The path steepened as they pushed forward, jagged stone giving way to loose gravel that threatened to slip beneath their boots. The air grew thinner, the silence heavy, broken only by the crunch of their steps and the occasional grunt from Dane as he kept a steady pace beside Serene.

"Not far now," Stronric murmured, his eyes narrowing as the trail curved sharply around a narrow outcrop. But something felt… off. His senses, sharpened by the strange boost in wisdom, prickled with unease. He felt it before he heard it, an echo carried on the wind. Movement. Fast.

"Down!" Stronric barked, his instincts kicking in.

The group scattered just as a figure shot out from the shadows, landing with a heavy thud on the path ahead.

"Hold yer fire!"

Stronric's eyes widened as the dust settled, revealing a wiry, dirt-streaked figure, straw-colored hair sticking out in every direction and an eyepatch barely clinging to his face.

Bauru.

"By the ancestors…" Rugiel's voice was a whisper, her eyes wide with shock.

"Ye lot took yer damn time," Bauru grunted, his voice as dry as old leather, but the ghost of a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Another figure emerged from the underbrush a moment later, his movements smooth and silent, like a shadow slipping between the trees. Lirian. His lean, athletic frame moved with practiced ease despite the grime and blood streaked across his clothes. His eyes were sharp, a new scar lined below his right eye, scanning the surroundings with cool precision. A curved dagger, dark and wickedly sharp, was still clutched in his hand, its blade glinting faintly in the dim light.

"Your alive," Rugiel breathed, her eyes narrowing as they swept over them both.

"Barely," Lirian muttered, his voice low and laced with dry humor. "But aye, still breathin'."

Stronric crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over his brother. Bauru looked… rough. His usual sharp movements were slower, and there was a fresh wound running down the side of his jaw. But it was the tattered, leaf-patterned cloak draped across his shoulders that caught Stronric's eye.

"Ye been playin' dress-up while we were gone?" Stronric arched a brow, but his tone was light.

Bauru snorted, but before he could answer, Rugiel's arms were around him, pulling him into a fierce embrace. He stiffened for a moment, then sighed, his tension melting as he returned her hug.

"Ye worried me," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

"Didn't mean tae," Bauru muttered softly, his one good eye closing for a moment. Then he pulled back and glanced at Stronric. "Got a tale tae tell if ye'll listen."

Stronric's brow furrowed. "Aye… tell us."

Bauru's expression hardened as he gestured toward the mountain's jagged edge. "We took the outer path," he began, his voice low but steady. "Thought it'd be faster,less traps, more cover. Turns out… not so much."

Lirian's jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "We weren't alone."

Stronric's gaze darkened. "What hit ye?"

"Gnolls," Bauru spat, the word laced with venom. "But not just any pack. They had… help."

"Winged beasts," Lirian added, his voice grim. "Big ones. Leathery wings, claws like razors." He wiped a bit of dried blood from his knuckles, his expression unreadable. "They didn't care if we were climbin' or fightin'. Just wanted us dead."

Stronric's brows shot up. "Winged beasts and gnolls? Up the mountain?"

"Aye." Bauru's expression was grim. "The path was steep, overgrown with vines and thorns thick enough tae slice flesh. We had to climb… fightin' our way up cliff faces while those cursed things swooped down at us."

Lirian's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. "They came fast. Too fast." He tapped the hilt of his dagger absentmindedly, the blade still coated with dried blood. "They weren't just attackin', they were herdin' us. Pushin' us toward the cliffs."

Stronric's jaw tightened. "Tryin' tae pin ye?"

Lirian gave a curt nod. "Aye. They wanted us cornered." His hand drifted toward the second dagger strapped to his thigh, fingers brushing the handle. "I don't like bein' boxed in."

"Bastards got close," Bauru muttered. "Too close."

Lirian's voice dropped lower, tension tightening his shoulders. "One of 'em… caught me."

Stronric's brow furrowed. "Caught?"

Lirian gave a curt nod, his jaw tightening. "Damn gnoll had me hangin' over the cliff. Thought that was it."

