* * *
High up in the mountains the rag tag group of soldiers and exiles crept single file along the narrow ledge. Pebbles clattered as they rolled down the cliff face. Fierce winds howled around them chilling them to the bone despite the warm sun that shone upon them. The thin atmosphere made the trek difficult as many struggled to breathe from the exertion. Wheezing, they carried onward hoping that the elf knew his way through the mountains and eager for even a small amount of relief. Men carried small children on their backs. Others supported the elderly that had difficulty even walking.
A whistle broke their concentration. Everyone halted. Dismayed, Tesnayr looked out at the gorge below. The path had ended on the escarpment they were all on leading straight to the empty air ahead of him. Five crevices stood silhouetted against the abyss forming a straight line to the other side. If it’s not one thing; it’s another. Tesnayr bit his tongue to prevent himself from screaming in frustration. These people trusted him to lead them to safety, to deliver on his promise. He had led them to their death.
“I am sorry, Captain,” said Idæas, “The trail ends here and picks up on the other side.”
Of course it does, thought Tesnayr. He trusted Idӕas’ statement; the elf’s eyes could see twice as well as any man. “How are we to cross?”
“We cannot,” replied the elf. “We must turn back and find another way.”
“We can’t turn back. Turning back means we’ve failed,” growled Tesnayr.
“I am sorry, Captain, but there is no going forward.”
Tesnayr slammed his fist into his thigh. All this way for nothing! He couldn’t believe it and detested his options.
Men moved aside as three others in particular inched their way forward. “Captain Tesnayr,” said one of the triplets, “We can get you across.”
“We have a particularly brilliant idea,” said Nedis.
“Or an insane one,” commented Nular.
“Yes, but where would the fun be if it wasn’t?” smirked Nedis.
“Hear. Hear,” said Nylin.
“What is this insanely, brilliant idea of yours?” asked Tesnayr.
Nedis stepped forward. “One of us can jump across this gorge using the crevices here. He’ll take a rope with him and tie it on the other side while we tie an end here. Then we use that rope to ferry people across. We’ll have to cross one at a time.”
“Do you have any idea how long that could take?” asked Tesnayr.
“Well into nightfall,” said Idӕas. “This sounds like suicide.”
“Where is your sense of adventure?” Nular chided.
“And just who would be dumb enough to volunteer for this adventure?” asked Idӕas, dryly.
Instantly, the triplets all raised their hands. Figures, thought Tesnayr. He should have known. “Nular, you will go,” said Tesnayr, “Where is a rope?”
Idӕas pulled a silver rope from his belt and handed it to Nular. “Take this,” he said, “It is ten times stronger than any you have and will stretch to any length you wish.”
Nular tied both ends of the rope around himself while his brothers looped it around a giant boulder to use as leverage and create a pulley. Tesnayr and Idӕas also took hold of the line. Then, Nedis and Nylin formed a sling with their arms and cradled their brother.
“Ready?” they asked.
“Definitely,” Nular replied.
Precariously balanced on the ledge, the two flung Nular across the empty space of the first crevice. Nular grunted as he slammed into the ground on the far side. He lay there a moment before picking himself up. Turning to face his brothers, he waved exuberantly before continuing. Breathing deeply to calm his nerves, Nular sprinted two feet and leapt across the next crevice. His boots echoed on the solid rock as he landed. Teetering on the edge, Nular leaned forward and fell to his knees. The wind whipped around him. His hands felt numb from the cold, but he ignored it.
Nular stood up and eyed the third crevice gaging the distance. Rocking back and forth, he stepped and surged forward with all his might crashing into the next narrow precipice and rolled to the far edge. Desperately, Nular scraped his fingernails along the rock to prevent himself from rolling over the edge. Dust poofed as he came to a halt. Quickly, Nular rolled onto his back away from the edge. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Nular cautiously stood up doing his best not to look down.
“Two more to go,” he told himself.
