Satchel & Sword II: The Caátlach Islands

By Claudette Marco

The charge continues! In Satchel & Sword II: The Caátlach Islands, our heroes Nevaline Scarcliff, Cairine Oyuun, and Mocsli Chicahua begin their perilous search for the second fragment on the Caátlach Ocean. Having no other information about its location, they head north towards Carbry to find passage to the islands. But, their perils begin sooner than expected. Enemies of a human-kind, seeking power and coin, find Nevaline and her friends very valuable! Outnumbered, they are desperate to escape the clutches of these brigands of the Caátlach Ocean: the Kinlanders. Even if they find a way, what awaits them if they reach the second fragment?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claudette Marco
• Release date: Mar 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311612397

Claudette Marco

Claudette Marco, scrivener of poetry and short stories since she was a child, earned a B.A. degree from Whittier College, soul budding in world wild. After many years of toil, soul searching for relief, she finally reclaimed path towards labor complete: writing. Home locates in Kingman, AZ.

Book preview

Satchel & Sword II:

The Caátlach Islands

by

Claudette Marco

© 2014 Claudette Marco.

Smashwords edition

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the expressed written consent of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.

ISBN-13: 978-1311612397

Edited by Robert Yehling

www.wordjourneys.com

http://bobyehling.wordpress.com/

http://366writing.wordpress.com/

Cover Art by Trevor Smith

www.trevorsmithart.com

http://www.trevorsmithart.blogspot.com/

Table of Contents

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

Appendix: Promulgation of Amazonian Sovereignty

About Claudette

"The soul has naturally two elements, a ruling and a ruled; and each has its different goodness, one belonging to rational ruling element, and the other to the irrational and ruled."

-Aristotle, Politics.

ONE

Preparation

Nevaline Scarcliff’s charge weighed heavily upon her mind, and the coldness of the gray day did not help her concerned disposition. Nevaline, her best friend and fellow Amazonian squad-mate Cairine Oyuun, and their friend Mocsli Chicahua, whom they met in the Tanzanite mine underneath Blackbern Forest, took a short break and built a campfire in Gadina Woods. The woods were located just west of Hychester at the base of the Rhane Mountains.

Nevaline popped some cherries they discovered in the nearby orchards into her mouth. She stared into the campfire. My father is suspended in stone high upon a wall above the thrones in Sylmor Castle. Does my beloved family yet draw breath? Can I restore him? All hopes of her bright future were shattered upon sight of the Saluka Stone’s fragment. With an intact stone in her hand, she could have seen path forthwith towards Mt. Oag to face the malevolent god Micdian. Instead, the chances of dying have tripled as she must now retrieve two more fragments. Madness! How can a mere Amazonian foot-soldier complete such a formidable task? How could I have brought my friends into such a dangerous circumstance? Her feet sank into the ground, the charge weighing heavier upon her mind.

To alleviate some of the pressure, she recounted to Cairine the bittersweet experience in Sylmor Castle – sweet because I got to see my father again … bitter because I had to leave him trapped in the stone.

Do not concern yourself! At least your father lives. We shall rescue him. Embrace not any guilt, either, Cairine said. She chuckled. "How the sword has changed hands… Upon setting into Blackbern Forest you were the one who consoled me, do you remember? Since then, I have seen the world through calmer eyes. My quill has not had to see my frustrations onto any parchments as such did before!"

Such reversal of fortune surprises me as well. My best friend awakens strength lying dormant within her heart. Nevaline paused. At that time, I felt ties to naught and no one. Yet, now, graver concerns press upon my mind. Her eyes roamed over Cairine and Mocsli. Mocsli let out a snore.

Cairine hunched forward. If you are referring to your friends, then we deserve no further consideration. For certain, you carry powers beyond measure. Yet, even you cannot control people’s minds. We chose to accompany the one who would free Kordalis from the Sables and those who would trample over our families’ lives and our own lives.

Nevaline smiled and looked down at the ground. I feel better, though, not entirely. Submitted, she said. She blew out a long exhale. Onto another subject, then. Today is my sixteenth birthday.

Andreus snorted as he sniffed a nearby Spear Thistle bush.

Cairine began to sing. "Oh!

‘With each passing rise of sun,

completion of seasons four,

female, male, whole, one,

deserving of celebration,

friends and family at one’s door.

Bestow blessing, Goddess, within such Rite

with hand upon life as fate would see to more.’

