by Lana Axe
“Then you might need me to rescue you,” he said, chuckling. “Plus it’ll give me a chance to work with Dwarf’s Heart. Trin will be jealous.”
Kaiya pursed her lips and stared at the elf.
“I’m going whether you like it or not, so please say you’ll like it,” he said.
Kaiya sighed and glanced up at his warm, brown eyes. Though he had few skills in mountain survival, and his magical skills were even fewer, he could offer something far more valuable. His friendship would be a bit of light in a dark place. The wind rustled his hair, the ends tickling against Kaiya’s cheek. In that touch, she felt a sense of family. Here was a man willing to walk to the ends of the earth with her, wanting nothing but her friendship in return. “I’d be grateful for your company,” she heard herself say.
* * * * *
Half an hour passed and then an hour, Galen all the while leaning against the edge of a stone well. Kaiya clenched her teeth and stared down the dirt road, impatiently awaiting the appearance of Raad.
“Relax,” Galen said. “He’ll be along soon.”
Kaiya was anxious to get going. “He said one more drink,” she grunted, still staring at the path. After two more minutes, Kaiya threw her hands in the air. “That’s it. I’m going to fetch him.” She started off but stopped, seeing the brown-bearded dwarf staggering toward her.
Galen chuckled. “Looks like he had one more dozen.”
Kaiya fumed but managed to hold her tongue. Her only regret was not leaving without him. She could use magic to find the mine’s location. Raad’s company was not needed.
He hiccupped and nodded as he presented himself before his traveling companions. His eyes stopped on Galen, the dwarf tilting his head sideways for a better look at the elf who stood three feet taller than himself. “You a real elf?” he asked.
Galen didn’t bother to contain his laughter. “Something like that,” he replied.
“Well, I’ll be the son of a stone eater,” Raad said, still staring at Galen. The elf wore dwarven-style clothes, crafted from wool and accented with dwarven runic symbols. “You could pass for an extra-tall dwarf. I’ve never seen one of your kind not wearing those fancy robes that hide all your magic spells underneath.”
“Galen isn’t one of the Enlightened Elves you’ve dealt with,” Kaiya explained, her tone annoyed. “He’s a Westerling Elf, and he lives here in this village.” She glanced over at the elf. “He might as well be one of us, so if you’ve got a problem with him you can just sit on it.”
This time Raad and Galen both laughed.
“I meant no offense, sorceress,” Raad said, his cheeks rosy from too much drink. “He’s a rare sight is all I meant.”
Galen shook his head, clearly amused by Kaiya’s response to the miner.
Sighing, Kaiya said, “You can call me Kaiya, not sorceress. Do you think you’re drunk enough to find your way back to the mine?” Many dwarf men insisted they could navigate better after they’d had a few.
“I could use a few more to tell you the truth,” Raad said with a grin. “But it’s time to go, so we go. Too bad there isn’t fine ale up at the mining camp like you have here.”
“There’s no ale?” Galen asked, wrinkling his brow. “I’d think the miners would go on strike.”
“Oh there’s ale, all right,” Raad said. “But it doesn’t ferment properly in the cold up there.”
“Why not just import it?” the elf asked.
“Too expensive,” Raad replied.
“You’re mining the rarest mineral in all Nōl’Deron,” Galen said. “Cost shouldn’t be an issue.”
Raad shrugged. “It’s not like we miners get much benefit from that. Those stones are rare finds among the iron.”
Kaiya swiveled her head to look at the miner. “They don’t share the profits with the workers?”
“We get a small bonus,” Raad replied. “But the mineral isn’t worth nearly as much in its raw form. It’s the shapers and polishers who make out like bandits.”
“That doesn’t seem fair,” Kaiya replied. “The miners do the dangerous part. You should charge the elves more.”
Raad laughed. “You want us to argue with wizards?” He slapped his hand against his leg. “Maybe you can negotiate that for us.”
