Preparations

"All the way at the top, huh…"

I feel the increased strength of the sun as I stare up at the remaining distance between us and the mountain's peak. Just behind us, the small mountain village is barely visible after an hour and a half.

"Can you hear anything?"

"Something…under."

Using Peo's sharp hearing as a guide, we navigate the hills of stone. At some point, the pathway disappears and we have no choice but to climb. After at least another half an hour, I call up to the beast that has climbed a little further ahead.

"How much further?"

"...There."

Twin blue shields are removed from my vision as Peo turns back to me. Her hand points to a place where the mountain reaches the sky. It isn't the highest peak in the mountain range, but it was still quite an ordeal to reach.

Peo reaches the top first and waits for me to make my own way up. Once I pull myself onto the summit, I feel a strong gust of wind.

"When was the last time I was up this high…"

We can't see much more than more mountains from this position. I know that on one side sits the forests and fields leading to Melior. On the other is a continuation of the mountain range with some kind of greenery just barely visible beyond it. If we were at least a little higher, we might have witnessed more.

"C."

Peo calls out to me from across the rough platform. The space for us to stand is probably the entire size of Cadell, with scattered rocks all around. In front of a waving black cloak appears to be a series of holes into the mountain.

"So this is where the Titan sleeps…"

I look down expecting to see a pit of darkness, but I could not have been more wrong.

"Crystals…"

Lights adorn the walls of a pit that seems to hollow out the entire mountain. It's a straight shot down with jagged edges and glowing white crystals the entire way. I can make out the entire shape, even the openings that seem to form entrances to a massive cave network.

"Seems kind of small for a Titan the size of a mountain. Where are the sounds coming from?"

"Sounds…everywhere."

Peo stares down into the depths, seeing some kind of movement that requires me to strain my eyes. Eventually, I see what can only be described as walking rocks. It isn't just a few, but hundreds.

"So that's why you need an army to fight a Titan…"

I notice a small rock to the side and pick it up. Motioning to the beast beside me, I drop the stone down into the pit.

"Tell me when it lands."

We sit in silence for a little over 20 seconds before Peo nods her head.

"We're looking at a good 200 metres here…"

I packed rope, but not nearly that much. As much as I want to at least see what I can expect down there, we simply don't have the means.

"Looks like we have no choice but to head back for now. I'll make some preparations and we'll do some more investigating tomorrow."

* * * * *

"Are you certain that you require this much rope, Mr. Clark…"

"Indeed. I will pay you if you can procure it."

"But this is a lot…"

I'm sitting on the bed of our borrowed house as Bailey watches me from the door. This distance between us is only present because of the large sheets of cloth occupying much of the room. In my hands is the rope I had brought from Melior.

"Circumstances may not require it, but it very well may be necessary as a precaution."

Bailey looks unsure at my request, but eventually turns to fetch the items.

"If you insist…"

"Peo, help her carry it."

"T-There's no need! I can get my father to help!"

She exits the building as soon as possible and leaves me to my work. Taking Peo wouldn't have been a problem, since the young beast has no choice but to watch me from the table. She's brilliant in combat, but I don't want to test her abilities at delicate tasks like this.

By the time Bailey returns, most of the cloth is either gone or folded neatly next to Peo's backpack. I open the door and see a freckled face still covered in concern. Behind her is the glowing rays of stars among the night sky.

"I've brought it…"

Looking just past her, I can see a miniature wagon fit for small harvests. Instead of fresh produce, the wooden basket is filled with a massive coil of thick rope.

"Thank you. Name your price."

"Ah, no need! This is from my parents as thanks for your help on the journey here. Giving this as a gift won't hurt profits."

"I see. Then I shall gracefully accept."

If the books have already been balanced, then I won't complain to the merchants. I slowly pull the wagon inside of the house and set it by the door, quickly losing much of our walking room.

Bailey doesn't immediately leave as I carefully examine the goods. In the corner of my eye, I see her playing with the folds of her dress.

"My mother has prepared supper if you two would like to join us."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid that I cannot welcome your kindness tonight. We must sleep immediately to begin our trip up the mountain tomorrow."

"I-I see…"

The farm girl looks disappointed at my response. It can't be helped today, but it's in our best interests to reschedule. We can't lose our ally in Cadell just yet.

"We will be quite busy tomorrow as well. However, we should complete our work before the sun sets. If you don't mind, please invite us once more at that time."

"Really!?"

"Indeed. I would not be demonstrating the honour of a knight if I continued to refuse your graciousness."

"Very well! Let us meet again tomorrow night!"

With that, Bailey and the rest of her village goes to sleep. Now we wait to continue our detailed preparations tomorrow.