CARLIE: The Adventure Of A Lifetime

07 | carveler mountain

07 | CARVELER MOUNTAIN

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      "WE'RE HERE," KELLER SPEAKS SOFTLY AND all my excitement and joy is replaced with anxiety and fear. After days of traveling and fearing this moment, it's finally here.

"To get to the mountains behind, we need to get inside Carveler." Keller explains to me. I can only nod because I think my brain has run out of words. "But we must be granted permission."

"Permission?" I chock out the word. "From who?"

"The mountain." He says with a small smile. "Come on."

I follow him to the small opening of the mountain but I only pull at my sleeve. I didn't think about this part of the journey.

"Oh great Carveler," Keller starts. "We seek permission to enter the mountain because we wish to go behind."

"Who is that?" A deep and loud voice asks. "Who wishes to come inside and what business do you have here?"

"It is I, Prince Keller of Ardel." Keller says. "Now say you name and what you want?" He whispers the last part to me.

I widen my eyes at him with so much fear in me. I don't even know how to do this. It's all too much for me to fathom. But I decide to let the fear not win my internal battle.

"It is I, Carlie..." I trail off because I don't even know who I am exactly. I go by Carlie but I don't know my true title.

Am I a servant? Should I hold onto the part of me that it royalty because of my mother? Or am I just the mistake made from the servant and the Queen's infidelity? Who am I really?

A hand finds mine and gives it a gentle squeeze. That's when I realize I'm crying and my face is filled with tears. I look up at Keller and he has a calming look in his eyes. It's encouraging and I can't help but smile even though I'm so scared and weak.

"You can do this," he assures me. "Just trust yourself."

"But I don't even know who I am," I say.

"I know who you are, Carlie." The mountain speaks.

"You do?" I ask, my heart beating too fast for my own liking.

"Prince Keller, I deny you entry. Your job here is done and you have no business in my mountain. Carlie, I grant you permission so come in."

I look over at Keller, alarmed because I doubt I can do the rest without him. This all scares me too much because this now seems so real. It's no longer a bumpy road, a small insect bite or Tob going missing, it's the end of the journey; the reason I'm here.

"I don't think I can do this." I admit.

"That's silly," he tells me. "For days you've been on your own. I'm sorry for leaving you but that made me see how strong you are. You survived on your own and you can do this too. You have guts." I smile weakly. "So go in there and do what you came here for. Tob and I will be waiting here for you."

"Thanks Keller." I say and he gives me a hug.

I can do this.