Dawn broke cold and gray as we emerged from the forest's protective cover. The air was crisp, biting at exposed skin, while the scent of damp earth and pine needles lingered around us. The trees behind us stood tall and dark, their branches creaking softly in the wind, as if reluctant to let us go. Nine days of careful travel had brought us to Night's Hollow, where ancient mountains pierced the clouds. Despite our best efforts and the skills I'd honed in cartography and tracking, we were two days late – a delay that weighed heavily as we gazed upon our destination.
Cartography has reached (Common 3)
Cartography (Common 3)
- Points of Interest: Highlights known points of interest (e.g., inns, shops).
- Effect: Provides markers for inns and shops in towns and villages you have visited.
- Requirement for Common 4: Mark 10 points of interest to reach Level 4
Cartography has reached (Uncommon 4)
Cartography (Uncommon 4)
- Terrain Details: Shows elevation and terrain type.
- Effect: Adds details like hills, valleys, and types of terrain (e.g., forest, desert).
- Requirement for Uncommon 5: Explore and map 10 Rare areas
Tracking has reached (Common 3)
Tracking (Common 3)
- Mood Detection: Detects creature mood based on tracks (e.g., angry, calm).
- Effect: Provides emotional information about creatures within 30 metres based on their tracks.
- Requirement for Uncommon 4: Track 10 creatures
Tracking has reached (Uncommon 4)
Tracking (Uncommon 4)
- Range Increase: Extends tracking range to 40 metres and improves visibility of older tracks.
- Effect: Tracks are visible for longer periods, allowing users to follow older trails.
- Requirement for Uncommon 5: Track 5 rare creatures
However, all thoughts of improved skills fled from my mind at the sight before us. Even Elena, usually so composed, couldn't suppress her reaction.
"By the gods," Elena whispered, her usual stoic demeanour cracking at the sight before us.
Rising from the valley floor, the Black Scale Brigade's fortress dominated the landscape. Massive stone walls, easily thirty feet high, formed concentric rings around the central peak. Construction crews swarmed over the unfinished sections, while completed parts already bristled with defensive positions.
"Those aren't just walls," Twylla murmured, her magical sensitivity clearly detecting more than the physical structures. "They're building wards, barriers into every level. The power requirements alone..."
Lady Moira's expression was grim as she surveyed the scene through her spyglass. "We're two days past the three moon alignment, and I see no obvious effects from here. We need to get closer."
Law crouched at the treeline, his experienced scout's eyes analyzing the defenses. "Main gate heavily guarded. Secondary entrances all have overlapping fields of fire. Patrol patterns suggest they've got at least three hundred troops stationed."
"The Eldorian army should have been here by now," Bron growled, gripping his mace tightly. "Their garrison was closer than us."
"Their absence confirms my suspicions about corruption in their ranks," Lady Moira said grimly. "Which makes our mission even more critical. We need solid evidence for Command."
After careful observation, we plotted our approach to the mountain base. The Black Scale patrols were regular but had gaps we could exploit.
Lady Moira turned to Elena. "Stay here and document everything—guard rotations, supply movements, any patterns you can spot. Keep the swiftclaws calm and hidden in that dense copse we passed." If we're not back in two days, take them to the nearest command post and deliver your findings."
Elena nodded grimly, already pulling out her notebook. "I'll keep them calm and concealed, my lady. The beasts know me well enough by now."
"We'll need to move fast between those guard rotations," Law advised, marking the patrol timing.
"Dash will serve us better than stealth for this stretch," I suggested, eyeing the open ground we needed to cross.
Lady Moira nodded. "Agreed. Get us there, Brendan."
You sing Dash of the Daring
I sang the speed enhancement, and we sprinted across the exposed terrain in bursts, timing our movements between patrols. Twice we had to hold position while guards passed nearby, but we reached the mountain base undetected and found a safe spot to hide ourselves while we planned our next move.
The sheer rock face loomed above us, connecting directly to the fortress walls. Law examined the steep surface with a frown. "Too steep for normal climbing. We'd need proper gear, which would be too conspicuous."
"And we can't risk using the fortress walls themselves," Twylla added. "Those wards would alert every mage inside."
