Chapter 3 Down the Mountain:

His father's slight nudges waken Kane. "It's time Kane, here eat some eggs and stew before we head out."

Kane sits up takes the wooden bowl of stew and eggs and begins to eat. While eating his dad heads out to bring in some tanned hides.

Beside his bed is a travel bag that his dad seemed to have packed for him while he slept as well as some more furred clothing set aside for him to put on.

Kane quickly finishes his breakfast and gets up to clean them and put them away. Afterward, he washes his face and drinks some cold water before putting on the furred clothing his dad set out for him.

His dad came back in with a sack filled with tanned hides that he attached to his own pack by his bed. “Are you all ready son? It’s time to go, make sure your quiver is full and your bow looks good. We have had enough time to perform maintenance on them these past few days, but they should be good enough for the journey.”

“Are we not going to practice the Tempered Sun Art today?” - Kane

“Don’t have enough time son, best to get out of here as quick as possible to lower our chances of meeting the fearsome monster.” - Dad

They make their way down the hatch and unboard the door. Looking around they don’t see any signs of the dire monster or the fearsome monster around. Only the damage caused to part of the ground and some of the trees around from their clash.

Closing the door behind them they make their way down more carefully with their packs slowing them down and messing with their balance.

Once on the ground, they began heading southward down the mountain. Their movements are still swift despite the extra baggage.

After twenty minutes of travel, a rustling in some bushes catches their attention. A couple of horns come out of the bushes and with a little hop a few rabbits with horns on their heads appear.

Noses twitching they look toward Kane and his father and after realizing what they are they freeze in place.

Kane’s dad puts his hand up motioning for Kane to stop, “Those are exactly what you think they are son. A little family of Jackalopes. Put your bow down son, their horns may get us a full chest of coin, but it might cost us our lives. Just observe them and be thankful, you might never see one again. It’s very rare for any rabbit to evolve into a dire monster, let alone a fearsome monster.”

Kane reaches into his pack and pulls out a medicinal herb that he tosses toward the Jackalopes. Their horns glow purifying the herb, it turns into a liquid that flows into their mouths.

Kane and his father marvel at the sight. The legendary Jackalope's ability to refine things makes them and more specifically their horns highly sought after by most alchemists, clerics, and even some blacksmiths.

After eating the medicinal herb the Jackalopes take one more look at Kane and his father before hopping back into the bushes and leaving.

“Dad that was amazing! Is it true that when a Jackalope reaches the monstrous fourth level, it gains some spatial abilities?” -Kane

“That’s what the legends say, son the ability to burrow directly into space to traverse continents in the blink of an eye and hide in spatial tears from predators or even use it directly to attack. They are marvelous creatures.” -Dad

They once again start making their way down the mountain, and though the interaction brings some respite, the snowy mountainous terrain can be filled with dangers, so they must ensure they are actively cautious and aware.

Another couple hours into the journey down the mountain the ground begins to shake and all kinds of roars, howls, and screams fill the air. Kane’s father pulls him to himself and to the ground and covers him, shielding him with his own body.

“Hold onto me Kane it’ll be over soon!” - Dad

“Dad! What’s going on?!” - Kane

As the ground continued to shake and the cacophony of roars, howls, and screams echoed through the air, Kane clung to his father, his heart pounding with fear and confusion.

"I don't know, son," his father replied, his voice strained but steady. "But whatever it is, it's big and dangerous. We need to stay low and let it pass."

The violent reverberations of the tumultuous sounds continued, shaking the very ground they lay on. Kane's mind raced with questions and concern for their safety, wondering what could be causing such a commotion.

After what felt like an eternity, the deafening sounds gradually began to subside, and the ground settled into an uneasy stillness. Kane's father slowly uncovered him and urged him to stay down, scanning their surroundings cautiously.

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"Are you okay, son?" his father asked, checking to ensure Kane was unharmed.

Kane nodded, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. "I'm okay, Dad. What was that? Do you think it was a monster?"

His father helped him up, his eyes scouring the horizon. "It might have been, Kane. Whatever it was, it was a reminder of the dangers that lurk in these mountains. We should continue our descent with even more caution."

As they attempted to stand and reassume their trek down the mountain, the echoes of the intense, cacophonous sounds began to fade into the silence. Kane's father cautiously surveyed their surroundings, hoping to discern the cause of the tumult that had just passed.

"Keep close, Kane," his father advised, taking the lead and motioning his son to follow. "It might not be safe to linger around here."

They proceeded carefully, one cautious step at a time, wary of any lingering threat that might still be present. Despite their effort to navigate the terrain, a faint rumbling in the distance heralded a fresh wave of concern. It was followed by a distant roar that seemed to grow louder by the moment.

"Dad, another roar! What's happening now?" Kane questioned, a tinge of anxiety coloring his voice.

His father glanced around, scanning the area for signs of imminent danger this time familiartiy in his eyes. "An avalanche, Kane. We need to find cover—now!"

Before Kane could react, the ground beneath them quivered and then suddenly cracked. Loose snow and rock began to slide down the mountainside, picking up speed with every passing moment. The torrential cascade of snow and debris was gaining momentum, hurtling down toward them with an ominous force.

"Run!" his father shouted, steering Kane toward the nearest cluster of sturdy trees. They dashed as fast as they could, attempting to outrun the impending avalanche.

The cascading wall of snow thundered closer, swallowing the ground behind them. They sprinted with all their might, Kane's heart racing faster than his feet, the deafening roar of the avalanche close on their heels.

