Fractured Pass was more than Kain could've ever imagined.

Never in his life had he stood this close to mountains. Artemios had done his best to limit their work with Reotak and Cieon--with good reason--so they'd rarely sailed the coast. It was the same with Letia, given its status as a vassal state, so even the Skotadi range bordering Aeolis and Letia had been out of his reach. He'd seen outlines in the edges of the horizon, glimpses of what could be.

Nothing like this.

Kain shifted his arm in its makeshift sling, uneasiness mixed with awe traversing his spine. The stories he'd heard felt ghost-like in their relation to the truth. Pale imitations of reality. The still-there ache of his healing ribs that'd been bothering him since they broke camp left his thoughts as he stared at the towering walls of stone, broke only for the pass that was no doubt their destination.

Gods above, if only he were here for any other reason than Iliana's kidnapping. What he would've done to have the time to stand and admire the mountains without that ever-existing guilt plaguing the back of his mind. The desire was distracting enough he almost didn't notice how the others had paused alongside him, each wearing expressions that vastly differed his own.

The two sirens studied what they could see of the Shinde mountain range with what might've been familiarity. They didn't seem awed, or even impressed. Sure, they stared, but their emotions seemed dull in comparison to the wonder flooding Kain.

Rhode appeared worried, her brow knitted, that ever present frown gracing her lips once again. Her fingers curled around the strap of her quiver, knuckles pale with stress. His best guess was that her mind might be on how hard it would be to chase the kidnappers across the mountains with at least half of their party unfamiliar with the terrain. He hoped that was all it was, but the tension in her shoulders lent weight to the idea he was missing something. It wouldn't be the first time he was unable to solve what the quiet siren was thinking.

Dalphie's expression was just as cryptic. Gone was the smile she always wore; in its place was...nothing. Despite Kain's usual skill with reading others, he couldn't make sense of the sharp edge to her gaze, or how she seemed so relaxed, yet tense all at once. His only comfort came in the fact that this was just one of the many times since they'd met that Dalphie was a mystery.

Finally, there was Melitta.

At first, she'd stared just as Kain had. Her eyes lit with the wondrous scene before them, and he could almost feel the faintest burst of excitement in her smile. But then, sometime between when Kain had lost track of the others because of his own thoughts, and when he refocused on his companions, she'd lost all of it. Instead, she'd slipped her traveling bag from her shoulders, and bent down to shift through it, her hair curtaining the air between them. Even if he couldn't see her expression, however, he could sense the change in her thoughts from the tightness of her shoulders, and the slow, careful way she finally located her coin purse and drew it out.

"We'll need a witch for you if we want to keep traveling," was all she said on the matter before starting for the gates.

It dulled his own awe, being surrounded by the shadowed emotions of his companions. So, Kain drew in a deep breath, and forced his feet to move. Soon, they joined the line into Erast.

The trade town was worn down, but wealthy. Unlike the Eolian farming towns they'd been traveling through, there was a clear district for nobility, complete with gated estates. The closer they drew to the market district, the clearer it became that this sort of place was what people spoke of when they mentioned the rich, varied culture of Eol. Despite the early hour, mixes of spices scented the dawn air, people of varying races and trades of life walking the streets. Kain was half certain they'd even passed a humanoid basilisk. Melitta'd caught his arm and tugged him along before he could decide if he was right, telling him it wasn't polite to stare.

It wasn't until they reached the large fountain at the center of the market district that they finally paused.

"We should buy supplies," Rhode pointed out. "If they take to the mountains and we follow, unprepared, it won't matter who we are. We'll die."

Kain grimaced, turning his gaze to the mountain line once again. The movement reminded him of the faint ache beneath the makeshift bandages decorating a good portion of his body.

"Melitta's right about me," he admitted. "We'll need to find a healer as well. It'll be at least a few more nights before I'm back in shape, and we can't afford to enter those woods at anything less than our best."

"Not with you," Rhode agreed, earning herself a sharp elbow from her fellow siren.

"Be nice," Dalphie scolded.

"It's fine," Kain said, putting his hands up as Rhode frowned, as if considering an apology. "You aren't wrong. My presence will only make things harder."

"We can't waste time."

Something about Melitta's sudden words stole their party's attention. Perhaps it was how she'd been silently studying the mountains until that moment. Or maybe it was the faintest edge of urgency in her voice. Either way, when she spoke again, all their eyes were on her.

"It's faint, but I can feel him," she said. "He's close. They must have rested at an inn in town."

Silence took the air for a moment. They'd all known that despite the setback their fight with the Votanna had been, they'd slowly begun to gain ground on the other group. It was why they'd chosen to continue walking through the night instead of sleeping, resulting in their reaching Erast at the break of dawn.

The realization that the group had yet to leave Erast left a sour taste in Kain's mouth. Rhode was right about supplies. There wasn't a coat among them, he hadn't thought to buy them when shopping in the heat of Nokos. But...

