Book 3
Angel of the Mountain
Chapter 1
Year 00, Month 11, Day 04
The cold wind blew across the frozen landscape as Zeil tried all he could to look through the surrounding blizzard for the trail that he assumed he was traveling on. With the road covered in snow and the blizzard too thick to see through, Zeil felt nervous as he mumbled, “I need to find the road… or at least shelter… it’s too cold to survive out he-”
As Zeil looked into the distance, he could see a very faint but visible light through the blizzard as he smiled, “There, I hope it’s someplace welcoming… I can’t risk being turned away.”
With haste, Zeil made his way towards the light while trying to watch his steps through the snow covered path.
A few minutes later Zeil finally approached the building as he trotted to the door and looked at the sign, “The Yak Shack Inn… clever name.”
With that Zeil placed his hoof on the doorknob as he turned to let himself in.
Inside the tavern, ponies, yaks, ibex and griffin enjoyed their drinks as they all enjoyed the warmth of the tavern’s massive fire place. All of a sudden the door to the tavern flew open as Zeil quickly entered as he used his strength to fight the wind and push the door closed again. As soon as the door was shut, Zeil turned to the rest of the tavern as he put his hood down and started making his way towards the bar. As Zeil traveled towards the bar, most of the room simply ignored him, however a small group of ponies in the corner of the room continued their conversation until one of them, an earth pony with a tan coat, a short brown mane, and a brown slouch hat spoke, “Get a load of this bloke…”
As the group looked at Zeil the leading pony continue, “What’s he all about?”
Another earth pony, a brown stallion with a green mane replied, “He is a zebra… a native to my homeland. They are dominate race in the country, though one would wonder what brought him out here. A thirst for adventure perhaps?”
The tan earth pony nodded as he replied, “too right… that’s what brought us out here.” He looked at the only mare in the group, “what do you think Angel?”
Angel, a solid white pegasus with a white long mane and blue eyes didn’t reply, instead she continued giving the disguised changing a confused look as the lead pony looked at her, “Angel?”
Realizing her silence, Angel replied, “Sorry… I was lost in thought.”
A different earth pony with a grey coat and black mane spoke next, “do you know him Miss Angel?”
Angel shook her head, “no… but… something about him seems… off… no… just my imagination I guess.”
Disregarding the subject the group of six ponies went back to a previous topic as Zeil continued through the tavern to the bar to speak with the bartender.
As Zeil reached the bar he looked at the bartender as the yak behind the counter saw him and spoke, “striped pony looks funny… ha ha… like pony wearing pajamas.”
Zeil gave the bartender a dull look as he spoke, “…funny… can I ask you something? Does this road go all the ways through the mountains? I’m trying to get to the plains in the eastern portion of the Ursa Lands.”
The Yak nodded, “Striped pony is going right way to the land of bears… but striped pony won’t make it.”
Zeil was confused, “What? Why not?”
The yack replied, “Snowfall covers road. Valley full of snow and now too high to travel. Striped pony must wait till snow melts to travel though.”
Zeil replied, “Okay… so how long do I have to wait?”
The yak thought to himself, “Hmm… usually it would take fastest yak to travel road through mountain in one day. But snow will make the travel three weeks. Striped pony must wait till the snow melts, two weeks maybe.”
Zeil didn’t like the answer, “I can’t wait two weeks. Is there any other pass I can take?”
The yak shook his head, “no… no other roads through mountains, striped pony can only wait two weeks. But yak isn’t heartless. Yak will give striped pony a discount on a room till then.”
Annoyed but appreciative of the offer, Zeil sighed as he tried to reply politely, “Thanks but I'll wait before taking that offer. Could you get me something warm to drink? Tea, cocoa, I'll even take plain hot water if you have it.”
The yak behind the bar nodded, “okay, yak get you warm water.”
