Chapter VI
Manitou
Nicholas took Achil over to the same tavern that Andreas and Nishga had gone to. The two were seated in a corner next to a window; their table looked like it had seen better days, though its aged appearance was deceiving. They could view from that vantage point people working on building the new settlement. With the majority of people away, the tavern was quite still. Achil and Nicholas ordered something to eat and joined the others.
“We have a guide across the mountains,” said Achil quietly. “We‘ll set off about tomorrow noon.”
“Why so late?” Andreas was growing agitated, all the sneaking around had made him impatient to see the job done.
“Because that’s when he is free, and since he‘s the only one available who's less likely to get us all killed, I thought we‘d try him.” Achil thrust the tankard forward practically drowning Andreas in beer.
“Hey, what’s the big idea," said Andreas reaching out to refill his mug. “You know Achil; I don’t know whether a journey across dangerous terrain is such a good idea. After this mountain trip we take the path of least resistance. And if it means we have to bop one or two people over the head then fine, I‘m all for it.”
Nishga folded her arms frustrated with what she thought was wasteful bickering.
“They’ll be no bopping if it can be avoided or any reckless action,” rasped Nishga.
“Actually this is the path of least resistance,” replied Achil nonchalantly. “Apparently those carriages they take on the metal lines are always crashing. So you see at least this way we’ll live to fight another day.”
“That's only if this guide is as good as you've been told he is,” said Andreas wryly.
Achil nodded in appreciation of the point Andreas had just made.
The innkeeper came over to them, he was unshaven, and looked as though he had lived in the wilds too long, his clothes were well worn and his boots were scuffed so badly that it was difficult to tell the difference between them and the dirty floor. His eyes were bloodshot, tired looking, his face haggard, he reluctantly placed the food in front of Achil and Nicholas and handed them all keys for their rooms; before disappearing back behind his bar. They ate in silence, not really enjoying the ill prepared meal and only half eating it, when they gave up the struggle with the tough taut meat, Achil gestured with a nod of his head for the four of them to go to their rooms.
They settled into their sparse and stoic surroundings. The room Achil and Nishga entered had twin beds, though it looked like the bedding had not been changed since it had been last occupied. Nishga pulled back the linen blankets only to see a mouse sit up startled at the intrusion, stare back at her before darting down a nearby hole in the skirting board. She looked across at Achil who had a hesitant grin on his face.
“I forgot to pay for the extra guest.”
"That's your bed."
Nishga turned round with a shake of the head and spotting a chair in the corner of the musty room slumped herself down with her head firmly resting on her hand. Achil took the other chair drew it close to him and also sat himself down; the two had found their beds for the night.
Once they had rested a little, Andreas and Nicholas went out to explore the mountain side returning later to the bar where Nishga and Achil had been waiting for them presumably they too were restless and found it difficult to sleep in their new surroundings.
“We went up into the mountain through the pine trees. It's quite beautiful up there. We came upon some large tracks that I could not recognise.”
The Innkeeper overheard Andreas speak.
“I, there’s some strange things in those mountains to be sure. We’ve lost people to them. They go out hunting and never return.”
Andreas turned back to Achil, who gave him the thumbs up sign.
“There is definitely something in those mountains what it is we do not know, having only seen the tracks it leaves behind," continued The Innkeeper. "What we do know is that no one that has seen it has lived to tell about it.”
“There could be many reasons,” replied Achil. “Why people don’t return from hunts in the mountain, it could be that they've run into wild bears or wolves. They may fall and break something leaving them unable to return.”
“Are yes.” said the innkeeper quietly, “The thing is we all know the tracks left by bears, wolves and mountain lions and these are quite different. So those strange tracks will remain part of some strange creature, some Manitou or Werebeast.”
Though Andreas on reflection was forced to admit he had never seen the like of those tracks before.
Someone sitting near the bar, an old vagrant, in worn clothes with matted hair; not well shaven took a sip from his tankard, it overflowed and dripped down the side of his yellowed mouth. He wiped it clear with his sleeve, and turned to the innkeeper.
“I tell you there is something in those woods I’ve seen it.”
The Innkeeper looked at the old fellow and rolled his eyes. This was not the first time he had heard this.