"We can't be careless," Rhode warned, no doubt reading the reluctance in Kain's frown. "Bedrolls won't cut it in the mountains. We need tents, boots, thicker blankets. Real medical supplies instead of the scraps you're wearing. Jerky, or tack for if we can't find game, or get lost. Gloves. News of the nightmares. If we rush, Kain, we're as likely to freeze or starve as we are to catch them.

"While it's nice to think we could beat whoever it is in one go, we have no information on them. We've yet to see them, even. So, even if Melitta leads us to where they are keeping us from falling behind again, there's every chance they could slip through our fingers. If that happens, we'll be stuck scrambling for supplies while they flee to the mountains, with all the time in the world to lay traps since, at that point, they'd be aware of our existence."

"She's right," Dalphie mused, twirling a coal lock around her fingers. "Right now, they don't know about us. It's risky, they could leave before we're finished, but caution is wise."

He groaned, running his good hand over his hat, before pinching the bridge of his nose. Gods, he wished he were Iliana in that moment. He needed her impulsiveness, her confidence. If it were her here instead of him, he bet she would ignore the risks and chase after the group. She would bet on catching them before, or just after they reached the pass.

That commitment was beyond him.

"We could split up," he suggested after a moment. "I'll find some sort of healer and buy medical supplies and whatever magic they can perform within an hour. The two of you--" he pointed to Dalphie and Melitta, "--could buy food. Rhode could grab clothing and whatever else she thinks we need."

He had no clue why, but Rhode seemed knowledgeable about these things. Perhaps it was due to whomever she'd been before becoming a siren. Regardless, he was willing to trust that she could grab whatever they needed within a limited time frame.

"And we'll meet back here in an hour?" Rhode suggested, gripping the strap of her quiver once again. "It's better than running reckless."

He nodded, then glanced at the other two. Dalphie instantly smiled her agreement with the plan, before grabbing Rhode's arm and questioning her on how much they'd need, counting the coins on her fingers. Melitta, on the other hand, seemed to hesitate faintly, chewing on her lip.

"Melitta?" His prompt seemed to startle her, her eyes flicking to him. After a second her worry changed to that usual friendly smile, fingers curling into the skirt of her dress.

"It's the best plan. Be safe."

¸.•*¨*•.¸♪¸.•*¨*•.¸♥¸.•*¨*•.¸

Finding a healer was relatively simple in a place like this.

The locals weren't skittish. Unfamiliar faces were common in trade towns after all. His bandages helped as well. The first person he stopped wasn't subtle about eyeing his sling, before giving easy directions to a shop ten minutes from the fountain.

As he approached, he couldn't help but mull over the name he'd been given. Isidor's Brewery didn't exactly sound like a witch's shop. But, then again, what did Kain know? He'd never personally visited a healer before. The only witches he'd met had been hired by Artemios, and even then it'd been for the careful shielding of the Airlea, not healing.

Despite his misgivings, the sign that hung above the shop's entrance said he'd been directed to the right place. Decorating the dark wood was a simple handprint--the universal sign of a witch doctor--and below it, two foreign words that no doubt meant Isidor's Brewery in Eolian. So, with only a bit of hesitation Kain attempted the door, and was relieved to discover that despite the early hour it was unlocked.

The faintest chime of a bell rang through the small shop with the swing of the door. Shelves lined the walls. To the right, they were covered in numerous bottles, each filled with liquids of varying colors. Some appeared more ominous than others, to the point that while he had no real reason for it, Kain found himself approaching the counter on the far wall from the left side of the shop. Those shelves were decorated with charms. Some were simple leather pouches, others expensive, enchanted metal pendants, bracelets, and so forth.

Behind the counter stood a kid--he looked a few years younger than Kain at most, but was small enough in comparison to the usual Eolian that Kain couldn't help but view him as a child--who, despite Kain's entrance, read from a scroll rolled across the countertop. Like the rest of the shop, the wall behind him was covered in shelving. The jars, however, were opaque, leaving the contents a mystery. On the far right part of the wall the shelving was interrupted by a curtained door frame.

Kain's attention drew back to the counter as the kid scrawled something on the scroll, then flicked a finger through the air. A string of gold shifted a lid off one of the jars behind him, an herb floating out and into a mortar bowl laid out next to the boy's elbow. The lid slipped back onto the jar as the golden thread dissipated. Curiosity drew his attention to the mortar, but he quickly realized he had no hope of recognizing any of the herbs settled within. Kain's nose itched from the dry, floral smells he drew closer, and it took everything he had not to sneeze.

"I don't do curse cleansing," the kid said without looking up. His shaggy, black hair covered view of his eyes, but Kain would've been willing to bet most of the kid's attention was still on the scroll, and not him. "So, if you're here to get all of--" the kid gave a vague wave at Kain, "--that cleared up, you'll want to find some other witch who doesn't care who they cross."