The yak poured Zeil a hot mug of water as Zeil took the cup and trotted to an empty table to drink. As he sat down, Zeil reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a vial of tea leaves that he had gotten from Shangri-La a few days ago as he put some into his drink before slowly mixing it in. Meanwhile at the table of ponies, the tan stallion was still curious of Zeil as he watched him while the rest of the table had already gone back to their previous subject. Thinking this was a good time to introduce himself the tan stallion turned to his table and spoke, “Excuse me a sec, I’ll be right back.”
With that the tan stallion stood up from his table and trotted over to Zeil’s table. Although Zeil was mixing the tea and pondering his next move, he still sensed the aura of the approaching earth pony as he slowed his movements while waiting for what the approaching stranger will do.
As the tan stallion approached, he smiled, “G’day mate, couldn’t help but overhear the problem you’re facing. Ya mind if I offer a solution?”
Although he was interested in what the stallion was saying, Zeil didn’t drop his guards for a second as he replied, “If you must…”
The tan stallion gestured to the table he was sitting at as he replied, “Ya see, my mates and I are also intending on crossing the mountains. And if all goes well, we aim to get to the other side in about five days, four if weather’s kind to use.”
Zeil was curious, “You know of a path through the mountains?”
The tan stallion shook his head, “Not through, Over. My team and I are a group of mountain climbers. We aim to reach the summit of Angela’s peak then cross over to the other side. It should be a simple climb, though it will be a first for all of us on this particular mountain.”
Zeil felt skeptic, “So… this should be a shorter path then going through the snow covered pass?”
The Tan stallion nodded, “It should, ain’t you ever heard that the shortest distance between two places is a straight line?”
Zeil nodded, “Parts is the word you’re looking for… but if it will get me there as fast as I can… I’m willing to take it.”
The tan stallion smiled, “Good to hear, but I do need to warn ya. This mountain won’t be a stroll through the field. She ain’t the tallest, or the most traitorous, but Angela’s Peak is a mountain with a sort of reputation.”
Zeil was confused, “reputation? How so?”
The tan stallion replied, “Well, rumor has it. This mountain chooses whose worthy of reaching the summit. Even climbers with reputations as the best have failed to reach this peak. So… if ya feel you ain’t up to it, tell me now.”
Zeil looked the stallion with a serious expression, “do you think you can make there? To the peak then across in a short time?”
The tan stallion smiled confidently, “Easy mate, I ain’t no spring chicken but I’m far from a yank. This little rock pile ain’t anything compared to the mountains I’ve climbed. I'll see to it that you get there and beyond with no trouble at all. Unless you’re willin’ to wait till the snow melts.”
Seeing the confidence that the stallion had in his skills was enough, as Zeil nodded, “Then I'll go with you. I have to get to the plains, my journey is too fare to wait till the snow melts.”
The tan stallion smiled at Zeil’s determination as he replied, “Too right… then let’s go meet my team.”
With that the tan stallion turned towards the table he had just come from as Zeil stood up and took his drink with him as they trotted to the group of five ponies that were part of the tan stallion’s team. When they got there, the group looked at Zeil as the tan stallion spoke, “Let me introduce the team. First off.” He gestured to the tallest stallion in the group, an earth pony with a silver coat, and a short white mane. “This here is Everest. Don’t let his size fool ya, he looks tough and scary but he’s a softie at heart.”
Everest gave him an annoyed look, “Hey!... Rude!...”
The tan stallion gestured to the earth pony with a dark grey coat and a short black mane, “and this here is Fuji. A friendly sort, kinda new to the group so mind the hard to understand accent.”
Fuji bowed slightly as he spoke, “Kon'nichiwa. Hajimemashite.”
Knowing the greeting, Zeil bowed slightly, “Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you too.”
Fuji was surprised, “you know my language?”
Zeil nodded, “I recently left a temple about five days to the east and picked up some understanding of it… though I may not be able to hold a full conversation, I still know the most common and respectable greetings.”