“Maybe I will,” she replied. With determination in her step, she strode on, leading the way along the northern path. The wizards of the isles did not frighten her. They were certainly powerful, but the wind was on her side. She came by her powers naturally. The Enlightened Elves tortured themselves through countless hours of magical training, all in an effort to prove their superiority over each other. Their methods were flawed in her eyes, and she did not consider them a threat.
As she looked into the distance, the memory of the presence climbed back into her thoughts. Or was she sensing it again? Something was definitely out there, and its mind was growing stronger, though it still hid itself somewhere among the mountains. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, a slight discomfort coming over her stomach. All was not well.
Chapter 5
It was just past midday when the trio finally set out, and the summer sun offered up its warmth as they journeyed along the dirt path. Fields of green lay to either side, but only steps ahead, the grass became sparse, unable to take root in the rocky mountain soil. Soon the travelers would be immersed in stone, the smooth path carved by the dwarves their only scenery.
“How is the weather up north?” Galen asked, attempting to fill the silence.
“Cold,” Raad grunted. He leaned forward slightly as he walked, the weight of his backpack heavy.
Squinting his eyes slightly, Galen asked, “What have you go in there?”
“Cask,” the dwarf replied, his white teeth shining.
“Will you be sharing?” the elf asked.
Raad shook his head. “You can get this stuff any time. I might not be back this way for years.”
“Well, save it until we’ve arrived,” Kaiya said, scanning the surroundings. “We need to keep our minds sharp.” With every step, her worry grew. She tried to tell herself she was only being paranoid, but still she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was out there—waiting, watching, and planning its first, or possibly next, move.
“What’s wrong, Kaiya?” Galen asked, his tone sincere.
“I wish I knew,” she responded. “Maybe Raad could shed more light on the situation.”
The dwarf seemed confused. “How so?” he asked.
“There’s more than what you’ve told me,” she said. “Why don’t you let me in on the rest of the story?”
“The tremors started weeks ago,” the miner began, “but we ignored it mostly. That sort of thing happens from time to time, but there’s nothing to be done about it. We went on with our work, but the shaking kept getting worse.” He shrugged, wondering what else the sorceress wanted to know.
“And then?” she asked, her eyes focused ahead. The light was fading quickly as they climbed higher in the mountains, and she hoped to know the full story by nightfall. Perhaps then her dreams would reveal something significant.
“The rest is best left to Foreman Daro,” Raad said. “I couldn’t explain it if I wanted to.”
“Try,” Kaiya insisted.
“There are strange things in the highest reaches of the world,” Galen broke in. “Perhaps you encountered one of them.” He smiled slightly at the miner.
“Maybe,” Raad muttered. To Kaiya, he said, “You’re the sorceress, so figuring these things out is your job, not mine. I was sent to fetch you, and I have. There’s nothing more to say.”
Kaiya said nothing but focused her magic to the dwarf behind her. His mind was a jumble, likely due to the alcohol he had been drinking. Strange images came to the surface, but all she could make out were rocks. No matter how deep she pried, only rocks came into view. Miners, she thought, disappointed. Her skill of probing another’s mind clearly needed a lot more work.
The path narrowed
until the trio was forced into close quarters, walls of gray rock on either side of them. It gave Galen a claustrophobic feeling, but he did his best to hide it. The dwarves were far more at home in small spaces than the elf. He found himself holding his breath for long intervals, his discomfort written on his face.
“We’ll be through this in a few minutes,” Kaiya quietly reassured him. Though she was not yet able to fully probe the elf’s complex mind, she could read his body language quite well.
To Galen’s relief, the trio emerged unscathed only a hundred yards from where they had entered. Gone were the green grasses of the previous landscape, replaced by black rocks and dirt with only sparse patches of greenery. The sun had nearly disappeared from view, its pink rays barely able to reach so high in the mountains at this hour.
“We might as well make camp,” Raad said. “It’ll be dark in a few minutes.” Without waiting for the others to concur, he removed his backpack and tossed it to the ground. “Nights are cold up here, but I expect a sorceress can fix that,” he said with a grin.
