Winds That Muffle the Cries of Souls

By Nathan Hembree

Last semester, this fantasy periodical followed a hero as he made a journey up a mountain thought by many to be impassible. In this chapter, the reason for his quest his revealed.

The clearing was small, no larger than a cottage that could fit a family of four. Looking up there was just enough open space to allow some light to potentially pass through. It was a miracle he was able to find the clearing at all, let alone it be any good. “Focus! Got to set up camp before nightfall.” He spoke after mentally slapping himself out of his thoughts.

First was the tent. He moved to a far corner of the clearing and placed down his bag, pulling out a tent. It wasn’t a large or nice tent, but it would do for the night. He placed the tent on the ground and bult the frame before securing it with some wooded stakes. Next was a campfire. He quickly ran across the clearing, grabbing at every small stick and rock he could find. Lucky for him, the tress had supplied him with enough fallen branches to start a fire.

Forming a circle of rooks with some sticks in the middle, he used some flint with his knife and stoked a fire. Starting a fire was a slow and patient process, and he made sure not to smother the fire with the tinder he was continuously adding. As he stoked, he shot glances at the mountain to his right. It’s tall looming presences looked down upon him like a large animal looking down on its prey. However, he was not the mountain’s prey. He would beat the mountain. He would do it to prove that it was possible, but to also give him peace of mind.

He looked back at the fire and reeled back, noticing that it was a full blaze. He smiled in triumph at the completion before reaching in his bag and pulling out the meat from the dear he killed. Looking at the meat now, it was clear he had struck gold. The meat was thick and juicy, with little fat on it. His mouth began to water just imagining how good it would taste.

The cooking process seemed to take his mind of his task, as he was ignoring everything else in the world. He was so engrossed  that he didn’t notice that the sun had already set and allowed the moon to make passage into the sky above. The setting sun made a for a truly beautiful night sky with not a cloud in sight. Stars glittered like little candles, burning bright enough to be seen, but not being able to touch the light.

The food was magnificent, almost unnaturally so. He was always told that he had a knack for cooking. He was praised by his family for being able to make a delicious meal with only basic ingredients. This time was different though.

The night passed on quietly and peacefully, the silence of the forest comforting him. He wanted to enjoy this small point for respite for passing the point of no return, so he began to look as the stars as he ate. The moon was full and bright, reflecting a soft glow on to him that felt like a soft blanket. The stars created a gorgeous mural of lights as they glistened in the sky. It was truly and calming and ethereal moment in time that he wished would never end. Unfortunately, reality wasn’t stagnant, and time moved continuously

He sat up as he finished the bites of food left. Standing up, he pulled the last thing out of his bag: a small cot to sleep on and slid into the tent. He was prepared for a good night’s rest, as the silent night had put him at ease.

The imposing mountain stood before as he climbed, determination written on his face, bracing the against the wind. mountain’s foot seemed to have a form of path the winded up like a snake and trailing off into the peak. Following the path seemed to be the safest option for him, so he trudged on.

The winds were swift and harsh, flowing through and around him like a  river. The temperature dropped like a rock in a pond and sent a shiver through him like lightning.  It  forced him to squint, making him half blind and struggle to see in front of him. Even though there wouldn’t be snow until he would near the summit, it felt like a blizzard was hitting him at all times. He pondered, was this what stopped everyone before him? Were the cold winds of Demeter that strong to deter people?

No. It couldn’t be that simple. There was no way that the wind stopped every climber that attempted the climb. All he knew was that he had to continue, he had to be the one climb the mountain and make history. Not just for everyone back home, but himself. The night before, the voice came to him again, saying that he had to “uncover the truth” and “set me free.” But now, the voice was clearer, and he could put a tone behind the voice. It was a young girl’s voice that was pleading rather than requesting, like she was in pain or distress.

Unfortunately, his thoughts were cut off when he noticed something in the distance, it was a large object, rectangular in shape, and giving an ethereal glow. As he approached , the voice returned, but this time, it felt like it was right next him.

Please…help me. Save me…please

You’re close…keep going.

His head was ringing, the wind was howling, and voice was calling. He had to keep going. He had…to reach… the object.

Upon reaching the object, the wind stopped, and the objects’ true nature became clear. It was a giant mirror. Its frame seemed to be made from oak and was engraved with vinelike designs. After regaining his composure, he looked into the mirror, expecting to see his messy visage.

He didn’t.

He saw a young girl, with brown hair, and opal eyes.

“Your finally here!”