Ethan was already in the forest running as fast as possible towards Mount Etna. Though the pain from his broken ribs were taking over, Ethan didn't stop. Licia's life was more important right now, any pain right now is just a distraction and he shouldn't succumb to. Mount Etna was 1day from the village, there was a clear route leading to the mountain which was used several years ago. Ethan just had to follow it and he would reach his destination. Thanks to the Great Kingdom, there were no beasts to worry about, his journey will be save and not be interrupted at any given moment.
Mount Etna was quite an old rugged Mountain It was mentioned in legends, scroll but nothing was ever read about it that a certain entity was sealed in it. It was the symbol of power to the gods according to the legends but was also restricted of access by any individual. However who respected the rules again in this present Era, humanity had other plans than to respect stuffs written in scrolls.
Ethan started to feel tired after running for so long. He decided to slow down but not stop completely and have a break. The only thing he had in mind now was to save Licia and he would do that by any means possible that he can. He would care about himself only when Licia's life wasn't threatened. He was now walking but at a fast pace
"I have to reach Mount Etna as fast as possible and find this entity. I don't care if the old fool was lieing or not, I have to take the risk. If it's true then Licia's life wouldn't be in danger anymore" Ethan said with a serious look
He was focused on Licia's state and getting to this entity. If what the old fool was saying is all the truth, then there is a big chance that Licia will survive and they will continue their life from there onward. If all that the old fool said was a silly joke, then he would have at least tried all that he could to save her.
"Though I'm a little worried, unsure and afraid it might not be true, I still hope it's the truth"
"I will definitely thank the old fool and repay him whatever way he wants if I end up saving Licia" Ethan said increase his pace. A walk that would normally take 24hrs took Ethan 20hrs. Even feeling tired all the way till here and the pain he felt from his ribs, he didn't want to rest for a split second. Time was what he lacked and evwry split second was precious. The more time he waste, the more Licia moves towards the land of the death and he wasn't ready for that. He would afford to loose the last family he has now after the lost of 4years ago.
Mount Etna stood tall in the sky. It was literally so tall that the peak wasn't seen due to it been in the clouds. It wasn't too steep, made of dark and light rocks here and there. There was a path from its foot leading to a flat stand. Twelve meters above the stand was a cave opening. One will have to climb for hours to reach the cave but an experienced alpinist with right and perfect tool will reach the cave in two hours only. Not only was the Mountain grandiose but there was something about it, something sinister about the Mountain that sent shivers down Ethan's spine when he looked at it
"Why am I having this feeling that it is not a good idea to approach this Mountain?" Ethan asked himself, still looking at the Mountain. His face was more serious and he didn't flinch for even a second from this feeling. He just had a stern look, saying he doesn't care about anything now, he was there already and he would just climb the Mountain. He hadn't even seen what he came looking and it would be a shame to just go like that after the long walk he had twenty hours ago just to reach here.
Ethan decided to sit for a while and have something to eat and rest. He would starting climbing the mountain very early in the morning. The more he rested, the more energy he will have to climb this Mountain and get what he came for to save Licia
"Don't worry kiddo, brother is going to save you" Ethan said in pain, looking at the sky, before lieing on the leaves he prepared on the ground to sleep. In not long his breathing became calm and his chest heaved normally, insinuating he was sleeping already.
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In the village, in Ethan's usual hiding spot, Licia was laid on trash bags, panting hard, her breath abnormal, her chest heaving at a fast pace and her body all read. Sweat running down her forehead, cheeks and all over her body. If one could touch the bags underneath her, he would think she peed on herself but it was all sweat from her body.
"Bro...bro...brother...where...where...where...are..are...you...i...i...need...you...you...by...by...my...side...side...bro..brother...please...come...back...back...to...to...me" Licia tried hard to mutter those words.
She was in utter pain and was agonizing. All she wanted was her brother by her side but he has left to find a way to save her. Will he be able to save her in time? Was it true what the old fool said earlier? Was it worth the risk to trust in this old fool and indulge in this trip? None will be able to answer this questions. Only when he reaches the cave at the Mountain shall we know if it was worth it.
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Waking up from the sound of bird chirping and the cool air all over the place, Ethan took his back with his provision and started following the path up the Mountain to the flat standing top. Thought the Mountain wasn't that steep it was hard to walk up this rugged path, full of green slippery mosses. Ethan had to hold the rocks to the side of the Mountain, pulling his body up to move forward.
He slipped from time to time but didn't give up and continue his walk. Walking for over three hours now, Ethan finally saw the flat top up ahead.