Unknown Treasure

REWRITE: EDITING IN PROGRESS.

Brisk windy night air inhaled the steam that billowed from a dubious source. Resolute to retrieve their well hidden and peculiar items three Pale figures stealthfully trudged along a winding and narrow path leading to cavernous terrain. Their conveyance a strange. uniquely compact, and technically advanced apparatus compared to contraptions normally viewed by the populous was their pride and joy. investing considerable time, financial resources, and clever thinking into the construction and design of their machine ensured their astounding successes. With no regard for people or property the pipes, gears, fabric, and nuts and bolts were commandeered, usually with the three of them pouncing upon one person and promising beatings if anyone talked about the theft. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on which side of a situation a person found themselves, this creation was very stable and compact yet able to accommodate more than three people and a profusion of baggage. A compartment designed to handle hundreds of pounds of cargo was concealed underneath with camouflage installed for additional protection Nestled above this, wood was crammed into its compartment and in between the larger chunks kindling for starting the fire that produced steam. The propulsion from the steam efficiently propelled this vehicle forward at a speed faster than any other transport.

A combination of wheels and treads were interlaced and attached in a typical manner the same way as a wagon or carriage wheels for easy access to any terrain. Huge springs able to keep their vehicle stable and gave the wheels independent balance, something not yet perfected but good enough to allow a quick disappearance whenever the need occurs, made balancing cargo unnecessary for stability.

Working in an honest trade or profession would have made for them a gargantuan fortune, yet they wanted the adrenalin rush and challenge of terrorizing the human race as much as possible for the gain of affluence. Creating fear, terror, and submission was a great sport they played with enthusiasm and malice toward their victims. These ruthless beings had as much if not more affection for their very effective and efficient creation and for its' development and construction as they did for their evil ways. Investing time and money into this means of migration for the purpose of doing what they wanted, when they wanted, and the way they wanted was rewarded. Great focus and ingenuity were fixed on getting the items and leaving the area, at least for a while, until things calmed down.

The time for preparation details swiftly completed. The booty could be loaded and carried away without stirring Herman, which was a matter of life or death even though these humanoids had no need for air, blood, or food and water. This fellow was huge, unforgiving, and extremely volatile. You didn't want to be on His scat list. The stench from being there on Herman's list would kill you if Herman didn't spindle and mutilate you, and then swallow the evidence. You do not take any chances with Herman for any reason. Even though these beings were ruthless torturers and killers, Herman could dispatch these characters, all three at once with no encumbrance or hesitation. They were impossible for humans to kill, and often humans thought this was exactly the right thing to do, but Herman could end things in lead than a minute if Herman were ever allowed to escape.

Dressed in long winter attire as if ready for hunting, yet still certain to wear waste coats, this band of stealthy individuals were ready with their white long sleeve shirts, high boots, and willingness to confront and dispatch Herman. They had contrived together so their treasure would be safe no matter who knows about it. No one would know exactly what it was, how to utilize it, or where to go for gain from it, even though they might actually be fortunate enough to survive to get past Herman, which was, thus far, impossible. Proudly, these cunning, fearless, creatures actually bragged to certain people, those they tormented, about having an amassed collection of valuables, and where these items were located.

Gangly, scared, and having skin as pale as white sheets were enough to make most people shy away from these three grotesque beings. Greed, power, and wealth weren't the only things that mattered to them. They had different types of ceremonies and tasks which were performed regularly. Finding someone to invite to these events was no challenge because humans usually could be reeled in if there was a valuable enticement available for free. Long before anyone figured out the truth of what was happening, they were as good as dead.

Dressed in ceremonial robes and wearing masks gave them a look of ghosts in course woven blankets. During daylight hours when blending into the populous was important, the attire of white ruffled shirts, jackets, and black pants adorned their frames. Like chameleons blending in was easy for them. Covering the pallor of their skin required using a tan paint substance. This was undetected because of the skills they learned over many centuries of applying and removing the disguise.

Having absolutely nothing to worry about, or did they, as long as their invention had no issues, and they could distract Herman, they would be in and out with their stash in less than 15 minutes. Between the three, a cart was more trouble than it's worth. Carrying a dozen or so trunks was a pleasure especially knowing of the rewards within. Attitudes of cockiness and assured success wrapped around them like strong chords, but they didn't notice this as a danger to them.

