At River's End by Lana Axe

Author:Lana Axe [Axe, Lana]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: AxeLord Publications
Published: 2015-09-21T04:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Stepping out into the chilly air, Mel realized that the temperature in the Vale wasn’t right. Winter never came to this land, and though it wasn’t yet as cold as it was back home, he was well aware of the change in climate. Whatever Ulda was planning, it went much deeper than simply ridding himself of an ancient water spirit.

Making his way to the riverbank, Mel noticed stacks of nets neatly folded and placed above the water line. With the absence of dead fish, Mel knew that the elves had been hard at work removing the carcasses from the river. The smell remained but at a much more tolerable level.

As he approached the water, he saw that the top inch or so was clear, the gray filth having settled somewhat. His better judgment warned him not to get too much of it on him, as it likely still contained the potent poison that had killed the fish. Looking up at the waterfall that fed into the river, he deemed the water flowing in to be pristine. The beauty of the falls was not diminished by the tainted water below.

According to River’s instructions, the rock formation behind the waterfall was where Mel needed to climb to access the dwarf village above. Looking around, Mel wondered how best to get to the falls without immersing himself in the water. His eyes fell on a small boat floating untethered only an arm’s length away. It hugged the bank unnaturally, as if it had no desire to remain in the water.

Climbing inside the tiny vessel, Mel was thankful to keep his feet dry. The Westerling Elves built sturdy crafts, and this one had no leaks. Slowly paddling toward the rocks, he noticed the boulders at the waterfall’s base were surrounded by clean water. Ulda’s evil had not been able to overcome the force of nature. Looking up to the top of the falls, Mel smiled. It was an amazing sight to behold, and the scent of fresh water gave him a feeling of serenity.

Preparing to be pummeled by the falling water, Mel hunched his shoulders as he rowed beneath it. The tumbling water landed on him with force, drenching him with a surprisingly warm shower. Though he was rather wet, the experience had not been the painful one he expected. If anything, he felt rejuvenated by its power.

Finding a sturdy platform of black rock, Mel pulled himself out of his boat and stood on the ledge. The rocks above him were slick with water. Grabbing at one, his hand immediately slipped away. Glad I kept my feet on the ground, he thought. With a sigh, he remembered that he was no mountain climber. Trees are so much easier than rocks. As if a light had gone off in his head, he realized what he needed to do.

Focusing his energy into the ground, Mel reached deep into the earth beneath his feet. Summoning his magic, he concentrated on the wall, holding his breath as vines sprouted upon the surface of the rock.

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