He stared at the gap between him and the fourth crevice. It was bigger than the others. Steeling his nerves, Nular leapt with all his might. He flailed his arms violently as he jumped short, missing the far ledge. Fear engulfed him as he began to fall before crashing into a sharp rock that protruded into the air. Hanging on tightly, Nular calmed himself, forcing his rapid breathing to slow down. He glanced down at the wisps of clouds below him. Gradually, he looked up. The ridge lay a few feet above him.
Grunting, Nular pulled himself up. Sweat dripped from his chin as he inched his way to the top. He grasped the rocky side. His muscles burned with exertion. His foot slipped. Gripping the rock more tightly, Nular’s hands burned as sharp rocks ripped into his skin. He slowly hauled himself upward. The closer he got to the ledge, the harder his heart pounded. Blood pulsed in his ears. Reach. Grab. Hoist. Nular repeated the process concentrating fully on completing his task.
Air wafted over him as his hand finally reached the top of the ledge. He seized the edge pushing with his legs while simultaneously pulling with his arms. Relief flooded over him as he lay on the flat surface staring at the sky. He still had one more to go before he reached the other cliff.
Nular faced the final crevice. His muscles weakened from climbing the rock face, Nular gauged the distance. Without a moment’s thought he thrust himself across the last crevice. Nular landed on his knees. The howling wind reminded him how high up he was. Wasting no time, Nular heaved himself to the final cliff, landing safely. He untied the rope around his waist and wrapped it around a giant stone. Then, he waved his cloak to signal the others on the other side of the gorge.
“He made it,” said Idӕas.
“Tie more rope around this one forming harnesses,” ordered Tesnayr. “We need to cross quickly. We’ll send them two at a time.”
“The rope may not hold,” said Nigilin.
“It will have to,” said Tesnayr. “It is midday already and we cannot stay up here past nightfall.”
Tesnayr snatched Jenel’s arms and pulled her toward a harness. “I’m not going first,” she protested.
“No arguments,” said Tesnayr as he fastened her in.
Idӕas and Nedis pulled the rope that carried Jenel and one other. She gasped as her feet left the ground and she dangled in the air. Creaking, the rope slowly carried the two to the other side. Jenel’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the rope. Sluggishly, she passed over the crevices, her feet brushing the tops of each pinnacle. Inch by inch they moved. Relief soothed her as Nular’s hands pulled her back onto solid ground. He quickly helped her out of the harness before assisting the other man.
“Help me with the rope,” he said to the man. They both grasped the cord and pulled it sending the harnesses back to where more waited to cross.
The day passed quickly as the people gradually made their way across the gorge. Two at a time traveled across the rope in harnesses. The agonizingly slow process wore on Tesnayr’s nerves as he wanted to speed up the process. But common sense held him back. He knew that by even putting two on the rope was risky.
Bit by bit people made it to the other side. Nedis led them down the trail to a more level area once he crossed providing room for new arrivals.
Soon, the sun dipped in the sky indicating that there were only a few hours of daylight left. Frowning, Tesnayr motioned people onward until only he and Idæas remained. Tesnayr strapped himself into a harness while the elf did the same. “I hope the rope supports us,” he said.
“A bit late to think of that,” replied Idæas. “We will have to pull ourselves
across.”
Tesnayr went first. His stomach lurched as he let himself drop with only the harness holding him. I hate heights. Mentally, Tesnayr scolded himself for never getting over that fear. And of all the times to be reminded of it.
Inch by inch he pulled himself across followed closely by Idæas. The rope creaked ominously with each passing second. Sweating profusely, Tesnayr swallowed the lump in his throat. Past the first crevice. Already the man felt like he had been hanging in midair for hours, even though only a few minutes had passed.
With each passing second, Tesnayr’s anxiety grew. His muscles burned from the effort of tugging the rope just to creep across the chasm. Silently, he vowed to never set foot in the mountains again. The rope lurched. Instantly, Tesnayr was alert. Without warning, gales of wind swarmed around him buffeting the line.
Tesnayr held tightly onto the cable. He stole a quick glance at Idæas marveling at how the elf managed to remain calm despite the bouncing cable. Hand over hand. Pull. Halfway there. The cold did little to calm his nerves or prevent his sweat soaked hands from slipping inside his gloves. He pushed himself onward as the thought of touching solid ground motivated him.
