At first the trail wasn’t too difficult. The mountainside sloped gently upward, and the path followed naturally. However, after they’d hiked half an hour, the path rose sharply, and the switchbacks started. They were deeply cut, causing a sheer drop on one side of the path. In several sections, parts of the path had crumbled away, leaving only a few inches left on which to stand.
They paused to rest and admire the view. Smoke rose from Aldo’s chimney below, and with the forests and gently rolling hills, Jacob found himself wishing he had his camera with him.
After resting about five minutes, they continued upward. The trail became more difficult, and in many places, they had to grab branches and bushes to pull themselves along. Eventually, and much to Jacob’s relief, they reached the top where the path crested over the foothills and turned left, veering to the east.
They only followed the trail for a few more minutes before deciding to stop and set up camp in a small canyon harboring a thicket of scrub oak. The sun was setting, and a brisk, cold wind had picked up. Akeno assembled the hut while Jacob started a fire, and the Minyas raced through the branches of the small trees. When the fire was blazing, Akeno cooked dinner. They ate as they watched the sunset.
Jacob leaned back, content now that his stomach was full. “Those were amazing potatoes.” He watched the last rays of amber sunlight disappear. After a moment, his thoughts returned to the task on hand. “I wish we’d had more time to discuss the Lorkon. Do you know anything about them?”
“Not a whole lot. Just that they’re evil and prefer being in the dark.” Akeno stood and started raking dirt over the coals. “I’ve also heard they’re really ugly.”
“Yeah, they would be.”
Akeno frowned, turning to Jacob. “Why do you say that?”
“Haven’t you ever noticed? The bad guys are always ugly.”
Akeno laughed as they headed to the makeshift tent where September and Early had already turned in for the night.
Jacob was restless for a while, trying not to dwell on what had happened at the manor. He needed a good night’s rest, free from nightmares, and wasn’t sure he’d get one. After tossing for several minutes, he finally fell into a deep sleep.
The Key of Kilenya Page 17
