The Camp

The Golden Highlands stretched endlessly toward the sky. Dense forests covered the mountains, their dark green slopes shimmering under the sunlight. Some of the peaks still had patches of unmelted ice, reflecting dazzling golden colors in the morning light. Lower down, ethereal white mists embraced the valleys, making the trees appear as if they were floating on a silvery lake. The air carried a crisp chill, mingled with the earthy scent of damp soil and the delicate fragrance of blooming wildflowers.

Several waterfalls tumbled down the rocky cliffs, their cascading streams feeding into a vast, mirror-like lake at the base of the mountains. The wind moved here not with a howling force but with a quiet presence in rustling the leaves and carrying the distant melodies of birds hidden among the trees. High above, a group of eagles circled between the towering peaks, their sharp cries echoing occasionally across the vast expanse.

Above this golden brilliance, the sky stretched out in an endless blue, making everything below seem small and insignificant. The only exception was the Golden Highlands itself… a timeless behemoth standing in silent slumber. For those who visited, the region did not merely offer beauty and valuable herbs; it also carried a profound lesson… reminding them that in this vast world, true solace could only be found within oneself, no matter how grand or insignificant they were in comparison to others.

Ranav and his team halted at the foot of the mountain to let the horses rest. The animals had traveled a long distance, their breaths fogging in the cool air as they drank from the crystal-clear lake. After half an hour of rest, the group resumed their journey, beginning the steep climb up the rugged trail.

The horses moved cautiously, their hooves crunching against the loose gravel. The path looped upward like a coiled serpent, clinging to the slopes as if reluctant to let go. It twisted and turned, cutting through rocky outcrops and steep inclines. In some places, the ascent was so steep that the riders had to lean forward, gripping the reins tightly to steady their mounts. The mountain's whispers grew louder as the wind intertwined through narrow cracks in the stone, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and wild grass.

The higher they climbed, the sparser the vegetation became. Hardy shrubs and patches of moss clung stubbornly to the rocks, defying the harsh conditions. The terrain was treacherous, each step demanding careful attention to avoid slipping on loose stones.

After what felt like an eternity, the group finally reached a wide plateau nestled between two rocky ridges. The wind here was gentler, as if the mountains themselves were offering a temporary refuge. The plateau was a natural resting place, carved out by time, offering a breathtaking view of the valley below. From here, the endless waves of green forest seemed to stretch on forever, the lake they had passed earlier now nothing more than a shimmering speck in the distance.

Grandpa Khan raised his hand to signal a stop. "We'll set up camp here," he announced, his voice breaking the quiet hum of the wind. "The horses can't go any further. From here, we'll continue on foot."

The group dismounted, allowing the horses to rest. The animals exhaled long, tired breaths, their flanks rising and falling as they recovered from the climb.

The plateau was spacious enough to accommodate their small group. A shallow stream trickled down from a nearby cliff, its waters gathering in a natural stone basin. The air was crisp but not freezing, and despite the altitude, a few scattered cedar and juniper trees had taken root, their needle-like leaves swaying in the light breeze.

Under Kulbir's leadership, the knights began setting up the tents. The ground was tough, forcing them to hammer stakes deep into the rocky soil to secure the canvas. A fire pit was cleared near the center of the plateau, and the girls began gathering dry branches from the sparse vegetation nearby. The horses were tied close to the trees, where they could graze on the tough mountain grass and drink from the basin.

Despite the challenging terrain, as the camp came together, the space began to feel less like a barren stretch of rock and more like a temporary sanctuary. The sun high above the sky bathed everything in golden lights, making the landscape appear almost heavenly.

Kulbir had brought plenty of supplies for both the horses and the team. Everything they needed… food, water, and essential gear was stored inside Usha's storage ring, ready to be retrieved as needed.

After setting up, they sat down for a light lunch, sandwiches and dried fruit, before retreating to their tents for a brief rest. There were two tents: one for the girls and one for the boys. The knights, however, chose to remain outside, keeping watch over the horses.

Inside the boys' tent, Ranav lay stretched out on his back, staring at the fabric ceiling, while Kulbir and Grandpa Khan sat nearby.

Ranav turned to Grandpa Khan and asked, "Based on your reaction earlier, I'm guessing you've camped here before?"

The old knight smiled, his weathered face wrinkling. "Yes, I've traveled this path many times, gathering herbs from the mountain slopes. This plateau is a familiar resting spot for me."

"How long will it take to reach the herb-gathering area from here?" Ranav inquired.

Grandpa Khan stroked his beard in thought. "We need to climb another 200 meters. If we keep a steady pace, it should take about an hour. The path isn't too dangerous, but it's narrow in places, so we'll need to be careful. In some spots, it's best to stay close to the mountain wall to avoid slipping. Once we reach a certain height, how long we stay depends on how much ground we want to cover."

Ranav nodded. "Then we should start the climb soon. We need to return before sunset."

Kulbir agreed. "We're not that tired since we rode the horses all the way. Mr. Khan, what do you think?"

Grandpa Khan rubbed his chin. "I'll consult Miss Usha about which herbs they're looking for. Depending on that, we might take a different route." With that, he stood and left the tent.

Ranav turned to Kulbir. "If we all go up, is it safe to leave the camp unattended?"

Kulbir shook his head. "No need to worry. Only Mr. Khan and I will accompany you. The other knights will stay here to guard the camp and prepare for dinner. I even brought a pig for roasting… it's in Miss Usha's storage ring. We'll have a proper campfire tonight."

Ranav chuckled. "This is starting to feel less like an expedition and more like a picnic."

Kulbir laughed heartily. "That's the best kind of expedition!"