead.

With each step deeper into the forest, Allan’s mind races with possibilities, searching for any glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of their captivity. Though the path ahead may be fraught with peril, he remains steadfast in his resolve to stand by Musafir’s side, ready to face whatever challenges may come their way.

THE END OF EPISODE - 1