Thank you, Kalia, I began when I noticed the smile strewn across Athar's face, allowing my additional thoughts to reach her through our connection. I'll admit, I was a little shaken to hear Sabura accept him so quickly, but he has earned his place, she mentally shrugged. Does this mean you accept him being with Devyr? Ysevel asked with a shit eating grin. I never said that, Kalia chuckled.
We left her home, bidding the guards at the front farewell with a single wave as we rushed toward the mountain pass. According to the plan, we were supposed to meet a group of Ardrin's hegraphenes there before assaulting Pyrdredd, but I couldn't help but feel something was wrong.
I think we need to go faster, I sent along with my gut feeling. Believe me, you would know it if he got out of his dome, Kalia replied quickly, easing my fears a little. We'll make it in time; just trust me, she continued, dashing ahead a little to help guide us along the way.
Within half a cycle, we reached the foot of the mountain. I realized just how much Kalia's training was paying off, because neither I nor anyone else in our group seemed remotely tired. We'd reached the base in under a third of the projected time, and I can honestly say that I felt a sense of pride wash over me.
"We'll follow these up to the top, but they'll only activate if I'm nearby, so don't trail too far behind," Kalia motioned to what I knew to be a sign-stone from my history lessons back in Codrean. "Let's move," she urged, matching the same pace uphill as she had on flatter ground.
Needless to say, we did what we could to keep up.
When we were nearing the top, I could hear a conversation taking place between a few hegraphenes, but since they were speaking their native language, I could only pick out one word.
Thran, I sent Ysevel, who nodded her acknowledgement just before Kalia crested the top of the path.
"We made it," I heard Athar mutter between heavy breaths. "She's insane. You're all insane. How the fuck did she expect us to keep that pace?" he chuckled. "Well, you did it, didn't you?" Irun grinned, patting him on the back before Kalia caught his attention. "We're clear," she motioned for us to move up.
One by one, we passed the last sign-stone, its violet light dimming the further away Kalia moved from it. I found the path to be extremely reminiscent of the Rhydian Pass with its protruding boulders that lay along the path, but it was much thinner and sharper than the former.
As we slowed our pace, Kalia issued a strange clicking sound that reminded me of a bird snapping its beak rhythmically. As a response call reached our ears, a group of about fifty hegraphenes emerged from behind the boulders. I noticed that their eyes were a little different from Kalia's, reminding me loosely of Ardrin's with golden tendrils flowing through their irises.
"Lady Kalia, you're finally here! You had me worried for a moment," one of the hegraphenes said using common speech, picking up a leather satchel as he got up from his seat. "It's good to see you, too, Buruz," she replied in a friendly yet commanding tone.
"What's this?" she gestured to the satchel. "A gift from Ardrin, my lady. I was told to give it to you, Thoma, and Ysevel, though I only know the last two by name," Buruz gave those of us behind her a curious glance before handing her the contents.
Three identical vials clinked together in his armored hand. They contained a violet liquid with golden tendrils streaking throughout. "This is Ethereal mana," I muttered breathlessly as I inspected one of the vials Kalia handed me.
It had been so long since I had last drawn from the realm that I nearly forgot what it felt like to be so close to it. I watched as the tendrils swirled around the vial more excitedly, almost as if they were happy to see me.
I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't happy to see them, too, as strange as that sounds.
"Ardrin said that there wasn't enough left for the other two, but that you three took priority since Athar's an alternate and Irun's had extensive training inside the citadel," Buruz said. "But what is this even for?" I asked, unscrewing the cap. "He said that you would need it, but he never specified why. He's secretive like that," the hegraphene shrugged.
Glancing at the other two with their vials, we each drank the contents together. It didn't taste as bad as the original Gwynnleaf tincture, but I instantly recognized the small quantity that was present. My core immediately reacted to the mana within the tincture, feeling the concoction begin to create a sort of protective coating.
"It's been so long since I've felt Ethereal mana," I muttered, feeling the corners of my mouth being tugged at. "I can only imagine what it's like in full," Kalia smiled warmly. "If you come back with us, I'll help you. We both will," I gave Ysevel a nod. "I can't wait, but we have other matters to attend to, first," she turned to Buruz.
"I heard you mention that there are thran in the area?" she asked loosely. "They were thran in the area, but I got rid of them, my lady," Buruz replied. "According to their leader, Snaagmud, they're in league with the Undergod, but I doubt their reinforcements will be nearby after they've seen what I've done to them," he continued.
"Good work, but how much longer does Ardrin think we have?" Kalia moved on to her next question. "According to him, about three cycles; maybe less," Buruz answered. "We'll make it there before that," Kalia said confidently before silently requesting some kind of ration from one of the other hegraphenes. "You two, eat these quickly. They'll help you regain your strength before we move again," she threw two pieces of unidentifiable dried meat at them.
I'd grown used to eating strange meats that Krozz made for us, but these pieces seemed to have an off-green tint. "Tastes like spinach more than meat, but it's good," Irun tore off another piece with his teeth. I could see the life returning to Athar's features just after the first bite, prompting him to scarf the rest down faster than a dog.
"I feel better already," his alternate voice said. For the first time since I'd met him, I didn't feel any hint of sarcasm coming from his tone, catching me strangely off-guard. "Is everyone ready?" Kalia asked as the remaining hegraphenes descended from the ash-covered boulders. With a silent cheer to avoid being discovered, they formed their kataki weapons and raised them in unison. "Let's move," she nodded, dashing to the front of the group as the others and I followed closely behind.
Time to take the plunge, I thought, hardening my will to face whatever came next.