The ice held until the very last step.
Once their horses reached the other side, the frozen path behind them began to crack then melt, as though it had never existed.
Ahead of them, beyond a stretch of uneven land and scattered rocks, they saw a structure on the hill.
It looked like an old tavern. It was large and weathered by time.
Its wood was nearly black, its windows empty and hollow like watching eyes.
Maelina slowed her horse.
"That's it?"
Zarek's gaze sharpened.
It didn't look sacred. It looked… jagged.
"That looks like somewhere drunk beasts used to sing badly." Maelina added.
Zarek said nothing, but his jaw tightened slightly.
Maelina exhaled.
"We can't ride the horses up there," she said. "The slope's too steep."
Zarek had no objection.
He dismounted first, adjusting Eliora in his arms before tying his horse securely to a branch.
Maelina followed suit, patting her horse before stepping away.
For a moment, they stood at the base of the hill looking up.
