by Tony Corden
“M: I am sixteen. I’m carrying everything I own. Don’t worry, I have everything I need. Lady Serseri provides.”
Leah had no idea what the quest was going to be, but knew there wasn’t much she could do except accept the offer. As Lady Serseri’s Champion, she didn’t think anything else was a wise move. With a final bow to Fetheden, Leah collected the various gifts, and after putting them in her bag, she said, “Lead the way then, Melez.”
Melez led Leah through the village. It seemed like every second step Leah had to stop and acknowledge a thank you or a wave. Finally, the two passed the village limits and came to a fast-flowing stream. They walked for almost a quarter of a league before they came to a large pool. The pool was both the source of the stream and the ending place of a waterfall. Leah could feel the steps rising up behind the falling water.
Before Melez could say anything, Leah took the path which led behind the falls and reached the bottom of the staircase. Each of the steps was as tall as Melez. Melez reached up with her hands and pulled herself up. It was a clear statement that she was going to follow Leah regardless of what Leah wanted. Leah said nothing. Instead, she used the earth shroud to strengthen her muscles and added a touch of gravity and hopped up onto the step beside Melez.
Neither said anything as they continued to climb. By the end, Leah was impressed with the girl’s stamina and drive. It was only when she was halfway up that she checked the girl’s level and was somewhat surprised to discover Melez was at Level 310. As they neared the top, Leah could feel Yürek and could feel her reaching out for Orta and Küçük just as a reader appeared. Waving the reader aside, Leah reached out psychically and said, “I’m sorry, Yürek, they died in battle.”
“Y
