Mesu was tempted to use the short sword again. It was lighter than anything she had used, and it felt swift in her movements. An enchantment was what Enya had called it. The magic gave her a speed she had never felt before. One more item was given to her. An amulet that was said to protect her. It was something that Enya didn’t show her how to use, but it was almost a standard necklace for Mesu.
Each member had received two gifts that were imbued with power from the Gods. Enya hinted that she had a story for each item, as well. The only warning they got was that as long as the magic remains in the weapons, the threat exists with the portal being open. Enya recalled the way that she had closed it before, and the task required a weapon such as the one Russ had been given.
The warhammer held over his shoulder made him look small. It held a lightning strike that could be called down as long as the bearer had the energy and fight in them. Enya was unable to lift it. It was impressive to witness, and Mesu could feel the world shake underneath her feet. The land shuddered as the electricity ran through Russ and to his arms. From there, it coiled down the hammer and came down with a strike that scared Mesu.
The ride would take a couple of days, but they had packed for a week and a half. The mountains were treacherous, and there was no telling exactly what they would need to do once there. Mesu was also given a device which would detect magic. It was giving off a low light and soft vibrations currently. The items they were given were more than enough to set the device off. Enya had ensured it would be much more active when in the presence of the portal.
Mesu and Enya had said their goodbyes at Eberdeen. Anna appeared to be taking the parting the hardest. Somehow, Mesu knew this wouldn’t be the last she saw of Enya. It was strong for just being a feeling. Enya had parted with the words “until next time.”
Eberdeen was already hidden behind a thick forest. The path was one that had been overgrown somewhat. Legends of deep mines that used to be in the Red Rock Mountains were rare. The stone collected there was used for a few goods that were transported back. A curse had struck the mountains, and the major vein collapsed. An unpopular theory was greed. Most of the people who talked of the mountains would talk about the curse that befell the workers. Protections were put in place to stop the curse from escaping, according to the legends.
It was depressing to see the road so empty. There was a lot of work that had gone into creating this path. Closure of the mines didn’t hurt the surrounding area much, but no one wanted to go back. That was until now. They rode one. The sun was high above them but partially hidden by the canopy of leaves. It wasn’t a hard ride physically. The reminders along the road of what was once there made it mentally exhausting for Mesu.
The trees parted a little, and the silhouette of the mountains were visible. They reached up to the heavens with the clouds hiding whether there was a peak or not. It was a vision that inspired Mesu. She regarded it with new eyes. Enya had advised her to start seeing things for what they were, and she was doing her best. Mesu smiled at this next challenge.