Chapter 4 The Northern Passage

Melody knew the mountains. The forest has been her home for the past three years. She was collecting herbs some of them were plain and easily to find others were rare and it sometimes took her a wile to find them. On the other hand they were better paid. So Melody knew every significant place within half a day walk. Melody was a good walker and she was strong but the pace those man had made her force herself to the max. After half a day she was tired and out of breath. Melody was more than happy when they stopped for a break. She sat down on the ground and took off her bag. She was sweating her hair was sticking back to her head. Torib handed her over a bottle with water and she drank eagerly.

"Eat this." Melody looked at some sort of a cake made of seeds, honey and dried fruit. "It will give you more strength."

"Thank you father." She repeated the sentence whenever asked and Torib seemed pleased with her answering like that.

The cake tasted really good and Melody wanted to stay here for longer but after they finished all of them stood up. So did Melody. The bag was getting heavier as they started to walk up the mountain. They moved among tall pine trees and the ground here was uneven. Melody was focused not to step into a hole, twisted ankle wouldn't improve her situation. With a time the distance between her and the Tribe men was getting bigger. She was slower and exhausted. She knew they will scold her if she doesn't hurry up. She was giving her best, still she saw them waiting for her.

"I'm sorry" She puffed up.

We need to reach a cave at the foot of the Crooked Mountain, it's a safe place." Torib explained. "You must keep up with us or we won't manage."

"Yes, sorry Father." Melody started walking without anyone rushing her again.

They reached the cave as it was already dark. Melody knew it was her fault, but she couldn't walk any faster. She was done unable to lift a finger. She crumbled in the corner hoping to fall asleep, she wasn't even hungry.

Soon the campfire was crackling and Melody felt the warmth coming from the fire. She sat closer, the men were talking among themselves. They took out some supplies and in a moment there was a hot tea and dried meat with bread handed to everyone. Melody ate, slowly chewing the foreign food. In an instant she fell asleep on the hard ground. At night a strange howling woke her up. Something was close to the cave and Melody was scared. She moved closer to the fire and wrapped her arms around herself. She took out a dagger she was carrying fastened to her belt.

"This won't help, only silver." Said the man with short ashen blond hair.

'No worries Angus and Dirk will kill it." Shelly smiled brightly.

"What is it?" Melody asked curiously.

"A werewolf. Half human, half wolf. Very hard beast to kill, I wonder how one got here, we have a well protected barrier." Shelly sat down, in the light of the fire his eyes were glowing like pure gold.

There was a loud scowl and than silence. Melody leaned closer to Shelly. Who put his arm around her.

"They got him. No need for fear." His bright smile was contagious so Melody smiled back.

"Don't touch my daughter." The sharp tone of Torib's voice almost made her jump.

Shelly took his arm away shaking his head,

"Torib, she was afraid, that's it."

Melody moved away and tried to go back to sleep. She was nervous and uncomfortable but also so tired that despite the hard ground she fell asleep.

She woke up with the sunrise. She came to the fire and added some wood there was a creek nearby where they fetched some water from so she took the pot and brought water. On the way she found wild lemon balm. She liked the taste of this herb. In a moment the water was boiling. Torib was watching her but said nothing. They all ate and had some warm tea.

"Tastes good" Shelly praised her.

Melody smiled and sipped the tea. Her back hurt and her feet were sore too. She has never before had to make such a long distance.

"Get ready to leave." That command sent Melody to her feet. She was ready. They stepped out of the cave and headed north. They climbed on the top of a mountain and were walking along the ridge. The sight was breathtaking. The ridge wasn't sharp but it was rocky, below she could see the green treetops and a meandering river. In front of them she could see clouds and foggy air. She assumed that these probably were The so called Misty Mountains. They looked close at a hand's reach but Melody knew they had a really long way. The rout was getting more steep and Melody slipped twice fortunately nothing bad happened. Each time she got up and without any sound followed them. The way down the mountain wasn't pleasant. The rocks and stones made it difficult while walking down. Her legs were practically trembling because of the effort. The stopped at the foot of a mountain which top was hidden in the mist. It was steep her and Melody was seriously afraid she won't be able to climb on her own. Those mountains looked different they has steep scarps and flat tops. At least the lower ones. She was watching the steep scarp thinking how she is going to climb up.

"The way up is hard." Torib stood behind her "But there is a way we have prepared. The steps are cut in stone and there are chains to give you support."

"I have never climbed that high. I'm a bit scared." Melody confessed.

"I will tie you to myself, if you fall I will be your anchor. I will hold your weight and help you back."

There was no more room for hesitation. Melody sat down and was nibbling at very hard piece of sweet cookie. She was afraid of height. They walked a bit to the west till hey reached the mentioned steps. It looked terrifying. The steps were shallow and there was a chain on each side of them. Melody felt how sweaty her hands became. Torib took out a rope and tied her in her waist the other end was tight to himself.

Shally and Dirk were going first than Melody, Torib and Angus. The men climbed easily at least it looked like that. Than it was Melody's turn. She wiped her hands and caught the chains. One step after another and she pulled herself up with her hands. She was climbing, but very slowly. She felt the chilly air and the sweat dripping from her forehead. She didn't dare to look down only up or right in front of her. There was enough space to fit the tips of her feet and she needed a lot of strength to keep going. Time froze, it was only her, the pain and steep stairs. With every step up she knew she was getting closer. She needed to focus, she kept telling herself that it's probably only a few steps more and she will be there. Her right foot slipped and only thanks to her desperate grip she didn't fall, she hurt her right finger though. The breathing as getting heavier and more difficult with every step. Finally she reached the top and a helping hand pulled her up. Melody was lying on the grass trying to stabilize her breath. It took her a few minutes to get round. She crawled to the edge and looked down. She almost trow up. The scarp was vertical and everything below looked so tiny.

"You really made it. That's something. Many women needed to be carried up." red hired Angus patted her shoulder. "We need to move the village is not far away. The top was flat and in a short while they reached the horst, but not as steep or deep. Below there was a wide valley with beautiful emerald lake.

"We're here, this is your new home."