ToP Chapter 71

Chapter Seventy-One: Mountain Tongues

Solineus, after three weeks of fasting, begins his ascent of the Twelfth Foundation, Hîmr’s Eye’s Hammerfall, to retrieve Pîlôstar’s token and secure alliances with the Eight Kingdoms. Accompanied by Morik, who reluctantly guides him due to the Ironwing’s command, and a team of Temerêun porters, Solineus marvels at the mountain’s daunting scale, its snow-capped peak contrasting with the lush base. The group reaches the Temple of Arumbor, a cliff-carved sanctuary, where Seblêsu, the Lady of the Mountain, greets them, noting the rarity of a barbarian’s pilgrimage and the deadly history of summit attempts, including her own survival and the disappearance of recent climbers. The temple’s Hall of Eternity disorients Solineus with its infinite pillars, hinting at mystical properties tied to Ôls-hûin, the Great Finder. After a hearty meal, Solineus trains for a week, climbing to the Nelflûk camp daily to acclimate to the altitude, learning breathing and hydration techniques from Morik to survive the thinning air. At Nelflûk, Solineus joins the Temerêun in the Mountain Tongue, a wordless, soulful song inspired by the Dragonspans’ vista, connecting him emotionally to the landscape and his purpose.

• ToP Chapter 70 — Halls of the Ironwing
• ToP Chapter 72 — Hollowing Breaths
• Trail of Pyres - Main Chapter Listing