Chapter 6. Escape from Ash Valley. Part 5.
– Never tell anyone, that I have Leveling Crystal, – she ordered. Then Lilith took out a piece of linen. She unfurled the Magic Tablecloth before her. It appeared at first glance to be a simple, unassuming piece of linen – clean and well-made, but otherwise unremarkable. Upon closer inspection however, subtle runes could be seen woven into the fabric itself. They shimmered faintly with an otherworldly glow whenever Lilith’s hand brushed against them, as if sensing her touch. As she smoothed out its folds, a feast materialized upon it – steaming roasts of game fowl, golden loaves of fresh bread, and goblets brimming with crisp wine.
Sharr whistled appreciatively through his fangs.
– Quite the useful trinket you have there, – he remarked, tail flicking in amusement.
Cian looked on with more reserve, but couldn’t hide a spark of curiosity.
– Why did you not used it before? – he asked.
– Do not want others to know that I have it. Too many would want to steal it. Now, take what you will, – she offered to her companions, gesturing to the bounty laid out before them: – It produces enough food for two people to eat, twice a day. Won’t keep us all fed, but will help us to survive.
Kragor rumbled approvingly and helped himself to a haunch of venison. Azael stirred on his pallet, nose twitching at the savory aroma wafting through the cave. He sat up slowly with Lilith’s assistance, still looking rather haggard, but regaining some color, as he eyed their meal hungrily.
Once emptied, simply rolling up the cloth would make its contents vanish back into magical storage once more. No crumbs remained behind, no stains upon its pristine surface – it was as spotless after use as before. Lilith placed artifact back inside her Female Purse and then took out nine bottles with potions.
– We will use these to get out of here faster. They are stamina and anti-sleep potions. We will move fast, and this will save us time.
– There are only nine, – mentioned Sharr.
– I have artifact which increases my endurance. Won’t need stamina potion. For now, get some rest, we will leave as soon as the storm passes.
Everyone nodded and tried to get some sleep, while Lilith watched over them and stood on guard.
Next morning they departed. Lilith used her View Air spell to avoid any living creatures. It made them to stop and go around some areas, which prolonged their journey. But at least they avoided unnecessary battles.
Lilith and her companions trekked through Ash Valley’s barren landscape, stamina potions fueling their pace over the rocky terrain. The air was thick with dust, burning lungs and eyes, as they pressed onward.
The ground beneath their feet crunched with each step – a dry, desolate sound that seemed to mock their efforts. Almost nothing grew here amid this bleak expanse – no trees for shelter or fire wood, no animals to hunt, save the occasional lizard, skittering away from their approach.
When thirst threatened to overtake them, Lilith would work her magic and coax droplets of water from thin air. Her companions drank greedily from cupped hands, before moving on once more.
Azael walked beside Kragor now, the minotaur’s mighty stride matched perfectly to the fallen angel’s own pace. Sharr darted ahead as a scout, tail flicking with impatience at their slow progress. Only Cian lagged behind slightly, eyes ever scanning the horizon for signs of pursuit or peril. He moved stiffly at times, hands touching his slave collar – a constant reminder of his chains.
After a month of tiring journey, they finally noticed mountains looming ahead. The mountains surrounding Ash Valley loomed closer day by day, jagged peaks cutting into an endless sky, like teeth in some great maw, waiting to devour them whole.
But Lilith did not falter nor slow. She fixed her gaze upon those distant heights with steely resolve, burning bright within. And her determination and will finally brought them to mountains, which acted as a border to Ash Valley.
Lilith looked up and observed the mountains. Their rugged peaks loomed before them, promised more challenges.
The rocky terrain was barren and bleak, with no sign of civilization or man-made passages to be seen. Stony cliffs rose sheer on all sides – a formidable natural barrier, that would test even most seasoned traveler.
Lilith studied their route critically. The way ahead looked steep and treacherous at best, with little in the way of cover or easy traversal. She could already imagine her companions scrambling over loose scree, claws digging for purchase, as they climbed ever higher, into those unforgiving heights.
A gust of wind whipped across them suddenly, bringing with it the keen edge of coming winter. Lilith shivered despite herself and pulled her cloak tighter around shoulders.
But still she did not falter. These mountains may seem insurmountable to lesser eyes – but Lilith knew better than most, that even the hardest paths can be walked, given time and will enough.
– Let us take a shirt rest, and then move ahead, – she sighed: – Anyone knows how large these mountains are?
– We will need many weeks to pass them, – answered Cian: – But as far as I know, once we pass them, things will improve only slightly. Behind mountains are another area where almost nothing lives. Ground is covered by stone, with many places covered in salt. Weather is hot there, and water sources are few. My people told me that the place is void of mostly all life, and a vast wasteland from horizon to horizon. It is also homeland of manticores. Some of those monsters have human like faces, others resemble a feline. But they all have lion bodies, scorpion tails and wings of an eagle. They can fly, and their poison is lethal. And they attack any intruder on their land.
– We will deal with that problem, once we get past mountains, – shrugged Lilith. Everyone nodded, but their eyes lacked hope, after hearing these news.
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