The wagon carrying the adventurers finally broke free of the grip of the raging blizzard, the biting winds of the snowstorm subsiding as they reached the base of Mount Draegnor. The towering peaks loomed above, sharp and foreboding against the dull gray sky.
The driver, with his weathered hands, pulled the reins bring the wagon to a halt. In addition, as he turned to the group, he spoke, "Alright everyone, this is as far as I'm willing to take you." His voice was gruff, but there was a hint of concern behind his words.
The party begin to disembark; all getting out off the wagon their boots sinking into the snow beneath their feet's. Galen, the leader, stepped forward before the driver and bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you for all your help. I am truly grateful." He said.
The driver gave a slight nod. "You're very welcome. Just... try to stay alive, and don't get yourselves killed, alright?"
Galen then raised his head and replied with a smirk, "We'll try, but I can't make any promises."
In addition, as he turned to walk away, the rest of his party members followed suit, each of them offering their thanks. Thorne, ever the jokester, grinned at the driver. "Well thanks for the ride, old timer. It was a blast." He said, his smile warm despite the cold at surround them.
Lyra, always kind, added, "Thank you so much. And I hope we can cross paths once again in the future." She said. The driver nodded at her words, responding softly, "As so do I."
Even Raine, who had shown nothing but rudeness towards the old man during their travel together earlier, meet his gaze, and gave him a small, respectful nod before turning to follow the others.
With that, the adventurers and the driver both parted ways. As the old man continued his journey back down the mountain path, while the adventurers prepared each themselves for the arduous climb ahead. Thus, their real adventure had just begun.
Hours passed as the party made their way up the treacherous slopes, battling the harsh winds and deep snow. Eventually, they all managed to reach the center of the mountain, where the path leveled out for a moment, allowing them to catch their breath. The silence was oppressive, only the faint whisper of the wind as their companion.
Thorne, usually lighthearted, could not shake off the feeling of unease growing within him. His eyes darting around the snow-covered landscape. Noticing his discomfort was Lyra, placing her hand on his arm. "Thorne, is something wrong? You seem to be uneasy."
He frowned, his breath visible in the cold atmosphere. "No, it's just that... it's quiet. Too quiet."
Raine, also quickly noticed, nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, something's definitely off here." She said, as her senses sharpened, taking in the unnerving stillness. Her eyes scanning the surroundings area, searching for any sign of movement.
At the front of the group, Galen, who then suddenly raised his hand, signaling them to stop? As they all froze in there tracks, each of their senses on high alert.
There then was a strange feeling in the air—a heavy and ominous presence that made the hair on the back of their necks stand on end. The only thing they could see was snow, stretching endlessly in every direction, as far as the eye could see.
Then in that moment, Thorne's eyes caught something within the distance. His voice trembled pointing out what he saw. "Uh... guys. What the hell is that?"
The entire group then turned their attention to where he was pointing, and their hearts all skipped a beat. As for what emerged from the snow was something, none of them had ever seen before.
"N-No way... It can't be..." Galen muttered to himself, his eyes wading in shock.
The others all stared in disbelief, as they were unable to comprehend the sight that was before them.
End of Chapter 2.