The tan stallion smiled, “good, you can translate some of that gobbldy gook that he speaks when he’s in a bad mood.”
Fuji gave the stallion an angry look as he sighed, “Baka…”
Waiting for a translation the tan stallion looked at Zeil as he lied, “he said… um… friend.”
Fuji smiled at the lie as the tan stallion replied, “Oh… that explains why he calls me that often. Anyways next up,” he gestured to the next stallion, the earth pony with a brown coat and a green mane. “We have Kilomankaro… or Kilomandara… um… what was it again mate?”
The brown stallion sighed in hopelessness, “its Kilimanjaro.”
The tan stallion smiled, “Right, that was it. We just call him Kiloman for short. Saves us the trouble.”
Kiloman smiled, “So… which tribe do you hail from friend?”
At first Zeil was confused but when he realized he was referring to his zebra appearance, Zeil replied, “oh… um… I’m not from any tribe… I wasn’t born in Zebrica.”
Kiloman was surprised, “Really?... I myself am a native to the eastern tribe, though you would guess by my species I wasn’t born in Zebrica but I’m happy to call it my home.”
Zeil was surprised, “oh… that’s interesting, you’ll have to tell me about it sometime.”
Pushing the introduction along the tan stallion spoke, “Anyways… next,” he gestured to the last stallion in the group, another earth pony with a dull blue coat and a grey mane. “We have our only yank. M-”
Before the tan stallion could finish the earth pony sighed, “I told ya I ain’t a yank. I may be from Equestria but I’m from the countryside.” He decided to introduce himself as he looked at Zeil and smiled, “The name’s Pete… first name Pike. Nice to meet ya.”
Zeil was surprised, “Wait… you’re from Equestria?”
Pike nodded, “Sure am… you ever been there before?”
Zeil nodded, “yea, I’m actually trying to get back there.”
Pike smiled, “Really, well you’re a long ways from it, but in a sense so am I.”
The tan stallion gestured to the only mare in the group, “next we ha-“
Angel interrupted with an annoyed sigh, “Hotham… what’s this about? Who is this guy and why are you introducing him to us?”
Hotham sighed hopelessly, “Now now Angel, no need to fuss. I’m just introducing our new friend to the group since he’s going to be traveling with us in the morning.”
Angel was surprised as she stood up, “What!?!”
Hotham tried to calm her down, “Easy now, no need to make a scene. He just needs to cross the mountain range and going over the peak seems to be the easiest wa-”
“Like heck it is! Can we even trust this guy?”
Hotham smiled, “Well he seems to be on the up and up. Sides, this bloke seems to have his head on straight, so he shouldn’t slow us down any.”
Angel tried to argue, “That’s not the point! The point is I can’t see his fa-” Stopping herself from finishing her sentence, Angel hid her expression as she looked down and spoke, “I just don’t know about this… do you even know his name?”
Hotham looked at Zeil and replied, “I was gonna let him introduce himself once we were done but I guess now’s as good a time as any.”
Nodding to the reply, Zeil spoke, “my name is Zeil… I may not be a climber, but I have a long journey to make. And… I’m willing to go through anything to finish it.”
Hotham smiled as he looked back to Angel, “there, ya see. He won’t be a problem. He just needs to get to the other side to the mountain and I decided to help the bloke out.”
Still standing, Angel looked at the rest of the table, “And you all are okay with this? For all we know he will just weigh us down!”
The group didn’t want to admit it but they all seemed to be unanimous in agreeing with Hotham as Everest replied, “Now now Miss Angel, it’s true we do not know this zebra, but he seems to be a trustworthy fellow. I say we let him tag along.”
Fuji nodded as he looked at Zeil and spoke, “Mr. Zeil… you say you stayed at a monk temple… did you train under the temple’s sensei?”
Zeil nodded, “I did actually, yes.”
“And by you being here, you are now a temple master correct?”
