When Lidea first spotted the mountains in the distance, it had been underwhelming. Everyone had described the Godly Range as a place where the earth met the heavens above, supposedly even reaching the realm of gods. But all Lidea saw, was just a normal set of mountains. Their dark peaks reached out high but not in a way that felt unnatural. In fact, they reminded her of the mountains she had been able to view from her father’s fortress.

Yet, as time went on, she started to understand how wrong she was. No matter how many weeks passed, they didn’t seem to grow closer. As if they were some sort of mirage, created by the wavering heat of the savanna. However, they weren’t. It was merely that their shear height was so great, that it had fooled her sense of perception.

They had to travel for more than a month after they first spotted the mountains. All the while, their mass in the distance increased, bringing with it a sense of impending doom. By the time they finally reached the foot of the range, she could no longer see the peaks. The mountains were simply too high, reaching far above the thick layers of cloud that covered the sky.

A lone hut marked their destination. Its wooden structure a relic of the time of great discovery, when countless mountaineering adventurers set out to conquer the Vazul’Kar.

Now it looked dilapidated. With visible holes within the roof, broken windows, and reddish paint peeling off the walls.

“We made it.”

Crystal’s voice sounded unusually hesitant. Showing her nervousness about what was to follow.

Finally, seeing the mountains for herself, she couldn’t blame the healer.

“We did.”

Warchief agreed, pausing a moment as even he stared incredulously at their next challenge, before continuing.

“It is time to leave the horses, and anything we don’t need.”

Lidea almost felt sad at the prospect of leaving her dear gelding companion. Now that the saddle no longer tortured her body, she had come to appreciate her steadfast friend. Especially ever since they had left that slave caravan in shambles. Though both Crystal and Warchief acted the same as they had before. Lidea had found herself withdrawn from their conversations. Preferring the company of the horses above theirs.

She knew it to be childish, but she couldn’t help but feel hurt. Betrayed that he had just gone off on his own and that Crystal had let him go. Again proving, that she wasn’t part of their team. Not really. It was the two of them, and she was just an outsider that Warchief needed for his grand plan.

Lidea had known she was on her own from the beginning, but somewhere along the road, she had grown fond of them. Their constant squabbles and care for one another, reminding her of the loved ones she had lost.

Foolish girl I am.

The realization had filled her with a deep sense of loneliness and a longing for home. Even though she knew, that the home she wanted for, no longer existed.

For what felt like the millionth time, she looked up to the sky. Hoping to see a glimpse of her messenger bird. She had sent it off after they had crossed the border into Astresh. Wanting to let the rebels know their progress. However, it had never returned.

It made her worry, that something had happened to them. Although it was more likely that the merchant had swindled her and the bird had lost its way or died.

“Still no sign of it?”

Warchief asked. Probably having guessed what she was searching for.

Lidea merely shook her head, and seeing that he had already dismounted, she let herself glide out of the saddle. Moving immediately to loosen the singe around the horse’s stomach.

“It will. I have faith in it.”

Warchief shot her an encouraging smile and Lidea shrugged, as she took off the saddle and her gear from the gelding’s back.

Only stalling when it was time to remove the bridle. The last part that held the horse to her. It felt wrong to desert the loyal animal in this forsaken land, but they had no other choice.

Petting it through its mane, she laid her head against the animal’s neck and enjoyed its warm fuzzy coat for one last time.

“Be safe, little one.”

With a smooth movement, she removed the last piece of gear and let it go. Instead of going away, the horse first stayed with her. Not aware that it was free to go, but then it found a patch of grass a couple feet from them and started to graze.

“They are a hardy bunch. You don’t have to worry about them.”

Though meant well, Warchief’s second interjection irritated her. Did he have nothing better to do than to read her mind and try to comfort her? Why couldn’t he just leave her alone?

“I know. But I still will.”

She clipped back and then turned to her bags. Not wanting to see his reaction or invoke further conversation.

Rapidly she divided the things she was going to keep from those that would be left behind. Unlike her companions, she had already filtered through her items during the last couple of nights. Her overactive mind making it hard for her to sleep anyway.

