Chapter 97: Unexpected Meeting
Though not as towering as Mount Ourea—whose peak soared six thousand meters above sea level—Mount Roca was still formidable. Its sheer size was unmatched, and its base boasted the largest of any mountain in the Alta-Sierra range. Trekking around its massive base would take months, a daunting feat even for the most seasoned travelers.
However, it was different when you descended from its peak. A month’s travel could be cut in just a day or two.
Alaric turned to Jethru, his gaze steady. "Do you know the fastest way to Carles?"
He learned that the Hermit had stayed in the plateau for twenty-five years. If anyone knew the mountains like the back of their hand, it would be him. The general had even offered him gold to act as their guide—an offer Jethru had not refused.
Jethru studied General Alaric. If not for his handsome face and for wanting to see his disciple, he would not divulge the secret passage that would take them at Roca’s slopes facing Carles in just a day.
"There is a way," Jethru admitted, his voice measured. "But it won’t be easy. Are you certain you’re well enough, General? The path is treacherous."
"Can the soldiers who are still ill stay here to recuperate?" He asked.
Jethru nodded. "Of course." He had already received five gold ingots from the general—the latest of which he had used to buy medicine from Calma.
The rest was used to pay for a two-level house that he’d fully purchased there. The upper floor had five rooms, while his master intended to transform the ground floor into an herbal shop.