NOVEL NEXT Chapter 89: Climb Down
They, in agreement with one another, carefully planned their route to the Citadel and how to avoid unnecessary dangers. However, it was only natural that there would always be a flaw in the plan, an unforeseen alteration caused by circumstance, yet of course, they prepared for that as well.
Since the day was still young, the four of them decided to spend it resting, thus adding one more day to their supposed single remaining day of travel, making it two.
After that, they took some time in quiet solace... relishing the peace devoid of danger and watching various creatures either conceal themselves or migrate, awaiting the night when they would emerge as hordes to prey upon one another.
In that regard, they knew that the night was certainly not the best time to make a move. Once they had completed all preparations, despite their current conditions, the party began to discuss other matters, mostly concerning who should take the lead on their journey to the Citadel, particularly the one still capable of fighting if battle arose.
Naturally, that was only Adela...
***
A day later, the day they had planned to begin their movement, the four of them stood at the edge of the mountain cave, gazing down as they prepared to climb, or rather hike, their way to the ground below. Kyle struggled with the task because of his arm, which was still in the process of healing, while the other three were ready, although Orion and Na-Ri bore injuries of their own.
On the land beneath them, far in the distance, there were no creatures in the surrounding area, only the remains of what had once been. The previous night, which had lasted barely an hour, had turned into a blood-soaked frenzy as the beasts tore one another apart in savage hunger. They had seen it all, the violent chaos, the ground drenched crimson, the grotesque dance of survival. If a caravan had happened to pass by, it would have been devoured whole by those creatures.
However, that was not their immediate concern. The true problem lay in how to descend. Adela and Na-Ri, despite the latter barely being able to move, had somehow managed to bring the two unconscious boys up using a narrow path that wound its way to the top. But now, that path seemed to have vanished, as though the mountain itself had erased it.
...It was a bit complicated at the moment.
Adela stood at the edge of the cave and surveyed the terrain below.
The vertical drop beneath them was far too steep to descend directly, yet to the left, the slope broke into a series of narrow ledges that curved down towards a dry gully. The gully appeared to stretch downward for most of the distance. She pointed towards it and told the others that it would serve as their route.
They all agreed without further deliberation, realising that it was the only practical path available. Kyle glanced at his arm, supporting it with his other hand.
He scowled.
'It's time to go to safe haven.'
They moved towards the ledges in a line. Adela went first, Orion followed close behind, Kyle came after him, and Na-Ri remained at the rear to move last. The first few metres were rough and uneven, but Adela tested every foothold before placing her full weight upon it.
She pressed each stone beneath her feet, ensuring it did not shift. When she found an unstable rock, she kicked it aside and warned the others to avoid it.
They advanced with care, maintaining three points of contact with the rock at all times.
At one narrow section, Adela paused and examined a small rocky projection that could serve as a handhold. She tore a strip from her outer shirt and tied it around the projection, fashioning a loop for balance. It was not sturdy enough to bear a person's full weight, but it provided a measure of stability for crossing the short step.
She tested it first, then moved on once she was certain it would hold.
"Ugh," Orion muttered wearily, his leg still throbbing with pain.
He followed regardless, placing his feet precisely where she had stepped. Kyle came next, moving more slowly because of his injured arm. The handsome youth stayed close behind him, guiding and steadying him whenever he needed to lower himself.
'...Thank you,' Kyle said inwardly. The situation was somewhat awkward and embarrassing, but what could he do?
Nothing, in particular.
Kyle relied mainly on his legs and his good arm for most of the descent. When the path grew too steep, Orion placed a steady hand beneath Kyle's elbow and helped him step down safely.
Na-Ri descended last. Her movements were slower than the others' due to her injuries, so Adela waited below each step to assist her. When Na-Ri reached a difficult gap, Adela climbed a short way back up, gripped her forearm firmly, and guided her foot onto the next ledge. They paused briefly to rest before continuing.
The beautiful stranger offered a faint, weary smile, then said sincerely:
"Thank you for the assistance, Ad."
The ledges gradually widened, and the incline of the slope eased. They followed the gully as it curved along the rock face. The stone soon gave way to loose gravel and smaller fragments, which made their footing treacherous. Adela instructed them to move in short, deliberate steps and to keep their weight low. They maintained a few metres of distance between each person so that if one slipped, the others would not be dragged down. Orion led through this section while Adela stayed close behind Na-Ri, ready to catch her should she stumble.
As the terrain shifted to a blend of rock and loose soil, they began moving diagonally across the slope rather than directly downward. This allowed them to regulate their speed and maintain balance. Kyle's pace remained slow, and the others adjusted to match him. When they reached a small drop, Adela descended first, braced her footing, and guided each of the others as they lowered themselves.
None of them hurried, and every step was tested before committing to it.
The gully eventually opened onto a broader slope, covered with compacted earth and scattered stones. From there, they could see the flat expanse of the stony terrain below. Adela instructed everyone to move quietly and remain close to the rock wall until they were clear of the height. They descended the final section by following a zigzag path to lessen the incline and prevent slipping. The loose stones shifted beneath their feet, but they maintained control by leaning back slightly and placing each step with precision.
After roughly half an hour, they reached the mountain's base. The ground was firm and level, and they paused to assess their condition. Kyle's arm had not been strained further, and both Na-Ri and Orion appeared steady. They moved away from the open slope towards a cluster of rocks where they could rest without being visible from above.
Once there, Adela confirmed that they were all uninjured and prepared to continue towards safer ground.
Thus, their direct journey to the Citadel commenced, with Scouty once more taking the lead.