The last thing she took out, was the book that she had been so faithfully studying over these last months. She had read it countless times and knew it almost by heart. Still, it pained her to leave it here. At least, there was no sensitive information. Considering the dragon riders had left it behind in the first place. But to her, it had been precious. A window to this world she had suddenly been thrust into.

Seeing that the other two were still unpacking. She grabbed the gear she was leaving and walked into the little hut.

The wood board flooring creaked dangerously, as she entered into the small space. It consisted of a bunk bed and a table, but more prominent were the open shelves that covered all the walls and were filled to the brim with items. Some were covered in dust so thick, that Lidea couldn’t even make out what they were supposed to be.

As she started to add her own stuff to the collection, she almost stumbled over a couple of packed bags. No doubt the belongings of climbers who had expected to retrieve them on their way back.

There weren’t many though. Giving her an inkling that most who passed here knew they would never return.

On the table lay a weathered old notebook with no author or title on the cover. Opening it to the first page, it had a single sentence scribbled all over it in a myriad of languages and handwriting.

“For the restless souls, to leave a trace before they might be forever lost.”

The neatly written Lynoën words made her shiver as she flicked through the following pages. Name after name was listed, each accompanied by a little bit of text and a date. Some of the messages spoke about their loved ones, but there were also darker ones. Those of the people who felt like they had nothing left to live for and wanted to disappear.

It was only later that she noticed few mentioned a second date. Those that had managed to return to the hut alive.

She would probably never comprehend what would drive someone up those mountains.

Looking at the attached pen, she tried it out on a corner of the paper. Making sure it worked, before she turned to the last page that had been used.

As she wanted to write their names, she halted as she considered if it was wise. But another look at her desolated surroundings made her reconsider. This place was only known to few, and of those few, none would be aware of whom they were.

“We will conquer these mountains to return to those who depend on us?”

Crystal’s voice made her jump, unaware that the healer had even entered the hobble. She now stood beside her, reading the little message Lidea had quickly scribbled down.

“My mother always said that you were more likely to accomplish something if you wrote it down.”

Lidea justified her reasoning. Her mind conquering up the image of the stern woman that had never liked her.

The healer tipped her head as she studied Lidea.

“You don’t often speak about your mother.”

“Because there isn’t much to say. She birthed me and my sister. Alana was all she ever wanted from a daughter, and I… Well, I was not.”

She hadn’t meant to confess all that, but thankfully Crystal didn’t ask further as Warchief entered.

“All ready?”

He asked and Crystal grinned.

“Just waiting for you, mister slow.”

“Don’t be so overly excited. We will be up those mountains soon enough.”

He retorted with a smirk and Lidea wondered how the two could still joke around, considering what they were about to attempt.

Not attempt. We will do it. We have to.

It didn’t take long for Lidea to learn that this journey would be one of the greatest physical feats of her life. With the sun blazing down on them, she found herself bathing in sweat. Her calves burning due to exertion, and the straps of her bag digging deep into her shoulders.

Every morning she woke up, barely able to move. Having to stretch the muscle strain away so she could worsen it again.

Yet, as they ascended higher and the temperatures grew milder. She started to understand the appeal of climbing.

It was almost meditative. Her mind wandering to the corners of her soul and imagination, as she focused solely on picking up one foot after the other. But the best part was the view. Every time they stopped, the landscape below them stretched out a little bit further, and soon the hut they had visited had shrunk to a mere colorful dot.

Looking down upon the world, made her feel serene. As if whatever happened was inconsequential to her now.

Her peace never lasted long though. Either broken when she remembered the predicament that had driven her here or by the less-than-stellar mood of her companions. Neither of whom seemed to appreciate their ascent as she did.

Warchief still cracked jokes and tried to banter, but it no longer felt genuine as there was a noticeable edge to his tone. His once lighthearted remarks turning far too often into clipped responses, and even sarcastic bites as his once vast amount of patience had suddenly worn thin.

But at least he still resembled the man he usually was. Crystal’s transformation had been glaring.

