The two teens looked about the cave with uncertainty. Shields knew, just knew, that there was something in there with them. Other than the usual animals that they scared off and the fiends that tried to scare them off.

“D-Do you feel that?”

“Ghosts?” Roland asked.

Shields scowled at him. “Don’t say that.”

“I’m not trying to freak you out. I’m saying I think there are ghosts in here.”

Roland wasn’t messing with him. Shields saw his friend was super serious. He tried not to groan. “Are we sure there isn’t another way around?”

“This is the only path through the range. It’s not that long. We’ll be fine.”

Shields stared back at his axe. It would not do anything against a ghost.

“You okay, Shields?”

“I’m fine,” he replied through gritted teeth. “Let’s just get going. And don’t wander off.”

Roland smiled at him and led the way. Feeling the hair prickling at the back of his neck, Shields watched Roland’s back and did not look behind him.

“Boo!”

Shield’s hand clenched tightly on the axe handle before he glared at his friend, who grinned back at him.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.”

“I swear Roland, when a ghost comes to eat you, I’ll leave you to it, I swear.”

“No you won’t.”

He really wouldn’t, but at the same time Shields was pretty sure Roland might benefit from a little bit of worry during this adventure. He kept that to himself as they continued onward.