“Friends let me introduce you to Mad Xynon. Our local vagrant, for a tankard of beer and something to eat he’ll tell you an interesting tale or two. He lives in a small log cabin not far from here. He once lived on the mountain proper. Used to be a guide across the mountains until his mind was overrun by stories of demons and creatures of the mountain. Wait for it.”
The bar keeper mouthed the words that he knew were about to come out of Xynon’s mouth.
“The Manitou,” said Xynon walking or more like stumbling over to Achil who watched his apoplectic advance with slight amusement. “The Manitou or Werebeast whatever you like to call them are creatures that can take the form of any living thing, anything that may have a spirit that is. Whether it be a bear, an eagle, a wolf, even a tree. What its natural form is I don’t know. But I do know they're as real as you or me.”
“That’s right?” said Andreas dramatically. “No bear would take the form of a bear, or wolf the form of a wolf, or eagle the form of an eagle. And for that matter, and I’m just hazarding a guess here, no tree would take the form of a tree”
“Ha!” bellowed the innkeeper, his guttural laugh crisp loud and very clear boomed out. “They’ve got your marker Xynon.”
“I tell you, I saw what I saw,” said Xynon who seemed hurt by the disbelieving words being thrown at him. “It can shapeshift from a bear into a giant wolf and then a tree.”
“Look,” Andreas took on a more conciliatory tone feeling a little sympathetic for the old fellow. “I don’t mean any disrespect, perhaps what you saw happened to be a large wolf that looked like a bear, that disappeared off into the trees so fast that it gave you the impression that it had turned from Wolf to bear and then into a tree.”
“Well I know what I saw, and I saw something not of this world,” said Xynon indignantly. He turned and went back to his stool at the bar.
Andreas was about to respond again, this time he was prevented from doing so by Achil.
“We all have seen some strange things in our time so let's just leave it at that. If there is such a thing as a Manitou or Werebeast for that matter, I certainly hope they stay away from us. Because Manitou or not, tomorrow afternoon we’re heading across that mountain.” said Achil pointing out of the window at the nearby mountain.
Its top was covered in mist, while its base was blanketed in trees. It stood waiting for its next victim, its next challenger. Andreas, Nicholas and Nishga all turned to face it. The four of them sat in silence, a silence only broken by the gruff murmurings of Xynon as he ordered another drink and grumbled that no one ever listened to him.
That night Nishga once more tried to make contact with Findolin. This time without success, the strain of the effort told on her, she sat back in her seat, her eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep, the Orb dropping from her hand. Achil reached out catching it before it fell to the floor, and left her to sleep. The past days activities had obviously been too draining. He pulled his c
hair forward and lay her feet out on it. He then walked over to the window and stared out; it fronted the mountain side, whose shadow lay over the settlement. Soon he retired to one of the beds and lay back on it, without daring to or wishing to sleep beneath the blankets, slowly his eyes closed. With a thousand thoughts running through his head, it was a wonder he slept at all.
The next morning they were up early breakfasted and went out to meet this new guide of theirs. They walked their horses forward across the sunken sodden path. As they approached the store of the old man Achil had spoken to the day before, they saw him outside on the wooden platform leaning on a broom, talking to some figure, wearing a leather backpack, a hooded jacket and long tasselled leather bear skin trousers, the boots were worn, but sturdy looking. On seeing Achil he gestured for him to join them.
“Let me introduce you to Esteria.”
The person the storekeeper had been talking to removed her hood and reached out to shake Achil’s hand. She was a fresh faced youthful woman; long blond hair tied back, very clear blue eyes. A firm build, as tall as the men folk and just as combative. A contrast to Nishga‘s more delicate frame. There was a small scar to the side of her face in the shape of a crescent moon. Other than that small insignificant blemish her skin was the colour of apple blossom.
“You’re a woman.” Achil’s mouth dropped open with surprise.
“Well I hope so, or I’ve been using the wrong latrines all these years. And you must be a man. Most people call me Est. If you're all packed we can be on our way.”
Nishga walked passed Achil and took the woman’s hand as it was still outstretched.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Est. Don’t mind him, he greets all new people with the same gormless open mouthed expression.”
