Parity grimaces, "Ghosts don't leave loot, eh? What a waste. Ah well, maybe the weather will get better when we emerge from this blasted hole.". He wrinkles his nose, muttering, "Smells like wet dog .... is there a route through here for the caravan that King of the Apes here will let us take?"
"Uh...Parity? They speak Common. We're very sorry your Hairiness, he didn't mean any offense. If you know a fast way out of here for our caravan we will be most grateful."
Bormurg holds up a hand and says, "No need for apology. You stayed a killing blow and released me from her claws. My clan owes you much, and I will see my debt paid before you leave."
He points towards the switchback ramp on the south side of the cavern. "That way towards the surface, a half-mile from here. I will help you remove the barricade, and then you are clear to pass onward." The yeti chief starts walking in that direction.
Maeve's eyes flutter open after a few more moments. "...wow, that was a fun fight. Uhm...we won, right?"
The halfling dismounts.
"Thank you Skygni."
The wolf blinks at Harlan. "It was the least I could do to help. You require mobility, and I could not fly to attack the ghostly fiend. You are small and light; it was no burden."
Maeve gives Ameiko one last sheepish grin (and small blush) before she gets to her feet and gets to work helping out.
Maeve's eyes flutter open after a few more moments. "...wow, that was a fun fight. Uhm...we won, right?"
"You wouldn't be able to ask that if we hadn't"
"You wouldn't be able to ask that if we hadn't"
"...or we could all be dead, and this is Pharasma's idea of a good joke. Or it might just be an illusion. How do I know you're all who you say you are?" Maeve's eyes suddenly narrow and she looks at everyone with great suspicion....before giggling and breaking out in a grin. "...just kidding."
Ameiko shakes her head. "I'm just glad she's gone. Katiyana's demise appeared final, but I guess we'll know for sure when we get to the surface and see if those storms are still following us!"
Maeve sighs. "I doubt she'll be up to harassing us again for a good long time in any event. This was probably the limit of what she could do."
"Don't worry Maeve, using the circlet like I did gave me an idea. I'm going to pray really hard tonight before I go to bed after second dinner and see if I can come up with a way to deal with her."
"Pharasma doesn't joke ... especially not when it comes to undead. Let's be done with this place."
Bormurg leads you up the switchbacks, which culminates into a wide tunnel leading southeast. There, a barricade of stone and debris blocks the path. The ramps up are steep, and slow going for the caravan wagons, so you have plenty of time before Sandru can lead the first wagon up. With Bormurg's size and prodigious strength, clearing the way takes little time.
About an hour later, with the entire caravan safely over the climb, Bormurg escorts you the rest of the way out. The cool breeze of fresh air hits you before you see the first peaks of sunlight ahead. You emerge from the Path of Spirits. Even though it is mid-day, the sun still hangs close to the horizon. The Wall of Heaven mountains stand behind you, and before you are rolling snow-covered hills, as far as you can see.
"Welcome to Tian Xia," Ulf smiles.
...The Wall of Heaven mountains stand behind you, and before you are rolling snow-covered hills, as far as you can see.
Maeve flops right over into the nearest snowbank with a groan. A muffled voice rises up. "If I ever see another white landscape again, it will be too soon."
"Don't worry Maeve, it's all down hill from here."
"I'd like to say, Finally, but I get the feeling we're just starting"
Maeve flops right over into the nearest snowbank with a groan. A muffled voice rises up. "If I ever see another white landscape again, it will be too soon."
Ulf chuckles, "It's still winter, lass, even over on this side of the world. But we've got a few more weeks to Ordo-Aganhei, it should warm up a little by the time we get there."
"They say snow is so pretty, they just never saw it for months at a time."
"They say snow is so pretty, they just never saw it for months at a time."
"Me either." Parity states, giving a rare smile.
Before the last wagon of the caravan leaves the underground passage, Bormurg walks up to Heng and hands him a small package wrapped in leather. He bows on one knee, saying, "For thanks. Go with our spirit." The yeti rises and disappears into the tunnel.