Such sunrise shall portend good tidings!

May your words hasten towards the Goddess’s ears. Appreciations for the Birthday Blessing, said Nevaline.

Cairine removed an apple from her satchel and raised it into the air. A celebration feast fit for Queens of castles and Claymores!

She threw the fruit to Nevaline, who caught the prize and smiled. A royal, golden feast worthy of praise. Appreciations, once more, Cairine.

None sought. Sixteen harvests upon such ground bestow lips many tales. How do you feel?

My body and mind feel eons older than the year before. At that time, I only wanted to survive the United Warriors Training Camp and await my escape from that demoralizing youths’ hostel, from Sibli, and from her spiteful father.

"Aye. Vysariff Trenier’s wickedness found life in his demands during training. I never cared for exercising. I much preferred tending to crops and growing herbs. Though, I did enjoy books regarding Kordalis history. Even though I shall eventually inherit my parents’ farm, Amazonia shall keep me in the military for a very long time," explained Cairine.

Mayhap things shall change.

"Huh! Not within my life! With the conquest of Corumauk and the invasion of Hychester, the Amazonians shall be busy for centuries. They had already laid siege upon Sylmor Castle when we left! How did the army reach the castle with such swiftness and success?!?" Cairine shouted.

Mocsli stirred. Oh, apologies, Mocsli. I meant not to wake you, said Cairine.

Concern not your pretty head. What is wrong? said Mocsli. Cairine relaxed and smiled.

We were discussing how the Amazonians arrived at Sylmor Castle with such dispatch, said Nevaline.

Mocsli yawned. "Aye, I also wondered about that. Of course, such achievement lies not beyond Amazonian capabilities, as your military is reputed to be the most organized and strongest in Kordalis. But how did they gain the territories of Corumauk and Hychester so quickly?"

Nevaline breathed in and out slowly. "When the Maute Raider leader Eric stabbed me, Sibli ran from Blackbern Forest. She stared at me with an infinite, yet disquieted barrenness. Black circles claimed residence underneath her eyes, as if she had been absent slumber for many days. Her skin was a dulled, pale color, moreso than usual. She struck my heart with a fleeting moment of pity. Then, her demeanor changed. Her eyes were filled with cruel greed, as we are accustomed to seeing her. She ran off, leaving me bleeding towards my death.

"After we left Sibli in the forest, the Sables must have captured her and initiated her into their detestable group, giving her some powers. After that, the Amazonians were somehow able to construct trebuchets without the need of any trees or even time. They also were able to trounce the gigantic octopus at the Hychester Wall with some sort of Mythics’s spell, as evidenced by the large dark orange colored wave of light I saw as I headed towards Figos Prison. Also, while detained in King Vailyan’s hall, my father described the Amazonian siege weapons as multiplying quickly and seemingly traversing upon air. Only Sable Mythics could have caused such fortuitous events," explained Nevaline.

Hence, the Sables more than probably showed her the way towards the army and ordered her to manipulate the military from within. As an Amazonian soldier, Sibli was better able to turn the military officials against you and me, bettering the Sables’ chances of capturing the one who carries Livith’s soul. As more people search for you, the chances of their success improve, said Cairine. Her eyes grew gloomy. Sibli has been transforming into one of them….

Nevaline nodded. Aye.

Why do the Sables not bewitch the army’s entirety and gain control that way? asked Mocsli. He took a bite from a pear.

"Their powers must not be so strong. A contemptible person such as Sibli would easily accept manipulation under a dark Mythics spells. However, to mentally control an entire army would require significantly more Mythics power. Their powers have their limit. They need someone with the power of a god, like Micdian, to rule over everyone in Kordalis and the islands," Nevaline said.

She remembered something. Mocsli, you mentioned brigands sailing upon the Caátlach Ocean. Do you know anything regarding the islands themselves?

Mocsli rubbed his chin. Not very much. As a young boy I lived in Carbry, never having the opportunity to visit the islands. My father worked on a cargo ship, yet died when his ship encountered a sudden storm on the ocean near Mytoculus Island right after my birth. No one ever recovered the ship. He looked away.

"My mother depended in every way on my father. Hence, when he died, my mother, grandmother, and I would barter vegetables and goat’s milk at the marketplace in exchange for food, clothing, and coin. The coin often fell short, accumulating a debt with the lord for our small, dilapidated cottage.

