After many days of trekking across the difficult Adra Mountains, the seven men had finally made it to their destination, Tanit's Sanctuary. The rumours about the place were true.

  An area of the mountain range's Hautes Plaines/High Plains, a large mountain plateau that was dotted with Mediterranean-type forests, woodlands and shrubs. Streams of clear, freshwater meandered throughout like large boas. The men looked dumbfounded as animals long thought to be extinct or elusive like the herd of Adra Elephants plodded along the plateau or a small pride of Adra Lions rested among the dry grass.

  The adventurers were met with an intense, semi-humid warmth from the sanctuary. It came as a welcoming shock to the explorers. The warmth was so welcoming that they all responded by taking off their woollen djellabas and putting them away in their rucksacks.

  “Here we are,” Badr said proudly with a large smug placed upon his face. “Told you guys we'd make it.”

  “Well done O' great leader,” said one of the explorers sarcastically, he was around the same height and skin tone as Badr, slightly stockier in build, bald with a large square jaw and a patchy beard. “Now where is this thing that we're meant to find?”

  Badr checked his raggedy map to get their bearings.

  “It shouldn't be too far, about another couple of day's trek,” said Badr confidently.

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  He put away the map, then gestured to continue the trek. All of them started to move and follow Badr. All except one. He was the shortest of the explorers and the second darkest in skin tone, with a slim build, wavy to curly hair and major stubble. He felt uneasy. Constantly turning his head. Badr looked back to see him, nervous and barely moving.

  “What's wrong?” Badr asked.

  “This place,” the short one replied. “Can't you guys feel it?”

  “Feel what?”

  “Like we're being watched.”

  “Yes, I feel it too... It's the animals, they've already sensed our presence and they are weary of us.”

  The short explorer shook his head. “Guys, I'm serious. Something powerful is watching us. Nay, stalking us.”

  Badr was beginning to lose his patience. They'd come this far and the last thing he or the other explorers needed was to doubt themselves or be spooked.

  “Listen up. We've come this far and now you're afraid of what's in this place? Whatever is in here 'stalking' us we needn't worry. We've got spears, swords and these talismans/fetishes that we possess will aid us against the witch that lives here.”

  The small explorer shuddered. “Don't remind me of these... things,” he looked down at his macabre fetish. “They give me the creeps. It's like they want to devour my very soul.”

  “If you wanna turn back, then go. We'll find the item and get rich. All you'll have is regrets.”

  The little explorer weighed his options for a moment. He was certain that something ominous was watching them.

  “Fine. I'll stay,” the small explorer sighed. “But if I get killed, I'll come back to haunt you fuckers.”

  He ran to catch up with his fellow adventurers.