Silvertip Mountain chickity check yo self

As deep into the cave as he was, he didn't notice the newcomer. There was a stillness in the air that belied the presence of another, but he mistook it for the solemn atmosphere that marked the cave, anyway. This was the site of his son's greatest terror. This was a haunted place. He wanted out -- but he had to keep looking for clues.

Creepy as shit, Verx muttered under his breath, but he had to admit it was beautiful, too. All that crystal in the sun. What kind of monster would bring a kid to a place like this and tear him apart?! He --

His heart caught in his throat as a mountain bird flew suddenly past, a flurry of wings headed for the opening. Fuck! he exclaimed softly, trembling all over. He was already on edge; the fucking bird just made it worse. He bristled as he continued to sniff here, there, and everywhere. . .still ignorant of what stood a ways behind him.