Bauru's eye darkened. "We were done for," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But then… the mountain shook."

Rugiel's breath caught. "Stronric."

Bauru gave a slow nod. "Aye. Felt like the whole damn mountain roared. Whatever beast ye put down, brother… it sent them runnin'."

"Every last one of 'em," Lirian murmured, his voice quieter now, as if he could still feel the moment. "The gnolls panicked. The beasts took tae the skies, leavin' us with a window."

Bauru's grin was sharp and full of grim satisfaction. "And that's when I took me shot."

Bauru's hand drifted to his belt, where a gleaming dagger rested in a worn sheath. "Lirian kept the gnolls off me long enough for me tae climb back up. But the leader… he was different. Bigger. Stronger."

"Smart," Lirian added with a scowl. "Knew how to use the terrain against us."

"But he got cocky." Bauru's grin widened, and he tugged at the edge of his new cloak. The fabric shimmered slightly, almost blending into the rock behind him. "This little beauty… found it on 'im after I slit his throat."

Stronric's eyes narrowed. "Magic?"

"Aye," Bauru said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Cloak o' the Hunter. Helps ye move quiet… and blend inta the shadows."

"Lucky bastard," Kara muttered, but her lips twitched in amusement.

"And this…" Lirian unsheathed the curved dagger at his hip, the blade glinting with a faint violet sheen. He held it with a practiced ease, twirling it once before letting it settle comfortably in his grip. "Buried it in one of those winged monstrosities. Felt… right when I pulled it free. It hums when I hold it."

"Enchanted?" Rugiel's eyes narrowed.

Lirian nodded. "Aye. Dagger o' the Viper. Quick. Deadly. And it doesn't miss." Over emphasizing Bauru accent.

Bauru gave Lirian a playful shove, "Ye bastard." Both chuckled and patted each other on the back.

Stronric's gaze lingered on the weapons for a moment before he spoke. "Ye both did well." His tone was softer than usual, a quiet acknowledgment of the fight they'd endured. "Glad ye made it back."

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Bauru's grin faded, replaced by something more serious. "We barely did." His eye met Stronric's, a silent understanding passing between them. "But aye… we're here."

"And ready to finish this," Lirian added, his expression hardening.

Stronric nodded, his jaw set. "Aye. Eat something and see Serene looks at your wounds, then let's get movin'. We've still got a mountain to climb."

The group stood at the base of the sheer cliff face, staring up at the jagged stone stretching toward the heavens. Mist clung to the mountain's upper reaches, veiling the summit in a ghostly shroud. Loose rocks skittered down the incline, echoing faintly as they tumbled into the abyss below.

"Bloody hell," Kara muttered, her arms crossed tightly. "That's not a climb… that's a death wish."

"Not if ye know what yer doin'," Stronric said, his voice calm but firm. He stepped forward, running a calloused hand over the weathered stone. His fingers traced the cracks and ridges with the familiarity of an old friend. "This isn't just rock. This is the mountain breathin'. She'll hold ye steady… if ye treat her right."

Bauru raised a brow, skepticism etched into his features. "Ye makin' friends with the stone now, brother?"

"Aye," Stronric replied without hesitation. "And she's saved me more times than I can count." His sharp eyes swept over the group. "None o' ye have done a proper climb before, have ye?"

Silence.

Even Rugiel, who had spent countless hours training and hardening herself into the warrior she was now, looked away. Bauru's one good eye narrowed, but he gave no argument. Dane shifted uncomfortably, his size making the thought of clinging to a cliffside all the more daunting. Kara's expression was unreadable, though her jaw was clenched tight.

Giles gave an exaggerated shrug, flashing a wry grin. "Non, mon ami. I do not make eet a 'abit to climb mountains in plate armor.

Armand crossed his arms, his expression serious, "Knights are meant to fight upon ze ground, not 'ang like spiders 'alfway up a cliff."

Stronric let out a slow breath, nodding to himself. "Right then. Listen up." He turned to face them fully, his posture commanding. "Ye don't just throw yerself at the mountain and hope for the best. Ye learn. Ye respect her. And ye move like ye're part o' her."

