Seth woke up feeling refreshed. He sighed and stared up at the tent roof with a smile. His dreams had been pleasant and filled with… Seth’s heart skipped a beat – Filled with Gloria.

Images of his dreams floated through his mind. He dreamed of walking hand in hand with her along the shoreside where he used to play as a boy. He dreamed of the maydance and wondered what would’ve happened if there had never been an assassin.

His final dream gave him some pause. It was his recurring dream, but this time, instead of the crown being stolen from his head. Gloria stood by his side, dressed in a magnificent blue gown with a delicate crown on her head. In his dream, Seth took her hand, and the gathered crowd cheered for them and shouted their names.

A faint smile played across Seth’s mouth, and he sighed again. Then Elias’s smirk flashed into his mind, and his accusing finger pointed at him. You love her! The boy’s teasing jeer echoed in Seth’s mind.

Seth’s chest tightened and his throat went dry. He rolled over and covered his head with his pillow. Love? he thought, his stomach twisting and his face growing unbearably hot. I just… I just enjoy her company! Seth nodded to himself, hoping to solidify the lie. She’s a friend. Yes! Just a friend.

Then Gloria’s deep green eyes came to his mind. Seth played with the corners of his pillow and found his mind drifting again as he thought of how her eyes sparkled like gold when she cast her magic, or how the corners of her eyes would crinkle when she smiled.

His thoughts were interrupted when the flaps of the tent parted, and he heard Shaman Fen’s voice. “My Lady? Are you present?”

Shaman Fen’s presence brought Seth crashing back to reality. He closed his eyes and steadied himself to deal with the shaman. Then he frowned. Wait a minute… he realized. Where is The Lady? Seth searched within himself and was startled to find that The Lady was distant and glaring at him.

Seth frowned. The last time he’d felt this way was when…his eyes widened, When Elias blessed me! He’d need to be careful not to reveal Elias.

Seth sat up and shook his head. “No, she’s still resting.” Shaman Fen eyed Seth suspiciously. He stormed over to him, looked Seth up and down, then took a deep sniff.

Shivers went down his spine and Seth leaned as far away as he could. “What are you doing?”

Shaman Fen glowered at him. “I had a feeling this was the case,” he jabbed a finger at Seth. “You’ve been blessed! Where’s that novice?” Shaman Fen turned and started to march towards the exit.

Seth’s eyes widened. What was he going to do to Elias? Seth bounded past the shaman and blocked the exit. “Shaman Fen!” he cried, “Please leave the boy alone. He’s just a child!”

Shaman Fen chuckled darkly. “I’m aware of that, but he’s interfering with The Lady’s plans, and I cannot stand for much more of that boy’s insolence. He must be punished.”

Seth’s mind raced. What could he offer that he hadn’t already? “Shaman Fen, please!” Seth pleaded. “There must be something I can give you!”

Shaman Fen eyed Seth and a cruel smile played across his lips. “You wish to sacrifice yourself for the boy?”

A bead of sweat trickled down Seth’s face. He gulped and slowly nodded. “Yes, just swear that you won’t harm him.”

Shaman Fen was quiet for a moment, then chuckled. “Alright then,” and he gestured for Seth to follow him. Seth followed him out of the tent and Shaman Fen pointed with his staff to a ridge not too far up the trail. “I want you to crawl there,” then he looked back at Seth and smirked. “Stripped.”

Seth’s heart dropped and he balked. He looked up at the mountain ridge and gritted his teeth. Stripped..? In front of…? he gulped.

“Well?” Shaman Fen’s voice rose, and he smirked as the camp's ears began to perk up. “Which is more important? Your friend or your dignity?” The camp began to gather around; Their interest piqued. Seth could feel every eye in the camp watching him closely.

Then he spied Gloria and Elias in the crowd and his eyes widened when he saw Elias’s bruised purple face. Seth’s heart lurched and he clenched his fist. He had no idea that Elias had been beaten!

Not again! Not if I can help it. Seth’s face burned as he turned shaking to Shaman Fen. The old man’s face twisted in malicious pleasure. Seth swallowed and met the shaman’s dark eyes. “My friend,” he whispered.

Shaman Fen cackled, then strode towards the camp and addressed them. “The vessel is being uncooperative this morning. The Lady has told me that she will not stand for this. So he is to be punished.” Shaman Fen pointed again to the ridge. “He must crawl like an animal until he reaches the ridge." Within him, Seth could feel The Lady chuckle with satisfaction. She would enjoy this.

Shaman Fen turned back to Seth and gestured for him to come forward. Seth clenched his fists and rigidly stepped forward to the front of the entire camp. He tried to avoid looking at Gloria and Elias. For Elias…he reminded himself when he stood in front of the camp and stared at Shaman Fen.