“Not to worry, most men don’t expect their guide to be a young woman. It just so happens I’m the best in the business. I grew up in these here mountains; my father was a prospector looking for gold. All we found was a whole lot of nothing in fact it was only after he died that ventured down to the settlement, so I know the mountain well. When I first arrived I quickly realised there were only two ways I could have earned some money, this way, or a less pleasant profession. Speaking of money I have a fixed charge, unlike some that like to charge by the day and take people on round about routes. If you agree to it we can start right away. If you intend taking the horses across its going to cost you extra, more for children too if you have any. I don't like to straggle so we‘ll be making a good pace. Time lost for me, is money I could be earning. If you break something on the way, an arm or leg, again it will cost extra as it will invariably take up more time. I won’t charge for any of the usual stops though.”
“Well that’s a relief or will be. Anyway why are the horses costing extra?” Andreas said dryly just loud enough to be heard by all.
“It’s a longer path we have to take with the horses than without them. If once you start you wish to turn back there’s no refunds. If these terms are agreeable then we can start. By the way, one last thing, just so you’re aware Zin here takes a commission on every job he throws my way. Don’t let that worry you. I’m still the best. It’s going to cost one gold piece and one silver hexagon and that's inclusive of everything. The silver hexagon is for Zin. So if you pay him we can be on our way.”
“A gold piece,” responded Achil as he folded his arms perplexed by the amount, “I could get two guides for that.”
“You could, but since I’m worth ten of the type you get round here,” replied Est with a smile. “You’re actually getting me at decent price.”
“Oh very well,” said Achil gruffly. “I hope I don’t get too many more bargains like you or I’ll end up broke.”
Achil paid Zin his commission. The five of them set off without any further explanation of their journey to come. They followed the muddy road through the small settlement onto the foot of the mountain, and made their way between the trees, until they reached a clear running stream.
Est checked to make sure everyone was keeping up before ascending further. “From here we’ll follow the stream a while, it runs the length of the mountain.”
Achil caught up to her side. “Tell me, we heard that there are creatures out here of the unnatural kind.”
“Oh, you must have heard that from my Uncle Xynon. He’s always spouting on about something or other. He’s a harmless old coot that one, but he does like to weave tall tales. It gets people to talk to him I guess. Not good for business mind you. People hear tales like that and they’re likely to try out the Great Eastern Line or travel by ship on one of the canals. As far as I’m concerned you can’t beat using your legs to walk with and there's nothing quite like having a horse to ride on.”
Nishga clambered up to join them, seeing her approach Achil took the opportunity to drop back and check on the horses.
“So what was it like growing up in a place like this?”
As she spoke Nishga tied back her hair in a pony tale to keep it from falling into her eyes, in the damp air it was beginning to feel heavy.
“Well same as most places I guess. When I was young we hadn’t even heard of the Mandrake Imperium, though everyone knew of the Guilders. I don’t really know what happened, but from what I understand suddenly all these people came across the mountains and told us that we were under the protection and care of the Mandrake Imperium. We would be paying the same tithes as before but to a different Governing body. It was at that time that everything became so civilised.”
“You call this civilised.”
“Of course wouldn’t you, cities and roads of stone, rather than wooden huts and muddy paths which were once impassable in winter. Since the Imperium took over there’s been enough food for everyone, better shelter. There’s been law and order. Okay there’s corruption. I've heard tales that people have a tendency to be censured or even disappear if they don’t agree with what’s going on, which isn't so good. People are less forgiving and more concerned with their own lives than ever before, but I guess that's called progress, when people are less reliant on one another, they care less about each other. Two rules Zin taught me, as long as I keep my distance from those in power and don‘t want any for myself. Everything will be fine. If you want to get on in the Imperium you have to tow the line. Tell me Nishga that young Nicholas has he chosen a wife yet.”
“I don’t think he’s looking at this time. He’s the shy type.”
“As a woman,” continued Est. “Who lives up in the mountains there are very few choices for a husband and I want someone who's going to treat me right.”
“Well Nicholas would certainly do that, Nicholas would you come here a moment?”
Nicholas hurried up to Nishga, “Sure how can I help?”
“Well Est would like to ask about your future plans, regarding marriage.”
Nishga patted him on the back as she walked back to join Achil and Andreas who both shot her a sceptical glance. Achil stopped a moment to check one of the horse's legs, Nishga stayed at his side with her hands gently resting on her hips, staring up ahead to make sure the others remained within sight.
