A Mountain of Gold

A Mountain of Gold (300 Words)

“Admit it,” said Pickle. “We’re lost.”

“I know where we are,” said Cabbage. “Just haven’t remembered yet.”

The two cupbearers splashed along a damp tunnel in the castle’s dungeons.

“Remember quickly,” said Pickle. “Our torch is almost out.”

“Have faith. I found a secret passageway last night, which led to the biggest pile of gold you can imagine.”

“I can imagine a pretty big pile of gold.”

“Well, it’s bigger than that. In fact, it’s around this corner!”

Pickle and Cabbage stared at a dark dead end.

“I swear this was the way. I memorised it.” Cabbage closed his eyes. “It was left, left, right, left, forwards and forwards, back and then right, crawl a bit, hop a bit, jump a bit, then left.”

“Great,” said Pickle.

“Let me think.” Cabbage knocked himself on the head. “Ahah! It was hop a bit, jump a bit, then right. Not left.”

“Right,” said Pickle.

“Exactly!”

They rounded the correct corner, and their eyes widened at the sight of a mountain of gold.

“Cabbage, you genius, we’re rich!” said Pickle. He began scooping up handfuls of coins and throwing them into the air. “I wonder who left it here.”

“Who cares? Finders, Keepers,” said Cabbage, stuffing his pockets.

“Hang on,” said Pickle. “What’s that sign over there?” He hobbled over to get a better look.

“Dear loyal subjects,” said Pickle, “and dear not-so-loyal ones, this here is the royal treasury. You may have found it easy getting in, but it won’t be as easy getting out.”

An iron door shot up from the ground, sealing the entrance completely.

“P.S.,” said Pickle, “I hope you like snakes.”

Their torch fizzled out, leaving them in total darkness.

“You know I called you a genius earlier?” said Pickle.

“Yes,” replied Cabbage.

“I take it back.”