Book One – Chapter 12

The young witch hesitated, then leaned over the altar, searching. Her hands remains suspended at her sides, not daring to make contact. Faroah observed her closely, noting the subtle changes in her expression as she delved into the energies emanating from the crystal.

Few wizards outside the Transcender spectrum possessed the ability to perceive the rare elixir known as mountain blood. Witches, with their innate connection to the natural world, were often more attuned to such phenomena. The most adept amongst them wove the pulse, breath and essence of mountains and forests into their spells, drawing and building upon the very fabric of nature itself.

Faroah recognised the moment Samasira found the vein. As her eyes traced the layers and patterns within the crystal, following the vein embedded within, his own gaze traced her. He took note of her torn garments, the raw wounds on her bare hands and feet, and the myriad of cuts and bruises that marred her battered body. Nothing he had not seen before — a testament to the toll exacted by the Varren upon those who dared challenge the mountain. It was not that Faroah wanted others to endure such hardships to reach him; rather, some places had more to offer than others.

“Did you know,” he began, his voice low and measured, “that it is the mountain blood that, over time, gives rise to these crystalline formations? A structure of this diameter likely took over one thousand five hundred years to take shape. If you look even closer, you will see that the altar crystal has grown past and built upon the delicate carvings bestowed upon it by the Dwarves of Hefdahl.”

But the young witch did not examine the carvings. Instead, she regarded him with growing confusion.

Of course, she did not understand him.

Faroah circled around the structure and positioned himself opposite her, with the altar between them. “Place your hands on the table,” he instructed. Using his own hands, Faroah showed her where to place them, atop the etching within the crystal tableau. He then placed his hands on top of hers. Sie tried to maintain her composure, but Faroah sensed the slight tremor as their hands made contact. He did not take it personally. He understood her apprehension about being touched by a wizard.