Kaiya nodded. Arranging some loose rocks into a neat pile, she projected silver sparks at their center. A white flame glowed to life, providing far more warmth than a fire of such a small size should have been able to produce.
Raad nodded approvingly. “That’s a handy trick,” he commented. Looking to Galen, he asked, “Don’t all elves do magic?”
“To some extent,” Galen replied, taking a seat near the fire. “I’m not much of a wizard myself.”
Filling a mug with the ale from his cask, the dwarf asked, “What do you do, Elf?”
“You can call me Galen,” the elf replied. “And I’m apprentice to a rune carver.”
“Overpriced baubles,” Raad grumbled before pressing the mug to his lips.
“The price reflects the quality,” Galen explained, unfazed by the dwarf’s words. “A master rune carver spends countless hours on each creation, imbuing the item with its power.”
“I’ve never had that kind of money to spare,” Raad said.
Rolling her eyes, Kaiya cut in, “You might if you didn’t spend all your coin on drink.”
Raad scrunched his face, hurt by the accusation. “This cask is a rare find! It’s finer than any you’ll find up north, and alcohol is guaranteed to work its magic better than enchanted swords and axes.”
“That’s not all rune carving is,” Galen explained. “Yes, there are weapons, but there are practical items as well. Take mining picks for example. One inlaid with runes would carve rock faster and with less effort than what you’re used to.”
Shrugging, the miner replied, “I’ve never worked with one like that, but Foreman Daro would probably agree with you. He wears a runed trinket on a string around his neck. Says it brings him luck.” He paused to take a swig out of his mug before asking, “You think it actually works?”
Galen shook his head. “It’s impossible to say without examining it. Most runed items have a specific purpose, so ‘luck’ wouldn’t necessarily be its intention. Perhaps it makes the Dwarf’s Heart easier to detect.”
“He’d be richer if it did,” Raad said, chuckling. “Daro’s a strange one. He likes to spend good money on charms and magic items. He claims to have quite a collection at home. I suppose all that believing in spells and enchantments is why he sent me to fetch a sorceress.”
Rosy cheeked, Raad checked the stopper in his cask to be sure it was secured. Glancing at Kaiya, he joked, “Wouldn’t want to lose any.” Rolling his backpack into a makeshift pillow, he lay back with his feet nearest the fire.
With an amused smirk, Kaiya realized that Raad had consumed only one mug of ale. Apparently he was capable of controlling himself, if only to save the drink for a more jovial occasion.
Galen scooted closer to Kaiya. “Are you cold?” he asked.
“Not at all,” she replied honestly.
“Me neither,” he said, looking toward the fire.
A silence passed between them, neither of them sure what to say. Kaiya rested her hands on her knees and turned her gaze to the stars. Galen decided it was best to give her some space, and moved away before stretching himself out on the ground. The rocks made for an uncomfortable bed, prompting him to toss and turn for several minutes.
Unable to contain her laughter, Kaiya said, “Raad’s fast asleep already, but you look like you’re on a bed of nails.”
Galen smiled and sat up. “It’s not exactly a feather bed,” he replied. “I’d give anything for a soft patch of grass.”
“Like you had in the Vale,” Kaiya said. The Vale below the mountains was home to the most beautiful forests Kaiya had ever seen. The silver trees grew large enough to live inside, and a crystal blue river flowed along its edge. It was a place of magic and safety, its constant springtime climate giving vitality to all manner of plants and creatures. It was a far cry from the mountains. “Don’t you miss your home?” she asked.
“Of course,” he replied, “but there is much I can learn here in the mountains.” He flashed a smile, “And you can’t beat the company.”
Kaiya hated herself for blushing. Galen still had feelings for her, and she couldn’t deny that she cared a great deal for him. But both had centuries ahead of them. There was no need to rush a relationship. This was a sentiment she reminded herself of again and again but occasionally had a hard time believing. His dark eyes glistening in the firelight warmed Kaiya’s heart. “I’m glad you came along,” she said.