Mocsli paused, fighting back tears. "However, my mother could be unpredictable. Not only did she depend upon my father for coin, she also depended on him for her sanity. At times, the severest anger would strike from the smallest occurrence. Screaming and throwing pots and knick-knacks against the walls would quell her nerves. Other times would see Mother revel in her depressed mood; she would sit by the window, staring out of it.

"I would ask, ‘Nanta, you constantly stare from the window. Why?’

"Absent flinch, she would answer, ‘Waiting.’

" ‘Waiting for what?’

" ‘My husband.’

I shall never understand. My grandmother assured me that she was not always like that. She promised that my mother would return to normal with time. But, she did not. One day, I awoke and ran towards my mother’s bed to give her a customary embrace. However, her bed lay empty, made since the day before. I changed from my slumbering gown and walked outside to begin harvesting vegetables from the garden. I discovered my mother hanging from a tree, dead! I began screaming! Mocsli paused, tears trickling down his cheeks. My grandmother ran outside, yet donning her slumbering dress, placed her hand over my eyes, and hugged me tightly. I was only nine years old! Now that I am older, I understand that she would have never recovered from my father’s death.

Suddenly, Mocsli’s anger apprehended any further tears. He carried on. "My grandmother then raised me. She would often take me to the docks to look at the grand ships. She took care of me. Then, she began coughing up blood. Her body grew weary as time went on, until, a year later, Adamathia saw fit to claim her beloved soul. I was completely alone. The lord reclaimed our cottage. I was absent a home.

"Some marketplace merchants heard of my grandmother’s death and, in reverence, passed me from family to family for a few months. I discovered no home until I passed into Uncle Ollin’s care. Ollin is Ulric’s brother. When Ulric came by happenstance to visit Ollin in Carbry, Uncle Ollin spoke of me. Ulric agreed to care for me because he said I would provide great company for his son. Ollin owned and captained a cargo ship that transported goods and raw materials produced on the islands to merchants in Carbry. Hence, Uncle Ollin would see home for periods few and far between. At the time I was there, his ship needed extensive repairs after battling brigands. That is why he was at home. I remained only a month with Ollin.

"Uncle did not want to take me on any trading voyages, because ‘boys’ eyes should never see the cruelty of the ocean’s charge.’ A farm’s labor better suited growing boys, he told me. Ulric told people that he owned a farm in Laianis. As a stone statue guarding the entrance into a sacred temple, my father vehemently kept the mine secret, even from his own brother. I shall forever appreciate both for treating me as his own son," he said.

Can your uncle give us more information about the islands? Nevaline asked.

He can. He is not like the other selfish, greedy people in Carbry. Captains of passenger and trading ships who live in Carbry hoard profits only to split such amongst their officers, leaving any seamen who protest to swim in shark-infested waters, and the rest destitute and consistently dependent upon their meager wage, explained Mocsli. It surprises me that Amazonia has not had much of a presence in the ocean as they have had on dry land.

Nevaline huffed. "The answer to that exists within the hushed realm of embarrassment. I overheard veiled speech once between a teacher and a Paxus scribe in the Great Hall of Literature regarding the subject. About one hundred years ago, the Ascendancy did commission the production of grand war ships. But their desires for more land overtook any sea-conquering ambitions. They constructed only a handful of vessels. Their captains and crews soon saw their ships overrun by brigands, surprising the inexperienced sea-faring Amazonians."

Pride. That is why this story does not exist in any historical tomes, added Cairine.

For certain. Hmmm… So then Ollin might not be in Carbry. Do you know anyone else in Carbry who could give us information? asked Nevaline.

Nae. Neither eyes have seen nor ears have heard any rhyme or whimper from my uncle since I left with Ulric eight years ago, said Mocsli. "Though, I would like to see Uncle Ollin again. He treated me with respect. He showed me how to chop wood and cook meals. However, if we should meet, we must keep the mine secret. Frankly, none should know of the mine."

Cairine shoved her finger underneath her chin. Absent denial. Your father would impale our heads through our chins with a long, rusted nail if such occurred.

They all laughed.

Once we reach Carbry, the search for your uncle claims the highest priority. We walk into a territory full of life’s bystanders surrounded by an ocean of brigands. Ollin may be the only person we can trust, Nevaline said, rubbing her forehead.

