Tipping the Scale

Chapter 20: The Range of the Gods (Part 1)

When Lidea first spotted the mountains in the distance, it had been underwhelming. Everyone had described the Godly Range as a place where the earth met the heavens above, supposedly even reaching the realm of gods. But all Lidea saw, was just a normal set of mountains. Their dark peaks reached out high but not in a way that felt unnatural. In fact, they reminded her of the mountains she had been able to view from her father's fortress.

Yet, as time went on, she started to understand how wrong she was. No matter how many weeks passed, they didn't seem to grow closer. As if they were some sort of mirage, created by the wavering heat of the savanna. However, they weren't. It was merely that their shear height was so great, that it had fooled her sense of perception.

They had to travel for more than a month after they first spotted the mountains. All the while, their mass in the distance increased, bringing with it a sense of impending doom. By the time they finally reached the foot of the range, she could no longer see the peaks. The mountains were simply too high, reaching far above the thick layers of cloud that covered the sky.

A lone hut marked their destination. Its wooden structure a relic of the time of great discovery, when countless mountaineering adventurers set out to conquer the Vazul'Kar.

Now it looked dilapidated. With visible holes within the roof, broken windows, and reddish paint peeling off the walls.

"We made it."

Crystal's voice sounded unusually hesitant. Showing her nervousness about what was to follow.

Finally, seeing the mountains for herself, she couldn't blame the healer.

"We did."

Warchief agreed, pausing a moment as even he stared incredulously at their next challenge, before continuing.

"It is time to leave the horses, and anything we don't need."

Lidea almost felt sad at the prospect of leaving her dear gelding companion. Now that the saddle no longer tortured her body, she had come to appreciate her steadfast friend. Especially ever since they had left that slave caravan in shambles. Though both Crystal and Warchief acted the same as they had before. Lidea had found herself withdrawn from their conversations. Preferring the company of the horses above theirs.

She knew it to be childish, but she couldn't help but feel hurt. Betrayed that he had just gone off on his own and that Crystal had let him go. Again proving, that she wasn't part of their team. Not really. It was the two of them, and she was just an outsider that Warchief needed for his grand plan.

Lidea had known she was on her own from the beginning, but somewhere along the road, she had grown fond of them. Their constant squabbles and care for one another, reminding her of the loved ones she had lost.

Foolish girl I am.

The realization had filled her with a deep sense of loneliness and a longing for home. Even though she knew, that the home she wanted for, no longer existed.

For what felt like the millionth time, she looked up to the sky. Hoping to see a glimpse of her messenger bird. She had sent it off after they had crossed the border into Astresh. Wanting to let the rebels know their progress. However, it had never returned.

It made her worry, that something had happened to them. Although it was more likely that the merchant had swindled her and the bird had lost its way or died.

"Still no sign of it?"

Warchief asked. Probably having guessed what she was searching for.

Lidea merely shook her head, and seeing that he had already dismounted, she let herself glide out of the saddle. Moving immediately to loosen the singe around the horse's stomach.