Stronric knelt beside the cliff face, his fingers tracing over the surface. "First thing, balance. Ye don't just pull yerself up with yer arms. Ye use yer legs. They're stronger, steadier. Keep yer center close to the rock, don't lean back." He stood, demonstrating by pressing his body flat against the stone, one foot braced below him. "Like this. If ye keep yer weight close, the mountain's got ye."

Bauru mimicked the stance, his movements stiff and uncertain. "Like this?"

"Closer," Stronric corrected, stepping beside him. He placed a firm hand on Bauru's back, adjusting his posture. "Feel the stone. Let it guide ye. It'll tell ye where the strong holds are."

"Strong holds?" Dane asked, his brow furrowed.

"Aye," Stronric replied, his tone patient but unwavering. "Ye don't just grab any ledge. Look for cracks that run deep. Solid rock, not loose gravel. Tap it if ye're unsure. If it echoes, leave it be. If it's solid, it'll hold."

He demonstrated, rapping his knuckles against a nearby ledge. The sound was dull and firm. "That's what ye want. Now…" He turned to Lirian. "Ye're fast and light, aye?"

Lirian gave a curt nod, his usual smirk replaced by focused determination.

"Good. Speed's useful, but ye need control. When ye move, three points stay connected to the rock at all times. Hands and feet. If ye shift, only one limb moves at a time. It's not a race."

Stronric's gaze swept to Rugiel, his expression softening slightly. "And ye, lass… strength's on yer side. But don't rely on brute force. Climbin's about patience. Find yer rhythm and stick to it."

Rugiel gave a slow nod, her blue eyes narrowing with determination. "Understood."

Stronric's gaze hardened as he straightened. "We go in pairs." His sharp gaze moved from one face to the next as he made his decisions.

"Bauru," Stronric began, "ye're with Rugiel. She's steady, and ye're quick. Cover each other."

Bauru grunted in approval, and Rugiel simply nodded, her expression unreadable but focused.

"Dane," Stronric continued, "ye're with Kara. She's nimble enough to find the safest path. Ye'll keep her grounded."

Kara opened her mouth to argue but caught the warning look in Stronric's eye. She pressed her lips together and gave a curt nod.

"Armand and Giles," Stronric said next, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ye two can't be trusted not to kill each other if left alone, but Armand's strength'll keep Giles on the wall, and Giles' sharp eyes'll keep Armand from missin' a foothold."

Giles smirked. "Ah, a test of trust and patience... 'ow delightful"

Armand rolled his eyes. "Try not to slip, Giles, for I cannot promise zat I shall catch you... at least, not without both of us tumbling to our doom."

"Mon ami, if I fall, I'll be sure to aim for you."

Stronric ignored them. "Lirian." His gaze landed on the rogue. "Ye're with me. We'll take point."

Lirian's expression was unreadable, but a flicker of amusement crossed his eyes. "Aye," he murmured softly. "I'll try to keep up."

Serene glanced around the group, her brow furrowing. Everyone was paired up, leaving her standing alone. "Uh… Stronric?" she called, her voice uncertain. "Who am I supposed to go with? There doesn't seem to be anyone left."

Stronric turned to look at her, his expression softening just a fraction. "I know, lass." He nodded toward her still healing leg. "Ye've got that bum leg. Ye're comin' with me."

Serene blinked, her lips parting in surprise. "With you? But… how?"

Stronric didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned back toward the cliff, squared his broad shoulders, and crouched slightly. Then, with a completely straight face, he patted his backside, twice.

"Climb on," he said, his tone gruff but laced with amusement. "I won't bite."

For a moment, there was a dead silence.

Serene's face flushed, her eyes narrowing as she crossed her arms. "Are you serious?"

"Deadly." Stronric didn't even glance back at her, his focus on the climb ahead. "Ye can barely put weight on that leg. It'll slow ye down, and if ye slip… well, I'd rather not explain to Morgal why I let a healer tumble to her death."

