Havardr charged up the mountainside, building speed after his slow start. He had underestimated his foe once more, taking the time immediately after scaling the near vertical part of the cliff to regain his breath. However, determination to scale his own mountain and protect his secrets was not enough to challenge the determination of the challenger. In terms of pure endurance, he was starting to realise that despite everything he was beaten.

Still, there was not a chance of him giving in. He was going to use every shred of his remaining energy and strength to reach that waystone before the human. He owed it to his fellow Keyholders. The Goat did not doubt one thing, if Kei’taro won he was more than worthy.

It was neck and neck once again, but though the Goat was particularly well suited to the climbing of a mountain he was not built for pure speed. Somehow the human with his long stride and damned limitless energy was pulling ahead. The goat bowed his head, trying to increase his speed with each bound, but the waystone was fast approaching. He growled low in his throat, exhaling with one last breath of exertion.

It wasn’t quite enough. The damned human passed the waystone perhaps a few seconds before him. It was incredibly close… but as they passed the waystone the ground rose up suddenly and then stopped… flattening out and providing them with a view through clear skies.

Havardr stopped, breathing hard, the race over and not in his favour. He snorted once and then allowed himself to become transfixed with what was to his mind an ordinary view. It always had this effect, even to him, so how his foe felt about the land sprawled out in front of him like god’s own garden, who knew…

“Damn… you… Kei’Taro.” He breathed, insulting the challenger good-naturedly. He regained his breath with a few pants, looking down at his injured contender.

“Take back your power, and more. You’ve earned the secrets of the mountain, of that I have no doubt.” He looked back to the majestic view before him, returning to thoughtful silence.

“The mountain herself would like to give you a gift… something I cannot give you. Look out across the plains, and you will see your path laid out for you. Indistinct, hazy, but there it lies, just waiting for you to take it. You will learn something about your future, should you wish it.” He snorted and walked away from the human, giving him time to look out, and enjoy the feeling of his power returned with extra.

“When you feel ready, descend from this place and take your path, you will find what you left behind waiting for you. I expect you will find the mountain far more accommodating on your way down. Do not forget what you learned here Hemming, for I will not forget what I have learned from you.” The Goat walked away then… perhaps leaving a few moments for Kei’Taro to say his farewells if he so wished.