“Yes…”
Fuji looked back at Angel as he replied, “that’s all I need to hear to make my decision. The temple monks are some of the wisest beings in the world. And their sensei wouldn’t train any random pony from nowhere. He would only choose students of great promise, nobility, and loyalty. So if Mr… no Master Zeil was trained by a temple sensei, then he certainly has my trust.”
The rest of the group looked at each other and nodded in agreement as Hotham spoke for the rest, “Then it’s settled. Zeil is now a member of our group and will now join us in our trip to the summit of Angela’s Peak.” He looked at Angel and continued, “Sorry, Angel but its unanimous.”
Angry, Angel rolled her eyes as she turned and trotted away, “Fine… do what you want… just don’t blame me if he causes us to fall off the mountain...” she sighed in anger, “I’m going to bed.”
As Angel trotted off in obvious anger, Zeil felt something strange about her. Her pegasus aura was there, but along with that aura Zeil should have been able to feel her emotions. But despite her angry expression, Zeil couldn’t feel any emotion emitting from the mare at all. It was as if he could see steam, but felt no heat when trotting through it. As Zeil watched the angry mare trot off, Hotham apologized, “Sorry about her Zeil, but despite her name, Angel can be… less then angelic at times. She don’t mean any harm though. Angel just has a particular way of doing things. That and… she hates surprises.”
Pike nodded as he replied, “Yea… and inviting a random zebra to join us in this climb is quite the surprise.”
Zeil looked down in an apologetic way, “I’m sorry if I said something wrong. I only…”
Everest spoke, “Don’t fret Master Zeil, it’s not your fault. We just recently got here and we’ve traveled a long way to get here, so perhaps she is just tired.”
Kiloman nodded, “Yes, this trip has taken a toll on both our bodies and minds. I think that after a good night’s rest she will be more warming to you in the morning.”
Hotham nodded as he replied, “Angel has always been a little rough around the edges, but ever since we were foals, it’s that rough exterior that I’ve admired most.”
As Zeil looked at Hotham, he started to feel a familiar emotion from him as Zeil smiled, “you’re in love with her aren’t you?”
Hotham’s face turned red as he spoke, “Wha- I- what makes you say somthin’ like that?”
Pike smiled, “Oh calm down, anypony with worth anythin’ can see that you’re head over hooves for that mare.”
The rest of the group nodded as Everest spoke, “You should tell her how you feel Hotham, you two would make the cutest couple.”
Zeil felt it was a little strange that the tallest and toughest looking stallion in the group would say that as Fuji spoke next, “I agree, honesty is the most redeeming quality that a stallion can show a mare.”
Hotham shook his head, “I don’t know what you blokes are getting at. She and I are just friends, nothing more.”
Zeil smiled as he replied, “If you two are just friends, then I’m sure you won’t mind if I take a shot at her?”
Hotham gave him a surprised look, “Wh-what?”
Zeil laughed, “Gotcha, your expression says it all. You got it bad for her.”
The rest of the group laughed as Hotham sighed in irritation, “If you blokes are done makin’ me look foolish, I think it would be a better time to plan tomorrow’s climb.”
Kiloman nodded, “This is true, with Master Zeil as a new companion, we should understand what skills he can bring to our team.”
Zeil waved his hoof, “Please, Zeil is fine. You don’t need to call me master since I left the temple. Anyways… since I’m new to climbing a mountain, I'll let you guys decide what I should do. Just say the word and I'll do what I can.”
The group thought to each other for a second as Kiloman spoke, “Might I ask, do you know any zebra magic? You mention you didn’t come from Zebrica, yet my curiosity still compels me to ask.”
Zeil nodded, “I do actually, though I’m not really a master in magic. Not like my teacher anyways.”
Kiloman nodded, “Does this include medicinal spells?”
Zeil nodded, “I know some medicinal spells, but I am limited on what I can and can’t treat.”
Hotham smiled, “then that’s your task, a medicine colt. We may need one after all, injuries are common on tough climbs.”
