Cole led them toward the old well. Behind it, they discovered a narrow opening beneath several loose stones. Cole removed the stones and found a small wooden box buried in the ground. Inside was an old map. The map showed the surrounding mountains, but several locations had been marked with the same symbol.
One mark was directly beneath their cabin. Another was several miles away. A third mark was deep in the mountains. Tomas recognized the final location. He said it was the place his ancestors had called the hidden shelter.
According to the old stories, the original land agreement had been protected there. Cole unfolded the map completely. A faint trail connected the cabin to the mountain location. Suddenly, Saurin pointed toward the ridge. The riders were moving closer.
Cole realized they could no longer stay at the cabin. The group followed the hidden trail into the darkness. They crossed a dry creek bed and climbed between two steep walls of stone. Behind them, the riders searched the cabin, unaware that their targets had already escaped. After several hours, the group reached a narrow canyon.
There, beneath a fallen tree, they found another symbol carved into the rock. Tomas touched it carefully. He told Cole they were close. A few minutes later, they discovered a stone doorway hidden behind thick brush. Cole pushed against it.
The door opened with a deep grinding sound. Beyond it was a narrow tunnel leading into the mountain. They entered. The air became cold. The walls were covered with ancient markings, old names, and drawings of people exchanging documents.
At the end of the tunnel stood a stone chamber. Inside were several sealed wooden boxes. Tomas opened the first. It contained old maps. The second held letters.
The third contained legal documents bearing names Cole recognized from local history. Then Saurin found one final box. It was locked. The medallion fit perfectly into the lock. Cole turned it.
The box opened. Inside was a singlefolded document. Tomas read the first line and immediately went silent. Cole asked what it said. Tomas looked at him.
It proves your father was protecting the truth. Before anyone could say more, they heard horses outside the tunnel. The men had followed them. Cole looked toward the entrance. Then he looked at the document.
Whatever happened next would decide whether the secret survived. The sound of horses outside the tunnel grew louder. Cole quickly extinguished the lantern. The chamber fell into complete darkness. Everyone remained silent.