"I admire your convictions," said Durgash, "but I still wish we knew the path they took."
"As do I. Perhaps the others have been more successful?" offered Laruhk. "Let us return to our camp and find out."
Back down the mountainside they went, treading carefully lest the rock beneath them give way and send them tumbling to their doom. Three times they had set forth, and every time found naught but a dead end. It was beginning to feel like the very mountains were alive, thwarting their every move.
Shaluhk stared into the flames, deep in concentration. Her arms lay on her legs while she sat cross-legged, chanting the words of power that would call forth the spirits of the Ancestors.
As if in answer the fire crackled, sending sparks high into the cold night air. Agar sat by Kargen, watching her with an intense concentration rare for one so young.
"I call upon the Ancestors," she called out. "Show yourselves that we might seek your wisdom."
Kargen watched her work, knowing full well that only she could hear their answers. When her head tilted, he wondered what voices she heard.
"No!" she cried out. "It can not be." A shadow fell across her face. From across the fire, Kargen sensed her sorrow, a palpable feeling that washed over them both. Even little Agar shuddered as a wave of emotion engulfed them all.
Shaluhk's head fell, tears running down her cheeks. Crossing her hands, she dispelled the magic and then let loose with gut-wrenching sobs.
"What is it, Shaluhk? What has happened?" asked Kargen.
"Ord-Kurgad is no more," she announced, her tear-filled eyes rising to meet his. "They are dead. Every single one of them. An all-out war has come to the Human lands."
Kargen bowed his head. "So it is as we feared. Artoch and the others have met their end. It is indeed a sad day for our people."
"There is more," said Shaluhk, "but I fear such news may break you."
"Speak, my love. As chieftain of this tribe, I must know."
"Their deaths were not quick, my bondmate. They suffered at the hands of the Humans."
A rage began burning inside Kargen.
Shaluhk watched, fearing nothing would dampen that hatred. "I have it from Artoch himself. He walks amongst the Ancestors now." She rose, coming to sit beside him, wrapping her arm around his shoulder. "There is nothing you could have done to prevent it."
Kargen stood quite unexpectedly, taking her by surprise. Looking skyward, he roared out a challenge, his voice echoing off the distant peaks.
She waited until he stopped trembling, then stood beside him, looking into his face. "You honour them," she said, "but we must look to our future now, not our past."
"I can not forget what the Humans have done to us," he swore.
"And yet it was Humans who saved us," Shaluhk reminded him. "Were it not for our friends, we would all have suffered the same fate."
His shoulders slumped. "It is true," he admitted, "but should I ever find those responsible for this atrocity, they will pay with their lives."
"As they should," added Shaluhk.
Laruhk stomped his foot in a vain attempt to dislodge the accumulated snow. They were high up in the mountains, with a sheer precipice before them.
"And you brought me all the way here to show me this?" asked Kargen.
"Look beyond the gorge, Kargen. Do you not see it?"
The chieftain shielded his eyes from the brightness of the snow-capped peaks. "I see it. A path leading up into the hills, but what good is it to us with this in the way?"
"If we can descend the cliff, we can make our way up that distant path. It looks like it reaches all the way to the peak."
Kargen mulled over the situation. He approached the gorge, crouching to peer down. "The drop is great, but we have rope."
"Can it be done?"
The chieftain turned back to his friend. "We must try, for all other options have failed us. Our food dwindles by the day. If we do not cross soon, we shall have to seek game to the south, and that will lead us back into the Human lands, where only sorrow awaits."
"Durgash and I will make the attempt," said Laruhk. "If we can not reach that path by the end of this day, we shall return."
"Bring six hunters to this spot," said Kargen. "They will anchor your line and watch for your signal. If you locate the base of the path, then send forth a flaming arrow."
"And how will I light such a flame? All around us is snow and ice."
"A valid point." He stood, his hand instinctively reaching for his chin. "I have an idea. Come with me."
They made their way back to camp, seeking out Shaluhk. Kargen hugged her, then began rummaging through her wicker basket.
"What are you doing, bondmate?" she asked.
"Looking for something."
"If you would tell me what it is you seek, I might be of assistance."
"Athgar left behind his flint and steel, did he not?"
"Of course," said Shaluhk. "They wished to travel lightly over the mountains, and what need did a Fire Mage have for such tools? Why do you seek it? You know how to make fire already."
"I do," he said, "but where we are going, wood is scarce. Such tools would be beneficial."
"I don't understand."
"I do, Sister," explained Laruhk. "Durgash and I will seek out a path and then signal with a fire. We must take sticks with us for such a task."
"Then why not rub them together to make fire?" asked Shaluhk.
"The wood in these parts is sparse, and what little there is, is covered in snow, making it far too damp," her brother replied. "With Athgar's tools, I think we could make it work."
"Here it is," declared Kargen, lifting the metal ring from the pack. "You strike the flint with it."
"I know how it works," said Laruhk. "I have seen him use it often enough as have you."
"Then gather your kindling, mighty hunter. There is much work to be done."
Laruhk grinned. "Yes, my chieftain."
Kargen stood at