Fuji nodded, “Then it’s settled, we now have an enchanter to help with injuries.”
Everest smiled as he spoke, “Good, now we don’t have to worry about anypony getting hurt. We will need all our strength to reach the summit together.”
With that decided, the group nodded in agreement as Fuji decided to change the subject, “So Mast… I mean Zeil, which land do you hale from if not the land of Zebrica?”
Zeil replied with an unsure tone, “I guess… you could say I’m from the land of the Black Sand.”
Kiloman replied, “You guess? How can you guess where you are from?”
Zeil replied, “Well, I was hatc… born in the Land of the Black Sand. But… I wouldn’t say that that’s where my home is.”
Everest asked, “Then where is the place you call home?”
Zeil smiled as he looked at Pike, “I guess, you can say… my home is in Equestria.”
Pike smiled, “That so?... where abouts?”
Zeil replied, “The Everfree forest.”
Pike nodded, “Ah I know the one. Next to Ponyville right? I myself came from Van Hoover, but my little sis lives in Ponyville with her…” He sighed in irritation, “ugh… husband. But it was her choice that gave me motivation to set out on my own.”
Zeil felt a little confused, “What kind of place is Ponyville? Is it that bad?”
Seeing Zeil’s confusion Pike shook his head, “It ain’t like that, the town is actually a decent place to live. It’s just… There is a rival family there that has been a thorn in our side for years. At least till we finally picked up and moved. But my little sis decided to marry one of em’ so she stayed there since it was what she wanted. Seein’ Pear Butter choosing to stay behind and follow her heart, made me feel it was time I follow my own dream too. I didn’t care to farm pears my whole life, so ‘bout two decades ago, I said goodbye to the family, changed my name, and headed east. Conquerin’ every mountain in my path. Next on my list, Angela’s Peak.”
Smiling at Pikes goal, Zeil looked at Hotham, “so what about you? Where are you from?”
Hotham smiled, “me?... well Angel and I are from the outback of course. Way out there in the Wallaby Kingdom.”
Unsure of where that was Zeil gave the tan earth pony a funny look, “The Wallaby Kingdom? But you two aren’t…”
Hotham gave him a dull look, “no… and Kiloman ain’t a zebra neither. Just cuz we’re not the dominant race in the land we are from, don’t mean it ain’t our home.”
Understanding Zeil nodded, “Right… I didn’t mean any offence.”
Hotham shook his head, “None taken. Home’s where you feel ya belong. Not the place your ancestors hail from. And with Angel there with me, the outback will always be my home.”
Zeil nodded, “yea… that’s the truest statement I’ve ever heard.”
Fuji spoke next, “I myself came from here, in the Far East Provence. Although I was born just beyond the eastern mountain rang about ten days travel from here.”
Zeil nodded, “I assumed as much. You do seemed better acquainted with the culture here. Though this particular tavern doesn’t resemble the Far Eastern Culture.”
Fuji smiled, “no this place is owned by one of the northern cultures of the East. There are many after all, since this is a large Provence.”
Kiloman spoke next, “I myself hail from Zebrica as you know. My family traveled there when I was little and I grew up in a hut just outside the Eastern Tribes. There I learn much from the Zebra culture. You truly are a wise and spiritual race.”
Although Zeil wasn’t a zebra, he didn’t want to reveal his true self just yet so he replied, “um… thank you, I appreciate the compliment.”
Zeil looked at Everest, “What about you big guy? Where you from?”
Everest Smiled as he replied, “I came from the Silk Valley in the far north.”
Zeil thought to himself as he replied, “The Silk Valley?... I’ve never heard of that place, is it far?”
Everest shook his head as the tall stallion replied, “Not very… it is a thick mountain rang to the frozen north. So much that many call it the Frozen Wall. There the tallest mountains in the world stretch for miles and miles across the landscape. It took me a while but I manages to conquer each one… except for the mountain known as the Titans Citadel. The tallest mountain on the face of this planet. So tall that nothing can survive on its peak. The air is too thin to breathe so it’s a literal impossibility.”