I studied the steep face before us, mind already working on the rhythm we'd need. A climbing song would be challenging, but it was our only option.
Stone beneath and sky above,
Each handhold fits just like a glove.
Steady rhythm, slow and sure,
Making paths where none endure.
Your peak performance just scaled into a melody named 'Mountain's Embrace'.
Do you want to replace a song with it?
[YES] / [NO]
You have selected YES
New Song Acquired: Mountain Embrace
Song Replaced: Wellspring of Arcana
Name: Mountain's Embrace
Musical Instrument: Voice only
Effect: Creates magical handholds and secure footing for group climbing
Target Type: Group
Casting time: 1 turn
Range: 10 metres
Cost: 2 mana per turn
Requirements: Must maintain concentration while singing
Duration: Continuous while singing
Description: "Mountain's Embrace" transforms the steep rock face into a more manageable climb, creating temporary but sturdy handholds and footholds that only the affected group can see and use. The magic works with the natural features of the rock, making the enhanced holds appear natural to outside observers. Perfect for when the only way forward is up. Just remember—don't look down, don't stop singing, and definitely don't ask why the mountain seems to hug you back. They get clingy like that.
"Okay everyone, I've created a song that will help us climb, but before we start..." I paused, making sure I had everyone's attention. "I need you all to understand something—I don't have enough mana to maintain the holds for the entire climb. When I signal, you'll need to find natural handholds quickly—the magical ones will fade while I recover my mana."
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Lady Moira nodded seriously. "How will we know?"
"I'll weave a warning into the song, then raise my hand. When you see that, start looking for secure natural holds immediately. We can't afford mistakes at these heights."
"Understood," Law replied, already studying the rock face with new intensity. "I'll call out any promising natural holds as we go."
"Everyone clear?" At their nods of agreement, I took a deep breath. "Then let's begin."
You sing Mountain's Embrace!
The melody spilled from my lips like liquid starlight, each note crystallizing into shimmering handholds that bloomed across the rock face. The magic wove itself into reality—ethereal steps and grips materializing in swirls of azure and pearl. I could feel the drain on my mana with every passing minute, each handhold drawing from my essence like water from a steadily emptying well, but I focused on maintaining the delicate harmony that kept us all secure.
The magical grips pulsed with a soft glow, like captured moonlight beneath mountain mist, each one attuned to its intended user. As my companions grasped each hold, the magic cradled them, negating the usual strain of climbing—transforming what should be an exhausting vertical ascent into something as effortless as a leisurely stroll.
They shimmered and danced in time with my song—strengthening for Bron's powerful grip, narrowing to match Elena's precise movements, widening to provide Lady Moira with extra security. Every note I sang sent ripples of power through the existing holds, like rings spreading across a mystical pond, ensuring the entire network remained stable and strong.
Law moved ahead of us like a shadow, his experienced eyes scanning for the safest path. Even in the dim light, I could see how he tested each potential hold before committing, his whispered guidance keeping us all informed. "Loose section here, angle right... there's a good crack system about two metres up."
I watched as Lady Moira followed his instructions, her movements hesitant but determined. The magic responded to her uncertainty, creating slightly larger, more secure holds beneath her hands and feet. Behind her, Twylla moved with the confidence of a natural climber, barely waiting for the magical holds to form before transitioning smoothly to the next position.
The strain of maintaining the song was building—I could feel it in my throat, in the steady drain of my mana. We'd been climbing for nearly fourteen minutes, and I knew I needed to rest soon. The wall loomed above us, but we were making excellent progress. Bron brought up the rear, his different climbing styles evident in how the magic adapted—Bron's holds materialized as robust grips capable of supporting his powerful frame.
"Hold signal coming soon," I wove the warning into my song, trying to give everyone time to prepare. My hand started to rise for the signal, but before I could complete it—
A gasp cut through the night air. My heart lurched as I saw Lady Moira's grip fail, her fingers slipping from a natural hold she'd been reaching for. The magical handhold below her other hand started to fade as my concentration wavered—
"My Lady!" Bron's reaction was instantaneous. His thick arm shot out, catching her before she could fall more than a few inches. But the sudden weight threatened to pull him off as well, and I could see his muscles straining to hold them both against the rock face.
