“You can do it Lani...”

The ground shrinks. I look down at the merciless heights. I had been traveling the Lam Lathi mountain passes for a week and it felt like months. Nothing was like what I remembered during my training, when we would be led into the passes to learn the paths we would take in our future.

I hesitate as I take another steady leap. The rotten wood beneath me wrapped around to the other side we needed to be at. My eyes dart to the cliff edge as Nathari extends his hand again. It didn't make me feel any better. I re-wrap my scarf and close my eyes, pressing tightly against the snow and stone. The cliff rock was icy and I had trouble retaining my grip. My hands were numb, even with the gloves I bought in Lam Lathi. I lean my body weight forward, and pull myself back, as Nathari motions for me to hurry. For some reason, I couldn't get past my fears like I did earlier. I was thinking too much about it.

A block of ice and snow shatters near me and disappears into the fog below. The wind howls and I gasp, looking at the surviving floorboards ahead of me. My ribbon-cords were tied around my arms and I was thankful they weren't picking up the wind. I didn't want to fall off the cliff.

“You'll be fine, messenger. Just don't think about it. You used to train here.”

Nathari gives me some more encouragement and extends his hand. I take a step and lean my hand against the rock. This was a bad time to do something clumsy. I judge the path ahead and close my eyes. I nimbly walk across and grab Nathari's hand as I get to the other side. I exhale a foggy breath of relief.

“A little fearful for a messenger girl,” states Nathari.

Nathari looks at me silently. He brushes some snow from my fur coat and leads me around the next bend. We were headed to an easier part of the countryside soon, where we would pick up some horses and make our way forward. I had planned it out, but it looked like Nathari was one who was getting us there.

We continue our way, following the windy path. My scarf tugs at my neck and I pull it close again. I could see Nathari judging the distance.

We make our camp in a cave and light a fire. Whoever had camped here before us had left some things behind for his fellow tribesman. I look at sound as the wind starts to pour in more snow. I didn't like it here. I scoot closer to our fire.

I warm my hands and pick up my diary. It peaked Nathari's interest. I was glad we were traveling together again.

“What do you write about, Lani?,” he says, eating some food.

I look up slightly at Nathari. “Nothing,” I motion with my hands. I continue to write my experiences. My ink was running low.

Propaganda is sexy. Obey.

It was the unofficial creed of Lam Lathi. I had heard others talking about in the villages. It mocked the messenger girls, but I thought it was true. That was one of the first things they taught us and I didn't care anymore. I liked having Lam Lathi as my tribe.

I grab a bite of food and Nathari hands me another. He re-adjust his furs and lies down with a sigh. I continue writing and eating, passing the time in the cave. Today had been a long day. I tuck away Tejani's gift and smile. I wasn't going to be afraid of his gift or the funny and evil man who lived inside it. I didn't understand. I hoped one day to never be afraid of anything not even falling off the mountain passes. Before I go to sleep, I hear Nathari speak out loud to me.

“Don't feel bad, messenger. I'd be twice as scared if I had to dance the stages.”