Zeil could easily read his words true meaning as he smiled, “So… you left home in hopes of getting the experience to climb it… didn’t you?”
The large modest stallion was surprised, “Oh no… me climb the Titan’s Citadel? I-I could never do something so bold.”
Seeing through his ruse, Zeil smiled, “is that so… then why bring up the Titan’s Citadel without me even asking about it? Seems funny such a big guy would bring up a challenge like that out of the blue to a complete stranger right?”
Blushing in embarrassment, the large mountain-like stallion was speechless as the rest of the group laughed with Hotham speaking through his laughter, “Krykie, read you like a book didn’t he mate?”
The large stallion tried to reply, “I… um… well…”
Zeil smiled, “I’m only kidding, there is nothing wrong with having a dream. Climbing a mountain that is quote, literally impossible to climb. It’s a good dream to have. I hope you succeed in doing it someday.”
Everest gave Zeil a pleased smile as he replied, “Thank you for your kind words. And… I admit it is true. I left home in hopes of being the first to climb that mountain. Though… I hear that doing so will require a special suit if I want to make it to its peak. I hear that suit is heavy to wear, so even a big guy like me can’t wear the suit and climb at the same time, so I’m on a journey to train myself to do it. I will make it to the top of the Titan’s Citadel and gaze upon the earth and all its beauty once I’m done.”
Kiloman smiled as he spoke, “You will my friend, if anypony had such a strong dream to be met, it’s yours.”
Fuji smiled, “we all hold dreams, and it’s our rolls as friends to support one another in meeting those dreams.”
The rest of the group smiled in agreement to the statement as Pike nudged Hotham as he spoke, S’pose we can help your dream come soon too.”
Hotham asked, “What’cha talking about mate? What dream?”
Fuji replied, “You and Miss Angels of course. We’ve been traveling for months now, so I think it’s high time we help you confess your feelings for her.”
Hotham sighed in annoyance, why do you blokes always assume that Angel and I are an item?”
Everest smiled, “Why wouldn’t we? You two are such a cute couple. And I would absolutely love to see you two even closer then you usually are.”
Hotham rubbed his head in irritation as he replied, “Zeil… could ya talk some sense into them.”
Zeil smiled, “I would but I actually agree with them. Then again I can’t say much since I’m new to the group.”
Pike nodded, “And still you’re wise enough to take a guess. After all ya did manage to call Everest out on his dream.”
Everest gave Pike a worried look, “Why do you have to bring it back to me?”
The group laughed at the reaction as Zeil could only feel inspired by the group. This group of friends came from all corners of the earth and they all enjoyed joking and laughing with each other as if they grew up in the same town. With their friendship making him feel welcomed into the group Zeil continued his conversation with the rest of the group until it had gotten late enough for them to decide to go to bed.
Later as Zeil trotted down the tavern hall to his room, he spotted Angel leaving one of the rooms as he stopped her and spoke with caution, “Um… Miss Angel?”
The mare gave him an annoyed look, “What do you want?”
Zeil replied, “I’m sorry if I offended you, or intruded in anyway. I didn’t mean to, I just… I just have to get to the other side of the mountain. And since Hotham offered it… I decided to take the offer while it was fresh. So… is there a way I can apologies for joining your group without permission?”
Zeil held out his hoof as a peace offering as Angel looked at it and ignored it before looking him in the eye and replying, “I don’t know what you are, or what your intentions are for these ponies… but their fate is in my hoof, so I'd suggest you stay out of my way.”
With that the mare started trotting by as she passed Zeil and continued down the hall before turning and opening the door to a different room, but as she opened the door, she sighed, “Look… since Hotham and the rest are happy to have you along… I guess I will tolerate you for a little while at least… but remember my warning. If you interfere, you’ll regret it.”
