Grace looked slightly surprised before asking, “What do you mean?”
Dustin lifted his gaze toward the unreachable summit. “I can’t say for certain,” he said. “It’s just a feeling. This mountain is older than anyone can comprehend. Even its existence feels like a mystery.
“And those reclusive families, like the Quintons, clearly know things we don’t. Their determination to climb the mountain can’t simply be about acquiring a few treasures.”
After a brief silence, Grace replied, ” Whatever they’re planning, we can only deal with it one step at a time. At the very least, we’re still alive.”
He turned to her and smiled faintly. ” You’re right. Survival comes first. Everything else can wait.” The two of them sat side by side, looking out over Mount Aethermoor under the cover of night.
In the distance, the occasional roar of demonic beasts echoed through the mountains, sometimes followed by a distant scream from somewhere unseen. Each sound reminded them that beneath the night’s calm surface, danger waited on every side.
On the other side of the mountain market, Evander rested inside a comparatively luxurious tent with his eyes closed. Elowen stepped inside and tossed the black longsword aside before saying, “I saw someone in the market today.”
He opened his eyes and responded, “Oh?”
“It was the same mortal we saw by the lakeside at the foot of the mountain,” she said, a trace of curiosity flickering in her eyes. “His cultivation still seems sealed, but he is doing quite well traveling with Grace and her group. Who do you think he really is? Why does she value him so much?
Evander remained silent for a moment before replying in a calm tone, “I don’t care who he is. As long as he stays out of our way, we can ignore him.”
“But there’s something strange about him, “Elowen insisted with a slight frown. “I can’t explain it clearly. He just feels different.”
Evander glanced at his sister but said nothing more, though a hint of contemplation showed on his face. The first night at the mountainside market passed quietly, though unseen tensions simmered beneath the surface.
Early the next morning, Dustin and the others were having breakfast at their camp when a group of people approached them.
Anders led the group, wearing a gentle smile and carrying himself with refined composure. More than a dozen of the Moseys’ elite retainers followed behind him, their composed bearing making it clear they were skilled fighters.
He stopped before Grace and gave a respectful bow.
“Your Royal Highness, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Anders Mosey, the adopted son of Sir Mosey. I hope you will forgive this sudden visit.”
Grace rose and returned the courtesy, her expression composed. “Mr. Mosey, may I ask what brings you here?”
He smiled. “Don’t worry. I simply heard that you were also staying in this market and wished to pay my respects. On this mountain, another ally could mean the difference between life and death.”
His gaze moved across the people standing behind her, lingering for a brief moment when it reached Dustin before shifting away as if nothing unusual had happened.
Grace remained outwardly calm. “I appreciate the gesture. But are you speaking for yourself, or for the Quinton family?” she asked. Anders’ smile stiffened for the briefest instant before returning to normal.
“Your Royal Highness, you’re very perceptive. To be honest, I do have some cooperation with the Quintons. Even so, cooperation is one thing. In the end, I’m still a member of the Mosey family.”
Grace smiled faintly. “If the Quintons heard you say that, I wonder what they would think.”
Anders laughed without responding directly. “If Your Royal Highness ever requires assistance, you are welcome to seek me out. On this mountain, having one more friend is always better than having one more enemy. I’ll take my leave now.”
AWith that, he turned and left with his men.