A short pop caught his attention. Tesnayr turned in the direction of the sound and noticed his harness fraying. Realizing the predicament he was in he sped up his efforts to cross.
“Do not go so fast,” warned Idæas.
“The rope is fraying,” Tesnayr yelled. “It won’t hold much longer.”
They were nearly there if only the rope would hold. It twisted and unwound with each movement Tesnayr made. He continued his efforts to cross concentrating fully on making it to the other side until he felt weightless as the rope snapped and he began to fall.
Tesnayr gripped the cable tightly. His feet dangled precariously in midair. The rope jerked and bounced as Idæas scrambled to reach him. Tesnayr hands began to slip. Gritting his teeth, he clung even tighter and felt his nails pierce his skin despite the fact that he wore leather gloves.
“Hurry!” yelled Tesnayr.
His finger slipped and before he knew it, Tesnayr had lost his hold on the line. A moment of weightlessness riveted him before he plunged. Just as he started to fall a firm grip snatched his wrist. Idæas had made it. The elf leaned perilously in his harness with one hand on the rope and another holding Tesnayr.
Tesnayr gripped the elf’s arm in return, but knew that they could not remain like this for long. Slowly, they moved onward as those on the cliff heaved the pulley. Suddenly, the elf’s harness began to fray, unable to support the weight of both of them. They passed the fifth crevice.
Tesnayr felt his grasp failing. “Idæas,” he began, “You must drop me, or we will both die.”
“I’ll not let go,” replied the elf. “The rope will hold.” He clamped even harder on Tesnayr’s arm.
Each jerk of the rope swung Tesnayr as though he were a piece of laundry hung to dry. He glanced up at the elf. Idæas returned the look with determination. He refused to let the man fall and if they were to die that day, so be it. Inch by inch they neared the overhang. They could almost reach it. Small popping sounds escaped the harness as the rope continued to unravel.
“Idæas, you stubborn elf,” said Tesnayr, “There is no point in both of us dying.”
Idæas gripped even tighter in response. He had faith that the rope would hold. They were almost there. Just a few more feet and once again they would be on solid rock.
The cable creaked with each yank as Nular and others worked speedily to bring the two to safety. Just as the last bit of the harness fell apart, hands snatched both Tesnayr and Idæas before they could plummet into the nothingness below.
Breathing heavily, Tesnayr hugged the side of the cliff grateful that they had made it. “Why didn’t you let me go?” he asked the elf.
“Would you rather I had?” replied Idæas.
“No, but we could have both been killed,” said Tesnayr. “These people need a leader and you are far better at it than anyone here.”
Idæas kept his features unreadable, much to Tesnayr’s annoyance. “I knew it was not your day to die.”
“And how is that?”
“Because I was holding onto you.” The elf rose and moved down the path organizing the onlookers as he went.
Tesnayr stared after him. Sometimes he wondered if the elf was serious, joking, or just arrogant. Either way he was alive and there was still a long way to go. He went to the line that still spanned the expanse. Tesnayr pulled out his knife and started to cut the elven rope when it suddenly went limp in his hands and wound into a tight coil. He stared at it in awe before chuckling to himself. Figures. Placing it in his pack, he took one last glance at the abyss.
“That is one hurdle done,” he said to himself. The soft cry of the phoenix echoed in response. “Let’s move,” shouted Tesnayr as he pushed people into a single file line.
One by one, they walked along the narrow path down the mountain. Tesnayr noticed an elderly woman struggling with the steep incline. He took her bag and put her arm around his shoulder as he helped her down. “Nigilin, carry those down that cannot go themselves,” he ordered.
Nigilin saluted and mobilized some straggling soldiers.
As the shadows lengthened from the waning daylight, they trooped down the mountain to the small clearing Nedis had discovered. Their feet slipped on the slush and smooth rock. Many times Tesnayr gripped the side of the mountain to balance himself. Eventually, the path widened as they went lower. Walking more easily, the travelers reached Nedis and the others before the sun disappeared.