“Me too,” he replied.
A symphony of crickets began a new overture as the stars burned brightly in the darkened sky. The pair shared no more words, each eventually drifting off to sleep, dreaming of lands far more inviting than the barren mountainside.
* * * * *
Kaiya woke before the others, finding herself still in a seated position. Years of practice at meditation had left her able to rest without sprawling herself on the ground and leaving herself vulnerable. On this journey, she was grateful for the skill. The presence she had sensed was once again manifesting itself at the edge of her mind. The wind grew still, her ears straining to hear its words.
“Morning,” a voice mumbled.
Kaiya startled at the sound and looked over at Raad, surprised to see him awake. “You’re up early,” she commented.
Running thick fingers through coarse hair, he replied, “I’ve been on the early shift since I was old enough to swing a pick. I couldn’t sleep through a sunrise if I wanted to.”
The sorceress glanced at Galen, who slept soundly near the fire. Apparently he had found a way to move beyond his discomfort. She smiled as she watched him, happy to have his companionship. Whatever might lie in store for their future, Kaiya knew he would remain a dear friend to the end.
Rising from her cross-legged position, she stretched her stiff muscles. By afternoon they should reach the mines, but it was going to be a tough day of walking over uneven terrain. Moving to Galen’s side, she gently placed a hand on his arm and shook it.
The elf awoke groggy, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Giving Kaiya a crooked smile, he attempted to smooth his hair into a presentable fashion.
“We should get moving,” she said. “Unless, of course, you want to spend another night on the rocks.”
Rubbing his lower back, he said, “It’s not at the top of my list.” His bones were used to softer beds, but he wouldn’t dwell on the negative. Though his body was already aching, and the day’s climb was sure to add to his discomfort, he was happy to travel beside his friend.
With a wave of her hand, Kaiya extinguished the fire and waited for her companions to gather their belongings. Slinging her own bag across her back, she waved for them to follow.
The travelers forged ahead, the landscape altering itself as they ascended along the path. What was once gray rock gave way to a light layer of snow, the winds shifting to bring the mountaintop’s frigid air upon them.
With a laugh, Raad said, “Don’t worry, it’ll get worse.” This was
only the beginning of the weather he was used to. The mines lay in the higher reaches, in the shadow of the mountain’s summit.
They pressed on, the weather becoming fierce. Snow swirled about them, forcing them to shield their eyes. After stumbling over a few large stones, Kaiya focused her mind to the wind. Though she lacked the ability to stop the snowstorm, she could make travel more tolerable. Holding her palm outward, she shifted the winds before her, cutting a narrow clearing through the air. This would allow her and her companions to see where they were going, and hopefully avoid some of the obstacles that were quickly being buried by the snowfall.
For more than two hours, heavy snowfall bombarded the freezing travelers. Their feet disappeared beneath them, buried in a blanket of white. Kaiya continued to hold her spell, slicing through the madness as they pressed onward. Finally, the snow relented to a softer, more tolerable level. Flakes of white still tumbled from the skies, but there was no longer a need for magic.
It would be another hour before the skies cleared, the snow retreating to the higher elevations. Raad’s stomach gurgled loud enough for the others to hear, and he insisted on having a few bites to eat while the weather permitted.
“Just eat fast,” Kaiya insisted, removing her pack. Reaching inside, she retrieved the meal her mother had prepared for her and shared it with her companions.
They nibbled hungrily, each of them eager to get moving again. The mines were growing nearer, and they might reach them before the next round of snow hit.
Raad poured himself a mug of ale and downed it in one long gulp. His cheeks becoming rosy, he said, “Gotta keep warm out here!”
“Let’s get a move on,” was Kaiya’s only reply. She took one step forward and paused, struck by the sensation that they were not alone. Her mind raced, searching for the presence she had sensed before, but this was something different. She detected no magic, nor did she detect the presence of any sort of beast. This was a person, possibly more than one.