“So where are you from?" asked Est.
"We're from Upper Mead," replied Nicholas cautiously.
"So what do you think of coupling with me?" said Est. "Do all you men spend your time with that same open mouthed expression on your faces? Is that usual for people from Upper Mead?”
Nicholas shrugged with a worried look back at the others.
“Make sure,” said Achil turning to Nishga just out of earshot of the others, “Nicholas doesn’t get too cosy with Est. Remember she's part of the Imperium.”
Achil after checking that the horse was fine took out a water bottle from his holdall and took a sip of the cold draught. The water escaped his mouth running down his chin.
“She doesn’t seem threatening, more lonely. Think what it must have been like in that settlement with just old men for company, and her, a young woman.” Nishga took the water
bottle from Achil and drank deeply actually getting her mouth, unlike Achil who got other parts of his body.
“I understand what you're saying. I also see the relationship between the way she was brought up and yourself. But please remember, she genuinely believes the Mandrake Imperium is a good thing, which makes her the enemy. Don’t you or the others forget that, any loose talk and we‘ll all be banged up in irons or worse.”
Nishga nodded sadly as she recalled the suffering that the Imperium was more than willing to inflict. As they moved on the trees began to crowd the stream. It's winding aspect leading to an ever narrower convergence with the rocky mountain side. They hurried to catch up to Andreas who was waving them forward and gesturing the way to follow as he moved away from the stream. Nicholas and Est realising the others were being left behind stopped to wait for them to catch up.
“It’s not long now before we reach an abandoned log cabin up ahead,” said Est. “We can stay there the night then move on in the morning. Nicholas was telling me you’re a mighty fine shot with a bow Achil, perhaps you wouldn‘t mind catching our supper. You’ll find the mountain offers up plenty, from mountain goats, to deer, rabbit, fowl, everything a person could want, she kindly provides.”
Est adjusted her leather back pack as she spoke, the leather straps were worn and were beginning to bite into her shoulders. She stamped and rubbed one of her feet along the ground trying to remove the congealed mud between the heel and the soul of her boot. It looked like she was doing some ancient ritualistic comical dance which the others noticed, but which escaped her attention.
“Okay, not a problem, when we arrive at this abandoned log cabin of yours, I’ll see what I can find,” said Achil.
“Hey that’s a fancy bow of yours,” said Est, her eyes lighting up. “It’s like none I’ve ever seen before, where did you get it.”
“Well I bought it from a trader in Upper Mead some time ago, it's been a trusty servant to me ever since.” Achil patted it as if he were talking about an old friend.
“Fare enough. Right I think we should keep to this path. It looks like there must have been a recent mountain slide. My usual point of reference is missing. Not to worry, things like that happen regularly up here.” Est pointed further up the mountain in the direction where she thought the log cabin would be.
The two took up the lead with Andreas, Nicholas and Nishga slowly taking up the rear. They stumbled along as best they could. Est telling Achil of the many adventures she had up in the mountains and that she had grown to know most of its sounds, both normal and strange when they were stopped by a call from behind them.
“Hey you two come and have a look at this.” shouted Andreas, his hands cupped around his mouth, Nicholas by his side was crouching down prodding something with a small stick, while Nishga hands on hips was looking all around as if puzzled by what they had found.
Achil came to see what the fuss was about. In the ground were some strange tracks.
“What do you think they are a mountain lion perhaps?” Achil could see large sharp indentations in the ground.
“If it’s a mountain lion then it's the largest and heaviest one I’ve ever seen.” Nicholas stood back up rubbing his legs, they had begun to ache from remaining crouched for too long.
“What then, a bear perhaps?” Achil began to scan the surrounding area to see if some creature were watching them.
“No bears got claws like that, look, there’s two long ones and one short one.” Andreas’s tone became serious. It was not often that he could not place a creature. He actually seemed spooked by the sight of them.
Est watched them all carefully as they struggled with what had made such markings.
“It’s the Manitou.”
With those words Est caught the attention of everyone.
“You said there was no such creature as a Manitou.” Achil gave her a quizzical look.
“No, I said I had never seen such a creature as a Manitou. That’s something altogether different.”