After they finished eating, they dowsed their campfire with water and then gathered their belongings onto the Ipavois to leave.

If you could Mythically pinpoint the Saluka Stone fragment within the gold chamber of Sylmor Castle, then could you attempt a similar mental search for the second fragment? Cairine posited.

I never thought of that. My mind has been occupied with thoughts absent clarity. I shall attempt it.

Nevaline sat back against a tree, crossed her legs, and closed her eyes. She imagined a connection with the Goddess Lady Earth. She imagined her soul propelling a bluish purple beam of light into the ground and connecting with Lady Earth’s pervasive bluish purple colored soul. She began to visualize the gray silhouette of the land around her body. Her soul rose upwards. She glanced over her shoulder, westward. The green, glorious Scots Pine trees blanketed the increasing slope of the Rhane Mountains. She floated higher, and then willed herself northwards. The Rhane Mountains then began decreasing their slope, ceasing at a cliff’s edge that dropped perpendicular to a dirt road, which ceased at another sharply declining cliff side. Beyond that, she passed a large cluster of small cottages and larger stone block buildings. The city of Carbry. The cottages and buildings fanned from the end of a long, expansive dock.

She floated over the dock and its ships, observing a bustling crowd underneath. Many donned swords in scabbards upon their backs and long seax daggers upon their hips. These people, mostly men, in fact only men, loaded and unloaded various ships with crates and sacks. Nevaline looked beyond the dock. The short waves of the expansive Caátlach Ocean crashed upon themselves, dissipating in white froth. This sight was contrary to the bright, shining waves in her mind’s eye during her impromptu meditation in the mines, when she touched the Tanzanite stone in the passageway wall.

A large weight pressed upon her head, as if a blanket heavy as an anvil was placed over her brain. She opened her eyes.

What occurred? Cairine asked.

I do not know. I saw the trees… and then I saw Carbry. However, when my soul began to move over the ocean, I returned to my body. Let me attempt again.

She closed her eyes and connected once again with Lady Earth. She traveled over the trees and over Carbry. She willed herself to cross the docks and fly over the ocean. She again felt the pressure of something heavy.

Nevaline opened her eyes. She growled. My attempt failed!

Are you concentrated enough? We shall move some distance away to allow for no distractions, said Mocsli.

Nae, concentration is not the problem, or else my soul could not travel over the woods and the port city. This feels different, as if some sort of block impedes my mind to probe any further.

"Or someone blocks your mind," Cairine said.

Mayhap some of the Bane Keepers live on the islands attempting to protect the second fragment from the Sables.

If Kern or Jera bore knowledge of the Saluka Stone existing fragmented, then they would have told you while we were in Blackbern Forest, Cairine said.

We should fly over the ocean on the Ipavois and search the islands thusly, Mocsli added.

Cairine looked at Nevaline, who returned her glance. Both frowned.

Cairine walked towards Seormeas and gazed at the brown, beautiful creature. We cannot keep the Ipavois, then.

We do not know what we are going into in the islands. We need to be as cautious as possible. People shall see the Ipavois, mattering not the elevation such creatures achieve, people who may not have our best interests at heart. We must release the winged wolves for now. Mayhap we shall need them later, Nevaline said.

But where shall they go? Cairine’s voice quivered as she petted Seormeas.

Nevaline stood up and placed a comforting hand on Cairine’s shoulder. I shall miss Andreus as well. They shall return to the Bane Keepers. Do you yet carry parchment and ink?

Aye. Cairine removed both from her satchel. Nevaline scribed a note and addressed it to the Bane Keepers, beseeching them to take care of the Ipavois during their absence, but to have them ready if summoned.

Mocsli looked over her shoulder. That is all you are going to say?

I cannot reveal our location or future devises should the Ipavois be captured.

Mocsli stared at Nevaline. And why do you withhold request for aid and reinforcements?

"The Bane Keepers hold enough concerns in protecting the Tanzanite mine from the Sables, not to mention protecting themselves against them. They cannot spare any more people. We walk alone!" She barked back. He stomped away.

They wrapped the Ipavois’ reins around the saddles. Nevaline attached the note onto Andreus’s saddle. She petted him. He bowed his head. We shall meet again, soon, she whispered into his large, soft ear. He looked somberly into his owner’s eyes. Nevaline cleared her throat. You must go now, she said with a more forceful voice.