Kain tugged at his hat with his good hand as he paused a foot from the countertop. "Ah, I'm...not here for that. I was hoping you offered healing magic? Or ointments to encourage faster recovery, at least."

Finally, the witch raised his head. His eyes were a strange, faded gray, and he studied Kain with an experienced focus.

"You look well enough without my help."

The blunt words had Kain reaching for his hat again. Were the townsfolk wrong about this being a healers shop? Most witches Kain had met weren't so judgmental with their work.

"I, yeah. I'd be fine eventually, but it's better to travel in full health," Kain explained despite his apprehension. "I can pay, if that's your concern."

The kid gave a long sigh, before rolling the scroll up and tapping the bottom on the counter. He said nothing as he wrapped a string around it, then tautly tied a knot, before setting it to the side.

"I suppose that's smart. With all the rumors about ol' Apophis being sighted, only an idiot would travel injured. A gold up-front and I'll take care of it all."

Kain rose a brow. "A gold?"

"Did I stutter?" the witch retorted, mirroring Kain's brow raise. "A gold, or you can go be an idiot."

He hesitated, hand dropping to his coin purse. It really would be stupid to try the mountains injured as he was. But, if things went wrong, they'd be left with two golds, a few gem-cut jewels, and a handful of coppers for the rest of their trip. What if someone got hurt in the up-coming fight? It was a bit selfish to use the money on himself when he'd heal on his own, wasn't it?

"Rumors?" he questioned, thoughts still pondering the issue.

"A gold and a copper."

"You're charging for rumors?" Kain asked, incredulous.

Impatience shined in the kid's dull gray eyes. He didn't bother with another response, instead just offering his open palm towards Kain. After a full minute of silence, Kain reluctantly produced the gold and copper. As much as he disliked the obviously overpriced request, if there was some unknown danger stalking the Shinde mountains, he needed information and two working arms.

The golden glow Kain associated with a witch doctor's magic lit the witch's hand as he accepted the coins. After a moment, the glow faded and the kid opened his palm, studying the still-there coins. Had he worried they were fake?

"That doesn't usually work," the kid mused, then stepped back. "Come on then, rich boy."

The realization that he'd been played sparked in the back of Kain's mind as he obediently stepped around the counter, and through the curtained doorframe. Like the storefront, the backroom contained ceiling-to-floor shelves along the full right wall. The left, however, contained three evenly spaced cots. A comfortable couch rested against the back wall, a blanket crumpled over the back. Towards the left of the doorway was an old desk. Scrolls and papers littered the desktop, and the chair shoved up against it looked one wrong touch from falling apart.

The witch gestured for Kain to sit on one of the cots, before stepping over to drag the fragile-looking chair up next to it. Taking a perch on the edge, his fingers curling into the surprisingly soft blanket, Kain waited patiently for the witch to join him. The boy took his time, picking through jars along the wall, placing unfamiliar herbs in a bowl he snagged from the desk, before grumbling under his breath and sitting in the chair.

Skepticism rising, Kain placed his left hand on the witch's when instructed, and watched as the boy crumpled dried herbs over the back. How was that supposed to help? He was injured everywhere but his hand.

"I forgot to ask," Kain began. "What's your name?"

The boy scoffed. "Can't you read?"

Kain opened his mouth to protest the rude tone when a sudden warmth began crawling up his arm, stalling his thoughts. His full attention zeroed in on how the heat seemed to grow by the second, climbing his arm, then honing in on his neck. The witch--Isidor?--clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed, and the magic crept along, growing hotter each time it neared a wounded area of Kain's body.

Isidor's dull gray eyes had shifted to a bright, unsettling gold.

"Apophis is a cataclysmic grade nightmare," the boy said suddenly, pulling Kain's focus from the burning heat in his injured arm. "At least, that's what the older folk say. No one really knows if they're right, given it's been a few decades since anyone's met the thing. Presumably, given none here can speak to the dead. Anyways, in the old stories, Apophis gobbled up travelers who dared try the pass he considered his territory."

"But you said it'd been spotted," Kain pointed out.

Gods, just what they needed. An unknown nightmare of local legend stirring just as Kain neared the mountains. It almost felt like they'd been cursed by Koun himself. At least that would explain their poor luck.

"I said it was rumored to have been seen," Isidor retorted. "For all we know, that thing some farmers saw circling the peaks was some sorta griffon or hippogriff. There are all sorts of flying nightmares. Not all of them at the level of Apophis. If he were out and about, I would think there'd be more than rumors. Hard to hide the level of dead that should appear with one of his kind."

Dread uncurled in Kain's chest. He had the sneaking suspicion what the answer to his next question would be. After all... what other sort of nightmare would inspire legends?

"What is Apophis supposed to be?"

"Isn't it obvious?" the witch scoffed. "It's a dragon." 

A/N: Seems like a good place to leave off. 

I'm excited. 

Are you?