“Indeed. We should really talk to him. Let's go. It's just a few-minute walk away anyway. We need to uproot the cause of the problem.”
With that said, the whole gang went over to the only restaurant in the village.
“I'm so sorry. I really did everything I can to keep the secret,” Crippled Williams mumbled as he was brought over to the restaurant with the group.
When Zeke and the lot arrived at the restaurant, it was already closed, but when they got closer, they could hear the voice of the owner talking to another woman.
“There's not much to see here, actually,” the owner said. “Well, except for the Golden Sands Mountain. I think it's a good spot to visit though. All the stories that I told you earlier took place on that mountain too. I think you will like it since you fancy some adventure.”
The woman remarked, “Interesting. Can you tell me where is the mountain? What's it like?”
The restaurant owner cast his gaze toward the mountain at a distance. “To be honest, the few tracks leading up to the Golden Sands Mountain were already sealed off. There's only one route left that's accessible now, but you can't go up alone. You'll need a guide.”
“That's great. I think it'll be nice to have someone go up there with me. I'm too afraid to go alone. Do you have anyone to recommend?”
The owner grunted for a second. “Well... I think Crippled Williams is a good option. He's kind and he doesn't charge a lot.”
The woman replied, “I see. Well, thanks for letting me know. Does he live around here? I would like to meet him so we can arrange for a trip up the mountain.”
“Turn right after you go out and walk all the way straight until the end. You'll see a house with a soil wall there.”
The woman smiled sweetly at him and said goodbye.
She almost jumped when she opened the door and ran into the men who were standing outside.
“What are you guys doing standing here?” she said, slightly upset.
“Are you going to the Golden Sands Mountain, miss?” Zeke asked.
“Yeah. Why? Are you guys going up too? Do you guys want to tag along?”
“You'd better not go,” Zeke warned.
“Why?” asked the woman curiously.
“That could be the last trip you ever take.”
“Nah. I've already got myself a tour guide.”
“Crippled Williams, you mean?” Zeke asked.
“Yeah. How do you know? Is he famous around here?”
Zeke eyed the man beside him. “Are you not going to say anything, Crippled Williams?”
“Crippled Williams? So you're the person I'm looking for!” the woman exclaimed.
Crippled Williams nodded. “Yeah, it's me.”
“Could you lead me up the mountain? It'll be safe, right?” she inquired.
“I'm sorry, I can't anymore.” Crippled Williams sighed.
“Why?”
The woman was disappointed.
“It's all a hoax. No one comes down alive.”
“What? I thought it was just a mountain. Does the mountain swallow people alive?” she asked.
“Who's out there?” The owner's voice rang from within as he walked over to the door.
“Oh. It's you. I thought you were gone,” the owner remarked when he saw the woman.
“They told me that I'd die on the mountain,” the woman replied, pointing at Zeke and the others.
What?
The owner narrowed his eyes, looking at Zeke and the group. Because it was already dark, he did not recognize them until he switched on the light.
“What are y'all doing here?”
I clearly directed them to Crippled Williams seven days ago. Why are they still here?
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