THE LIZARD CAVE

_{artwork by me}
_{excerpt from the previous episode}

I observed a very interesting object behind Abin as he sat cross-legged in front of it, The object glowed yellowish and emitted some sort of humming frequency.
"Have a seat, child" Abin spoke calmly towards me.

As I sat down gently on the stone stool in front of Abin, I felt an uneasiness with his prolonged gaze that never blinked, perhaps, it was a purposeful act aimed at making me vulnerable.

I stared back with a bit of bravery, but he won this staring contest as I took another look at the glowing giant orb behind him. I could feel its thumping vibrations that seemed to rhyme with my increasing heartbeat.

"What could this be?" I wondered...

I've heard tales back home about these cave dwellers, many people claim that they are closer to the devil due to their surrounding habitat deep within the earth.

Although I wasn't the superstitious type, in fact, I was deeply intrigued by these rumors and fables, which is why I loved exploring the caves, deep down I felt there might be more than meets the eye about these people but now as I'm faced directly with this beings I am forced to be defensive due to my lack of control at the situation.

I could sense Abin preparing a long-winded speech as he stroked his grey beards and cleared his throat.

"Are you familiar with the history of our people, child... I mean the real history of our people" said Abin as he made a circular gesture with his claws as if he was including me in the sentence.

I replied with a suspicious gaze and continuous silence.

"I know you must be a bit curious, just as you can't take your eyes off the object behind me, you also cannot look away from the truth" Abin said assuredly.

"This sacred orb saved my people, Years ago when I was a scout and explorer tasked with finding new terrains to our growing numbers, I found this Orb or should I say it found me"

Abin slowly stood up and walked towards me while fixing his gaze on the giant Orb, I was also transfixed on this object that aroused my goosebumps, It felt hypnotic and surreal.

"My people call me the eye, but this object is actually THE EYE, it showed us new ways to grow food, make tools and survive within these caves, It even lead me to find you" Abin spoke as he now slowly paced behind me.

"But where did it come from... and why does it feel like...like.." I stuttered

"Like it is calling you... Like it knows your name... Don't be scared to look into the eye, Thorak" Abin interrupted as he now grabs my shoulder ushering me closer to this mesmerizing object.

_{original art by me}

I was inches close to this Orb when I felt an overwhelming urge to touch it, The last thing I remembered was a feeling of overwhelming weakness at my knees before I got lost in a trance state and visuals of cryptic symbolism.

I had no idea how long I was unconscious but I woke up to myself being held upright by Abin.

"What did you see child," Abin asked softly.

As I struggled to recollect myself, I caught sight of another person in the room, she was holding a gourd-shaped object, the only way I could tell she was a female was because of her softer frame and the cloth coverings tied around her neckline and to her waist.

Abin reached out as she approached and took the gourd from her.

"Drink this, Thorak, it will give you strength"

As I drank from the gourd I slowly started to put the pieces of the vision together, I remember seeing two other giants orbs, One blue and the other green, they all joined together with the yellow orb creating a bright white light that enveloped my whole being.

I told Abin about the vision and he pondered on it for a long while.

"You have a deep connection to the eye, Thorak, It seems there is presence of other Orbs, did it show you where they are..." Abin asked enthusiastically.

I tried to recollect further but I only felt a dull pain on my forehead.

"Don't worry child, the visions will come to you, this is my daughter Misa, she will take you to your resting quarters"

I got up on my feet and Abin ushered me outside the room, I followed Misa as She took me around an unfamiliar route towards a central hub-like structure that was also attached to other buildings within the caves, I wondered with awe how are these people able to carve such structures deep within these mountains which aroused my fascination.

I looked up at Misa and caught her staring down at me "Even the women are taller than the average person" I thought quietly to myself.