“Oh no, I’m pretty sure you said there was no such creature.” Achil repeated his words.
“Well, apparently now, there is,” said Nishga, walking passed Achil as she spoke and moving off in the direction of the log cabin, closely followed by everyone.
“Great." Achil could be heard grumbling behind them all. “That’s all we need, some creature on our tale that can become anything it chooses to be.” He leant up against a tree to remove some grit from his boot only to remove his hand instantly, just in case the tree was the Manitou.
Est shouted back down at him. “I wouldn’t worry about it I’ve never known a Manitou to attack a group of people before. Having said that you’re going hunting on your own this evening aren’t you.” said Est impishly.
“Look there it is the log cabin,” said Nicholas.
In a small clearing at the side of the mountain was the log cabin. It looked sturdy enough, the windows were just open frames. It was lifted off the ground by large thick wooden stilts. Steps led up to a long platform that ran along the front of the cabin. The door had been unhinged and was on its side. The flue sticking out of the roof was tilted slightly. It was well worn but usable and more importantly stable. Internally the light streamed through every opening. The dust disturbed by the intrusion of so many began to greet its guests. They could see that it had never had glass windows, just openings to let the air in, and internal wooden shutters to keep any uninvited creatures out. There was a broom in the corner, made up of a cut down branch with sticks tied together tightly by a rope. Next to it was an axe and other tools specific to the mountain, a saw, a spade, a bucket and such like. To the rear of the cabin were three bedrooms all with beds that had torn mattresses on them. The stuffing was scattered on the floor by some mountain dwellers that had made themselves some comfortable bedding. There was a further smaller room out back, with a metal tub in it that had been turned on its side. Nishga took the broom and began sweeping the dust and cobwebs out of the cabin whilst she set Andreas to fix the front door, Achil went to fetch supper, Nicholas to gather some logs and to clean the tub and heat up fresh water from the well that they had found situated behind the cabin, so that those that wanted to could bathe. Est got to work ejecting the mattresses out of the bedrooms, and making the rooms presentable at least. By the time Achil had returned with every ones supper a few hours later. Carrying a deer over his back, the entire cabin looked respectable. They had the fire going in the stove. Achil set to skinning the deer and making it ready for cooking, placing pieces of venison into a pot with some wild herbs and vegetables that Andreas had found. Est advised them not to put some of the strange grasses and mushrooms into the stew they were trying to make. Not unless they all wanted to get stomach cramps. When they had finished cooking supper the five of them sat out on the porch eating, watching the sun begin to dip behind the mountain. The shadows were quickly getting longer; the sounds of the mountain began to change. A chorus of evening song from birds the loud hoot of an owl, a wolf crying far off. They finished their meal and sat back resting against the cabin walls, the gentle tranquillity of the moment getting the better of them and for a brief time they forgot their mission, their journey and their past. At that moment they were souls together in harmony. The mountain though had other ideas. A loud howl went out, a sharp shrieking sound as though some poor creature was in pain. They all leapt to their feet startled by the sound. It was answered behind them. The sun was dipping beyond the tree line and the shadows were merging into the gloom beneath the surrounding trees. Est shouted and pointed, there was a large shadowy shape moving some way off.
“Everyone into the cabin,” said Achil, his rasping voice made them respond instantaneously. They closed all the shutters and locked themselves in as best they could. The door fixed to its hinges once more, like all the shutters, had a thick plank of wood that could fit between grooves to the rear of it, preventing any intruder from breaking in. Once they were secure, each went to get their weapons, And
reas and Nicholas stood swords and shields at the ready, Achil had an arrow attached to his bow string. Nishga stood with her dagger, while Est also had a bow and was ready to fire at anything that might burst in. There was a fearful quiet about them, then they heard a loud grunting sound outside, and another roar.
“What do you think it is?” Achil’s tone was more than a little concerned.
Est shrugged, “It could be a bear. But then I think there's more than one and they seldom work in tandem with other bears.”
The sounds outside began to trail off into silence. Nicholas moved closer to the door. “Do you think they've left?”
With those words the cabin began to shake as though something were pushing against its thick wooden legs. The tools that were leaning up against the wall fell to the floor as did the cups and plates on the shelves. As quickly as the shaking had started it stopped.