Approaching the well-camouflaged entrance, they became silent. Using gestures to communicate, one of them went toward the right, and the other toward the left. Only the tallest of them strolled straight toward the main entrance with a weirdly shaped tool in his malformed right hand. Although it resembled what could be a gun, it had knobs and switches which made this instrument seem very odd and dangerous. The other two carried hoses of great length, which they dragged across many yards of unstable earth. These hoses were hooked to valves, attached to their vehicle that appeared to be stretching and reaching as the hoses lengthened and were finally deposited at the desired destination. Reaching the valves to control the suction would be very easy, so with complacency and while distracted in thoughts of control and causing terror, the apparatus was manipulated and hooked up to the main machine.

When everything was finally connected, grinning, gesturing, and expressing sheer malice, these entities inserted themselves into the crevice near the cave entrance and threw the switch. Expanding and sucking in great gulps of air, eventually Herman was dragged into this vacuum cleaner type of machine, and deposited into the bloated storage compartment designed specifically for Herman. Deep inside their vehicle In great fury, howling, growling, and making many menacing noises Herman tried in vain to get to them. Herman could only scramble and roll about flopping all six appendages like a fish out of water. His saw shaped teeth clacking in efforts to bite was of no avail.

Almost inside the cavernous dark innards of the surrounding area, and ready to grab their treasures, the three jubilant figures were dragged outside pulled through familiar hose openings and found themselves face to face with Herman. Mouths grimacing with hate and disgust they leaped onto Herman and consumed him in seconds. Kaboom! Whistles, shrieks and other grinding and scraping sounds lofted through the area as the vehicle exploded spewing steam, particles of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and molten debris throughout the atmosphere. Needing more fuel and being adaptable, this machine having enjoyed Herman's presence, wanted more company. Because the thieves neglected to disconnect the hoses, vacuum grabber and shut down the device, it had the opportunity to take revenge on its tormentors who demanded much from this hulk of machinery.

To this day nobody knows, especially the younger generations, about the hidden treasure, or the three who almost got away. Fear can cause people good and evil to do nothing, forget history, and keep secrets which should have been exposed, and dealt with centuries ago. People need to know the history and the truth of events lest history should repeat itself.

I guess you're wondering how I was able to share this story with you? I'll keep that a secret, but I can tell you that as a first-hand witness this is true as much as I can tell according to my personal knowledge. Some things are best left unsaid. When it's quiet and the wind is still, the sky is cloudy, and the town sleeps you can quietly walk the path, and hear eerie sounds. I've never returned to the exact place where these events happened. My intentions are to stay as far away as possible and try to rid my mind of the events. If you want to explore and feed your curiosity I strongly recommend you get as far from here as possible, and even much further. Feed your curiosity something else, and forget we ever met. Now get out of here before you regret ever listening to this tale, and thinking about finding what was always lost.


ORIGINAL
Steam billowed from an unlikely source into brisk windy night air. Three figures very determined to retrieve their hidden and secret items, made their way along a winding and narrow path which gave way to cavernous terrain. Their conveyance was of a small nature compared to what was normally viewed by the populous. Much time, financial resources, and cleaver thinking for the construction was invested into making their machine. With no regard for people or property the pipes, gears, fabric, and nuts and bolts were commandeered, usually with three against one, and accompanied by threats of beatings if anyone talked about the theft. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on which side of a situation a person was on, this creation was very stable and compact yet able to accommodate more than three people, and a plethora of baggage. Hidden underneath was a compartment designed to handle hundreds of pounds of cargo. Nestled above this, wood was crammed into its compartment along with some kindling shoved in between the larger chunks so if the fire went out it would be no problem getting it started again.

A combination of wheels and treads were inter laced and attached in the typical manner the same way as wagon or carriage wheels. So that any terrain was accessible, huge springs gave the wheels independent balance, something not yet perfected but good enough to allow a quick disappearance whenever the need oocured. This new feat, working in the honest way, would have made for them a gargantuan fortune, yet they wanted the adrenalin rush, and challenge of terrorizing the human race as much as possible for gain of items which did not belong to them. Creating fear, terror, and submission was a great sport which they played with as often as possible. These ruthless beings had as much if not more affection for their very effective tool, and cared for how it was developed, and constructed as they did for their evil ways. Much time and money was poured into this means of migration for the purpose of doing what they wanted, when they wanted, and the way they wanted. Great focus and intent was fixed on getting the items and leaving the area, at least for a while, until things calmed down.

The time for preparation details were swiftly completed, so that upon arrival the booty could be loaded and carried away without stirring Herman, which was a matter of life or death even though these humanoids had no need of air, blood, or food and water. This fellow was huge, unforgiving, and extremely volatile. You didn't want to be on His scat list. The stench from being there on Herman's list would kill you if Herman didn't spindle and mutilate you, and then swallow the evidence. You do not take any chances with Herman for any reason. Even though these beings were ruthless torturers and killers, Herman could dispatch these characters, all three at once with no problem. They were impossible for humans to kill, and often humans thought this was exactly the right thing to do.