The shaman grinned and nodded. “Well? What are you waiting for?”

Seth swallowed back the anxious lump in his throat. Then he pulled his shirt off and dropped it in the snow. Behind him were catcalls and jeers. He tried to block out the noise, but his ears burned at the comments he heard. Seth stared out at the ridge and undid his belt.

You're not going to touch him! Then he threw his belt to the ground. There were whoops, hollers, and whistles. Seth shook and kept his eyes on the ridge and tried not to think about what Gloria and Elias might be thinking right now.

Shaman Fen stepped over and leaned into Seth’s ear. “You thought you could get away with your little stunt back in Giantstoe?” Seth ground his teeth and said nothing. Shaman Fen narrowed his eyes. “Get on your hands and knees,” he ordered. Seth obeyed. He couldn’t feel the cold, but the snow was sharp and uneven. Shaman Fen stamped his staff in the snow. “Now crawl.”

Seth carefully picked his way through the snow, trying to avoid hidden rocks and sharp ice. Shaman Fen came up beside him and laughed. “Faster!” he commanded. Seth tried to move faster, but his hand caught on a rock and he fell into the snow. Cruel jeers behind him floated to his ears and his cheeks burned hot.

Remember…he gritted his teeth and conjured the image of Elias’s bruised face. He took a deep breath, pulled himself up and crawled after Shaman Fen.

When Seth caught up, the old man looked down at him. “Bark like a dog,” he commanded. Seth’s arms trembled with shame. He hung his head and barked weakly. The camp burst into laughter. “That was pathetic!” Shaman Fen cried. “Bark like you mean it!” he yelled. Tears of shame rolled down Seth’s cheeks and dropped into the snow. He clenched snow in his fists and barked again, louder this time.

The laughter rose and Seth tried to bite back a sob. He wouldn’t let this get to him. It didn’t matter if his dignity was ripped to shreds, so long as Elias was safe.

“Now…” Shaman Fen smiled, “…Roll over.” Seth paled and The Lady leaned forward as far as she could watching eagerly.

Seth gulped. Barking was horrible enough, but to roll over? He couldn’t take the degradation anymore. Seth shook his head. “No…” he said, his voice catching. “I…I can’t…”

Shaman Fen leaned down and put a hand on Seth’s shoulder. “Alright…” he murmured into his ear. “I’ve pushed you far enough. I’ll tell you what, you can go put your clothes on.” Seth looked up at the shaman, he couldn’t help but feel relieved. Then Shaman Fen’s face darkened, “but the boy is mine.”

Seth’s eyes widened. He shook. Roll over or give up? The offer was so tempting, but… He started to glance back at Elias, but Shaman Fen gripped his face and forced it back. “No, you don’t get to look.” Seth stared into Shaman Fen’s devilish face. The old man grinned. “Choose.”

Seth’s jaw trembled and utter shame burned in his chest. Then Elias’s cheerful face flashed into his mind. His steadfast loyalty. His bubbling joy. Seth shook his head inwardly. How can I throw him to a creature like Shaman Fen?

Seth steadied himself and his eyes flashed with renewed passion. He wrenched his face away from Shaman Fen. “No, I’ll do it.” He squeezed his eyes shut. For Elias…. Then he rolled over in the snow.

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The camp's raucous howls of laughter rang in Seth's ears. He kept his eyes shut and tried to block everything out. He was going to survive this! And when he did, he was going to– Seth opened his eyes and stared up at the bright blue sky. What did he want when he survived?

Just then, over the jeers, Seth could hear Gloria scream. “Stop it! Stop laughing at him!” Then he heard someone crunching over the snow. Seth sat up and saw Elias racing towards him, pulling off his cloak as he did. The boy’s eyes glowed with righteous fury.

Seth put his hand out. “No, Elias!” he shouted. “Stay back!”

Elias stopped dead in the snow shaking furiously. “No Master! I refuse to let them treat you like this!”

Seth gritted his teeth and started to rise, but Shaman Fen put the butt of his staff on the small of Seth’s back. “You want to keep him safe? Then you’ll stay on your hands and knees.” The staff felt like a knife against Seth’s skin. He swallowed and dropped back to all fours.

He looked up at Elias. “Go back!” he ordered. “Go back and stay with Gloria until I return!”

“But-!” The boy protested.

“Damnit Elias! Listen to me!” Seth shouted, gritting his teeth. “Go back and stay with Gloria! I’ll be fine!”

The boy’s fist shook, and he wouldn’t budge. Seth needed a different strategy. “If you don’t, I can’t focus on my paces.” He looked pointedly at Elias. Come on! Listen to me! “Go back…”

Elias scowled at Shaman Fen, then he bowed his head to Seth and wrapped his white cloak around him. He stepped back towards Gloria who buried her face in his shoulder.

