Ma Tsawke

Chapter Eight

Tsu'tey confidently guides three direhorse riders up the rugged trail, flanked by two agile teenage hunters and Jake, whose adept riding allows him to effortlessly navigate the uneven terrain. The rhythmic clopping of the horses' hooves echoes dangerously close to the edge of a sheer drop, plunging into a mist-shrouded canyon below.

Tanhì said Iknimaya translates roughly as stairway to heaven. It's the first test every young hunter has to pass.

Tsu'tey signals a halt and before them unfolds a mesmerizing sight. Towering formations come into view, thick, vine-like trees ensnaring colossal floating boulders of unobtanium within their gnarled embrace.

A hundred meters above, additional boulders interlace with the twisted trunks of these majestic vines. It's a spectacle akin to a fantastical natural occurrence, reminiscent of the mythical beanstalk, ascending into the very clouds above.

Norm would loose his shit if he saw this.

A deafening roar resonates through the air, causing the ground beneath them to tremble. Jake whirls around, his eyes widening at the sight of two floating mountains grinding against each other, triggering a gigantic rockfall. The massive mountain drifts ominously towards them, dominating half of the sky with its impending presence.

The hunters hastily dismount, and Jake, now on solid ground, gazes upward at the surreal beanstalk ascending into the clouds. His attention then shifts to Tsu'tey, who is meticulously inspecting the gear of the young hunters, a sense of urgency permeating the air.

"Are we doin' this?" Jake springs forward, matching the agility of Tsu'tey and the hunters as they ascend the base of the beanstalk like a coordinated swarm of vines.

Scaling the heights one by one, Jake inwardly thanks Tanhì for teaching him the art of climbing. Without her guidance, navigating this ascent would have been an extremely difficult challenge. Finally reaching the top, where an opening awaits, he follows Tsu'tey, who effortlessly maneuvers as if he's tread this path countless times before.

Breathless from the exertion of reaching this point, Jake catches only a brief break before his ears catch the familiar yip. His gaze lifts, and there, gracefully gliding through the air on her ikran, is Tanhì. She descends smoothly, and as she dismounts, her eyes search for him in the crowd.

Despite the rapid beat of his heart, Jake stands tall. His hand instinctively rises to his forehead, a momentary pause before it drops swiftly, his head tilting slightly downward. Yet, his unwavering gaze remains locked with hers. Tanhì's ears shift ever so slightly as she responds with a subtle smile, the unspoken words lingering between them, ringing loud and clear.

She joins Jake and the hunter party, seamlessly blending into their midst. Tsu'tey takes charge, guiding them through the cave until they emerge onto a cliff. Before them lies the banshee rookery, a breathtaking sight that unfolds like a majestic tapestry. Hundreds of banshees huddle on rock outcroppings, stretching as far as the eye can perceive. They cling to the walls with the fore-claws on their wings, or perch gracefully on ledges.

"Jakesulli will go first." Tsu'tey declares with a smirk, a challenge gleaming in his eyes. The two teenage hunters, though clearly nervous, attempt to mask their fear with a facade of toughness in front of their mentor. Tsu'tey scowls at their bravado, only to be met with a dirty look from Tanhì. She takes charge, leading Jake out onto the ledge herself, her determination overshadowing any doubts or fears that might linger beneath the surface.

"You are well prepared, Nì'eveng. We have readied you so that when the moment arrives, you will know what to do. When they choose you, remember your training. Trust your instincts and summon your strength." She reaches over to touch where his heart beats, tapping his chest to convey the belief in his capability.