The Elemental Song

Chapter 12 Keep On Going

"Eryk, where are we even going? We have been traveling for three days straight without stopping and you have never even mentioned where we are travelling to." Eryk glanced at her. "Sorry, my mind has been preoccupied. The night before we left I was talking to gramps if he had any ideas where to seek help from first. He said, 'there is a rumor of a priest who lives somewhere near Blaine Rhan, also known as the River of Fate. The river is located in Apocrypha Amok, the hidden valley. If you find the priest he will be able to help guide you on your journey.'" Skyrah giggled at the bad and exaggerated imitation of General Gideon's voice. "So we are going to Apocrypha Amok?" "Yes." "Does that mean we have to..." Skyrah trailed off and Eryk affirmed her fear. "We have to go through Lorelei Pass."

Skyrah stopped in her tracks. Lorelei Pass was a very dangerous mountain. Inside Lorelei Pass was the hidden valley Apocrypha Amok, and inside the valley was the Blain Rhan. The Blaine Rhan was a river whose water came from Ekala Amr. Ekala Amr was the Lake of Life and got its water from the noble waterfall, Edlyn. Edlyn brought water from the Celestine Tarn or the Heavenly Mountain Pool which was located at the top of Celestine Shan, the Heavenly Mountain. All the water that travels through all the ponds and rivers ends up in the small pool Abjini. All the water was said to have mystical power and the only ones who knew of the pass, valley, and water were royals. An even fewer amount of people also knew that somewhere in the pass or in the valley, was located, the Tribe of Joki. According to the few adventurers that returned, Lorelei Pass was located at the end of the river near Abjini. Not only was the terrain difficult but there was something else that was dangerous as well.

At Ziff's pushing Skyrah continued and scurried to catch up with Eryk. Once she caught up she asked, "do you know where you are going?" "Yes. Tonight we will rest. I apologize for driving you so hard." "It's fine. I would keep going but all of us haven't rested or have eaten. It would be bad if we wouldn't even get close to Lorelei pass because we died of exhaustion and malnutrition." Eryk nodded in agreement and said, "very true. Nightfall will come in a couple of hours. Then we will take shelter and restore our strength."

Time passed quickly and when nightfall came the trio took shelter in a dark forest. After Eryk looked around and confirmed the place was safe he set up camp. "Do not wander off princess. There are many dangerous creatures that can be lurking here." "Okay Eryk, I will be careful." Once Eryk was sure that Skyrah was serious and being honest he handed out provisions. Ziff left to hunt around but stayed within a close range of the campsite. After they ate the three did a little training and decided to take turns guarding the campsite so that the other person could sleep. Eryk would go first, then Skyrah and Ziff would go. With Eryk on the watch Skyrah drifted off into deep slumber.

Skyrah awoke suddenly to the sound of screaming. She then realized that it was her own screams that woke her. Ziff nuzzled her knowing that there was something off and Eryk burst into the tent. "What happened?!" Skyrah didn't respond and just sat on the ground trembling. "Was there an animal or something?" Skyrah shook her head and said one word, "dream."

A dream? Eryk pondered this for a bit. A dream that caused a person to scream like that must have been very intense. "What was your dream about princess?" Skyrah continued to shake and Ziff did his best to comfort her. When she finally calmed down she whispered very quietly, "death."

Skyrah was on edge. She couldn't get the bloody scene out of her mind. Blood, dead corpses everywhere. Dead men, women, children, and even animals and insects. She stood in the middle of it all with all of her dearest friends and family surrounding her, all dead. Then all the blood surrounded her and she drowned in a sea of blood. While she was drowning Zhenya appeared as well as everyone else. Zhenya then proceeded to stab every single one with his sword and Skyrah sunk down into the endless sea of blood.

"Skyrah please! Snap out of it! Your screaming may have attracted other creatures. We need to get moving now!" Ziff whimpered in concern and gave Skyrah a lick on her face. She blinked a few times and came out of her shock. "Yes of course Eryk. I am so sorry for bringing trouble again." "You are forgiven. But we really need to go now." Skyrah got up and quickly packed up. The three headed off again with determination. Skyrah set her jaw and her eyes filled with determination and courage. We must keep on going because the fate of Faylinn rests on our shoulders. I must stop Zhenya and take back the throne. We must continue on and keep on going.