Years long ago the cave was invisible as a waterfall cascaded over its entrance.
Fed by a gentle stream, the sudden drop provided the perfect shield from prying eyes and those who didn’t understand.
The steps leading down to the rocky shelf were worn smooth by her bare footfall. Even in the dark she knew the way without fear of falling, each step sure and true.
A place that never flooded, was warm and dry, even in the coldest of winters, it became a sanctuary for the Occupier through the eons of time.

The stream had long since run dry, thus the waterfall ceased to be, and gradually the leafy foliage provided its own camouflage to a point.
A lone traveller stumbled upon the cave one night and took shelter.
Climbing into the cavity above, he was surprised to find an old woman, crooked and bent, smiling at him.

‘Hello John,’ she greeted. ‘I’ve been waiting for you.’
‘How do you know my name?’ he asked.
‘As I said, I’ve been waiting for you. I knew you’d find me eventually.’
She gestured for him to join her and passed him a cup of a strong herbal brew that held no fear for him as he drank.

Continue reading the story here.