“What in the name of Hades was that?” Andreas helped Nishga up after she had lost her balance.
“Oh that’s it they do not want to mess with me.” Achil went over to the door to open it only to be hauled back by Est and Andreas.
“What in Suberia are you doing?” asked Andreas half amused by Achil’s reaction which he had only seen once before.
“Let me go, I’m firing an arrow into its big fat hairy rear end. We see how it likes that. Coming round here all grouchy, these creatures need to learn some respect, respect!” It was as though Achil had lost all composure for a moment.
Unfortunately when the cabin had shaken so violently he had almost shot himself in the foot with his own arrow. Achil’s voice was raised above any ruckus outside. The sound surrounding the cabin fell strangely silent. The five of them waited, listening intently but there seemed to be no indication that there was something outside. Hesitantly this time, Achil walked up to the door with a lit torch and opened it. It was dark except for the moon which was slowly rising above the mountain. The others joined him on the porch. To the cabin door were external claw marks, the same marks were on the floor. They went all around the cabin but there was no sign of the creatures, in fact if it were not for the markings everything would have appeared normal, the sounds of the forest were once more returning. The hoot of the owl and the call of the deer could be heard quite clearly.
Est returned to the others after checking the stilts to which the cabin stood on.
“It seems everything’s in order.” Est held up her torch so she could better see the others.
“It seems your tantrum back there must have worked, you scared off the big bad beasties,” replied Nishga her voice had more than a hint of irony about it.
“Either that or something else did.” Est handed Achil an arrow that she had found stuck into one of the wooden struts.
“Um, could this have been there before, and we just didn’t notice it?” Achil didn’t recognise the design of the arrow, its feathered quills or wooden shaft.
“Maybe, but what’s for certain is that something frightened off our attackers.”
Est was about to walk back into the cabin when Achil stopped her a moment.
“Was there any sign of a fight.” said Achil passing the shaft to Andreas.
“No. No blood on the floor. No bodies. Nothing, it's as though our attackers just disappeared.” Est continued into the cabin followed by Nishga.
Andreas holding the wooden shaft handed it back to Achil.
“What do you think?” He said in whisper.
“First Ventrigar and now this,” replied Achil. “Someone or something doesn’t want our mission interfered with.”
“What about if the arrow was there previously and we simply missed it,” said Andreas impassively.
“Come on Andreas since when did you believe in such coincidences. Something's amiss. I don‘t recognise that arrow shaft at all.”
“No, neither do I, still look at it. Its old, weathered, doesn’t even look recently fired.”
Achil took his bow fitted the arrow to it and fired it at one of the wooden posts. To his and Andreas surprise the shaft cut right into the wood piecing it. Nicholas went over to it and pulled it out. The arrow remained in the wood and could only be encouraged to free itself with the help of a dagger. Nicholas passed Achil the shaft he studied it a moment then threw it into the forest.
“Interesting let's keep what just happened to ourselves. I need time to think on this,” said Achil.
They all went into the cabin. Nishga was standing over the stove with Est by her side, who was watching her reheat the stew. Nishga asked if any one cared for more. The men declined while Est accepted gratefully. Apparently she had not eaten so well for a long time. Once the cabin was locked up, they took turns to stand guard. The rest of the night passed off peacefully. By the next morning every one was up early. Achil and Nicholas had gone out to see if there were any signs that could explain what had attacked them the previous night. All they found were some deep claw marks to two of the posts and some scuffed marks on the ground. The horses were also nowhere to be seen. They had either escaped in the commotion or they had been taken away. Est offered to see if she could pick up their trail but as the others did not know the terrain they did not feel it was worth the risk of losing so much time in the search for the horses. They decided in the end that it would be best to leave them to their fate, and continue on foot. Their luggage had been saved as it had been taken into the cabin. The problem was carrying everything, so it was split up between the four of them before leaving.
“Without the horses to worry about I’m going to take you a quicker route,” said Est.