Seth took a shuddering breath and turned back. He looked up at Shaman Fen. “Well?” he spat. “What are we waiting for?”

Shaman Fen’s face twisted in anger, and he drove Seth up the mountainside. Rocks dug into him – they sliced his palms and scraped his knees, leaving red stains behind him. The blood on his hands made the snow slippery and treacherous, but still Seth climbed. I’m not going to let you take him….

Seth panted and looked up. His heart lifted – the ridge wasn’t too far now! Seth felt new life breathe into his muscles, and he moved towards the base of the rocky ridge.

Beside him, Shaman Fen laughed. “It’s insane that you’re doing this for a friend who will be dead soon.”

Seth ignored him and continued to crawl to the base of the ridge. The angle was going to be difficult, but Seth picked his way up. Come on, Seth! You can do this!

Shaman Fen chuckled. “I wonder what that little redhead will think of you after this. You should’ve seen her face – utterly ashamed of you.”

Seth shook his head, trying to keep Gloria’s face from his mind. Don’t listen to him! Keep going! He gripped a rock and pulled himself up higher.

A deep cackle left Shaman Fen’s throat. “I bet she’s thinking she could’ve done better than a man who crawls through the snow like an animal,” he shook his head and leaned on his staff. “Such a shame she won’t survive this. Seems such a pity for her to waste her beauty on a mutt like you.”

Seth couldn’t hold back the horrible image anymore. Gloria's face twisting in disgusted disappointment flashed into his mind. Shame prickled in his chest and his shoulders heaved with fury. Then he shook his head. No! he thought, shoving the image aside. That wasn't Gloria! She was better than that! Stay focused! The ridge was almost within his grasp!

Seth climbed higher and reached out to grab the rocky edge, when suddenly, his foot slipped, and he lost his grip. Seth fell back and began to tumble away from the ridge. As he rolled, cruel laughter and insults from the camp wafted up to him again. Seth flailed until he managed to catch himself on a rock. He gripped it tight, and his shoulder screamed from the sudden yank under the weight of his body.

Seth looked back at the camp below and then back to the ridge. He’d lost half of his progress. I don’t think I can do it again… he panted. Tears streamed down his face. I’m sorry Elias!

He started to let go of the rock when a voice called out to him. “Don’t give up, Seth! Keep going!” Seth started and searched for the voice. Below him, he saw Gloria standing where he’d discarded his clothes. Her hands were cupped around her mouth and she shouted. “You can do it! Get to that ridge and show that ugly bastard!”

Elias ran to her side and joined in. “Yeah! You show them, Master Seth!”

Their words filled his arms with strength. Seth renewed his grip on the rock, pulled himself up, and continued his climb. For Elias. He thought as he crawled to the base of the ridge again. For Gloria. He climbed up the ridge. For the people of the Fjord Plains! Seth’s muscles screamed as he neared the top.

This was it! It was the final stretch! He couldn’t stop now! Gloria and Elias’s voices echoed out to him, propelling him forward.

An awed hush fell upon the camp and Shaman Fen’s mocking voice was silent as Seth gripped the rocky edge of the ridge. With a grunt, he pulled himself up and threw his leg over the edge. He rolled on the top, then proudly stood and glared down at Shaman Fen who stared back in awe.

“I climbed the ridge!” Seth declared, his voice echoing out across the mountain. “Now you will leave Elias alone.”

Shaman Fen roused himself and gave a half-laugh. “I’ll admit, I didn’t expect you to make it up here.”

Seth’s eyes darkened. “Well, I did! Now a deal is a deal, shaman,” he growled.

Shaman Fen pursed his lips. “So it is,” he answered dryly. “I will leave the boy be.” With that, he turned and walked down the ridge to the camp.

Seth watched the shaman’s form shrink, then smirked. He had done it! He had climbed the ridge! He endured! Now Elias would be safe.

Seth’s legs wobbled and he lowered himself to the ground and lay back. He knew he’d have to go and collect his clothes, but for the time being, he just wanted a moment to rest.

Well? Seth spat at The Lady’s distant shocked face. What do you have to say about it? She blinked and said nothing.

Seth took the moment of peace and stared up at the clouds. As he lay back, he noticed a distant dark shape protruding from the mountain above him. It was black and shimmered in the sun. Seth sat up and turned to look at it. It looked as though the mountain had been carved into a building. Seth squinted his eyes and peered through the mists, then his eyes widened – The Lady’s temple.

It was probably half a day’s journey away. So that’s where you’re hiding. Seth gritted his teeth. Soon you won’t be able to hurt my friends or anyone else any longer. I swear it!

Then, with a new boldness, Seth gathered himself up and rose to his feet. He held his head up high and began to make the trek back to camp to collect his clothes – he had won the day.