Serene opened her mouth to argue, but one look at the sheer wall of rock before them, and the distance to the summit—shut her up.

"Fine," she muttered, her cheeks still pink. She approached and gingerly climbed onto his back, her arms wrapping around his broad shoulders. "But if you drop me, Wraith-Thane, I'll make sure you regret it."

Stronric's lips quirked into a smirk as he adjusted her weight. "Aye, lass. But if ye squeeze any tighter, I'll be talkin' with a higher voice by the time we get to the top."

A muffled laugh escaped from Lirian, and even Rugiel's lips twitched.

Serene buried her face against Stronric's shoulder, her voice muffled. "Just climb, ye great oaf."

"Aye," Stronric chuckled softly, "Hold tight, lass. I'll get ye home."

The group gathered at the base of the cliff, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on them. Stronric moved first, his movements fluid and precise as he scaled the rock with the grace of one who had been born in the mountains. Serene clung to his back, her body shifting subtly to help balance his movements without hindering him.

"Slow and steady," he called down, his voice carrying over the wind. "Breathe with the climb. Feel the stone beneath ye."

Lirian followed just behind them, his agility making the climb seem almost effortless. His daggers were sheathed, but his hands moved with the same deadly precision, gripping ledges and cracks with unerring accuracy. Bauru and Rugiel moved together, their rhythm steady. Bauru grumbled under his breath, but his movements grew smoother with each passing moment as Rugiel guided him, her strength balancing his agility. Dane and Kara brought up the rear, their progress slower but deliberate. Dane's size made the climb difficult, but Kara's sharp eyes spotted the safest path, guiding him with quick, precise movements.

"Left foot 'igher, Armand," Giles murmured, his voice calm but firm.

"I know," Armand growled, his jaw tightening as he adjusted his grip, his tone clipped and impatient.

Giles tilted his head ever so slightly, his aristocratic composure annoyingly intact even while dangling halfway up a cliff.

"Do you?" Giles asked, his voice maddeningly calm. "Because from where I am 'anging, it looks as though you are about to slip."

Armand's fingers clenched around the ledge, his knuckles white as he fought to keep his footing.

"Giles," Armand muttered, his tone a low, dangerous warning.

But Giles, ever the picture of unbothered arrogance, let a faint grin tug at the corner of his lips. His breath came in short, measured bursts, yet he still found the strength to taunt.

"Relax, mon ami," Giles said softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "If you fall... I shall make certain to compose a ballad in your honor."

Armand's eyes narrowed as his grip tightened, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl.

"Keep talkin' like zat," Armand muttered, his words dripping with irritation, "and I shall make certain you do not 'ave ze chance."

Yet, despite his threat, Armand shifted his footing, moving upward with renewed caution, whether out of annoyance or genuine concern

Stronric, hearing their exchange, shook his head with a weary sigh. "If one o' ye falls, I'll throw the other one after him," he muttered.

The climb was grueling. Sweat slicked their skin, and muscles burned with the effort. Stronric's instructions echoed in their minds, keeping them focused. But the mountain was not kind. A sudden tremor shook the cliff, sending a cascade of loose rocks tumbling down toward them.

"Hold fast!" Stronric roared, pressing himself against the stone. His grip held firm, but he felt the tremor travel through the rock, unsettling the ledge beneath them.

Kara let out a sharp curse as her footing slipped, her hand scrambling for a hold.

"Got ye!" Dane's massive hand shot out, catching her wrist just before she lost her grip. He hauled her back against the rock, his jaw clenched tight.

"Steady now!" Stronric called, his voice steadying them as the tremor subsided. "Keep movin'. The mountain's just testin' us."

As they climbed higher, the air grew colder, and an unsettling stillness settled over the mountain. Stronric felt it before he saw it, a pulse. Faint but steady, like a heartbeat thrumming through the stone.

"Do ye feel that?" Stronric murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lirian's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

"Something… waitin' for us." Stronric's jaw tightened. "The mountain's leadin' us to it."

They climbed in silence after that, each step drawing them closer to whatever lay beyond the mist at the summit.

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