The moment they’d set foot on the mountain, her behavior had become odd.

The talkative woman barely spoke a word, and when she did, it was often irritable. But more often, she seemed to be trapped inside her mind. Her body moving but her eyes glazed as if she wasn’t really there.

Lidea had even caught glimpses of the healer muttering to herself when she thought no one was paying attention. Her eyes would dart around as if she were listening to something only she could hear.

It was highly disconcerting, and Lidea knew that Warchief had noticed it too. As his keen eyes lingered on his dear friend more than once. Yet he didn’t seem concerned. As if he was already aware of the issue she was having.

Another damn secret.

At that thought, she glared at Warchief who was walking ahead of her. Besides the warm layers they were all wearing, he had resorted to wrapping a blanket around himself and Lidea couldn’t help but wonder how he wasn’t too warm in that.

Droplets of water clung to it, now that they were passing through a layer of clouds. An experience that mesmerized Lidea, who had never considered what a cloud even truly was.

If anyone had asked her before, she would have said that clouds consisted of cotton or the same material as spiderwebs. Instead, it seemed more similar to a thick mist, which seemed obvious now that she thought of it.

Though she pondered how the air was able to hold water like that.

“Why are clouds wet?”

She whispered her thoughts out loud. Speaking to herself rather than anyone else. Which was why Warchief’s sudden answer startled her.

“Because they are made of water.”

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He snarked, causing Lidea to flush in shame and annoyance. True, her lack of knowledge was embarrassing, but how could she learn if she didn’t ask?

Yet, she shoved her irritation away. Deciding to ignore his sarcasm and continue asking, now that she had his attention.

“I guessed that. But how can liquid water be inside of this? It looks like air. Does mist also have water inside of it?”

Her questions were met with a deafening silence, and she stared at Warchief’s back as he continued trudging forward. Perhaps the wind had hidden her voice from him?

“Warchief,…?”

She didn’t get the chance to repeat her question as he suddenly whirled toward her. His warm brown eyes filled with angry flames.

“Just take a hint, Lidea! If you want to learn about clouds, then you can pick up a book once we are in the dragon order.”

Lidea stopped in her tracks, stunned by his outburst. Her first instinct was to withdraw herself, to become silent so his anger had time to dissipate.

But as he turned away and started walking again, she found that she couldn’t. The frustration and hurt that had built over time surfacing and exploding into anger.

“Oh, my apologies. I should have realized that you were far too occupied with walking up this mountain, to have a conversation. My bad.”

Lidea snapped sarcastically, and Warchief froze before he slowly turned around.

“As busy as you apparently! Or did you forget that you have been ignoring me for weeks now?”

Lidea stiffened, feeling guilty as he did have a point. They had barely exchanged a word ever since she had gotten him out of that cage. Still, this situation wasn’t the same, as she had every reason to be angry at him.

“You left, Warchief. What did you expect?”

He shook his head in frustration.

“I wasn’t about to let people suffer when I could help them! But that is behind us, we all made it out safely and I apologized multiple times for it. Yet, you don’t seem to want to let it go and keep childishly shutting me out!”

His voice rose and Lidea could barely believe the nerve he had.

“That is not how apologies work. I don’t have to just accept it and move on.”

He wanted to interject but Lidea didn’t let him.

“The fact of the matter is, that you forced your will. When I disagreed, you didn’t try to convince me and you didn’t even give me the time to sleep on it. You just ran off. Crystal might enable that behavior but not me.”

Warchief balled his fists and she flinched, convinced he was about to swing at her as he yelled.

“As if you would have listened!? You always think you know best!”

He spat his words with venom and Lidea shrank under his blazing gaze. Was this truly what he thought of her?

No. You know better than that.

Seeing him clench his jaw and the shivers that run through his body uncontrollably. She straightened her spine as she studied him through squinted eyes. Almost gasping audibly as the reason why he was acting this way stared her right in the face.

Warchief’s magic element was fire. His body naturally ran hotter than others, which meant that the frigid altitudes they were now traversing were torturing him. And with their food supply strictly rationed, he couldn’t afford to use his magic to keep warm.