Tesnayr released the woman allowing her to join the others. Gradually, the refugees settled around the fires and began preparing a light meal. Most just enjoyed the warmth as it soothed their aching muscles.
Tesnayr watched them and sighed inwardly relieved that for now they could relax. “Arnin, Idæas, and you three,” he said pointing at a group of men, “Set a perimeter and stand guard. We will do three shifts tonight.”
He eyed the twinkling stars in the clear sky as everyone settled in for the night. His brooding mood refused to release him. They had surpassed one obstacle, but what else awaited them the deeper they went into the mountains? A furry mass burrowed into him purring loudly. Tesnayr shoved it away. Undaunted, Turyn forced his way into Tesnayr’s lap again purring even more loudly than before. He rubbed against the man’s cheek leaning forcefully into him.
Wishing to be left alone with his foul mood Tesnayr lifted the cat off of him and tossed him aside. “Leave me be,” he said. A few minutes later he heard licking. Tesnayr glanced over. Turyn chewed greedily on his food. “Hey! That was my supper.”
“Not anymore,” said Turyn.
“Cat,” mumbled Tesnayr. “What am I supposed to eat?”
“Don’t know,” said Turyn, “But that mutton was tasty.”
Tesnayr swatted at Turyn. The cat skittered out of the way laughing. “You owe me supper,” said Tesnayr.
“You’re right,” replied Turyn. “I could bring you some, but you might not like the manner in which I carry things.”
Tesnayr glared at the cat. He could well imagine how Turyn would bring him a slab of meat, dripping with cat spit. The prospect did not encourage his appetite. “I’ll just get it myself.”
“No. No. I will bring you some. And I promise not to drool on it. Though it might have bits of dirt mixed in.”
Before Tesnayr could respond, Turyn bounded off toward the cook’s fire. Minutes later the scrapping and scratching of metal on rocky ground filled the air. Tesnayr cursed under his breath. What is that cat up to now? Slowly, Turyn came into view. He tugged at a metal plate filled with bits of meat and hard bread. Scrape. Inch by inch Turyn moved the plate over the rough ground and placed it in front of Tesnayr.
“Time to feast,” said Turyn with a note of pride in his voice. He sat in front of Tesnayr’s hand looking at him expectantly.
Tesnayr reached for his supper. A boisterous
purr rumbled through him. His hand paused in midair. Turyn took one step closer to it. Tesnayr knew what the cat wanted. Sighing, he rubbed the cat’s ears. Turyn purred even more loudly as he leaned into Tesnayr’s calloused hand.
“Now, was that so hard?” said Turyn.
Tesnayr grunted. He picked up the piece of mutton and took a bite. Suddenly, Turyn leaped into his lap and curled into a ball.
“How am I supposed to eat with you in my lap?”
“Oh, don’t mind me,” said Turyn, “I’m just here to keep you company.”
Tesnayr took another huge bite of his food. With each movement Turyn’s eyes followed. He began to wonder if the cat had an ulterior motive.
“For some strange reason I do not trust you,” said Tesnayr.
Turyn started his motor on again purring so loud that people heard it a hundred yards away. He stared at Tesnayr with a most innocent expression.
“If that paw comes anywhere near my plate,” said Tesnayr, not buying Turyn’s act, “I’ll throw you off this mountain.”
“As long as you include the mutton,” teased Turyn.
Tesnayr ceased arguing with the cat. He ate his food enjoying every bite knowing that there might not be anything to eat for a long while. When he had finished, Turyn’s purr had turned to snores.
Tesnayr looked out at the wide expanse below him. He had hoped they were done with narrow trails with sharp drop offs. No such luck. The cloudy day did little to lift his darkening mood. He was beginning to understand why people did not like the Ársa Mountains. Having entered the mountains themselves, the six tallest in the entire range, he hated them. He breathed deeply to make up for the thin air. Feeling slightly light headed, Tesnayr did not know if the group of refugees behind him could handle the crossing. They had no choice. The trail led back into high altitude.
“Everyone hug the cliff face,” he ordered. “Take your time. Do not rush.”
They looked at him with apprehension. He understood their wariness. He studied the foot-wide path with the sharp drop off. Despite the life lines he had everyone tie around themselves, even he did not want to do this, but had to show that it could be done.
