Chapter 10

On the forty-eighth day of Kilayel, the hills of Jedborough came into view. Ayana inhaled the cool breeze as it kissed her face, breathing in its sublime essence. The sun hid behind the rocky mounds, peeking through the gray fangs of the valley. A sweet fragrance of wild orchids hung in the air, luring them into the beyond—the Vale of Arroin.

They had traveled for many leagues after their last break. The soreness in her thighs had worsened, and her limbs felt heavy as lead. A ringing buzz echoed in her ears, slowly pounding into her skull. She yearned for the journey to end. Though Zelroth had promised they would reach the base within a few days, it felt like weeks had passed since then.

On either side, the indomitable cliffs loomed, mysterious and quiet as a tomb. Ayana gazed at the rough-hewn crags with a sense of awe. Sly tentacles of mist fumbled at the protruding knees of the cliffs, searching for a dark crevice to crawl into.