Page 81 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“I can just make them out,” she said. “They look...odd.”

Triston couldn't help but agree with her. Even from so far away, the mountains seemed to have incredibly jagged peaks. He hoped it was just the distance that was making them look so unsettling.

Grayden came up to the pair, glancing towards the horizon. “Is that them?”

Triston gulped. “We've made it farther than my parents. Perhaps farther than anyone else ever has.”

Grayden shook his head. “I can't believe it. After years of trying to figure out how to restore the magic, months of researching, weeks of planning...we're almost there.”

“It seems surreal,” Renya added, joining them.

“So...Cressida is now free?” Triston couldn't help but question Renya's judgment.

Renya frowned slightly and bit her bottom lip. “I know it's not ideal, but at this point, she and the dragons have saved us twice...”

“I get it,” Triston said. “But do you really think we can trust her?”

“I do,” Cyrus answered, joining the others by the wheel. “She may be manipulative, and has a hard time deciding good from bad, but she wants the magic back just as desperately as we do. As long as our goals align, we'll be fine.”

“And if they don't?” Triston asked.

“Then I'll kill her myself,” Cyrus promised.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

The towering peaks of the mountains were shrouded in thick clouds, lending an air of mystery to their jagged silhouettes. Phillippe stood on the deck of the ship, his heart quickening as they approached the enigmatic landmass. The waters around them were calm, almost eerily so, as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation of their arrival.

As the ship drew nearer, Esmeralda moved closer to him, obviously nervous. Only Cyrus and Cressida seemed truly excited, their voices hushed in reverence for the ancient legends that surrounded these mountains.

Phillippe could feel the anticipation thrumming through the air like electricity, a palpable energy that seemed to infuse every soul on board.

The mountains rose majestically from the water. Phillippe thought he could make out strange symbols carved into the rocky cliffs, but he was too far away to be sure.

The ship eased into a sheltered cove that was shrouded in the shadow of the mountains. It seemed to glide over the water soundlessly, as if their presence was no great matter to the towering masses surrounding them.

He looked around at his friends, seeing fear, but also reverence on their faces.

“Well, we're here,” Triston announced, breaking the silence. As if free from a trance, they began to prepare for going ashore. Phillippe headed back down to his cabin to grab his broadsword; that was all he ever needed. He returned quickly on deck, watching as Agatha packed a variety of herbs and pouches, jars and wraps. Phillippe had momentarily forgotten that there was no healer on this journey, and he was grateful that Agatha was prepared.

Renya had a sword at her waist, and Selenia did as well. Julietta had a bow and arrow, but Phillippe had the slight suspicion that she had no idea what to do with it, but simply took it from Triston when he handed it to her. Triston had a large trident for himself.

Cressida was seen stuffing books and charts of all kinds into a large bag before securing it on her back.

He felt guilty, seeing Esmeralda sitting on a barrel, watching everyone arm themselves. He quickly grabbed the small knife he always carried at his waist, and went over to her.

“Here,” he said, placing the blade in her hand. As much as Phillippe loved his broadsword, the little knife he presented to Esmeralda was even more special.

It had been a gift on his tenth birthday from his father.

He only hoped that it would protect her if she needed it.

“Thank you,” she said, her hand turning the knife over to examine it more closely. Her eyes found the inscription, and she immediately glanced at Phillippe.

“Don't you dare try and give it back,” he said, knowing what her next move would be. “I want my future wife protected.”

She didn't fight him, but instead, rose to her feet and placed a tender kiss on his lips, obviously moved by his phrasing. He knew that she anticipated a quick peck, but he couldn't help himself as he wrapped his arms around her, moving his fingers through her hair before cupping her face. She moaned slightly against his mouth, and he slowly broke the kiss before it turned into something completely inappropriate. Instead, he grabbed her hand, moving towards the rope ladder Triston had dropped. The men worked together to lower a small rowboat down to the surface water of the bay, allowing them to get to the shore.

“I'm going first,” Triston said, grabbing the rope ladder.

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