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Relief surged through Gloria when she saw Seth stand atop the ridge and heard his victorious shout echo down to them. Her heart caught as she stared at Seth’s bold stance as he spoke to Shaman Fen. A hush had fallen on the camp, and everyone stared as though they were under a spell.

“Wow,” Elias breathed in awe. “Master Seth is incredible.”

Gloria beamed, her heart bursting with pride. “He is,” she answered quietly. Elias looked at her and a knowing smile spread across his face, but he said nothing.

Gloria noticed Shaman Fen descending the ridge, his face a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. Gloria smirked. Whatever reason had spurred this spectacle hadn’t paid off in the way he had hoped.

The spell on the camp broke, and Gloria heard everyone grumble before returning to whatever duties they had to prepare for the day’s travel.

Gloria gestured to Elias. “Come on,” she said striding through the snow. “Let’s bring Seth his clothes.” Elias nodded and the two hurried to pick up Seth’s clothes from the snow.

As Gloria and Elias went to meet Seth, they passed Shaman Fen. He noticed them and tried to look smug. “I would stay out of trouble, boy,” he said pointedly. “Your master paid dearly for your insolence today.”

Elias froze and his face paled. The shaman laughed. “If you hadn’t blessed him, then he wouldn’t have had to endure such degradation.” Elias’s face fell and he stammered. Shaman Fen grinned.

Gloria stepped in between Elias and Shaman Fen and turned a cold gaze on him. “But he isn’t the one walking down the ridge in shame, now is he?” she retorted.

Shaman Fen’s face turned red. He stammered for a moment then pointed his staff at Elias. “You are still forbidden to approach my lord! Away with you! She will return his clothes.”

Elias stammered and a few tears brimmed in his eyes. “But!” he cried.

Gloria kept her eyes on Shaman Fen. “Do as he says, Elias.”

Elias clung to Gloria and his voice cracked. “Gloria! Please tell Master Seth… I never meant…” he started to sob.

Gloria held Elias and looked over his shoulder at Shaman Fen. The old man grinned and soaked in Elias’s tears. Now the bastard was satisfied. Gloria glared back at him and bit her lip before she said something she knew she’d regret.

The boy sobbed into her arms. “I didn’t mean it!” he wailed. “I just…I just wanted you two to talk again!”

Gloria gently pried her arms from Elias’s grip and tenderly cupped his face. “Hey, hey,” she shushed him. “It’s alright,” Gloria brushed some hair from his eyes and smiled. “Seth won’t be angry with you.”

Elias sniffled and hiccupped. “Are you sure?”

Gloria nodded. “Yes, now go do as Shaman Fen says before something worse happens.”

Elias looked down ashamed. He handed Gloria Seth’s shirt, then he turned and walked back into the camp with his head hung low.

Gloria looked back at Shaman Fen. He smirked and sauntered down the ridge. Gloria narrowed her eyes after him and muttered a few curses when he was out of earshot. Then she shook her head and continued up the ridge.

She heard footsteps and looked up to see Seth striding towards her. Their eyes met and Seth looked away embarrassed. Gloria hurried up to meet him and held out his clothes, keeping her eyes on his face. “I’m proud of you,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. “A lesser man wouldn’t have paid so dearly.”

Seth couldn’t meet her eyes. “Thank you…” he mumbled.

Gloria stepped forward and pressed his clothes into his arms. “You are not the one who has been shamed today,” she declared.

Seth gripped his clothes tightly and slowly looked up. “Really?”

Gloria nodded, meeting his bright blue eyes. “And everyone knows it.”

Seth smiled, then shifted uncomfortably, his face turning red. Gloria turned away and looked down at the camp below. “Elias knows why you did this.”

“What?” Seth cried behind her. “How?”

Gloria looked down at the snow. “Shaman Fen told him.”

She heard Seth growl in frustration, and he cursed. “That weasel!”

“Don’t do anything, Seth,” Gloria said, trying not to look behind her. “Don’t mar your victory.”

Seth grumbled. “Alright, I won’t.” There was a pause, then he added in a softer voice. “If you see him, tell him I’m not angry…”

Gloria smiled at the mountaintops and nodded. “I will try.”

“I wish I could tell him myself,” Seth said sadly.

“Don’t worry; He’ll understand.”

A peaceful silence settled between the two of them and an arid wind blew past. Gloria shivered and sighed. “I should head back and make some breakfast. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll be able to snitch some before anyone notices.”

Gloria began to pick her way down the ridge when Seth called after her. “Gloria!”

She resisted the urge to look back. “Yes?”

There was a hesitant pause. “Thank you,” he finally said.

Gloria smiled and blushed a little. “You’re welcome,” she answered. Then she headed back to camp.