The Climb (Solo)

[Black Shadow]

The frigid winds grew stronger as the group began their long trek through the Niadath 
Pass. Snow covered the mountain making the mountain path nearly unrecognizable. The rising sun illuminated the sky in bright reds and oranges. The sun glistened off the snow creating a beautiful landscape that captivated Black Shadow.

“The ancient city of Valinatal, now known as Narenhad, is up ahead.” Professor Feurstein said. “We should break off the main pass now, Narenhad is inhabited by the undead raised by Xem’Zund years ago.”

Black Shadow nodded in agreement, Feurstein hired him to protect the group, and avoiding unnecessary dangers is their top priority.

“Professor Barnatas, this is where you take the lead.” Feurstein said. “Jeb, start recording our path.”

Jeb pulled a large scroll from his bag. The Niadath Pass filled the center of the paper while the sides of the scroll remained blank. Jeb carefully recorded every step of the journey and roughly sketching even the smallest rock formation.

The group trudged on, the snow growing deeper until every step sunk Black Shadow to his knees. As night drew closer the temperatures dropped well below zero. Multiple layers of clothing and fur coats were not enough to keep the men warm.

“We will climb to those rocks ahead, it looks like the snow is shallow there and we can make camp.” Professor Hernata said. The rocks sat one hundred yards ahead, only a short trek through the deep snow.

The snow thinned amongst the rocky peak where the group set up camp. Braddok lit a large fire amongst outside two large tents. The tents were made of thick leather, protecting the party from the harsh winds.

Black Shadow grabbed Jeb and motioned him to translate for him. “Braddok, Junala,” Black Shadow started. “One of us must be on watch at all times tonight. We never know what could be out here. The journey has been easy thus far, but that could change at a moment’s notice.”

“Puny human scared of bad things, I watch first!” Braddok exclaimed. Black Shadow nodded and went to his tent.

The archer laid down in his sleeping bag and dozed off to sleep.

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A familiar sound rang in Black Shadow’s ear, a bowstring flying an arrow. Black Shadow jumped up and grabbed his bow.

“Human awake, not time yet.” Braddok started. “Go back to- “

Black Shadow lunged his hand forward and grabbed an arrow out of the air, reknocking it in one fluid motion. Braddok starred in disbelief.

“How you know?” Braddok said as Black Shadow released the arrow and shot another from the sky. “Under attack!” Braddok yelled out.

The rest of the group jumped up. “What’s happening?” Feurstein asked.

“Under attack!” Braddok reiterated, readying his axe.

Junala stepped next to Black Shadow, her daggers in hand. She took a fighting stance, her feet wide and her daggers in front of her. The enemy hid in the dark, firing an occasional arrow towards the men. A deep growl pierced the silence of the night.

Slowly the enemy walked into the light, revealing a skeletal body holding a short sword and a shield. The skeleton charged with its weapon raised. Braddok swung his axe at the enemy, decapitating the skull from the spine. The skull rolled down the mountain into the night, but the skeleton continued to advance. Braddok swung again separating the arms from the body, and the rest of the bones dropped lifeless.

“Hahaha, tiny bone man no match for me!” Braddok laughed. Suddenly more skeletons appeared, all charging at the group.