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Monday, April 26, 2021

Hidden Kingdom: Chapter 23

 

Chapter 23

Their guide set a very fast pace.  Sara was glad as she knew they had a lot of time to make up.  Even with the brisk pace, spirits were high, and the men spent much of the day talking about what they had seen in the Wood-folk town.  Corval was quickly inundated with questions but if it bothered her, she did not show any sign.  Sara stayed back with the men, learning more and more about the Wood-folks and their culture.  She had to agree with Westfield when he said, "There is just so much I never knew about the Wood-folk. I always assumed they were backward people that chose to live alone, but I was wrong.  They are a united people with a rich culture and heritage."

He then said, "I think I might have to come back for a visit after my time in the service." He paused as he realized an important question. "Hey Corval, how do your people feel about visitors? I mean if my family and I were to come riding into one if your towns would that be ok?"

Corval smiled and said, "Of course 'dat would be fine. We are Karmist; you will be treated as we would want to be treated should one of us ride into your town. I don'tknow anyone 'dat wants to be attacked or miss treated."

"Well what about a place to stay?" someone else asked.

"Although we do not have inns like many of your towns do, if you speak to 'de leader of 'de town, 'dey will find a nice family 'dat will put you up."

"And the fact that we are not the same religion is ok?"

"'Dat is fine. It would only be an issue if you wanted to become a member of 'de clan."

"So even people who are kicked out of a clan are welcome as guests?"

Corval had a look of confusion. "Of course, why wouldn't 'dey be?"

Westfield gave a small chuckle as he said, "Because that is not how the rest of the world works."

It was Sara's turn to laugh when Corval said, "Really? 'Dat is so odd, you Plains-folk have such strange ways."

Sara was glad to see that no one had taken offense at the innocent comments.  If only all cultural exchanges could go so well.

They managed to make good distance the first day. The ground they covered was fairly flat and heavily thicketed. Sara thought maybe they were on some plateau, but she could not see throughthe heavy forest.  She also noticed that there were more evergreen trees.  The leaves of the other trees had already fallen, leaving a few scattered remnants holding on to the last bits of fall. She could not tell if they were being followed or watched by the Wood-folk as she never saw anyone.  But she did believe that not seeing anyone meant they were not there.  She suspected that any group of people that lived in these woods could probably make themselves not seen if they wanted too. However, she was not worried even if they were.  She understood enough about their religion that she was pretty confident they were not a threat. She hoped she was clear enough with her message she sent with the wounded. The Wood-folk might not be a fighting force she could use, but their geographical location made them a great buffer.  She had sent orders for a trade party to go into the woods and establish contact with the Wood-folk. She gave specific orders to be open and friendly and that the real goal was not to trade, but a friendly relationship where information could flow.  Should Queen Hellicus try to invade Carriland by sending troops through these woods, these people could be her advanced notification.

It was not until dusk that they entered a small meadow. It was here that she got her first look at the Borah Mountains, and what she saw took her breath away. Before her stood the tallest mountain range she had ever seen. The peaks reached up into the clouds as if trying to pierce the heavens. Since the clouds obscured the tops, for all she knew the peaks did puncture the heavens themselves. The other thing was that they were completely covered in snow. She thought that if mountains had personalities, then these were not very friendly.

They rode on into the darkness and finally the Woodsman stopped them at another small meadow. As the squad went about setting up camp, she moved over to where General Lateaf was talking with the Woodsman.

"We made really good time today. Another day and we should be at the base of the pass. Then two, maybe three days to make it over the pass." the Woodsman said.

"Why two to three days to cross the pass? That seems a bit long for a mountain pass crossing." Topher asked.

"Had this been the summer then you would be right but that pass is covered in snow, so we are going to have to cut trail and that is slow going. Plus it feels like a storm coming so we might get pinned down for a day."

"You mean we might get caught in a storm. I do not like the idea is spending a night in the open exposed to a snow storm." Topher had real concern in his voice.

The Woodsman smiled and said, "I do not like that idea much either, but there is a cave that is big enough for your squad and the horses about half way, and I am hoping we can make it before the storm hits."

Topher looked up at the sky and the mountains and said, "Do you think we can make it before the storm hits?"

"I think so. I do not think the storm will hit for a couple of days. It might be close, but I think we will be okay."

Topher still looked skeptical but said, "Well you are our guide."

Sara saw a break in the conversation to ask a question that had been on the back of her mind all day. "Do you think we will run into any creatures called Hathorns?"

An odd look came over the Woodsman's face. "No, I do not think we will meet any creatures called Hathorns."

"Oh," she said a little disappointed. "I was just wondering because Unger said that these mountains were inhabited by creatures called Hathorns."

"Well I have only been over this pass once,but I have never come across such a creature." The look on his face told her that there was more to this but in a humorous way. Before she could press him, Topher spoke up.

"Is this the best pass? Is there another that might not be so bad?"

"Not only is this the best pass, but it is also the only pass, at least that I know of."

The three stood there in silence for a minute, each with their thoughts. Finally, Topher said, well I suppose we should get some food and a good night sleep."

They all agreed and went about the details of camp.

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