His lungs were categorically on fire. The world was naught but a blur. His arm sang the praises of pain, like the loud biosterious voices of a choir. He ran with all his might, his one advantage on a mountain against an aptly named Mountain Goat. Each step brought about a gritted wince, each breath brought new fires to his lungs.
But he ran.
Havardr wasn't meant for speed, but damn could that creature book it across the leveled out top. Kei'taro was behind him, then alongside him, then ahead of him. He didn't know any better, but he thought he won. He stopped only when he saw more mountain rising before him.
The thumping hooves of Havardr brought him around. The Goat, like himself, was having a substantially difficult time breathing.
He may have nodded while Havardr spoke, he may have any formed some sort of hoarse reply. Probably not, he was dead tired.
But he had won.
He stepped closer to Havardr and reached his hand out, placing it on the head of the creature. His legs burned with effort, and it was amazing that he was able to even lift his arm. But he did.
"Thank you, Havardr. You and your mountain have taught me well, and I promise to always be a friend." He breathed. It hurt. But it was done. A mystical forced flowed from the Goat, to his hand, down his arm and to his torso. It stopped between the third and fourth rib. A small illustration of a goat appeared. The Mountain Goat Key.
He nodded to Havardr and turned.
It took him ages to get down the mountain, even though it was substantially easier than getting up to it. With a word, he ignited a small fire.
Then all was black.
The Beast King.
Kei'taro.
He passed out.
--Fin---
But he ran.
Havardr wasn't meant for speed, but damn could that creature book it across the leveled out top. Kei'taro was behind him, then alongside him, then ahead of him. He didn't know any better, but he thought he won. He stopped only when he saw more mountain rising before him.
The thumping hooves of Havardr brought him around. The Goat, like himself, was having a substantially difficult time breathing.
He may have nodded while Havardr spoke, he may have any formed some sort of hoarse reply. Probably not, he was dead tired.
But he had won.
He stepped closer to Havardr and reached his hand out, placing it on the head of the creature. His legs burned with effort, and it was amazing that he was able to even lift his arm. But he did.
"Thank you, Havardr. You and your mountain have taught me well, and I promise to always be a friend." He breathed. It hurt. But it was done. A mystical forced flowed from the Goat, to his hand, down his arm and to his torso. It stopped between the third and fourth rib. A small illustration of a goat appeared. The Mountain Goat Key.
He nodded to Havardr and turned.
It took him ages to get down the mountain, even though it was substantially easier than getting up to it. With a word, he ignited a small fire.
Then all was black.
The Beast King.
Kei'taro.
He passed out.
--Fin---