She patted his shoulder. He turned and began running on his long, powerful legs. The other Ipavois followed. They outstretched their wings and took flight. Nevaline bit her lower lip, attempting to withhold tears. In the same way she had to leave Jersun at her neighbor’s home, so must she walk through life without Andreus. At least this time, it is a temporary farewell.

She turned to Cairine and Mocsli. For our journey into Carbry, we need a change of clothes. If we must travel by ship, then we must conceal our Amazonian identities. Amazonian presence within Carbry would create a panic. People would think we are invaders, exposing us to harm. Our swords also need sharpening and polishing. During the Mythics’ meditation, I saw many in Carbry donning swords, hence three travelers donning swords should claim no attention, Nevaline said.

Mocsli looked at them both. "I must warn you two. Women in Carbry hold no high societal position. Men govern the territory and the waters. I suggest you two pass yourselves off as men. We can move easier about the town and onto the ships. A woman asking questions would only draw suspicion, or laughter. Carbry allows women onto transport ships, but not onto cargo or warships. If the latter discovered females on other their ships, they would be forthwith killed or be forced to perform… special labors."

Nevaline chuckled. My father once told me, ‘a boulder shall never succumb to the slashing of a sword.’ If any quarrels with one merely because of that person’s character or gender, then that person must display their character even more. They shall succeed, for the wielder of the sword shall eventually tire, and the boulder shall maintain its integrity. A woman can excel in any respect as a man. None can convince me otherwise. Therefore, in answer to your suggestion, nae. Do not concern yourself over us. If we cannot board a transport ship, then we shall discover other paths.

Submitted. The road through the mountains stretches long and ascends steeply. The coldness there can be crippling, Mocsli said.

"But we carry neither coin nor goods with which to barter. How are we obtain new raiment, food, water, and sharpen our swords?" Cairine asked.

Nevaline’s eyes veered down to her satchel. She grimaced, recalling an object in her possession of great value.

Nevaline and Cairine sat behind some trees. Mocsli walked towards a jewelry merchant, carrying three swords and three water bladders over his shoulders. The young man pulled a ring from his pocket, Yesnina’s ring. Regrets, Yesi. I would not have bartered the ring unless it was supremely necessary.

A few hours later, Mocsli returned with a stack of folded clothing, some food, filled water bladders, and their swords. Here, see if the garments fit. He handed each of them some clothes. The ring was worth many coins. I bestowed the blacksmith extra coin to sharpen our swords ahead of everyone else.

Nevaline bowed her head. With many appreciations.

She walked behind a tree and some bushes. She took off most of her armor, leaving on the breastplate and vambraces for protection and to maintain her secret blade for convenience. She slipped on a pair of green trousers. They fit tightly, but well. She threw a white long-sleeved shirt with a vertical, oblong eyelet opening over her head. The silver metal of the breastplate peeked through it. She put on a long hunter green overcoat. She scrutinized her new ensemble. Well done, Mocsli. Clothing other than the United Warrior’s Training Camp uniform dress or Amazonian armor feels very good.

Nevaline walked back towards Mocsli. From behind the trees came Cairine. Both looked at her. Colored with every shade of brown and beige, her gown tolerated layer upon layer of dirty linen and an old, tattered lining ever present through its many tears. The jagged cuts at the bottom hem and large dark stains bestowed an imagining of a beggar stomping and urinating upon the pitiable gown. Both burst into boisterous laughter.

Our honored guest: the bar maid from the Tavern of Tawny Turtles! Mocsli exclaimed.

This collection of tatters bears unrivaled bulk and repugnancy! shouted Cairine.

Nevaline walked towards Cairine and felt through the bulk of the dress. "What material did the tailor use, wool or tree bark?" she joked.

I thought it was quite comely. Fair maidens of royalty don such raiment! Mocsli tried to speak with a serious tone, but failed.

More like heifers from the Castle of Cattle! And you would preside as the cows’ king! shouted Cairine.

Mocsli and Nevaline laughed even louder.

What do I do, gallivant this travesty of linen in public? Cairine’s face relaxed. Ah… you brought this horrid gown here deliberately!

Mocsli laughed even more. I hid the proper garments. I shall return.

Tarry NOT! she replied.

Shame. The gown bartered cheaply!

Oh, absent denial! Cairine huffed. Mocsli ran towards the marketplace, still laughing.

Awww… Do not harbor anger towards the young man. It was only a jest. Mocsli holds you in his heart, said Nevaline.