No wonder he felt miserable. But that didn’t give him the excuse to treat her this way.

“You could have tried.”

She gritted out. Remembering that morning, and how conflicted she had felt. Rationally, it had made no sense to try and help those slaves. More than likely, they had just found their death in another way. But she also agreed with Warchief that they would at least have a chance at freedom.

Lidea had wanted to discuss it with him, only to be confronted by Crystal’s guilty smile and the news that Warchief was gone.

“Didn’t need to. I know you by now.”

She almost chuckled at his mistaken confidence, but then Crystal passed her by to stand between them. Pausing her strange mumbling to look from Warchief to Lidea, her eyes more clear than they had been in days.

“We don’t have time for this.”

The healer didn’t wait for them to acknowledge what she said, as she continued with determination.

Her interruption helped Lidea clear her mind. Though she felt hurt, she could also see how exhausted Warchief looked. As if his frustration had depleted the little bit of energy he still had.

Get a grip, Lidea.

She admonished herself before grabbing a piece of jerky from her bag and offering it to him. Earning her a confused glare from Warchief.

“Eat.”

The way he shifted made her think that he was about to start another argument, but then he sighed heavily and grabbed it.

“Thanks.”

His voice had lost its earlier edge and some of the usual warmth returned to his eyes, as he took a bite and deliberately moaned.

The smirk on his face was still strained, but she recognized and appreciated his attempt at alleviating the tension between them.

This wasn’t the place or time to discuss her feelings earnestly, but Lidea realized that she would have to soon. Before her disgruntlement would fester further and create even more issues. Perhaps she could speak to them that evening.

A decision made in her mind, she played along. Rolling her eyes before following the healer.

They climbed higher still until their surroundings were covered in a deep layer of snow. The cold now seeping through her gloves and causing Lidea to pull her scarf over her nose. Hoping to protect her face from the shearing wind.

Thick snowflakes floated down from the sky, dusting the three of them with white as if to try and make them blend into the environment.

A sense of excitement went through her when they finally transitioned from the mountain’s flank to a ridge that gently sloped downward until it disappeared into a field of white.

When looking over the map, they had decided to follow the Vazul’s path toward a mountain valley that extended deep into the range. Making it so they didn’t need to go any higher than they currently were. A good thing, as she could already notice how her breathing had steadily become more labored.

Air is thin when you go up high, so these help you breathe.

She remembered Crystal explaining, as she held up a colorful thin scarf, imbedded with a magic gem. One of the items that had been on the Vazul’s list, and of which the purpose had puzzled Lidea.

Standing here now, she understood the necessity of such an item. If it was already this bad at their current altitude, she could only imagine how much worse it had to be on the peak.

Turning her attention back to the ridge, she was all too eager to finally start walking down. Taking the lead, as both Warchief and Crystal seemed hesitant.

The path was covered with snow that reached her knees, and it was only a couple of feet wide before either side dropped into steep slopes.

Walking over it should have made her nervous too but strangely it didn’t. Perhaps, she was simply too busy marveling at the view.

Having crossed the outer ring of mountains, they now looked over a valley of white that snaked its way through rugged steep mountains. Their tops too high for her eyes to discern.

This was the actual Vazul’Kar. The roof of Asmeon, a deserted landscape ruled by the ever-blowing winds and eternal layers of snow.

Despite their descent, the temperatures seemed to drop even lower. Making her think that the outer chain of mountains acted as a barrier, keeping any influences from the landscape below it, at bay. It did make her wonder, just how cold it would become at night.

We should all share a tent.

Since it had grown colder, Lidea and Crystal had started sharing but Warchief had refused. Too concerned that he might hurt either of them in his sleep.

Yet, Lidea didn’t think that there was much of an option any longer.

They just about made it to the valley, when she could see the sun hanging dangerously low above the mountains on their west. Though it was relatively early, she knew it would turn dark when it dipped down any further so she stopped walking. Looking over her shoulder to see Crystal and Warchief a distance behind herself.