Twylla's staff appeared from nowhere, wedging into a crack beside them. "Brace!" she called softly but firmly.
My song had faltered for only a second, but that second was almost catastrophic. I forced the melody out stronger now, despite my desperate need for rest. Fresh handholds bloomed beneath Lady Moira's feet, spreading outward to support both her and Bron. The magic pulsed brighter than before, as if sensing our desperate need.
"I have her," Bron grunted, helping Lady Moira regain her position.
The fear in her eyes was visible even in the dim light, but she managed a shaky nod. "I'm secure now."
"My lungs burned as I forced myself to maintain the song for another few precious moments. 'Everyone find natural holds,' I threaded into the melody. 'I must rest.'"
Law called back softly, "There are a series of large cracks here. My Lady, place your right hand where I'm pointing." He'd positioned himself to guide her, his scouting instincts now focused on keeping our most vulnerable member safe. I watched as each member of our party found secure natural positions in the rock face.
"Ready," Twylla confirmed, followed by similar acknowledgments from the others.
Only when I was certain everyone was secure did I let the song fade. The magical handholds dissolved like mist, leaving us clinging to the natural rock face. My legs trembled with fatigue as I wedged myself into a narrow crack, trying to find the most comfortable position for meditation. The wall dropped away beneath us dizzyingly—we were about halfway to our goal.
During my brief rest, I could hear the others adjusting their positions, the occasional scrape of boot on stone making my heart jump. The night wind tugged at our clothes, and somewhere far below, I caught fragments of guard conversation. They sounded relaxed, unaware of our presence above them.
"Next time," I whispered once I'd caught my breath, "wait for my signal and give me a clear nod when you're secure." The others murmured agreement, and I could sense the lesson had been well learned.
As my mana regenerated, I studied our next section. Law had already picked out our route—a diagonal traverse that would take us above the worst of the guard patrols. The rock face looked smoother there, making my magical handholds even more crucial.
Once my mana reached full, I warned them, "Resuming the song."
You sing Mountain's Embrace!
The melody flowed more easily now, and I watched with satisfaction as the handholds reappeared. Law took point again, testing each new hold before committing his weight—an unnecessary precaution with my magic ensuring their stability, but old habits died hard for someone who's spent their life scaling walls the traditional way. His natural caution still served us well though, as his experienced eyes picked out the best path upward, guiding us around potentially unstable sections of the rock face that might complicate my spellwork.
The magic flowed through my song, instinctively adapting the handholds to each climber's needs. We made better progress now, everyone moving with more confidence and better coordination. The spell seemed to know exactly what each person required—materializing wider grips for Bron's powerful hands, closer spacing for Lady Moira's shorter reach, minimal but precise holds for Law's efficient movements. It was fascinating to watch how the magic read and responded to each of them, creating a perfect path with no conscious direction from me beyond maintaining the melody.
The second stint of climbing went smoothly until we reached the twenty-eight-minute mark. This time, when I signalled for a stop, everyone responded perfectly. Each climber found a secure natural hold and gave me a clear nod. The pride I felt in our improved teamwork almost made me forget my fatigue. Almost.
During this rest, I noticed our position had shifted. We were higher now, well above where the wall's guards would typically look, but we were also more exposed to the wind. Law had led us to where the cliff face began to curve around the mountain. The next section would be more horizontal than vertical—trickier climbing, but necessary to reach our goal. My mana replenished again, I resumed the song.
You sing Mountain's Embrace!
The handholds appeared different now, some angled sideways to better support our traverse. Law moved with practiced ease, occasionally testing sections before guiding us across. "Watch the overhang ahead," he cautioned quietly. "The rock's wet underneath."
The song flowed steadily, and the magic responded to the changing conditions on its own, making the holds more pronounced as we reached a damp section of rock. Sweat trickled down my back despite the cool night air—not from physical exertion, but from the steady drain of maintaining the spell for so long. While my companions remained as fresh as when we started, thanks to the magic's support, I could feel the weight of forty minutes of spellsong pressing down on my reserves.
Then it happened.
Bron's foot connected with a loose rock. The sound of it falling seemed impossibly loud in the still night. My heart stopped as I watched it bounce down the cliff face.