I know. I like him too, Cairine mumbled, almost in a whisper.

What was that?

I said I like him, too. He is different. He has raw vitality. He stimulates my mind.

"I would wager upon such stimulation!"

Mocsli returned with black trousers, a long black coat and a light brown shirt. He handed them to Cairine, smirking. With a snarl, Cairine took them from him and concealed behind the tree again. Her new outfit opened in an elongated, upside-down triangle from the collar towards her sternum, also exposing the breastplate.

Much better, Nevaline said and smiled.

I liked the previous garments better, Mocsli said.

Cairine huffed.

Nevaline took the Pit Box from her satchel and placed the small, unassuming, wooden box absent carving or embellishment upon the ground before her. She closed her eyes, cupped her hands over the box, and imagined the box expanding wide enough to fit their suits of armor. It creaked and screeched, and then expanded into the size of a large trunk. When it stopped, Nevaline opened the top and placed their armor inside. She closed the lid and placed her palms on top of it, fingers outstretched. She closed her eyes again. She willed the trunk to shrink to its original size.

Mocsli and Cairine gazed wide-eyed at the box and at Nevaline. Axe to clay! How did you do that? asked Mocsli.

I crafted this box with the aid of Master Sjhong, using wood from a special tree. When I placed that ring you bartered inside, the lavish bauble disappeared. I thought I had lost it. Kern told me what the box really was.

Did not Master Sjhong tell you of the box’s potential for Mythics? asked Cairine.

Nevaline frowned. A pang of sorrow shot through her heart and throat. Nae.

Cairine saw her expression. "Mayhap, your own powers created such occurrence, information unbeknownst to your Master."

Hmmm… Submitted.

Terrific, Nevaline! You carry the greatest gift. You should be proud of yourself for having the will to discover new abilities and progress in your life, said Mocsli.

Appreciations. Yet, one should never hold pride close to heart.

Your ears would refuse a compliment? he asked.

"My ears bear not the custom of accepting honors for the sheer completion of labor. Once, my mind inflated with pride after a successful sparring session at the camp. My Claymore claimed blood from my opponent’s arm. I ran towards Master Sjhong’s cottage to tell him of my grand achievement.

" ‘When butterfly revels

within beauty’s bezel,

exquisiteness fades

leaving painful remains

within adoring eyes, saddened demise

as beauty rots into ill-gotten fame!’ "

She paused.

Your Master seems like he is a teacher of sagacious quality, Mocsli said.

Nevaline wiped the underside of the Pit Box of dirt and placed the box back into her satchel. Aye. The sun’s limitless warm rays can never fill the hollowness Master Sjhong’s absence has left within my heart.

Mocsli cleared his throat. The clothing merchant said that the road leading into Carbry, or Siosled Road, is on the northern side of Rhane Mountain about two miles northwest from our present position. The mountain road itself is about thirteen miles long.

Then we should maintain a swift pace to save time, said Nevaline.

Or engage a wagon, suggested Cairine.

Only a few coins remain. We should save the remaining coins to barter for food and naval passage into the islands. We would also need boarding, assuming we cannot locate my uncle within one day, said Mocsli.

They nodded in agreement and ran towards Siosled Road, reaching it by mid-day.

After taking a short break to eat, they crossed the border onto the mountain road. As they ran to a higher elevation, the air began to depart more readily from their lungs. Nevaline looked over the edge of the narrow dirt road, down a steep cliff. The cliff I saw while under the Mythics’ meditation. Goddess aid! I should not have looked. A hard vertigo pressed upon her senses. As the depth of the precipice grew, so did her apprehension. A cemetery of crushed wagons, decayed horse carcasses, and human skeletons peppered the mountain floor below. How horrid! Nevaline muttered.

Mocsli nodded. The Miquitepe Cliffs. In the Zoxica language, Miquitepe means ‘he who throws himself from the cliffs.’

We must make haste, then. She continued staring down the cliff.

The loud neigh of a horse pulling a small wagon jarred her self-inflicted entrancement. Then she lost her balance. Her toes scraped along the side of the cliff, kicking loose pebbles and rocks. Her fingers scraped at the dirt road as she attempted to stake her nails into the ground.

A pair of strong hands grasped Nevaline’s upper arm. She immediately looked upwards. Cairine grunted as she pulled her best friend up, away