Majai Presents Pagan Hills: Beige

CHAPTER 3: Yardenima: Part 3

"Are you going to give me a hand?" Mika inquired, capturing Corvus's attention. He realized she was the only one yet to get on her horse, waiting for some help. "Considering you're supposed to remember me for a rescue, shouldn't you assist?" She added with a playful tone, trying to coax Corvus into lending her aid.

"Mabi, indeed." Approaching Mika, Corvus carefully positioned himself behind her, diligently keeping his eyes politely averted.

"Why do you use 'mabi'?" Mika inquired, intrigued. Corvus gently lifted her by her arms, setting her atop the horse with smooth ease, igniting a shy flush of pleasure in Mika.

"Admitting I'm wrong was always a struggle for me. Even now, apologizing doesn't come easy, so I use 'mabi' instead. It's my way of conceding without the heavy weight of admitting fault," Corvus explained, glancing up at Mika who was managing to conceal her flutter of emotions. Corvus, for his part, seemed to respectfully maintain his composure, adding, "It's also much quicker."

"I'll keep that in mind, Praedicator," Mika offered Corvus a warm smile, which he reciprocated as he gently caressed her arm.

"Stick by me, without fail. Promise?" Corvus's whisper, though soft, carried a depth of earnest worry. Mika already knew who her guardian was in this venture into Yardenima, yet his plea served to deepen her trust in her guide.

"Promise," she affirmed.

After sharing a significant glance with Mika, Corvus moved toward his steed. He paused to pull two white hooded cloaks from the saddlebag. "Ralph!" he shouted, catching his friend mid-discussion with Oliver on the lineage of their mounts. As Ralph looked over, Corvus flung one of the cloaks his way. "Wear this. I'd rather not endure Skarr's complaints about us not adhering to the dress code once more."

"Indeed, that makes sense," Ralph conceded with a deep exhale. He and Corvus draped the cloaks over their shoulders, securing them at the neck. Adorned in their usual garb, they now sported pristine white cloaks, each clasped with a single button at the collar. The hoods cascaded behind them, with the cloaks trailing to just above their ankles. With their new layer donned, Corvus then gracefully ascended onto his horse.

"Follow my lead!" With another sharp whistle, Corvus urged his horse forward with a nudge of his hips, leading the way towards the Styx's brink. Mika swiftly caught up, aligning herself to his left. Following in procession were Danilo and Maria, then the Dubois couple, with Oliver and Louie next in line. Ensuring the group's safety and readiness to assist any straggler, Ralph brought up the rear. Glancing back one final time, Corvus met the eyes of those he had pledged to safeguard during their journey. "Trust in your transport. Veering off course is not an option. Should you do so, it may sever your connection with me, and both you and your mount might find yourselves plunging into the Styx. Have I made myself clear?" His warning was met with anxious nods. His concern for them was palpable, yet he clung to the belief that the creator would ensure their safe passage. Turning to his left, he noticed Mika's worried expression, though it was tinged with a sense of anticipation. Offering her a reassuring smile, Corvus then set his sights on the distant tree, its form barely visible through the dense mist. With a snap of the horse's bridle, the animal reared on its hind legs, letting out a spirited neigh. "Forward!" he commanded. As the horse's front hooves touched the ground, it bolted forward, sprinting across the surface of the Styx. Like a set of falling dominoes, the other horses, following Corvus's lead, formed a neat line and began their dash. As the group made their departure from the shore, Ralph cast a backward glance, offering a farewell wave to Charon.

"Next time, it's you and me in a challenge, Charon!" Ralph shouted with excitement as they galloped towards the valley's heart.

The party approached the dense fog, their sight increasingly obscured. Corvus readjusted his bridle, urging his mount into the enveloping haze. Mr. Dubois's apprehension about the uncertainties lurking within the fog made him question his decision to embark on this expedition. Nevertheless, he was determined not to leave his beloved wife to face this enigmatic realm alone. The Cruz family held their daughter in their thoughts, while Danilo fought the discomfort in his hips, spurring his horse onward. "Stay the course! We're almost there!" Corvus called out. Sequentially, the horses neighed, their riders penetrating the fog. Ralph gazed at the massive tree trunk that loomed in the distance, now obscured by the mist. As they were completely shrouded, Mika's eyes widened, half-expecting to confront the wrath of cursed souls. Surprisingly, she found tranquility instead. Trying to spot Corvus to her right proved futile. A wave of panic set in, then she recalled Corvus's advice to trust their guide. Peering down, she could scarcely see her horse's head. Silence prevailed, save for the sound of their horses' hooves splashing through the watery depths.