She turned hauled her bag over her shoulder and set off at a fast pace. By the afternoon, the mountain air had begun to thin and they were except for Est all struggling for breath. The mountain seemed intent on not letting its guests pass by unchallenged. Est got to a point where she told everyone to rest, she gestured for them to take in the view. From where they were they looked down at the settlement. The Dam in the distance and the rows of viaducts that looked like fingers that had been pulled on a rack, stretched out beneath them. They could see little dots like ants moving around the dusty haze of the new settlement, with wagon trains like worms weaving in and out of it. In the distance they could see the lands of the Mead. Rolling hills, deep forests, dusty plains. They sat gazing out, consuming the view insatiably.
“Are we nearly ready to cross through to the other side of the mountain," Achil looked up ahead there did not seem anywhere to go.
“Yes. Just round this corner is a crevice cut into the mountain. We should be able to squeeze through it. It runs through to another path that leads to the other end of the mountain. Once there, we can begin our descent. Hopefully before nightfall we should be safely passed Razor Roc.”
“Then let's get moving,” said Achil, with more enthusiasm than he felt.
The four of them got to their feet and followed Est toward the crevice. She had not been joking when she had said ’squeeze’ through to the other side. It was a tight fit for Achil and Andreas. Nishga who was petite watched the others struggle with some amusement. Nicholas was finding it difficult to work out how to get his holdall through, as well as himself. As for Est, she expertly traversed it, as you would expect for someone who had been that way many times before. Soon they were all on the other side, with Andreas and Achil complaining that they needed to lose a few pounds, whilst Nicholas complained that he had managed to tear one of his straps.
“Where to now?” said Achil, still panting deeply and bent double, his hands resting on his knees.
Est looked round at him and gestured to a thin shelf running along the cliff of the mountain, that overlooked a mighty ravine.
“You have to be joking, do you intend we fly down,” said Achil, with a look of exasperation on his face.
“Come on, you said you needed to lose some weight,” replied Est.
“Yes, I can see how that shear drop would help me lose some weight!” Achil shouted across at her.
&nbs
p; Est was already crossing, closely followed by Nishga. Andreas and Nicholas followed behind her for some strange reason they were actually enjoying themselves. Achil picked up the rear and moved forward at a steady pace, which meant he moved forward slowly. His humour was not helped by his knocking some stones off the cliffs edge and watching them fall, bouncing from crag to crag. He caught up to the others who were now admiring the scene from the other side of the mountain. They could see lowlands, flatlands, settlements; an endless expanse filled with forest, shrub, and hill and in the distance more mountains. And of course the Great Eastern Canal which seemed like a yawning winding snake across the land. They heard a rumble. Est looked up.
“Everyone to the rock face," she shouted.
Achil seeing rocks falling from above grabbed Nicholas and practically threw him against the side of the mountain. He then covered Nishga with his body protecting her and himself from any falling debris with his shield, which he had jammed against the cliff. Andreas and Nicholas both protected themselves the same way. While Est had found a protruding edge to clamber under. The rocks rained down all around them making the five of them disappear beneath a dust bowl. After a while when everything had calmed Achil shook his shield free of any debris that had landed on it.
“Is every one okay?” he shouted.
“We’re all fine but I think the mountains killed our baggage,” said Nicholas as he lifted his holdall up by the broken strap. It had been crushed his water bottle had split open and wetted his clothes but at least his things were salvageable. Whereas Andreas’s holdall had gone over the side altogether. Luckily Achil had his with him as he had arrived too late to put it down to rest and admire the view as the others had done. Nishga had been alert enough to have kept hers with her.
“That’s strange,” Est seemed surprised by what had occurred.
“What is?” enquired Achil looking up and wondering what could have caused the land slide.
“It's not the season for such things to have happened. There’s been no rainfall recently. In fact it's been quite dry up here. Neither has there been any unnatural movement of the ground. The conditions were not right for a rockslide like that.”
“Perhaps it’s a parting gift from those Manitou things you spoke of,” Achil said disbelievingly. Though he was sure that something had caused the landslide he did not think it was the Manitou.
“Maybe and after the attack yesterday at the cabin I’m willing to believe any explanation,” said Andreas. “Come, let us get going before the mountain comes down on us again.”
They were at least all pretty much unscathed. Est took them to a path that enabled them to descend with ease down the mountain side. And certainly going down was a lot easier than climbing up. It did not take them long to be back amongst the trees, and with the mountain peek far behind them they all felt invigorated by the triumph of making it to the other side, unscathed.