Jeneria: Defenders of Ausmik

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO - RETURN TO THE WHITE CITADEL

The falls were roaring, but their descent went more smoothly than their climb. Hannah bounced from ledge to ledge, professionally making her way down the cliff. But her reckless tactics weren't carried out without criticism.

"Slow yourself, Hannah!" said Charles from above, when Hannah was already halfway down the mountain.

"Alright!" said Hannah, no more careful with her movements.

Jenn turned to Charles who shook his head. "Yes," he said, "Hannah still doesn't listen to me."

Jenn laughed, then followed the others down the cliff. She watched Hammersmock struggling below, having to lug the weight of his hammer along with him. But of them all, Faunus seemed to having to most difficulty. Before taking each step, she would reach her foot out and tap it on the rock, clearly testing whether the ledge would hold her weight. Although it seemed unnecessary, Jenn found it rather humorous.

When Faunus caught Jenn stared at her, she sighed. "I'm terrified of heights," she said.

"That's why we chose this particular location," said Charles, winking.

Faunus reached her foot for the next ledge, her back pressed firmly against the side of the cliff.

"I would think you'd be desensitized by now," said Charles.

"Quiet," said Faunus, keeping focused on her foot placement.

When Hannah was near the bottom, she took a giant leap off the ledge and onto the grass. As everyone caught up, she went to the river and began splashing water onto her face.

Faunus was the last one down, having made use of every ledge before hopping on the ground. She wiped her forehead and let out a breathe of relief.

"Oh," said Charles, turning to her. "I believe I forgot my coat. Would you mind going back up to retrieve it for me, Faunus?"

"Funny," said Faunus, marching straight past him.

Charles looked at Jenn and laughed, but she was too busy watching the river, searching for any signs of Jesse's body. But her view was soon obstructed by a dripping Hannah who stood in front of her.

"Where are the horses?" said Jenn.

"In a secret place," said Hannah. "We let them graze with the wild horses when we don't need them, that way nobody'll ever find them. Isn't is brilliant?"

"Yeah," said Jenn, "but what if they wander away?"

"They tend to stay with the team," said Charles. "And the team only grazes in certain areas—it's never been a problem locating them.

"Do you still have Gamma?" said Jenn.

"What a remarkable memory," said Charles. "Yes, I do. He should be with the team."

"And Viola?"

Charles was less enthusiastic with his answer. "We left her when we fled Denethgilne. Joseph told me they put her down that same day. It's not like we would have risked recovering her anyhow, but the news was troubling—especially for Hannah."

"I still don't understand who does that..." said Hannah. "What kind of people kill an innocent horse?—It's not like she was causing any problems."

"They aren't people," said Jenn. "That's why."

She caught Charles glancing at her, but he looked away.

The Xomenclature marched more confidently than before, and so did Jenn—mainly because she now had Charles, Hannah, and Faunus by her side. Jenn and Hannah walked alongside Charles, who leading, while Hammersmock and Faunus kept behind them all.