Forbidden Mountain - Part 6

"Wait, what's wrong with you?"

"Well, I get very tired, sometimes my eyes are so itchy and tears come quite readily. I seem to fall asleep quite easily, and I can't seem to get my breath at certain times, but it's not so bad. Father worries about me."

"You look fine to me. Why don't I come with you and help you look for a Healer? I have never been into this mountain very far and would like to see what's beyond the crest. I saw some strange lights awhile ago and I came up here to see if I could find out anything about them. maybe I'm just on the wrong side of the mountain."

"We have heard rumours of strange lights. You are certainly welcome to travel with us. But you must bear in mind that we have to stop quite often to allow Ariana to rest."

"Of course, of course, I understand. I wonder if I could touch your horse?"

"Certainly. Milar loves to have his nose rubbed. I take it you haven't ever ridden a horse?"

"No. We are not allowed to abuse the animals in that way."

"That is not abuse, my dear lad, it is exercise for the horse and for me too. Come on, step into my hand and I'll lift you onto Milar's back."

"Oh, could I? Thank you."

Forbidden Mountain - Part 5

"One question at a time, please. We are travellers searching for a Healer, who is supposed to live beyond - in the mountain. Have you ever heard of a special Healer in these parts?"

"No, I haven't heard of a Healer. And, I repeat, what are you doing with the endangered species? The horses do look well. You seem to have taken care of them, but you must take them back to the Scientific Institute at once. If someone finds you with a horse, you could be jailed!"

"Whatever are you talking about, young man? These horses belong to me. These are not an endagered species where we come from. There are thousands of horses, running free outside our encampment."

"What? Are you sure? I can't believe it. We haven't seen a horse, except at the Institute, for years and years. I must tell mother about this. She'll be so pleased. Horses are her special project."

"Tell your mother? Where is she? Perhaps I could talk to her and find out if she knows of a Healer. Oh, please excuse me. I am DMan and this is my daughter, Ariana. And you are?"

"I am Alxx, son of Alia, Assembly Leader. I wouldn't try to talk to her right now. I mean, I have to get back and explain why I am on the mountain, among other things."

"We are pleased to have met you, Alxx. Now, we must travel further, to see if we can find the Healer for Ariana."

To be continued.

Forbidden Mountain - Part 4

"What do you mean: Alxx has gone to Forbidden Mountain?"

"I'm sorry Ma'am. I just blurted it out when you said you couldn't understand why my best friend wsn't here for my award presentation. I didn't mean to tell. I promised Alxx I could keep a secret, and now I know I can't!"

"Take care, Mykk. You are a good friend to my son, and I know it hurts you to tell of his misadventure, but the Assembly has strictly banned going to Forbidden Mountain. We have done this for many safety reasons. Not only for us, but for the species that live on that mountain. We cannot allow our people to walk into dangerous,unknown teritory, without first having an expedition there. Many who have tried, have just disappeared."

"I know, Ma'am. But Alxx said he would be back before Sun Call and I am worried about him. Can we send Regulators to look for him?"

"No. I will go myself. I will take my investigative team and we'll try to retrace his steps. Meet me at my transporter in one hour."

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"Father, look. I think the lad is awakening."

"Hello, young man. Are you lost?"

"Why, uh, no, I'm not lost. Who are you? Where do you come from? What are you doing with horses?!"

To be continued.