The Mountain Passage

[FrankTheTank]

Talos

North of Kuran

High upon the mountain path overlooking a high ridge that hid a small lush valley far below from the elements, Talos gazed across the vast horizons of Odamar. From his vantage point he could look north to the ice lands of Hrot, or to west where the plains of Loden rolled off far into the distance.

The journey Talos had before him was the one most treacherous and filled with potential dangers. He would continue south, travelling along the high paths of the mountains and onwards to the subterranean city of Kuran. The path would prove difficult, open to nature and the will of the Styra.

The lands were also home to many a Therian who chose to live a secluded live away from the humans by utilising the vast and numerous cave networks running deep within the heart of the mountain range.

The giant stead blew hot air from his nostrils, the vapour drifting away like a small cloud lost from its home in the sky. “Not long now Monoceros my faithful friend.” Whispered Talos as he ran a comforting hand along the horse’s broad neck. “We shall soon be with friends and then we can rest a while.”

[FrankTheTank]

Talos

Northern Passage to the City of Kuran

The long and winding path they had followed through the mountains for the last half cycle had come to an abrupt end. Blocking them from their final destination to the city of Kuran stood a high and impassable rock face that disappeared high into the swirling clouds above.

“This is where we shall stop for a while my friend, before it gets to dark to travel.” Spoke Talos as he threw his leg over the saddle and dismounted to land lightly on his stiff legs. The large stead took a step to the side and nudged Talos almost causing him to lose his balance.

“Your hooves weren’t meant for climbing.” He laughed as Monoceros stabbed restlessly at the ground with a large hoof.

After removing the carry packs from the horse, Talos quickly explored around the area where they would be making camp. The secluded spot was mostly desolate, containing only rocks, pebbles and a sprinkling of scruffy looking plant life that had some how managed to survive in the harsh conditions.

Grasping his sword, he pulled the long curved blade from its scabbard and proceeded to hack away at a few of the small bushes. Once he was satisfied he collected up the branches and twigs and returned to where he had left his stead.

Dropping the wood into a neat pile, Talos lowered himself down to the ground and crossed his legs beneath him. He closed his eyes and whispered a small blessing to Styla before holding his hand out above the dry twigs. He watched happily as the twigs suddenly burst into bright yellow flame. The fire would be enough to keep wild animals away as Talos lay himself out and fell asleep with the flames dancing merrily beside him.

[FrankTheTank]

Birds sang their hearts out as the sun reached out from behind the mountain peaks, it’s warm glowing light melting across the land and burning away at the night. From deep within a restless dream of long ago adventures, Talos awoke with a start to the agitated neighing of Monoceros.

The birds had gone silent; the only noises remained coming from Monoceros and the dying embers of the fire embarking on one last dance before they surrendered themselves to the earth. Instinctively Talos reached over for his long sword, grasping just below the hilt to draw out just a shimmer of flashing blade.

“I would ask you to stay your hand weary traveller, not least a misunderstanding should lead to un-necessary bloodshed.” Came a ghostly voice from nowhere.

Talos raised himself to his feet, his hand still clasped firmly to his sword as he faced the direction from which the voice had spoke. “And what guarantee of safety do you offer should I comply with your request.”

From behind Talos came a second voice that spoke with steely authority. “No guarantee’s my friend, only our solemn word to do you no harm.”

“And our word is as un-movable as the mountains themselves and twice as old.” Came a third voice, which floated down from the rock face somewhere above the spot where Talos stood poised in a defensive stance.

“That maybe true,” Spoke Talos to the three unseen men who had surrounded him while he slept. “But while the mountains have aged with dignity, you appear to be haggard and weather worn.” He said as he began a hearty laugh. “Step out from your hiding places my brothers and make welcome an old friend."

Where there had been only rock now stood three short but stocky men with skin the colour of darkest night and eyes of deep emerald green. “Hello young whippet.” Smiled the largest of the men as he leapt nimbly down from a ledge. “It has been a long time hasn’t it.”

[FrankTheTank]

The flames flickered and hissed as water dripped down from the hanging leather cooking bowl that was boiling away merrily above the small fire. Every once in a while they would top up the water and stir the thick broth to ensure that their meal and the leather bowl did not burn. Talos’s had gratefully accepted the offering of the mountain hare from his friend’s as his dwindling supplies would barely have feed himself, let alone three burly earth fae with seemingly endless appetites.

Talos added a sprinkling of herbs to the broth to give the meal the spicy flavour the desert people of Anam were accustomed too, then ladled each man a large helping into the stone bowls that Adamas had fashioned from nearby rocks. The four men then sat in a comfortable silence as they quietly ate their food.

With his stomach satisfied for the time being, the oldest member of the group Geb leaned himself back against a large boulder and let out a relaxed yawn as the rock shifted and flexed beneath him to accommodate his brood shoulders more comfortably. Talos smiled as Geb hunkered down while making low rumbling noises of pleasure like a large cat having its belly rubbed. He had known the large earth fae for nearly forty years now, having first meet him in this exact spot, and then again every ten consecutive years when his travels had lead him through this region.

“It is hard to believe that ten cycles could have pasted already.” Smiled Geb as he washed down the last of his broth with a large gulp of water from the water-skin hanging at his side. “I can still remember back to when a mere wisp of a boy stumbled lost through these very mountains four decades ago.”

Talos smiled warmly as he took the water-skin that Geb offered over and took a long drain of the refreshing liquid. “You are not wrong my old friend. The years seem to fall away like autumn leaves these days, soon we shall both be fertilizer trodden under foot of a new generation.” He said with a teasing grin at the older man. “And now I very much look forward to a well deserved rest from travelling, and to take time to catch up with old friends and acquaintances.”

“Of which there are many.” Snickered Terra, who up until now had remained mostly silent. While the small man had never been one of many words, when he did speak it was usually in some form that would bring him great amusement. From his tone of voice, Talos could tell that Terra was making reference to his previous conquests and subsequent quick departures for which he had become famous.

Adamas gave Talos a knowing grin that said far more than words could ever convey. “Terra as always, the first to cut right to the heart of the matter. Many friends indeed await your return my wily friend, some with open arms and one with closed heart.” He said with cold smile and an evil glint to his eye.

Talos’s face drained a ghostly white as his blood ran ice cold through his veins that not even the fires of his soul could warm. “Larimar.”

“Indeed” Agreed the three men in unison as they looked upon Talos’s forlorn expression with smiles upon their faces.