Chapter 30

Race to the Mountain

- And after he travelled to the end of the World, he looked back one last time -

"Begin," said the overseer.

No one moved.

The overseer and his cruel-looking associate remained silent. Looking around, Thonavar saw bewildered children still looking to the silent figures robed in black for further instructions. But none came.

Then, suddenly, a largely-built boy took a step forward and started making his way down the hill.

Still no one moved.

The group of boys and girls simply stared at the boy as he climbed down the hill.

Then another two boys broke off from the group, running down the hill to join him. The three of them moved quickly down the hill and at considerable pace.

No one called for them to stop.

A few more boys and girls broke off from the group, running silently down the grassy hill.

Thonavar’s skin tingled with a sense of anxious anticipation and his excitement was palpable. He turned to Chaeron and Lyla as other boys and girls began to make their way down the hill in the direction of the distant mountains. Chaeron looked slightly pale while Lyla remained expressionless with her lips pressed tightly together.

I will ask them.

"Will you travel alone? Or shall we journey to the mountains together?"

I will go alone if they decline. Besides, no one usually liked to be in his company. After all, he was the brown-eyed freak with black and white hair.

"I do not travel well in a group," said Chaeron, quickly. "You might have to look after me. Perhaps it is best you go alone."

Thonavar nodded, disappointed.

"But the way will be difficult ", added Chaeron. "And we may need each other’s help along the way. So why not?"

Chaeron’s face broke into a wide grin.

Thonavar grinned back, surprised, as Chaeron moved to stand beside him.

Thonavar then turned to Lyla.

"And what say you Lyla? Will you travel with us?"

There were only a few pupils left on the top of the hill. Some had formed groups. Others remained, staring out over the land before them, overwhelmed by the task. Looking down, the figures of the three boys who had started out first could be seen in the valley below.

The small blond-haired blue-eyed figure of Lyla stood to one side watching the two boys with folded arms.

"I will come," she said quietly as a gust of wind sprayed her hair in all directions.

Thonavar nodded. "Good, we are glad to have you with us."

"But I do not like him," she added, pointing at Chaeron, who seemed taken aback at this declaration from Lyla.

"He talks too much," she explained, her arms still folded.

Chaeron scowled but said nothing.

With a smile playing on his lips, Thonavar turned away to hide it and walked toward the edge of the hill. The overseer and his associate still stood there, robes billowing in the wind. Thonavar had a feeling they were watching him and his little group. But they remained silent.

As he stood at the edge of the hill before the beginning of the downslope, a warm breeze hit him full in the face.

Thonavar did not know what it was but as the skies above began to turn lighter, he felt an indescribable gladness growing in his heart. He stepped forward and then took another step forward. At the corner of his eyes, on each side, he saw Lyla and Chaeron coming up behind him.

Breaking into a slow jog down the hillside, Thonavar took once last look back before increasing his speed of movement. Chaeron and Lyla came up beside him and, together, they made their way down the hillside and began their journey toward the distant mountains.

I will complete the journey. I will find sanctum. I will ascend.