6. The Night Chase

Descending the mountain proved to be a rather uneventful journey. Koshos managed to trip and bruise her arm, and the travellers had to outrun a minor avalanche (It wasn't minor from the inside! Briole would recount later) but the remainder was only a matter of keeping in the right direction and staying warm.

Briole did the latter by recounting tales of other kingdoms he had visited before settling down in Lohmla. Then, when Lanyur displayed confusion, he explained to her what had been happening, from the Unholy Stone carried by Litam to his village's destruction as well as Subito's. The mouse was silent after that, her gaze never venturing from her feet.

Travelling down the mountain was a feat that took somewhat longer than the beasts had expected. Twice, they had to stop for the night, and they ate the scraggly plants that grew on the jutting rocks. Once they were far enough from the summit, they turned to Lanyur.

Can you give us a map? Something? At least tell us which way to go? Litam asked.

The mouse girl looked up, her nose twitching quickly, her eyes beginning to water. I—I can't! I've been trying to cast a spell, but it isn't working! I couldn't even foresee that avalanche! It should have been painfully obvious, but I didn't have the slightest idea!

So you missed it. None of us can claim perfection. That you can't either is nothing to be ashamed of.

Don't you understand? I've lived my whole life knowing things, doing things magical, as if they were mundane! I feel like I've been blinded, as if part of my soul itself has been stolen away from me! I don't know what to… to do with… without… she broke down and sagged to the ground, ears quivering, tail shaking.

Koshos comforted her, Briole offered words of wisdom, Lanyur sobbed, and Litam stood bewildered.

I'm sorry. I guess I don't understand what it feels like, Litam frowned, taking her paw in his.

Lanyur looked up, sniffling and wiping tears from her cheeks with her other paw. It wasn't your fault, Litam. First the griffin, then this… it's just overwhelming. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. She smiled weakly. I'll be fine, really.

She slowly rose back to her feet, Briole helping her up and hugging her once she was on her feet. I'll be fine.

That's good to hear, Briole said, but we still don't know where we are. That mountain range is unfamiliar to all of us.

Vell, I for vone do not vish to go back up to the peak, Koshos stated, nursing her arm. Seeing as ve don't know the land, ve should probably find a beast who does. That forest looks promising. With her good arm, she pointed toward a wooded area far in front of them. Smoke rose in thin wisps from it: the billowing cloud didn't have the right shape for a forest fire, which could mean someone was tending it.

And what if this is still Mitaria, and the villagers are loyal to the king? Briole put forward. We have no weapons, the king made sure of that when he locked us up, and I lost that sword I stole when we fell from the Sun Spirit.

A grin spread across Litam's face, as he felt something in his boot with his toes. Those guards really were incompetent…

None of his companions understood. He fished around with his tail and pulled up an oddly shaped sickly red lump, about the size of the rodent front teeth that were in plain view at the centre of his grin. I'd say this is about as good as the king's seal, wouldn't you? Considering who he works for, all we have to say is that we were sent by him, and no one will dare lay hoof or claw upon us.

It took several hours to get from the mountains to the edge of the woods, but by then the slope was gradual and easy to follow.

As dusk approached, the air became cold again, making Litam's fur stand on end. He shivered and kept his eyes on the path before him.

There was a loud snapping and the next thing Litam knew, Briole was holding Lanyur in midair. They remained frozen for a moment before toppling backward, away from a gaping hole in the ground.

What in the— Litam started.

She stepped on a pit trap. It was probably put there to capture wildes. Briole stood up.

I am so sorry Briole! I didn't see it, Lanyur apologized.

Don't mention it, the squirrel bowed. I'm quite happy to lend a hand.

Koshos chuckled, and Lanyur turned red. There was an uncomfortable moment of silence.

Shall we get going again, before nightfall? Litam mumbled. The others made non-verbal agreements and the group began to pick up speed again.

Something moved quickly toward them. Briole was the first to see it. He picked up a fallen branch and crouched, weaving closer to the disturbance.

In a flash of red-orange, it surged out into view. A burly blue-eyed fox covered in a mosaic of small wilde skins stood face to face with the squirrel, then ran on past.

Koshos grabbed him and whirled him around to face her: Stop! His eyes were wide with surprise.

Rapadim! he shouted at her. The fox wrenched himself free and ran off into the woods. He yelled back behind him A sabjenote etm!

He's in a hurry, and I think he has a good reason why, Lanyur said quietly without looking up. Her nose was still, her brow furrowed, deep in thought.

I'd rather find out why he's running before I do it too. What say we catch him? Litam said, picking up a branch like Briole's.

It didn't take long to find him. In fact, he found them. The fox strode back up to them, grumbling under his breath. He pointed to Lanyur and Litam as he spoke.

Xodaúe ya der wastig mer? Et haþes dés þiágstonisz ov ín roðen, he asked the mice; he sounded unhappy.

Lanyur's head snapped up and she looked at him sharply, startled to hear what he was speaking.

I knew I recognized that language! It's Tsesial, the language of the Magics! Lanyur gasped, then responded. They exchanged a good many more words and then Lanyur turned to her companions. He says his name is Skenleth. He doesn't speak anything but Tsesial, and considering where he says we are, I'm not surprised.

Briole's bushy tail twitched nervously. What did he tell you?

First off, he was running because something set off one of his pit traps. He thinks it was me or Litam, but I told him I didn't know. She paused.

And where are we? asked Litam.

We're in the Empire of Tsesanne, the spiritual focal point of Selassei's dominion. That's why I can't spellweave or foresee—this place is already so steeped in magical energy that it can't take on anymore. She pointed her tail off toward the horizon.

Mitaria, she continued when she saw the blank expressions of those around her, is on the other side of the World.

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