We spent about twenty more minutes with the chief. They treated us with their traditional meals and delicacies.
I especially liked Khool milk, its taste was one of a kind, slightly bitter, but a great taste.
Then, we bid farewell to the chief, as a messenger arrived saying the Khools were ready and waiting for us at the gate. Thankfully, the chief didn’t insist on our staying that much. Instead, he gave us four large containers filled with fresh Khool milk.
"For the people of the Eclipse Keep," he explained, his expression growing serious. "I heard about what happened there recently. That was why were were happy to see you too."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You know what happened?"
The chief nodded grimly. "After I recovered, I sent a few people after you to deliver proper rewards to you and your companions for helping our clan. But the blizzard had already surrounded the mountains by then, and my men had to return empty-handed." His withered face showed genuine concern. "They reported the unusualness of the blizzard and distress lights in the keep’s direction. But since you are here, it must mean the blizzard had ended."
"Yes, the Keep survived the ordeal," I assured him. "Though it wasn’t without a cost. Many got injured, and that’s why I had to visit the city."
"I’m glad to hear that." The chief placed his heavy hand on my shoulder. "The Eclipse Keep has stood as a guardian of these mountains and valleys for generations. Their people have been close friends with us." He then gestured the milk containers. "This is not much, but Khool milk has restorative properties. It will help those who suffered in the incident."
"They’ll be grateful for your kindness," I replied, genuinely touched by the gesture. "Thel, Keth’mar!"
The chief smiled and, after a few pats, retracted his hand. "It’s the least I can do, benefactor. Now go, and may the winds carry you safely to your destination."
"Thank you, and till we meet again."
We bid our farewells and made our way back through the village toward the gate. I had already stored the milk in the inventory. And while walking, I asked the accompanying guard to tell us about the village.
He easily agreed and made our way more interesting.
After a while, we finally reached the gate and spotted Borix and Torvix waiting for us near the entrance.
And this was the moment I had been waiting for since our conversation on the road.
"There they are," I said casually to Cassandra, gesturing ahead.
At first glance, all that was visible were two large, snow-white mounds behind Borix. They looked like nothing more than piles of freshly fallen snow, perfectly still and unremarkable.
Torvix stood between them, his hand gently patting what appeared to be empty air above one of the mounds.
Cassandra’s steps slowed, her brow furrowing in confusion as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing.
"I don’t understand." She murmured, tilting her head slightly. "Where are the-"
That’s when her eyes widened.
The realization dawned on her, her eyebrows shot up in surprise, and those beautiful sapphire eyes sparkled with wonder and anticipation.
It was exactly the expression I’d hoped to see. Worth every minute of mystery on our walk here.
...Now, the finishing touch.
I called out in the Keth’al language. "Vel’nath mor’ka!"
The effect was immediate and spectacular.
The two ’snow piles’ began to shift and rise, revealing themselves to be living creatures that had been resting flat against the ground. What she had mistaken for mounds of snow were actually massive, furry beasts covered in pristine white fur so thick that it looked like natural camouflage.
They rose their full height, easily 7 feet tall now, and their length was about 8,5 feet.
They had no visible legs, instead moving with an undulating motion that was both awe-inspiring and mesmerizing. Their heads were proportionally small compared to their bodies, with intelligent dark eyes and small, almost cat-like ears that twitched at our approach.
"They are the Khools." I introduced, watching Cassandra’s awestruck expression with satisfaction. Well, I was like that the first time I saw them, too.
"They are incredible," Cassandra breathed, her voice filled with genuine wonder. "I’ve never seen anything like them. They are so... cute! And that ability is amazing too!"
"They are really something special," I agreed with her. "The Keth’al has been partnering with them for generations. Perfect for traveling in the snow and mountains."
The Khools swayed gently, their dark eyes regarding us with intelligence. Their fur rippled in the breeze like waves of fresh powder.
With a gentle leap, I mounted the nearest Khool, landing softly on what proved to be a well-crafted leather saddle. It was completely hidden beneath the creature’s thick coat. The saddle’s straps and buckles became visible only now, seamlessly integrated into the Khool’s natural contours.
I settled into the surprisingly comfortable seat and glanced over at Cassandra. "Need help, milady?"
Cassandra shook her head. "I think I can manage."
With that, in one fluid motion, she leaped gracefully onto the second Khool, landing gently. As she settled into her saddle, her hands moved to stroke the soft fur.
"Oh," she whispered, her fingers disappearing into the downy coat. "It’s like touching a cloud."
The Khool beneath her let out a low rumble, perhaps expressing its contentment with her.
I turned down to look at Borix and Tovrix.
"Thank you again, brothers. We are gonna take our leave now." I said.
"No problem, benefactor!" Borix replied with a warm grin. "Take care of yourselves out there."
"May the winds guide you safely!" Torvix added, and both guards simultaneously raised their fists high into the air as if punching toward the sky in celebration.
I mirrored their gesture, raising my own fist upward in their traditional farewell. "Vel’tar be!"
"Vel’tar be!" They shouted in unison.
Turning to Cassandra, I adjusted my grip on the reins. "Let’s go."
She nodded, anticipation still evident in her eyes.
I patted my Khool three times with a steady rhythm.
The creature responded immediately, its large body beginning to undulate in that mesmerizing wave-like motion.
The next moment, it started gliding forward in a smooth motion.
Cassandra’s Khool fell into step behind us naturally, following the lead of its companion without any guidance needed.
One by one, we passed through the heavy wooden gates of the Keth’al settlement.
The warmth and shelter of the village gave way once again to the vast white expanse that stretched endlessly before us.
Snow crunched softly beneath the Khools as they carried us back into the pristine landscape, their fur already beginning to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The adventure toward Eclipse Keep continued.