Page 3 Descending the Mountain

Descending the Mountain

After confirming the findings, they head down the mountain side. As expected, the slope turns out rather treacherous at times, loose gravel and rocks the main cause for one’s fall if careless. Had it been only that, things would have been easier but as soon as they descended lower to the valley and entered the forestry region, thick fog surrounded the area.

Neren had deepening concerns the further traversed. He is constantly alert, scanning the canopy and the undergrowth, listening to the sounds echoing in the forest or smells carried by the wind.

“Faldur, I need you to run like the wind in case the tree spirits emerge.” He tightens his grip on the reins, urging his horse to keep up the pace. One should not linger in this forest for too long.

With the field of vision greatly reduced, the small forest paths are even more of gamble because of the unseen dangers lurking around. Neren could feel in his back that they’re being watched as the rustling of leaves grew louder and there’s vague shifting of ground at times just beneath the surface.

“Faldur—“ Neren’s frown grew ever more, having only managed to raise his voice before his worst fears to come true. Like the silence before storm, the forest broke loose as soon as Neren crossed some invisible boundary. A branch snap, loud rustling of leaves then suddenly roots springing from underground trying to reach out to grasp at the intruders.

Faldur neighs, raises to his hind legs and darts into full gallop, diving into the thick of the fog. “Faldur!” Neren can only cling onto the reins and focus on staying on the saddle when they dash across and over the undergrowth.

A few long strides after Faldur leaps up high to glide over a rising root. Neren leans low right beside Faldur’s neck avoiding a branch then tilts heavy on the other side to evade a root trying to swipe him off the saddle.

Faldur enters deeper into the fog and pushing straight through dense bushes. A hiss escapes Neren as branches scratch him and a stray stick manages to scrape on his face, leaving a stinging sharp red line on his cheek. He is riding blind, having to trust on his instincts and Faldur until unexpectedly they emerge and break free from the mists.

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Author's Notes:

Third page and text are done. I have been quite tardy updating this for the time being. I'm wanting to catch up on the materials that already are done but not posted here yet. My updates are still kinda uneven however I'm working on it to get this project rolling. So please don't give up on me yet!

Much love, Hen Lia