Climbing a mountain was tough. Clearing a range of them was exhausting. Yet despite this, they continued their uphill slog juxtaposed against the luxurious mist of clouds that lay over them like a thick powdery blanket. A beautiful view made almost intoxicating by the thin levels of air that would leave an unfit person gasping. Led by Garwyn and Yordu, the small group could almost be considered a family. Throughout their voyage over the mountains, they had become a tight knit community- a surrogate family with the parents and grumbling grandparents guiding from the front. They had no doubt who their ringleader was- the little baby girl, whose hair had sprouted the colour of wild earth and ember during their travels and had already attempted the words mother and father in her own gibberish.
Despite their constant uphill trudge through the mountains, they were able to take stock of the spectacular views as they persevered. Bohina, with the baby strapped to her back, made some inquiries: "So Yordu, will I like this place?
"You'll like it. Artreide will love it," he said.
"Well, that's a relief," she said.
"Look, I'm not going to lie...at times you'll feel isolated, but I think ultimately you'll manage." Garwyn added, "You'll have everything you need up there: rivers, a mountain lake, all the game you can fire an arrow at..."
"Yes, just stock up on wood for the winter. It's not quite the sanctuary."
Artreide said "It sounds idyllic"
"Yes, nature lover. I'm sure you'll be one with the way."
Garwyn and Yordu both shot her a look, but she ignored them to see the effect on her husband's face which could only be described as bemusement.
At this point, they crested over the top of the mountain, with yet another panoramic view which could make one gasp in wonder. The forest in the valley was encircled by vast ranges, with a downward spiral of rivers which spilled into a mountain lake. During the time they marched over the top, the mist was subsiding over the lake, allowing peaks of sunlight to crystalise the gently lapping blanket of water.
Yordu gestured towards the forest. "So what should we call her? she asked.
"I was thinking Chenari?" he said.
"Chenari?"
"It means new star in the old language"
"I like it."
"We'll call her Cha Cha for short."
"I love it!"
Jara returned to her own home, desperate for the ache of a warm bed. The people of her village that stayed behind welcomed her back with open arms, along with the band of entertainers strumming along behind her.
"Let me make this clear: these people behind me aren't here for your own amusement. Their purpose is aligned with ours. They are simply here to rest and train. They are not here to sing for you at a moment's notice, or to tell an amusing tale."
At this point, Lucern interrupted, "Charamayn here welcomes you in her own style."
Charamayn belted out a quick line of song, another local ballad. As Jara shot them a look, her welcome party laughed enthusiastically.
"They are here to help us in the fight. Though it seems they're also here for entertainment."
"As long as it keeps the beer flowing," Lucern said.
Halthar belted out "I second that." in his own peculiar dialect and more snickers of appreciation sprang from the crowd. Tenaro, a newly ordained Guardian led a group of golden blades which shuffled by earnestly, though a few were smirking at this exchange.
YOU ARE READING
The Guardians of Celesk
ФэнтезиIt came during the most desperate of times, after a reign of bloodshed. It thundered on in spite of terror, hopelessness and the great chain of inequity. It shattered shackles and in its momentum gathered all in its wake. It was hope. In the new era...
