The trio pressed on, following Seacra's lead as they reached a cave at the foot of the imposing Dividing Mountains. Seacra explained that these mountains split the continent into two halves, with the humans inhabiting the southern side and the elves the northern.
"The only way through is these caves," Seacra explained. "The passes are too high, and the air is thin and unbreathable."
Curiosity sparked in Creetan's eyes. "So how do we get across then?"
Seacra smiled mischievously. "Just follow me, and you'll see."
The cave they entered was illuminated by glowing stones, casting a soft, eerie light. Creetan couldn't help but marvel. "What makes these stones glow like this?"
Seacra laughed. "It's slime acid! Ulec had Metal spray the stones as he passed through. Clever, isn't it?"
As they ascended, the air grew colder, and soon the chill was biting into their skin. Seacra seemed unaffected as she transformed into a magnificent salamander, radiating warmth to keep Almas and Creetan from freezing.
"Thanks, Seacra," Almas said, feeling the soothing heat surround him.
Seacra grunted an acknowledgement and continued walking.
Finally, they reached the mouth of the cave, stepping out into a vast snowy valley. The silence was interrupted by angry roars that echoed through the mountains.
Almas tensed. "That doesn't sound good. What do you think it is?"
Seacra's eyes narrowed, her senses heightened. "I don't know, but we should be cautious."
The chilling wind whipped around them as they ventured further into the snowy valley, the imposing mountains casting shadows over them. As they moved forward, the roars grew louder, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.
Creetan said, "Whatever it is, I hope it's not hungry."
As they approached the center of the valley, they saw a large crater, surrounded by jagged rocks. Smoke billowed from the crater, and the roars became deafening.
As the temperature was much warmer near the crater, Seacra shifted into her natural elf form and said, "That's odd. There shouldn't be any volcanoes here. This must be a recent eruption."
She shifted into a hawk and flew over the crater, scouting for danger. She returned quickly, looking alarmed.
She shifted back into her elf form and said, "Guys, we have a problem. There's a young mountain dragon in there!"
Almas and Creetan gasped. "A young mountain dragon? How is that possible?"
Seacra said, "I don't know, but it looks like it's trapped. It must have been sleeping under the mountain and woke up when the volcano erupted. It's trying to break free, but the rocks are blocking its way."
Almas said, "That's terrible. We have to help it!"
Creetan said, "Are you crazy? It's a mountain dragon! It could eat us in one bite!"
Seacra said, "Not all mountain dragons are dangerous, Creetan. Some are friendly and wise. Besides, if we don't help it, it could cause more damage to the valley and the mountains."
She looked at Almas and Creetan with determination. "We have to free the dragon."
Creetan gulped. "How do we do that?"
Seacra said, "We need to clear the rocks that are blocking its way. I can use my fire to melt some of them, but I'll need your help to move them."
She transformed into a salamander again and headed towards the crater.
Almas followed her, feeling a surge of courage. He said, "Come on, Creetan. Let's do this."
Creetan hesitated, but then nodded. He said, "Okay, okay. But if we get eaten, I'm blaming you."
He joined Almas and Seacra as they approached the crater.
The young elder dragon saw them and roared angrily, snapping its teeth at them.
Seacra used her fire to melt some of the rocks that were blocking the young elder dragon's exit.
Almas and Creetan used their strength to push and pull the rocks away from the crater.
They worked together as a team, dodging the dragon's snapping jaws and clearing its path.
After a while, they managed to create a large enough opening for the young mountain dragon to escape.
The mountain dragon crawled out of the crater, shaking off the ash and dust from its scales.
It looked at Almas, Creetan and Seacra with gratitude in its eyes.
It bowed its head and made a low rumbling sound that seemed to convey thanks.
Almas smiled and said, "You're welcome. We're glad you're okay."
Creetan said, "Yeah, yeah. No problem. Just don't eat us, okay?"
The dragon chuckled and made another sound that seemed to convey amusement.
It spread its wings and gestured for Almas, Creetan and Seacra to climb on its back.
Seacra shifted into her elf form and said, "What is it doing?"
She realized that the young elder dragon wanted to repay them for their kindness.
She said, "I think it wants to take us across the valley."
Almas said, "Really? That would be awesome!"
Creetan said, "But what about our father? We have to catch up with him before he meets the Dragon Queen!"
Seacra said, "Don't worry. The mountain dragon will fly faster than we can walk. We'll get there in no time."
She climbed on the dragon's back and helped Almas and Creetan join her.
They found the dragon to be very warm so at least they wouldn't need Seacra to be in salamander form for the ride.
The young mountain dragon took off into the sky with a powerful flap of its wings.
Almas, Creetan and Seacra held on tight as they soared over the snowy valley. Almas just hoped it would be in time for his father.
YOU ARE READING
Adventures in the Sacred Forest
FantasyAlmas has a new friend in the elvish boy Ulec and the forest becomes their playground. However when trip with to the Provincial Capital starts to go wrong, Almas learns what the power of friendship can really do.
