🔥 The Path of Fire (Path of Light and Fire Book #1)(Completed) 🔥

Chapter 31.1: The Mountain City

Wassa called Sweoti the city of the mountain and Leena assumed it was some sort of obscure metaphor for strength. However, it was no exaggeration; the city they approached was literally carved into one. There were several levels: at the bottom, a large disjointed ring of leather huts and farmlands surrounded it. The city proper was cut into the stone, a series of rings that decreased in width and volume. A stone stairwell was carved into its center, culminating with the castle on its apex.

Leena did not look forward to the climb.

"How do the nobility get up there?" Leena asked Wassa. "I can't imagine they would take the stairs like the common folk."

"That is exactly what they do," Wassa snapped. "The Yuan nobility are different than those weak Acadians. Status is earned by power and not bloodline. Those at the top can draw on the Blood of Yua to the extent that this walk is no more to them than a morning stroll would be for you."

She gritted her teeth.

Fantastic.

Wassa dismounted her steed. A group of well-muscled Yuan men ran to her and gave her the chest to forehead salute and took her reins. Leena groom smiled, revealing his bright white teeth and dimples. His hand lingered as she handed him hers.

A girl could get used to this.

After enjoying the view of him walking away, she tilted her head. She could make out the outline of the castle, but the sun's glare made it difficult.

"We would be happy to provide a pavilion for you, Seriens, and carry you to the top," Wassa said.

"I am happy to walk," Alaina said. She dismounted Pithy as a groom came to meet her. "Leena, if you want to take a ride to the top, I do not mind."

So you can conspire with Ira? Not happening.

"I was simply curious. I'm up to walk."

"Are you sure," Wassa asked.

Leena nodded.

Ira stepped down the stairs of her carriage, leather creaking with each step. She was pure coiled muscle.

Seems pretty fit for someone who's been bedridden for several days.

"My apologies for my absence, Leena," she said. "I will join you and Alaina on your walk. It would do my body good to get some exercise."

The temperature rose around her. It took them slightly less than two cycle-days to finish their trip, so it was still in the height of Cold Cycle. She should have been freezing. However, Leena soon realized the source.

The three hundred plus soldiers streaked up the stairs and their blurred forms shifted to several levels. When they cleared, a group of four green-threaded soldiers lifted Ira's carriage and jogged up the stairs. They did not blur like the others, but they did not show any signs of slowing down either.

Wassa, Ira, Leena and Alaina were all that remained of the excursion.

A lingering heat still pulsed from her left. Wassa had her knees slightly bent and her arms in a sprinter's stance.

"I must report to the king and let him know of your arrival. If you would excuse me Seriens." Wassa gave them the Yuan genuflection and sped away.

Leena watched her retreating back. "I'm not doing that."

"I would not expect you to," Ira said., putting her foot on the first step and beginning the walk up.

Leena put her hands on her hips and gasped for air before they made it to the second level.