The Legend of The Eternal Swords

Chapter 4: Hot and Cold

The light was disappearing as Dion looked at the setting sun. He and his companions have been working their way to the mountain named Apollo Mountain, in which a long and forgotten ruin there held their prize. The path ahead would be long, perilous and especially cold. Ragnar had on his fur coat as he had brought in more firewood for them. Throughout the trip, Ragnar had been silent all the way. Dion would turn to see Magnus the Wizard read more books he carried in his satchel. Tara snored a bit loudly as they were at camp. Dion would keep watch as his eyes were surveying the area. The Wizard then looked up at Dion with a curious expression.

Magnus: "Young man, do you intend to stand guard the entire night?"

Dion: "I must be alert for any possible attacks." He responded calmly.

Magnus: "Ragnar here can take turns with you on watch."

Ragnar silently nodded as he shifted the wood more into the fire.

Dion: "I will manage just fine. I have learned to stay awake for several days." He said as he kept looking around.

Magnus: "Even the strongest warrior needs his rest in order to be strong. Don't be a fool."

Dion finally turned around to face Magnus. It is true that Dion had been feeling tired for some time and his body was now catching up to his tiredness. Ragnar stood up and next to Dion, nodding at him as he had an understanding expression. Dion nodded a bit.

Dion: "Very well...only for a few hours."

Dion went over to his tent and rested on his fur bed. Dion's stomach growled and he sighed. He rummaged through his inventory and found some bread. It wasn't enough but it's what he's got. He carefully uplifted his mask enough to where he could eat. Afterwards, he would lay down on his bed and close his eyes to get some rest. His thoughts drifted away to some kind of dream. Dion was surrounded in darkness, looking around in search of whatever he could find. After a bit of wandering, he would hear the sounds of distant humming coming from behind him. He turned slowly to see a odd shaped door but the door looked familiar to him for some reason. He would slowly approach the door and open it, seeing a children's room with two beds. In between the two beds was a woman kneeling and was humming a lullaby while her back was facing Dion. Dion tried to speak but no sound came out. However, that's when the woman rose up from the ground, slowly turning to face Dion...but only she had no face and her clothing started to be covered in blood. Dion stepped back before falling backwards for awhile, no sounds he could make in this dream. He landed on the ground with a splash. He rose up to see that he was surrounded with blood all around him. Dion would frantically look around as this unsettled him. Several faceless bodies suddenly grabbed a hold of Dion's legs and pulled him under beneath the blood. It ended for him when he woke up quickly and panted a bit for some time and realized that it was morning. He got up from the tent and they started tearing down the camp. Tara went up to Dion.

Tara: "Hey there. Doin' ok?"

Dion: "I'm fine."

Tara: "Are you-"

Dion: "I said I'm fine." He said as he interrupted.

Tara raised an eyebrow and took the hint that he didn't want to be bothered and left. Dion stood still as he stared at the ground for a bit before shaking his head and getting ready to proceed with the hike with the others. Soon enough, they arrived at the base of the mountain and could not see the top as the clouds have covered it.

Magnus: "This is the mountain we must climb."

Dion: "Then let's not waste any time." He said as he continued forward.