CHAPTER 1ON FIRE MOUNTAIN
For days the travelers had made their slow way through the mountains, but now at last they were in sight of their goal. At the edge of the chasm they dismounted from their shaggy ponies and stood to look upon Fire Mountain.
It was near to the hour of sunset, and the west was aflame. Against that fiery sky the peak soared, black and sheer, and flames danced upon its crest.
The guides and bearers licked their lips and glanced at one another. They could think of no reason why the woman had hired them to conduct her to this dreadful place, or why it was that she wished to go forward alone from this point. But they did not ask; cold silver can quiet curiosity.
Yothlymbris was the mountain’s name, and it did not enjoy a favorable reputation. The men were glad they d