Dressed in long winter attire as if ready for hunting, yet still certain to wear waste coats, this band of stealthy individuals were ready with their white long sleeve shirts, high boots, and willingness to confront and dispatch Herman. They had contrived together so their treasure would be safe no matter who know about it. No one would know exactly what it was, how to utilize it, or where to go for gain from it, even though they might actually be fortunate enough to survive getting past Herman, which was, thus far, impossible. Proudly, these cunning, fearless, creatures actually bragged to certain people, those they tormented, about having an amassed collection of valuables, and where these items were located.

Gangly, scared, and having skin as pale as white sheets was enough to make most people shy away from these three grotesque beings. Greed, power, and wealth weren't the only things which mattered to them. They had different types of ceremonies and tasks which were performed regularly. Finding someone to invite to these events was no challenge because humans usually could be reeled in if there was a valuable enticement available for free. Long before anyone figured out the truth of what was happening, they were as good as dead.

Dressed in ceremonial robes and wearing masks gave them a look of ghosts in course woven blankets. During day light hours when blending into the populous was important, attire of white ruffled shirts, jackets, and black pants adorned their frames. Like chameleons blending in was easy for them. Covering the pallor of their skin required using a tan paint substance. This was undetected because of their skills they learned over many centuries of applying, and removing the disguise.

Having absolutely nothing to worry about, or did they, as long as their invention had no issues, and they could distract Herman, they would be in and out with their stash in less than 15 minutes. Between the three, a cart was more trouble than it's worth. Carrying a dozen or so trunks was a pleasure especially knowing of the rewards within. Attitudes of cockiness and assured success wrapped around them like strong chords, but they didn't notice this as a danger to them.

Approaching the well camouflaged entrance, they became silent. Using gestures to communicate, one of them went toward the right, and the other toward the left. Only the tallest of them strolled straight toward the main entrance with a weird shaped tool in his malformed right hand. Although it resembled what could be a gun, it had knobs and switches which made this instrument seem very odd and dangerous. The other two carried hoses of great length, which they dragged across many yards of unstable earth. These hoses were hooked to valves, attached to their vehicle that appeared to be stretching and reaching as the hoses lengthened and were finally deposited at the desired destination. Reaching the valves to control the suction would be very easy, so with complacency and while distracted in thoughts of control and causing terror, the apparatus was manipulated and hooked up to the main machine.

When everything was finally connected, grinning, gesturing, and expressing sheer malice, these entities inserted themselves into the crevice near the cave entrance, and threw the switch. Expanding and sucking in great gulps of air, eventually Herman was dragged into this vacuum cleaner type of machine, and deposited into the bloated storage compartment designed specifically for Herman. Deep inside their vehicle In great fury, howling, growling, and making many menacing noises Herman tried in vain to get to them. Herman could only scramble and roll about flopping all six appendages like a fish out of water. His saw shaped teeth clacking in efforts to bite was of no avail.

Almost inside the cavernous dark innards of the surrounding area, and ready to grab their treasures, the three jubilant figures were dragged outside pulled through familiar hose openings, and found themselves face to face with Herman. Mouths grimacing with hate and disgust they leaped onto Herman and consumed him in seconds. Kaboom! Whistles, shrieks, and other grinding and scraping sounds lofted through the area as the vehicle exploded spewing steam, particles of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and molten debris through out the atmosphere. Needing more fuel and being adaptable, this machine having enjoyed Herman's presence, wanted more company. Because the thieves neglected to disconnect the hoses, vacuum grabber, and shut down the device, it had the opportunity to take revenge on it's tormentors who demanded much from this hulk of machinery.

To this day nobody knows, especially the younger generations, about the hidden treasure, or the three who almost got away. Fear can cause people good and evil to do nothing, forget history, and keep secrets which should have been exposed, and dealt with centuries ago. People need to know history and the truth of events lest history should repeat it's self.

I guess you're wondering how I was able to share this story with you? I'll keep that a secret, but I can tell you that as a first hand witness this is true as much as I can tell according to my personal knowledge. Some things are best left unsaid. When it's quiet and the wind is still, the sky is cloudy, and the town sleeps you can quietly walk the path, and hear eerie sounds. I've never returned to the exact place where these events happened. My intentions are to stay as far away as possible, and try to rid my mind of the events. If you want to explore, and feed your curiosity I strongly recommend you get as far from here as possible, and even much further. Feed your curiosity something else, and forget we ever met. Now get out of here before you regret ever listening to this tale, and thinking about finding what was always lost.

Word Count 1487: Readability level: college student

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