“We should make up camp.”

Crystal looked to where Lidea pointed up to the sky. Evidently, she saw the same thing she was.

“Thank the gods! You never get to take the lead again.”

Her exclamation left Lidea momentarily confused, leading Warchief to explain as he chuckled.

“She had a hard time keeping up.”

“Not just me! I didn’t see you following that snow bunny any better either!”

Listening to them argue, some of her concerns ebbed away. However, it surprised her that the two non-humans seemed to have a harder time with this environment than she had. Perhaps being human had its perks.

Looking at the powdery field before her, she started walking up and down. Flattening the snow, so the ground would become more stable and prevent them from sinking away at each step. Warchief soon joined her, and by the time they had created a decent patch, darkness was already growing closer.

Crystal started to set up the tent, and Lidea could see Warchief reaching for his own but she stopped him.

“We won’t need two.”

She stated simply. Letting him know that there would be no discussion over this fact. His jaw tensed with stubbornness but it was only for a moment before he sighed defeated. Too exhausted and feeling too miserable to put up much of a fight.

“It is dangerous…”

Quiet words faded away and Lidea nodded in understanding as she helped Crystal.

“Being here is dangerous. Your warmth will be good for us, and our warmth will help you as well.”

That he didn’t put up more of a fight, made her even more concerned about his wellbeing. Clearly, he had hidden the severity of his condition.

“You two can go inside and set up dinner. I’m going to wall us in a bit more.”

She looked decisively at both Crystal and Warchief. The healer’s eyes were glazed over again, but Warchief nodded before pulling her inside.

It was odd to see them listen to her so nicely without a fight.

Grabbing the two-piece shovel from her pack, she started piling the snow higher around their tent. To help protect themselves from the winds that were rapidly growing stronger. Having done so, she could feel the sweat running from her back as she dove inside.

The tent had been roomy for one person, and snug for two. With three, however, it felt cramped. But that was exactly what they needed. Already the inside felt warmer compared to the snowy landscape outside.

Warchief offered her a steaming mug of tea which Lidea accepted. Her fingers nearly burning due to the sudden intense warmth. She quickly put it to the side and started removing her layers of clothing. She only replaced the layer the closest to her skin with one she had dried the day before. Passing the sweaty garment on to Warchief who took it and hung it at the back of the tent, where theirs were already drying.

There was no way that they would dry completely, but at least some of the sweat would have a chance to evaporate before they needed to put it in their sleeping bags to dry completely.

Putting all of her other layers back on, she took the tea and held it in her hands. Letting the warmth burn through her fingers and up her arms, as the pleasant smell of chamomile wafted up her nose. Helping disguise any unpleasant odors that the tent might hold.

Closing her eyes, she sighed in contentment as the warmth started to relax her body.

“I’m sorry from before, Lidea. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way.”

Opening her eyes again, she met Warchief’s gaze. The man’s face had turned paler than she had ever seen it before. His lips chapped, and his face was etched by exhaustion. His hair and growing beard looked disheveled, only adding to his look of misery.

He looks like he has been walking up a mountain for weeks.

She wondered if she looked half as bad, but she doubted it. Though it was true that she felt tired, there was also a part of her that had grown energized ever since they had entered the Vazul’Kar. It was an odd experience, to say the least.

“It is alright. I know that you aren’t feeling well. Besides, you had a point.”

Lidea would far rather stay quiet and hide the hurt and anger inside of her. But if life so far had taught her one thing, then that was that most matters could be resolved if people would be more honest with one another.

“I shouldn’t have ignored you. I was just being petty as I felt hurt after your adventure. You were right that we should have tried helping those slaves. Actually, that morning I woke up, planning to discuss it with you. So guess my surprise, when Crystal told me that you had left and she had let you.”

She kept eye contact with him, only glancing over to Crystal who looked guilty as she dropped her gaze.

“I suppose, it made me feel like I wasn’t part of this team. That you didn’t value me.”

