OUTCAST : THE PATH OF A WARRIOR

19. THE IMP AND THE CHAMELEON

CHAPTER 19

It was a long, restless night, for some of us, especially for the light sleepers among us.

The cottage had only one bedroom, and that's where Parissa and Nara shared a room, the bad news was that the rest of us had to share the front room, which included the kitchen,of course.

Unfortunately everyone knows that there's always gonna be the one.... who snores... Noisy critters.

But that's what i was told... for I slept like a log.

We rose early just before the sun was rising.
The rain had finally stopped after heavy storms the night before.

The earth was soaked and muddying the boots, so the plan to leave very early was put on hold till well after breakfast.

That gave us a chance to pack our provisions properly, and hopefully, for a maximum seven day, there and back, round trip.

It looked like the group was comprised of Matsu, Morat, the General, Robert, Jake, Paulos and myself.

As for Pet, Parissa decided, that he will be needed closer to home, in order to help with the setting up of the much needed defence, which will be vital in the days to come.

We sat outside, some of us by the damp table and wet benches.

Old marble columns that looked like were rescued from some ancient historical time, and eons ago, were laying partly in the dirt ground.

It almost seemed as though a giant had just dropped them from a significant height, creating a small crater.

The time for leaving had finally arrived, and Parissa held a parchment which she had already drawn a map on it for us, and laid it open onto the table.

" So... gather round please everyone." She said, waiting till everybody was near the table.

" So we are here and you will need to follow the path adjacent to the woods."Said Parissa pointing to the map.

"We thought it be more convenient to go around the woods rather than through them."Said Parissa pointing to the drawings.

" I have already discussed this with Robert, which he agrees it's a better route by foot, since the thick overgrowth would slow you significantly down."

So unless anyone else has a better idea, or even a Different route to take, I will leave the rest for your group to figure out."

I looked closer at the map. " So just to be clear, are these here, mountains?" I asked pointing to the parchment.

"Yes, that's Mt Kronus, and as far I know there's no way through it, except up and over."

"And I take it going around would be close to impossible!" Said the General, pointing to either side of the peaks, drawn by rough ink on the map.

"Not impossible, but adds many days to your journey. But don't fret, Robert will assist with the climbing part as he will  set up the ropes for you to ascend." She said

"It's about a days trek to the base of the mountain. So hopefully you can get a good night's sleep  before you start the climb the next morning." Said Parissa giving us a reassuring smile.

"Once on the other side, a contact will be there to meet you. He is a trusted old friend, who will guide you till the edge of Zonia. He will meet you along the serpent river where it splits into two, 'The Two Headed Serpent', right about here." Said Parissa showing us two lines forking away from the base of the mountain .

                            ........

Our journey to Mt kronus was uneventful,  taking the main route towards its foot. From afar the sleeping mountain, an elongated array of ranges linked together  seemed to stretch for ever on either side.