The Top of the Mountain - Part 14

"You are very much fire trapped in a bottle," he tutted. "You will either burn your way through, or you'll die out and disappear… As long as we serve in the same army, I will not allow you to die out."

That was as close to approval as Lombard ever came. He gave a swift begrudging nod, and then he turned on his heel, returning to his men.

"Begin the descent," Lombard ordered. "We shall start work on ordering our supplies. Camp will need to be made."

Even as the others allowed the moment to worm its way into their hearts, Lombard still dragged his mind back towards reality, and he told them – as he always did – just what needed to be done. Oliver had to smile, even if he wasn't quite ready to leave himself just yet.