Her eyes stung, and she rapidly closed them while distracting herself with another sip of her tea. She felt vulnerable and embarrassed now that she had exposed herself. It could very well be, that it wouldn’t make a difference anyway, but she hoped the two of them would understand and think twice the next time that this happened.

She almost dropped her tea when she suddenly felt strong arms around her. Causing her to look up, right into Warchief’s haggard face.

“I know an apology won’t make it up to you, but I never meant to hurt you like that. I was just being impatient and overconfident. I thought I could help and be back, without you even knowing.”

He was sincere and she nodded, feeling a slight bit better as she was let go. Only to be grabbed by Crystal instead.

“As for me. I know that idiot never listens, but still, I should have woken you up immediately. Unlike him, I was pretty sure he wasn’t going to return by the morning.”

The healer glared at Warchief, who almost looked offended.

“Where is your confidence in me?”

“It disappeared after I learned what a magnet for misfortune you are.”

Though his smile remained, Lidea could see that those words had cut him deeply. There was a strain in his features, and his eyes seemed to lose some of the glimmer that had just returned. Not wanting to let him get lost in whatever painful memory he held, she scraped her throat and escaped Crystal’s embrace to glare at the healer.

“With that out of the way. Perhaps you could now enlighten me as to what is going on with you? Since we have entered the Vazul’Kar, you have been absent. Barely responding to what is going around us.”

The woman froze and Lidea almost expected her to say it was nothing. To insult her intelligence and tell her, she was fine. But she didn’t.

“I sometimes forget how human you are. It is unimaginable to me that you don’t feel anything.”

The healer smiled apologetically before continuing her explanation.

“The natural energy of this place feels off. I had expected it to be strong considering its long history as a holy place. But it doesn’t feel good. Normally, places like this fill you with energy but here… It is as if the spirit of the mountains wants us gone.”

“Spirit of the mountains?”

Lidea couldn’t help but repeat disbelievingly while trying to catch Warchief’s eyes just to see if he found her reasoning as strange as she did. However, he merely smiled as he added an envelope of powder to the kettle of hot water. Causing the tent to be filled with the smell of soup.

“You can see them as a local deity of sorts. When people hold strong beliefs their energy shapes the natural energy around them. Especially when one dies while holding on to those beliefs. That energy can then shape itself in what we call a natural spirit. Is that more clear?”

To Lidea it sounded like the type of nonsense that the church liked to tell its followers, but she understood that Crystal truly believed in what she was saying and decided to go along with it.

“Alright… And so that spirit is upset at us?”

“Not at us specifically. It is angry and is rejecting us. Using its energy to warn us off.”

Lidea mulled that information over in her head. Putting the possible deity aside, she understood that Crystal was plagued by a feeling of dread. Was it her nervousness about the mountains itself that was causing this? Or was it perhaps some biological factor?

“Why doesn’t it impact Warchief, then?”

Looking over to the man, he had handed Crystal a mug of soup and offered Lidea the same, before dividing some jerky between the three of them.

Crystal furrowed her brow but Warchief answered before she could.

“I can feel it, I just don’t let it get to me. Though in general my sensitivity to the will of the gods is far lower than Crystal’s.”

“In other words. He is a dense man who doesn’t fear the intent of Gods. Even if he can feel their power.”

Warchief just grinned happily causing Crystal to sigh exasperated.

“I hope you never find out, how stupid that mindset is.”

He simply shrugged, making Lidea feel more at ease. Relieved that Warchief didn’t believe the healer’s story either. Still, it made her consider if there was a biological cause. Ever since they had entered the mountains, Lidea seemed to have been faring better than them. She hadn’t thought much of it, but now she wondered if the altitude messed with their sense of magic.

Perhaps, this dreadful energy they felt wasn’t that at all, and rather a natural phenomenon.

“Thank you for telling me.”

She said out loud, as her mind considered this new piece of information.

“No reason to thank me. Rather, I apologize that it was that obvious. It is hard to focus when everything around you screams to run away.”

Lidea merely nodded as she ate the soup. Just studying her companions and deciding that she would need to keep a close eye on them to prevent the symptoms from worsening.