“Idæas,” Tesnayr said.
The elf carefully moved ahead of Tesnayr taking the lead. It was he who knew the path to the mythical road. With his back against the side of the mountain, he walked sideways being careful not to look down. Tesnayr followed suit and one by one in a long line, everyone scooted around the mountain face. Step by step they moved. With soldiers dispersed among the refugees, Tesnayr hoped to ease their fears.
The moaning wind swirled and echoed around them enhancing their anxiety. Pebbles dropped from where people placed their feet. The clinking sound of the small rocks as they fell intensified with each bounce. Gradually, the line of people moved along the narrow track to what they hoped would be safer road.
Jenel scrunched against the wall of rock. Her heart thundered in her chest as though it would pop out at any moment. She took comfort in Rybnik being next to her. “Keep going,” she told herself. Her feet scraped across the ground as she moved onward. Two cliffs in two days were too much. But it was either move or die. More pebbles fell beneath her boots, a reminder of what would happen to her if she slipped. She glanced at Rybnik. He looked back at her encouragingly.
A man screamed as his foot slid and he fell below taking two more with him. They dangled precariously in the air as the rope pulled taut. Bracing himself for the strain, Rybnik held on. He took out his dagger and sliced the rope connecting him and Jenel. “Keep going,” he told her.
“But—”
“Now!” He refused to let her die in case the weight of the dangling men pulled them all down. He looked at the soldier beside him. The man’s fearful features told him everything. “On my mark,” he said calmly, “We pull.”
The rope swung violently as two of the hanging men desperately tried to climb up. Their panic fed the dread of others and made saving them difficult.
“Stop moving,” Rybnik yelled at them.
Eventually the rope ceased its swaying.
“Now pull,” ordered Rybnik.
His muscles ached as he and the soldier next to him heaved on the rope. With constant movement they hoisted the men up. With each passing second, anxiety grew among those waiting to continue onward as they hugged the mountainside. Rybnik knew that if they took much longer to pull up the men, more could fall over the side simply from fainting.
He reached down and grasped the hand of the first man as he came to the top. The soldier grabbed the second. Finally, they hauled up the third, but his limp body told Rybnik that he was dead. His caved in skull verified that fact. Rybnik masked his expression as he cut the dead man loose and tossed him into the endless abyss.
“How can you toss his body away like that?” asked one shocked refugee.
Rybnik eyed the man. “He is dead and we cannot afford to carry the extra weight. Move on.” Rybnik edged his way along the trail taking the lead and striving to narrow the gap between him and Jenel.
Tesnayr glanced behind him when he heard the scream. He watched as Jenel and Rybnik separated and Jenel continued without him. Unable to stay any longer he continued after Idæas. Rybnik was on his own. There was nothing for him to do but hope that the man could handle it.
His foot slipped. Squeezing against the side of the cliff, Tesnayr caught himself and managed to stay on the narrow ledge. Slowly, he released the breath he held and forced himself to breathe steadily and deeply. Inch by inch he crept sideways. A gap greeted him. The elf jumped it with ease. Tesnayr stretched his foot out and leapt across. Made it. He reached out and helped the child behind him. So far so good.
Tesnayr stole a quick glance back at Rybnik. It appeared that the man had managed to pull those that had fallen back up. Good, he thought. Turning back to the matter at hand, he concentrated fully on following Idæas and remaining on the ledge.
The elf moved swiftly, undeterred by the narrow path and the prospect of death. He scooted smoothly sideways. Not once did his feet slide, nor did he knock any rocks off. He focused on leading the others and shielded his mind from all other thoughts. His steps came more easily. Looking down, Idæas noticed that the narrow precipice began to widen. Keeping his emotions reined in, he pushed onward. They were close. Soon all of them would be on a wider ledge.
There it was. The path they searched for. All they had to do was one final leap across another gap. Idæas jumped, followed by Tesnayr. Together they helped others across and sent them down the small rise to the wider and far safer road. One by one people landed on safe ground and congregated below. After about two hours, the last person reached the new trail.
