The Midas Temple

[sidhe_faerie]

 The Midas Temple
WC 948
Written for GYWO JULY CHALLENGE: I WOOD IF I COULD
 

Under normal circumstances I would have never come into the woods looking for anything on my own but I thought I could handle it this time.

My team and I were sitting around the campfire. We were eager to find the Lost Temple of Midas. Everyone had a theory of what we would find there. There were many ideas. Some were very outrageous. We retired to our tents to get some rest before moving into the dense forest at first light.

Sometime in the night, I heard a noise. I pulled on my boots and went to investigate. The campsite looked deserted but I had a feeling there was something out there. I was surprised that no one else seemed to have heard it.

I left camp with just a flashlight and my backpack containing two bottles of water, a notebook and pen, an apple, and a granola bar. I should have thought to bring more but I wasn't thinking. I tend to have that problem more often than not.

I didnt see any tracks so I followed my instincts. Following my instincts tended to get me in trouble but I didn't hesitate to let them guide me this time.. As I moved through the forest, I realized this was one of those times that I should have hesitated and thought twice before I gave in to my instincts. I kept going even though the little voice in my head told me to turn back. I should have listened to that little voice in my head. I had a feeling that I would regret it later

Two hours after leaving camp, I realized I was lost. Very lost. The tree canopy was thick and the night sky isn't visible to use the stars as a guide. I couldn't even tell if the sun was coming up. I suspected that this part of the forest was always dark.

All I could do was swing my fading flashlight around hoping to see a path or a road. Frankly anything. The likelihood of there being either was low. From the looks of things, no humans had been here for decades.

We were told in the village that no one ever ventured into this area. It was forbidden but no one would tell us why. The team and I had theories but without the whole story, we could only speculate as to why that was. Most of the team thought it was just superstition and fear.

Suddenly through the trees I spotted something glistening gold. The sparkle was coming from a slope of a hill. Could it be I found what my team had come looking for? Could that be the Temple of Midas?

I took two steps forward then leaned against a small tree. I could tell from the bark that I was facing north. I took two more steps before I froze in my tracks out of fear.  

I could tell something felt wrong. I couldn't tell what it was but I knew it was wrong. I stood still and listened and watched for any signs of trouble.

A cold wind blew through the trees. It gave me goosebumps. That's what I get for not bringing my sweater. I rubbed my arms to warm up but I couldn't. It wasn't a normal wind. There was something eerie about it. It chilled me all the way to my core.

I looked up towards the hill. The golden object had moved closer. I realized that it wasn't the temple after all. A wave of fear washed over me. I took a step back but tripped over a tree root. I started to panic.

A moment later, I could feel a presence near me. "Who are you? What do you want?" I asked but I didn't expect a reply. I was shocked when I got one.

"I am Midas and you are trespassing on sacred grounds. Return to the village. Never come back." As soon as the voice stopped speaking a form of glistening gold appeared. "Or you will die."

I nodded. "Got it. There's just one problem. I'm lost."

"Go south as the bird flies the village lies in that direction."

"There's also the matter of the expedition on its way to find the temple. They are probably on their way now."

"You must stop them. There is no more temple. Time as seen to its destruction. There is nothing left in this forest but me."

"Would it be possible for me to check out the site of the temple? Maybe get a few pictures." I smiled. "Since I'm here."

Midas pointed as he shouted. "No! Leave now!"

"Okay." I got up and dusted off my behind. "South." I turned around and took a few steps before looking over my shoulder.

Midas had gone and so had the feeling I had of a presence being near. I resisted the urge to check things out anyway and decided to leave. I hurried south putting as much distance as possible between me and that apparition.

I ran into the rest of my group a few hours later. They had been searching for me close to camp. I told them I had been looking for the temple but it wasn't there. They were a little upset that I had gone ahead but they seemed to believe me.

We packed up and headed home that day. Everyone agreed there was no reason to stay any longer.

Would I ever go into that forest again? Do I believe Midas when he said his temple was gone? I still have so many questions without answers. Except one. If given the chance, I would do it all over again.