We continued our journey northward. The closer we came to the craggy mountains, the more impenetrable they seemed. Illuminated by the sun, sharp points of hard rock and snow speared the clouds above, standing side-by-side like an armored phalanx. Chilled winds made me shiver. The mountains seemed impassable, but Obeus dismissed my spoken concerns with a grunt. Typical.

We came to a serene farmstead standing alone between in the grassy hills. A cold, clear stream flowed nearby, and lazy wafts of smoke curled up from the cottage chimney. Dozens of sheep wandered aimlessly around a weathered wood barn, bleating in soft tones, already covered with thick wool in preparation for the upcoming winter. A black and white shepherd dog barked a warning as we came near.

The young family—a man, woman, and two small children—were more than delighted to host us for the night in exchange for coin. We welcomed the delicious lamb stew, tall tales at fireside, and a soft bed, as relief from the long trail.

To avert suspicion, we posed as father and son on a trip to visit relatives. I suppressed the urge to call Obeus 'daddy pooky'. Teasing him was like dancing near a cliff, and that might have taken me over the edge.

We departed the next morning. Obeus purchased two thick wool blankets from the family, paying far more than they were worth. He impressed me with his generosity towards the obviously impoverished family. Perhaps he did have a warm and fuzzy heart under that gruff shell, as Aria said.

The fading trail led us through a canyon cut into the rising hills. High walls of colorful rock guided the winding creek as it tumbled among boulders and stacked rocks. Twisted saplings and brush clung to what footing they could find. The gorge narrowed and soon we were only able to ride single file. Smoothed scoured rock above our heads warned that, occasionally, this stream became a deadly monster.

The horses struggled through a series of tight switchbacks at the canyon end, depositing us on a long rocky ridge. I wrapped a wool blanket around me against the icy winds. Walls of gray granite and house-sized boulders blocked our way across the mountains.

My jaw dropped as I stared nearly straight up at the rugged, snow-capped peaks. "Must we cross that?"

"By the Creator God, no," Obeus huffed. "We turn west and follow the ridge into the Wastelands. Did you think me daft?"

"I had wondered about that." I traced the westward path with my eyes. Short grasses, evergreens gnarled by the persistent winds, and small bright wildflowers carpeted the rocky ridge top. The only sounds came from the chilled wind, a few buzzing insects, and a furry rodent who didn't seem to want us around, chirping with indignation from atop a rock pile. It seemed passable enough, but unprotected from the elements. "We have only a few hours of daylight left. Where shall we camp? I would not relish sleeping on that exposed ridge."

"A cave lies not far ahead that will give us shelter," Obeus replied without looking my way. "I have traveled this way many times."

"Hmm, you actually did think this through."

He turned and cast a smug grin. "Tomas, did you just give me a compliment?"

If he would use my words against me, then I shall use his. "It shall unlikely be a common occurrence."

True to his word, we reached a shallow cave tucked under a gray granite overhang. Jagged rocks lined the maw like teeth of a mountainous monster. The fire we built near the mouth warmed the space nicely, while a pair of unfortunate game birds that crossed our path roasted over the flames.

That night, tucked within the cave's protection and wrapped in a thick blanket, sleep came quickly.

Then the dream came, but not my own. Unknown anguish rolled over me like storm gales, buffeting my soul with dark winds. Each gust brought cold, paralyzing panic, and my mind spun as if caught in a whirlwind.

Aria!

Reaching across the dream void, I vaulted into the tempest. Aria, hear me!

I landed in total darkness, devoid of any celestial light. Only the light of my soul provided any illumination, which I held out as a candle lantern. In the distance, another candle burned, faint and flickering against the howling wind. Coarse gravel crunched under my feet as I walked toward it. The swirling air tossed my hair and drove sleet, stinging my cheeks.

The lantern laid in wet stones, half overturned, and I kneeled before it. Rust coated the bent metal frame, and cracks traced the glass globe like spider webs. Although broken, or rather wounded, a tiny flame danced from a candle stub, burning true and defiant. Turning my back into the wind, I brought the lantern to my chest, sheltering the light that represented Aria's soul.

I took a spare candle from my lantern and added it to hers, transferring the flame. The globe cracks fused as I traced them with a finger. With gentle caresses, the rust dissolved to gleaming metal, and the dents righted themselves. The light grew brighter. But it was not so much my effort as Aria's.

Indignant at my interference, a powerful gust nearly toppled me over. Enraged that anything would snuff this precious flame, I shouted to the dark sky, Let her be!

The wind lessened as if in confusion, and spoke in airy hissing tones, Who are you to rebuke me?

No one. Only someone who cares for this soul, I answered.

You are a fool, no one. Compassion is weakness, the wind spat. What could you possibly offer her?

Hope.

The wind strengthened again, cackling in glee. Hope is a lie that blinds one to the inevitable. Crushing it shall only make my victory that much more savory.

I stood, holding a clenched fist high. You shall not prevail, Naamah! We come for Aria. Unprompted, the Fury burst out of me, churning above like its own storm, rising against the wind and reaching out with snatching vaporous claws. Together, we stood in resistance.

The wind calmed. Interesting, Naamah whispered. What magic is this? But do come. I shall have use for you.

The darkness thinned and a twilight glow came to the sky, revealing a vast rocky plain that extended beyond my vision. Before, Aria had invited me to her dreamland, and I wondered if I might do the same for her? As the Fury returned to its rest, I took a deep breath and visualized a place special to me. A forested scene shimmered into view. Tall sprawling trees surrounded a cool wandering stream, filtering the warm, afternoon sunshine with fluttering emerald leaves. The clear pool, just below a burbling riffle, was a favorite swimming hole of my youth.

Aria appeared before me, eyes red and swollen, lower lip trembling. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Holding open my arms, I let her collapse against my chest and I embraced her. Rivers of tears came with deep, heaving sobs that shook her whole body. She would have collapsed had I not held her up.

I am so weak, Tomas, she said between diminishing cries. I don't know how much longer I can hold out.

I stroked her long dark hair and whispered, You are the strongest person I know, Aria. But for this moment, you don't have to be.

Burrowing her head into my shoulder, Aria cried, letting out mournful wails of agony. Her pain cut to my heart, and I added my tears to hers. For an indeterminate amount of time, I simply held her. Silently, I cursed Naamah for wounding such a beautiful soul.

My eyes lifted to the sky as low rumbles echoed among the hills. A storm raged in the distance, flashing with lightning. Jagged red cracks raced across the blue sky, as the shell of this world fractured.

Aria lifted her head and wiped her eyes, but lingered in my arms. "Before this dreamland collapses, you must go, Tomas." Her eyes held mine in the purest of embrace. "Truly, you are my savior."

I shook my head. No. The title of savior belongs to you. I shall not leave you, Aria.

Go now. She smiled the sweetest of smiles. You rejuvenated my soul and refreshed my spirit. I shall endure, thanks to you.

Her physical form faded, becoming transparent, before disappearing. The parting kiss she left on my cheek spread warmth through my entire being.

Aria, let me stay! I called out in a fading voice.

The dreamland shrunk, becoming far away, as if I traveled away in a long tube. A shaking woke me and I bolted upright from the blanket, gasping for air in the cave lit by flickering firelight. A sheen of sweat cooled my forehead.

"Tomas," Obeus said, kneeling beside me. "Are you well?"

"What?" I stammered, my eyes refusing to focus.

"You writhed in your sleep and called out Aria's name." Concern painted his face.

Collapsing down to my back, I said, "Aria grows weaker, and I fear our time is short. Naamah..." I paused for a deep breath to calm a racing heart. "She awaits us."