As Zeil watched Angel enter the room and close the door behind her, he could only feel confused as he tried to understand what she meant.
The Next morning came and Zeil along with Kiloman, Pike, Everest and Angel waited outside as Hotham and Fuji remained inside. As they waited Zeil looked at the clear morning sky and thick snow on the ground as he tried to understand what Angel’s hostility was about. Even now after a good night’s rest, Zeil could tell that she had a dismissive attitude towards him while she still was hiding her emotions from his changeling senses. As they waited with their gear all ready, Hotham exited the tavern with two bags and an unhappy look on his face as he spoke, “Bad news mates, Fuji has caught some kind of bug that is making him a little sick. So… he won’t be joinin’ us on this one.”
The group seemed a little surprised as Zeil asked, “A bug? What kind of bug?”
Hotham sighed, “The kind that ya get when you eat somthin’ you shouldn’t. You wouldn’t happen to have a remedy for that kind of bug do ya?”
Although the expression on the rest of the group seemed hopeful, Angel looked worried as Zeil replied without noticing, “Sorry, but I don’t have anything that can help a stomach problem. I know a few remedies but nothing that would cure him quickly. Two days at the least.”
Hotham shook his head as he replied, “Well, then we have no choice. We have to go on without him.”
Everest felt concerned, “But… shouldn’t we wait till he is better?”
Angel argued with an intentionally unconvincing response, “No… after all, Mr Zeil has to get to the other side of the mountain… right?”
Speaking in a way that made it seem like Zeil was to blame, Angel gave him a distained look as Hotham nodded, “She isn’t wrong. We offered to help Zeil across the mountain and that’s what I intend to do. Sides, it was Fuji’s idea to keep going anyways. He even gave me his supplies so Zeil would be well prepared for his first climb.”
Zeil tried to disagree, “Don’t put my need over your friends, If you want to wait till he is better, then you’re more than welcome t-“
Hotham interrupted, “don’t give me that… your my friend too ya know.”
Zeil looked at the rest of the group as all excluding Angel nodded in agreement while Hotham smiled, “Fuji will take the trail once the pass is cleared. Then once we meet up with him on the other side, we can join him and help him make the peak. Till then we can set out and help you first.”
Before Zeil could continue arguing, Pike stepped forward, “Now we won’t hear another word on it. We said we’d help you and that’s what we are gonna do. Now let’s quit flappin’ our bottom lip and get on it. The summit ain’t gonna wait till summer, and I'd like to see the snowcap before we set up our first camp.”
Without letting Zeil speak up again, most of the group turned towards the trail and started off on their trip as Zeil sighed in irritation and started following. As the group continued Angel and Hotham traveled at the back of the group as Angel stopped Hotham and spoke, “Hotham… why are you doing this? What is it about this zebra that is making you help him?”
Hotham smiled, “not sure… just… something about him makes me want to help the bloke out. Call it an intuition or instinct, but… I want to help him. He just seems like the type of stallion I can trust.”
Angel argued, “Do you even know why he needs to get to the other side of the mountain? What’s in it for him?”
Hotham thought to himself, “I don’t recall him saying why… maybe he is on his way home for something.”
Angel got irritated, “you don’t know why he needs this, and yet you’re still choosing to help him? Why?”
Hotham smiled as he shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t know… I just want to help him. Something tells me that… it’s the right thing to do.”
With nothing more to say on the subject, Hotham trotted away to catch up to the rest of the group as Angel sighed in disappointment, “I guess… I have no choice then.”
Before Angel started following the group, she turned back to the tavern one last time. With a sympathetic tone, Angel spoke before turning back to the trail to follow the group, “I’m sorry I had to do that Fuji… but now is not your time to reach the peak. Someday, you will reach the summit, but that day will never come… if you witness what happens next. But… what do I do…” Continuing on the path, she looked at Zeil, “About the creature that joined us?”