“I’m glad that’s over,” said Tesnayr, relieved.
Idæas just looked at him emotionless. “Our journey is only beginning. Over there.” The elf pointed down the incline. There rested a paved road wide enough for wagons and sturdy carts. “We have found the road. The Indrev Tharob is before us. It will guide us the rest of the way through the mountains.”
A commotion arose below them. Steel rang out. A bedraggled group of people appeared from amongst the trees and attacked those who waited for Tesnayr’s orders. Instantly, his soldiers jumped into the fight protecting the defenseless refugees.
Tesnayr raced down the hill plunging himself into the fray. He blocked an attack by a man in ragged clothes. Instantly, Tesnayr pinned him to the ground. He brought his sword down, but stopped in mid swing. Something about the man caught his attention. He knocked the man unconscious. Glancing around Tesnayr immediately understood who these people were. They were not enemy soldiers but desperate individuals.
Something poked him in the side. Feeling in his cloak Tesnayr gripped the horn of Selexia and knew how to stop the skirmish while avoiding casualties. A deafening cry echoed around them as he blew on it. Many dropped their swords just so they could cover their ears.
The cry of a dragon greeted Tesnayr in response. Everyone duc
ked as the giant beast swooped low. Fear paralyzed the people as two more dragons landed in the small clearing cutting off any chance of escape. A third settled before Tesnayr.
“You called,” said the dragon.
“Yes,” said Tesnayr, now feeling stupid that he used them to stop a small fight. “I just wanted to stop a battle.” Now Tesnayr really felt dumb.
The dragon snorted, but said nothing.
Tesnayr observed those around him. Mothers huddled to the ground clutching their children while many stood frozen with terror. “Who are you? Who speaks for you?”
One man stood forward. “I will speak for them.”
“What are you all doing here?” asked Tesnayr.
“We had nowhere else to go,” replied the man. “Strange beasts attacked our homes and we escaped to the mountains. They followed us so we climbed higher until they pursued us no more. We have been here for four months.”
“Why did you attack us?”
“Our food ran out. We saw some people gathering here. They looked well fed and we are starving.”
Pitying the man, Tesnayr found it difficult to be angry. Many were mere bones. He understood their plight, but could not allow such actions to go unanswered. “These people have also escaped attacks by the same creatures that overran your home. They are in the same situation as you. Instead of murdering and stealing from them, why not ask for their help?”
“No one helps us,” said the man eyeing the dragons around him.
“I am helping you,” countered Tesnayr, “We are going to Hemíl. Come with us and you will receive food and shelter.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Tesnayr.”
Whispers soared through the crowd. Once again Tesnayr’s reputation had preceded him. He wondered if he could go anywhere without people knowing his name.
“I’ve heard of you,” said the man.
Surprise, thought Tesnayr. He kept his face impassive.
“Our camp is this way. Follow me.”
Tesnayr sent the others after the man. He then turned to the dragons. “Thank you,” he said, “We need warmth and food for the night. Can you help us?”
“Selexia has vowed that we serve you, so serve we will,” said one of the dragons, “We will return within the hour.”
The beat of the dragons’ wings nearly knocked Tesnayr to the ground as they took off. He watched them go before trekking down the hill and toward the others’ camp. Upon entering, it was clear that these people had been through a lot. A pregnant lady approached him and kissed his hand. Unsure of what to do, Tesnayr just stood there.
“Thank you,” she said, meekly.
“You need to rest.” Nelyn pulled the woman away from Tesnayr and set her on some blankets.
Tesnayr remained where he was awed that these people managed to survive. Immediately, he took stock of what they had and how they were going to travel down the mountain. The beating of wings disturbed his mental note taking. The dragons had reappeared with fresh kill and wood. They placed the wood in the center and the food elsewhere. Afterward, one of the beasts set the wood on fire producing a warm blaze that everyone gathered around.
“Anything else?” one of the dragons asked.
“No. Thank you,” replied Tesnayr.
The dragon bowed and flew off with the other two. Tesnayr glanced about him once before settling in for the night. They still had a long way to go and things just got more complicated.