The Tunnels Below by Nadine Wild-Palmer (best short novels of all time .TXT) 📕

are new to this discussion, those miles and miles of tubes that keep the tunnels bright, the energy that powers them—that’s Mr Sparks. His tentacles are encased in tubes of saline fluid. That’s why there’s such a great need for regular lamentation; the salty tears lubricate the tubes, and without it Mr Sparks would dry up and die.

“That is until now. The elemental sphere has been returned and we just have to put it back where it belongs to restore harmony to the tunnels. This alone will ensure the safe return of Mr Sparks back where he belongs.

“It looks like Cecilia’s backup plan might be our best hope if something goes wrong. But why would the dwellers listen to us? We will be strangers to them who’ve just turned up out of the Deep from nowhere.”

Cecilia raised her hand with a little bit more confidence this time.

“Well, they might not listen to us but they will definitely listen to Madame Midnight, Kuffi and Lady-Bird. As far as I can tell they’re some of the most well-known and well-respected dwellers in the tunnels but at the moment they’re being held captive by Jacques d’Or. If we set them free, then they will help us gather all the dwellers together to stand united against Jacques d’Or and the Corvus Community, and if Lady-Bird sings a song by the lake, we’ll have everyone one in tears in no time—but hopefully, tears of joy!”

“All in favour, say aye!” called Gaia and with that all the members of the Diving Council raised their spears and the room flashed electric blue and returned to how it was before.

Cecilia raised her hand one more time.

“Yes, Cecilia, you have something more to say?” Gaia asked.

Cecilia stood up. “No, actually, I just wanted to say thank you.” And she sat back down.

“Cecilia, we have been waiting for an opportunity like this one for such a long time. The Corvus Community drove the Divers out of the tunnels. You see, bird-faces aren’t too keen on cats or canines and most of what’s left of that species are locked away in the egg cells at the Nest, or kept on leashes as servants. A few of them found their way over to us through the Deep where they are safe and cared for, but not many. This is our chance to set it right and restore harmony.”

Cecilia looked at the etchings on the wall as Gaia went through the details of the plan. They depicted a time when everyone looked happy and peaceful together.

Gaia raised her spear. “In summary then, everyone, prepare yourselves and gather your things. We will meet shortly at the main entrance to the Deep, where we will start our mission to restore the tunnels to their former glory and help our new friend save her friends. Hopefully it won’t all end in tears, but if there’s not enough water for Mr Sparks it may have to, and we will be ready.”

Doltha walked Cecilia back to her room and helped her to pack up her belongings, what little there were. After Doltha had left to go and prepare herself, Cecilia sat down to eat a Cherry Drop. Getting it out of its wrapper was tough. It was really gooey and sticky from being in the Deep. She popped it in her mouth and sucked the sticky off—once the outer tacky layer had gone, it tasted just like any other Cherry Drop: delicious! While she sat there with the sweetie rolling around her mouth, she worried about going into the Deep again and hoped this was the last time she’d ever have to do it.

25The Other Side of Fear

When the signal sounded, it was a gentle, low-pitched drone a bit like a French horn, and a soothing way to wake Cecilia from her mossy bed where she must have fallen asleep. She collected her rucksack and put it on her back, fastening it tight to her shoulders. She was still wearing her deepsuit from earlier, so she was ready to go.

The Divers assembled by the entrance to the Deep. Gaia and Doltha were stirring it with their spears to activate the bioluminescence. Cecilia thought it made it look much more welcoming.

“Are you ready, Cecilia? I’ll be diving with you,” said Doltha.

“Thanks for all your help. You didn’t have to,” said Cecilia.

“I believe it’s us who should be thanking you. Your arrival may just brighten up the future and the lives of all the dwellers throughout the tunnels.” She smiled and Cecilia heard Doltha’s voice in her head once more. “Are you scared, Cecilia?”

“A little,” Cecilia replied. “I’m not sure what to expect.”

“You do, deep, deep down. Just trust yourself and you’ll be fine, I promise.”

The wolf-face chap looked perturbed. “Is she going in front of us? She’ll slow us down, won’t she? She looks terrified.”

“She’s got me, Adriene. We’ll be just fine,” Doltha said gallantly.

Doltha turned to Cecilia. “We will be submerged for about forty seconds, OK? Maybe less, but trust me. I’ll move as fast as I can so hold on tight. Try to keep focused and fight any thoughts that frighten you. And ignore Adriene—he always wants to get to the action first!”

Gaia made the signal; it came from what looked like a large conch, and Doltha and Cecilia eased themselves into the icy cold jelly of the Deep. Doltha’s pink skin seemed to glow—she sang out a clicking call and all of a sudden she turned blue. Cecilia’s heart was beating like it might punch its way out of her chest and she closed her eyes tight as a coolness rushed over her. Doltha’s arms wrapped tightly around her chest and they both took a big breath before plunging into the Deep. A steady rhythm picked up that Cecilia realised was the propulsion of Doltha’s head and flipper carrying them at speed through the depth. After Cecilia had counted twenty-six seconds she began to feel the need to take a breath, but she