The Wrathful Mountains by Lana Axe Read Free Book Online Page A

an
uncomfortable bed, prompting him to toss and turn for several minutes.
    Unable to contain her laughter, Kaiya said,
“Raad’s fast asleep already, but you look like you’re on a bed of nails.”
    Galen smiled and sat up. “It’s not exactly a
feather bed,” he replied. “I’d give anything for a soft patch of grass.”
    “Like you had in the Vale,” Kaiya said. The Vale
below the mountains was home to the most beautiful forests Kaiya had ever seen.
The silver trees grew large enough to live inside, and a crystal blue river
flowed along its edge. It was a place of magic and safety, its constant
springtime climate giving vitality to all manner of plants and creatures. It
was a far cry from the mountains. “Don’t you miss your home?” she asked.
    “Of course,” he replied, “but there is much I can learn
here in the mountains.” He flashed a smile, “And you can’t beat the company.”
    Kaiya hated herself for blushing. Galen still had
feelings for her, and she couldn’t deny that she cared a great deal for him.
But both had centuries ahead of them. There was no need to rush a relationship.
This was a sentiment she reminded herself of again and again but occasionally
had a hard time believing. His dark eyes glistening in the firelight warmed
Kaiya’s heart. “I’m glad you came along,” she said.
    “Me too,” he replied.
    A symphony of crickets began a new overture as the
stars burned brightly in the darkened sky. The pair shared no more words, each
eventually drifting off to sleep, dreaming of lands far more inviting than the
barren mountainside.
     
    * * * * *
     
    Kaiya woke before the
others, finding herself still in a seated position. Years of practice at
meditation had left her able to rest without sprawling herself on the ground
and leaving herself vulnerable. On this journey, she was grateful for the
skill. The presence she had sensed was once again manifesting itself at the
edge of her mind. The wind grew still, her ears straining to hear its words.
    “Morning,” a voice mumbled.
    Kaiya startled at the sound and looked over at
Raad, surprised to see him awake. “You’re up early,” she commented.
    Running thick fingers through coarse hair, he
replied, “I’ve been on the early shift since I was old enough to swing a pick.
I couldn’t sleep through a sunrise if I wanted to.”
    The sorceress glanced at Galen, who slept soundly
near the fire. Apparently he had found a way to move beyond his discomfort. She
smiled as she watched him, happy to have his companionship. Whatever might lie
in store for their future, Kaiya knew he would remain a dear friend to the end.
    Rising from her cross-legged position, she
stretched her stiff muscles. By afternoon they should reach the mines, but it
was going to be a tough day of walking over uneven terrain. Moving to Galen’s
side, she gently placed a hand on his arm and shook it.
    The elf awoke groggy, rubbing the sleep from his
eyes. Giving Kaiya a crooked smile, he attempted to smooth his hair into a
presentable fashion.
    “We should get moving,” she said. “Unless, of
course, you want to spend another night on the rocks.”
    Rubbing his lower back, he said, “It’s not at the
top of my list.” His bones were used to softer beds, but he wouldn’t dwell on
the negative. Though his body was already aching, and the day’s climb was sure
to add to his discomfort, he was happy to travel beside his friend.
    With a wave of her hand, Kaiya extinguished the
fire and waited for her companions to gather their belongings. Slinging her own
bag across her back, she waved for them to follow.
    The travelers forged ahead, the landscape altering
itself as they ascended along the path. What was once gray rock gave way to a
light layer of snow, the winds shifting to bring the mountaintop’s frigid air
upon them.
    With a laugh, Raad said, “Don’t worry, it’ll get
worse.” This was only the beginning of the weather he was used to. The mines
lay in the