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A pang of fear twisted in my stomach as I looked at the copse of trees nearby, then the hills and ridges in the distance. Was the creature hiding out there, just beyond my sensing range?
"I know you'll want to continue on." Jaiel's voice was ragged. "But we need to get these people buried, then get ourselves to safety before dark. I'd suggest returning to Dragon's Peak and re-assessing our plans there." He scowled up at the sky and rubbed his temple. "But I'm worried we couldn't get there before dark."
"The map shows some nearby ruins." I pointed to the base of the dark mountains in the distance, filling the center of the Isle. "If they're anything like the ones we passed, it'll be safer to stay there than out here in the open. We could probably get to the closest one in under two hours."
"The Shadowed Heights?" Jaiel asked, wide-eyed. "I don't think that's a good idea."
I gritted my teeth. "I know it isn't ideal, but it's within range, defensible, and not down here where a dozen people were murdered."
His jaw tightened briefly as he squinted at the mountains, then the sun making its way toward the horizon. "Fine. But we need to move quickly."
I nodded.
We worked in near-silence for over an hour while my mind raced. Our mission support was gone, mountain wraiths roamed the surrounding areas, and we were tasked with a mission that had killed all the previous agents who'd tried before us.
I stared down at the gore I'd just shoveled into the pit Jaiel had dug.
Even an elite team with advanced equipment was no match for the Isle monsters. What hope did Jaiel and I have?
Perhaps we should cut our losses and admit defeat?
"Unlike most, you can make a difference, Kaiya. You find lost, dangerous relics when no one else can." Frexin's words from when she recruited me whispered in my mind. "Don't waste your talent. Don't let people die because you didn't try."
Was it mad to think we still had a chance?
I glanced over at Jaiel as he wiped his naked forearm across his wet brow, slim tendrils of his monster slipping from him to wander over the remains.
I hated to admit it, but he was the only reason we could even consider continuing. His monster might not be enough for a mountain wraith, but it would be more than a match for normal wraiths.
If we were careful, we might be able to use it to make it to the Basin. Then, if Liam was right, maybe that hermit could help us the rest of the way.
The sun was low when I patted down the last shovelful of dirt. My throat ached and my shoulders burned, but as we'd said the prayer for those korras, I'd felt lighter than I had in days.
We walked back to our fleirals and Jaiel squatted down, tugging his hair from the band he'd been using and grabbing out his water flask. Taking a deep swig, he let out a breath and looked at me. "The sun is setting quickly. We'll need to ride fast."
I looked up at the darkening sky and nodded, then took a swig of my water to help wash down a bite of the dried meat stick. "I've been thinking. It's risky … but if I keep my ring off, it'll let us sense the wraiths ahead of us. That might give us enough time to ride around them, which would save your energy and maybe even save us time."
Jaiel's brow tightened but he nodded. "I agree. Once we reach the ruins, put it back on, though."
"Also …" I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I noticed the ruins are only a day's ride from where E — Liam said we might find the hermit." I took another sip from my water bottle. "If we cut through a portion of the Preying Wilds."
"Absolutely not!" Jaiel interrupted, lips pressed in a tight line.
I winced. "Before you dismiss the idea, just ask yourself which is more dangerous to us — body mages or mountain wraiths?"
He let out a deep sigh, then massaged his temples. "Let's talk about it later, after we get some rest."
"Fine." I wouldn't let it go, though. We could still accomplish the mission. I was sure of it.
Taking one more big gulp from his water, he brushed off his hands, then pulled a cloak over his shoulders and stood up with a groan. "I'm ready whenever you are."
His eyes met mine and I gasped at the shadows flickering in them. Forsaken hells. He was getting worse. He said he had time. Surely it wouldn't be up already?
He pulled his cloak further over his face, though, and moved to untie his fleiral.
Perhaps it was normal? He had been massaging his temples all afternoon.
Gods — if the monster was too much …