"Secure holds!" I hissed urgently. "I need to switch songs!"
There was a moment of controlled panic as everyone rushed to find natural grips in the rock face. Law practically melted into a narrow crack, guiding Lady Moira to a stable ledge beside him. Twylla flattened herself against the rock with practiced ease, while Bron braced himself in a way that made it look like he could stay there for hours.
You stop singing Mountain's Embrace!
You sing Whispers of the Unseen!
I switched songs without missing a beat. The transition between melodies was seamless, but I knew from experience it took precious moments for the invisibility to fully manifest. One heartbeat... two heartbeats... three... I held my breath as voices drifted up from below, desperately hoping the spell's concealment took hold before any eyes turned upward. We were completely exposed right now—no magical holds to secure us, and the invisibility not yet complete as it rippled outward like a spreading veil.
"What was that?"
"Over by the north corner..."
"Could've sworn I heard something..."
Torchlight swept across the lower sections of the wall. I poured everything into maintaining the invisibility spell, feeling my mana draining rapidly. My throat burned with the effort of keeping the song perfectly steady. One waver, one missed note, and we'd all become visible to the guards below.
I could feel Lady Moira trembling against the rock face next to me. Law remained perfectly still, his body tense but controlled. None of us dared move, barely daring to breathe as the guards searched below.
The guards' torchlight continued to sweep back and forth across the lower wall. Each swing of light felt like an eternity as I maintained the invisibility song. My mana was dangerously low now—I could feel it like a physical ache behind my eyes. Just a few more moments...
Finally, mercifully, one guard called to the other, "Must've been a mountain goat. They're always knocking rocks loose up there."
"Aye, or maybe one of those big ravens. Come on, let's get back to our rounds."
Their footsteps faded around the corner, but I held the song for another 12 seconds, making absolutely sure they were gone. Only then did I let it die, sagging against the rock face, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Stars danced at the edges of my vision—I'd never cut it so close with my mana before.
"Everyone alright?" Law whispered, his voice barely audible above the wind.
A series of soft affirmatives followed. Lady Moira's "yes" trembled, but remained determined.
"Brendan?" Twylla's concerned voice reached me. "How long do you need?"
I took a moment to assess my depleted mana. "Four minutes at least," I croaked out. "That invisibility spell drains just as much mana as the climbing song."
The wind picked up, catching at our cloaks. I closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing, feeling my mana slowly regenerating. The rock was cold against my back, but I dared not move. One slip now would undo everything.
As we clung to the rock face, Law called back in a hushed voice, "There's a crevice about twenty metres ahead—just wide enough for us to fit through. An overhang keeps it hidden from below."
I opened my eyes and nodded, my voice returning. "Ready to continue in a moment. Is everyone secure for when I start the song again?"
After receiving confirmation from all, I began the climbing song once more.
You sing Mountain's Embrace!
The familiar blue-white handholds materialized, and we resumed our careful traverse. Following Law's lead, we made our way forward until the promised crack came into view—a dark slash in the mountain wall that should provide us the shelter we needed.
Law moved forward first, testing the width. "It's going to be a tight squeeze, especially for Bron, but it's manageable." He glanced back at us. "Once we're inside, we'll need light. Lady Moira, will you be able to manage that?"
I assessed my mana levels. The climb had drained me significantly. I'd need to rest once we were inside.
One by one, we made our way to the crevice. The magic continued creating holds near the entrance as we approached. Law went first, disappearing into the darkness. We heard his whispered "Clear" moments later.
"Everyone catch their breath," Law said quietly. "We should be safe here. I doubt the guards know about this passageway, and even if they checked the crevice, they'd never spot it from the entrance angle."
I leaned against the cool rock, finally allowing myself to feel the full extent of my exhaustion. The climb had pushed me to my limits, not just physically, but emotionally. The fear of falling, the pressure of keeping everyone safe, and the strain of maintaining the magic had all taken their toll, leaving me drained in more ways than one. My throat was raw from over an hour of continuous singing, and my mana levels were lower than I'd like. Twylla caught my eye and passed me a waterskin without a word. The cool liquid was blessed relief.
"I took one more sip of water, steadying myself. Time to discover what secrets the Black Brigade was hiding."