Chapter 26 - The Keeper Beneath the Ridge
No one moved.
The cold air rising from the underground chamber carried the scent of damp stone, rusted metal, and old timber. The rescue team instinctively formed a protective circle around the open hatch while two members switched on powerful flashlights.
The beams disappeared into the darkness.
Several seconds later, a pair of worn leather boots slowly appeared on the narrow staircase.
An elderly man climbed into view, moving carefully but without fear. His long gray beard reached the middle of his chest, and a weathered canvas coat hung loosely over his thin frame. Despite his age, his blue eyes were sharp.
He looked directly at Elias.
"You've gotten older."
Elias answered with the faintest smile.
"So have you."
The old ranger gasped.
"I don't believe it..."
The stranger chuckled softly.
"You still recognize me, Samuel?"
Samuel removed his hat in disbelief.
"Henry Lawson..."
Several rescuers exchanged confused looks.
"You know each other?"
Samuel nodded slowly.
"Henry was the last fire lookout assigned to this ridge."
Henry sighed.
"I was also Jacob Mercer's last witness."
Silence swept across the forest.
The name changed everything.
Henry glanced toward the rescue team.
"If you've found Jacob's notebook, then you're already in danger."
Elias nodded.
"We found more than that."
May you like
Henry looked toward the trees surrounding the ridge.
"Then we don't have much time."
