Graud and I went straight at it. Climbing at a frantic pace. The rope between us saved me more than once. No words were spoken. A single-minded activity. Get to the top.
The middle of the morning. We could see the top and a large building that glowed in the morning sun. It appeared huge and beautiful. There was not much more to go now. Graud and I doubled our efforts. Solenne, cradled against Graud, looked up with hopeful eyes.
We crawled over a ridge. The mountain top appeared to be a large flat plain. The building appeared white and pristine in the sun. White and golden spires shot skyward. Monstrous stained-glass windows dotted the building with colorful displays. Even at this distance, I could see vibrant and multi-colored windows with dragons, knights, mages, and there was one. An Archer that looked suspiciously as I did. Next to it, one like Graud. The hairs on my neck rose and I shivered despite the cold.
Graud made bold strides across the plain. I ran to keep pace.
We closed the distance to see lines of Ice warriors formed at the entrance. They glistened in the sun, each armed with a poleax. The ice they were composed of was crystal clear. Graud and I marched to within a rod of them. As one, they leveled their weapons at us. I drew my bow and loosed. The arrow struck home, and a warrior shattered into glistening shards. Only to be replaced by another. There would not be enough arrows and our strength would wane in such numbers. Yet Graud and I held our ground.
Slowing, they advanced towards us. We would be overwhelmed in seconds.
Solenne moved to the front of us.
She spoke.
"Father, stop this. You know it is me."
The Ice warriors ceased their movement.
Graud and I turned incredulous looks on Solenne.
Solenne spoke.
"Father, let us in. It is freezing out here. We are very tired and very cold."
The warriors parted and a huge door creaked open behind. An ancient looking man appeared.
He spoke.
"Welcome home my daughter. Forgive me for my parlor tricks. Bring your friends and be welcome. "
Solenne boldly strode towards the door. Graud and I were much more cautious.
Beyond the door, there was a large grassy area. The sun radiated a great warmth. Fields of trees and or bushes could be seen in long straight rows. These were tended by an amazing collection of varied individuals. So many nationalities I saw. Every color. Even a few like Graud. I looked closer. These were coffee plants. Many with beans and many in bloom. Birds and insects buzzed and chirped. An astounding sight.
The old man tottered forth with open arms to greet his daughter Solenne.
He spoke.
"Solenne, you have waited too long to return. I feel the weakness in you. Bring your friends. Please be come. Have food and coffee. Then we shall see about finding you lodging. Welcome home daughter."
We were led to a small room at the side. There were platters of various meats and steamed vegetables. Large steaming mugs of coffee place before us. A very large mug for Graud. We sat and ate to our fill. The coffee was extraordinary. A rich flavor I had never experienced. It warmed me greatly and felt it course through my body. At the end of the cup, I felt as though I could take on the world.
The effect on Solenne was significant. As she drank, a golden glow formed around her. Her hair returned to raven locks. The skin smoothed and turned a tanned color. Solenne's eyes sparkled as strength returned to her body. She was radiant. The most beautiful woman I had ever seen.
Graud gulped his massive mug in one swallow. As the magical coffee took effect, he growled deeply. Then he let go of a massive belly laugh.
Graud spoke.
"Graud like coffee. Bring more and get more food. Graud hungry."
Piles of food appeared and Graud ate ravenously. Solenne and I watched him with amusement.
The old man spoke.
"Welcome Michael. Welcome Graud. My name is Huan. Welcome to my home. I know that you have many questions. They will all be answered. But now please enjoy my hospitality. You will be taken to an area where you may bathe and rest. Your garments will be washed and returned to you. Substitute clothing is already available."
Solenne, Graud and me arose. We followed two smiling and polite individuals to the rooms. I expected something small. The room was incredibly large. The center held a large bathing area that looked more like a pond. The bed was spacious and could easily hold ten people. Graud was shown to a different room.
The door closed. Solenne and I left alone. She immediately loosed her garments and they fell to the floor in a heap. Her naked tan body on display. Quickly she strode to the edge of the pool and dived in. When she surfaced, she turned to me and spoke.
"Michael, take off those dirty clothes and come in with me."
I did not hesitate. My clothes joined hers and into the water I went. It was warm and soothing. I surfaced in front of Solenne. She immediately wrapped arms and legs around me. We kissed naked in the pool.
Solenne spoke.
