This is a collaboration between
Chapter 11 – The Rescue
I had no idea how long I had been faced down in the snow. I was so cold I had lost all sensation in my body. Suddenly I was flipped over and with hazy eyes, I saw someone very large, dressed in white fur clothing peering down into my face. They grunted something, but I was unable to comprehend or to answer.
I was slung over a massive shoulder and carried away. I was too dazed to realize that I could be in grave danger. I had no idea where I was being taken, nor did I care at that point. As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I became aware that I was being carried downwards. The snow didn’t appear to be as deep.
Suddenly my companion swung to the right and we entered a dark cave. I bounced in a steady rhythm on his shoulder as he continued to stride further into the darkness. I could hear water dripping and the air was surprisingly fresh.
As my eyes became accustomed to the darkness, I thought I saw stalagmites and stalactites growing from the floor and roof of a cavern, in places touching each other, forming stately columns. The formations glistened with moisture in different combinations of white, green, and red. I felt very hot and wondered if I had a fever. I heard muted noises that echoed from some where below. It sounded like children playing and dogs barking! I must really be hallucinating. Then all went dark...
When I next lifted my head to take in the surroundings, we were in a much larger cavern with many openings in the rough walls. There seems to be light in here, but I can’t quite fathom why. My mind seems to be swirling with mismatched thoughts. I can’t depend on my sight either. My eyes hurt and my vision is blurry.
I feel myself being lowered onto something soft and dry. Numerous white faces swarmed before my eyes. Hands removed my outer clothing down to my T-shirt and long johns! Yikes! I don’t even let my mother do that! Then I was covered with a very soft warm blanket.
A strong arm lifted my head, brought a bowl of a mint flavored liquid to my lips and encouraged me to drink. I took sips of the minty liquid which seemed to warm me all the way to my toes.
I could not discern whether it was day or night. I drifted in and out of darkness. I felt no fear, just a peaceful sense of security. At various intervals one of the white clad figures would come and give me more of the pleasant mint tasting liquid. A soft spoken female came once to offer some sort of hot vegetable broth. It was very good.
Then it was off to oblivion once again. I couldn’t seem to help myself...