Kane's father pushed him forward toward a large boulder nestled between the trees, yelling over the roaring rush of snow, "Quick, take cover behind this rock!"

They ducked behind the boulder, clutching each other tightly. The avalanche thundered down the mountainside, a wall of white powder and debris hurtling by just inches from their refuge.

The ground quaked with the force of the snow and rocks hurtling past them. The air was choked with powdery snow, blinding their vision and sending a chill through their bones. Kane and his father clung to each other and the safety of the boulder as the powerful force of the avalanche roared by.

The deafening sounds of the avalanche began to lessen, and the snowfall finally reduced to a sporadic sprinkle. Kane cautiously peeked from behind the boulder, finding a blanket of snow that covered the terrain. The surrounding area was coated in a thick layer of white, debris and snow that had settled after the avalanche's terrifying passage.

"Dad, are you okay?" Kane panted, his voice slightly muffled through the powdery snow on his face.

His father took a deep breath, visibly relieved. "I'm alright, Kane. Are you hurt?"

Kane checked himself and found no injuries. "I'm okay, just a little shaken. That was too close."

His father nodded, surveying their surroundings. "We were lucky to find cover in time. The mountains can be unpredictable, but we managed to escape the worst of it."

They both waited for a while, ensuring that the mountain had settled before continuing their descent.

As the evening descended upon the mountain, Kane and his father sought a safe refuge for the night. Weary from the day's adrenaline and the taxing escape from two avalanches, they discovered a sizable and sturdy tree with branches that seemed suitable for a temporary camp.

"Dad, do you think it's safe to spend the night here?" Kane inquired, looking up into the sturdy branches above them.

His father considered the options around them. "It seems like the safest choice for now. We'll climb up and find a good spot to settle in for the night. We'll take turns keeping watch."

With that decision made, they ascended the tree, each finding a nook in the branches where they could rest. Kane took the first watch while his father dozed off, exhaustion catching up with him after the day's perils.

Seated amidst the branches, Kane peered into the shadowed forest, his eyes scanning the darkened horizon for any sign of danger. The mountain was shrouded in an eerie silence, interrupted only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind.

He nibbled on some jerky and took sips from a leather pouch filled with water, the only nourishment they could afford to spare. The food tasted dry, but it was sustenance enough to keep him vigilant throughout his watch.

Kane's thoughts drifted to the tumultuous events of the day. He contemplated what might have triggered the avalanches and the roars that echoed through the mountain. It was clear that some powerful forces were at play, either the chaotic nature of the mountain or, more worryingly, a potential monster's presence.

"Hey, Dad," Kane whispered as his father's turn for watch approached, careful not to wake him. "Do you think the avalanches were caused by a monster? What do you think is going on?"

His father stirred awake, alert despite the weariness in his eyes. "It's hard to say for certain, Kane. This mountain is known for its dangers, natural or otherwise. We've seen signs of powerful creatures, but it's also a place where the land itself can pose threats. Rest for now; I'll take over the watch."

Kane settled into a corner of the tree, wrapped in furred clothing to shield against the chilling night air. His father remained alert, his eyes scanning the vicinity for any looming danger.

The night was eerie and calm, the branches swaying gently in the cold mountain breeze. The only sounds were the nocturnal forest whispers that drifted through the dark. Kane soon dozed off, finding a fitful sleep despite the tension in the air.

His father remained vigilant throughout the night, his senses keenly attuned to any sign of danger. The stars above glittered, providing a faint but calming light amidst the otherwise dark surroundings.

As dawn approached, his father gently roused Kane, the night's watch having passed without incident. The duo weary, made sure they packed away everything properly before climbing down the tree to continue toward the village.

As Kane and his father ventured forth from the mountain, the landscape gradually shifted from treacherous terrain to more forgiving paths, although the reminders of the avalanche persisted. The journey had been arduous, marked by caution, but they pressed on, determination in every step.

Their perseverance finally bore fruit as, in the distance, the outline of the village emerged from the horizon. Yet, it was apparent that the village had not escaped the mountain's wrath unscathed.

"Look, Dad! I can see the village," Kane exclaimed, relief evident in his voice.

His father shielded his eyes from the sun, scanning the horizon. "That's a good sign, Kane. But see there? The village seems to have suffered from the avalanche as well."

As they advanced further, the signs of the village's distress became more evident. Part of the village was obscured beneath a blanket of snow and debris. It was clear that the mountain's fury had extended its reach down to the settlement.

"We need to be cautious," his father advised. "The village might be in a state of repair or need help from attacks. Let's tread carefully."

Their pace quickened as they navigated the final stretch. Kane's clutched his bow, ready to assist however possible.

Shouting caught their attention from the village, and Kane’s dad tossed his pack to Kane and began sprinting forward. While running he turned his to Kane “I’m going ahead to see what’s going on, take my pack and catch up quickly.”

As his father dashed ahead towards the village, Kane swiftly hoisted the heavy pack onto his back, securing it tightly. With his heart pounding, Kane set off in the direction of his father, his feet pounding the snowy ground.

The shouts from the village grew louder, a chorus of alarm spurring Kane to move faster. His father's figure became smaller, disappearing into the distance. Kane focused on the path ahead, unwavering in his resolve to catch up.

The extent of the destruction became more apparent as he drew closer to the village. Buildings lay in ruins, some buried under snow and debris. Villagers hurried to clear paths and tend to the injured.