Chapter 552

Louis and Timothy decided to travel together. Their troops remained stationed behind the border, having neither crossed into nor entered the grassland tribes' territory. Only one hundred soldiers, in teams of ten, would proceed.

As expected, traveling in small groups through the grasslands avoided detection by the sentries. They reached the summit of Crow Mountain and waited. Despite the mountain's vastness, their high vantage point allowed them to observe any movement from afar.

They couldn't simply rush down; Crow Mountain marked the border between Sandoria and the grasslands, and a misstep could trigger conflict. Leaving some men behind as lookouts, ready to call for help if needed, Louis and Timothy proceeded with about a dozen men.

Meanwhile, Rafael and his group had reached the base of Crow Mountain. Crossing it would place them in the grasslands. Their small size would avoid attracting the attention of the grassland tribes, and Victor would likely not dare to follow.

They had run without rest. Rafael persevered, but the others struggled, their legs shaking from exhaustion. Several had been injured during the rescue. Thomas, initially able to walk slowly with support, eventually had to be carried.

Although uninjured, Rafael was still depleted from his skirmish with the garrison troops at Sandoria's border city. Except for Everett, everyone was exhausted and needed rest before climbing Crow Mountain.

However, their brief rest was interrupted when Everett suddenly stood. After listening intently, he announced, "They're almost here. That was fast. It must be Victor's elite troops. We must ascend the mountain immediately."

Rafael produced a vial of medicine, dispensed several pills, and gave them to the injured to swallow.

+25 BONUS

His primary concern was Lawrence, whose condition had worsened throughout the escape. His breathing was labored, and his wounds showed signs of redness and pus; however, Sebastian's medicine had offered some slight improvement since his rescue.

Rafael gently patted his face. "Lawrence, we must go. I'll carry you. You must hold on. Your wife awaits you in the capital. You cannot leave her waiting in vain."

At the mention of his wife, Lawrence's eyes flickered open. He looked weakly at Rafael and said, "I… I'm a burden…"

Seizing the moment, Rafael crushed the remaining medicine and forced it into Lawrence's mouth. "I'll carry you. We're moving now."

Rafael hoisted Lawrence onto his back. Lawrence's tears fell on Rafael's back; his voice was a faint whisper. "If something… you have to… leave me behind."

Though fading, he understood the danger. If his presence jeopardized the others' escape, he would find no peace in death.

"Not a single person will be left behind!" Rafael declared in a low voice, turning to the others who supported each other as they walked. "We are only one mountain away. Once we cross this mountain, we'll reach the grasslands, and Simonton City will be before us. Do you want to return to your homeland? Do you want to see the Southern Frontier territory we reclaimed?"

Tears welled in their eyes. "We even dream of it!"

Rafael nodded. "Good! Let's go. Home is within sight."

Crow Mountain was high and treacherous. Unlike previous mountains with manageable forests and undergrowth, this mountain was different. The lower slopes were passable, but the terrain grew increasingly steep. Above the halfway point, the cliffs were extremely steep and smooth, with only a few tenacious trees growing in the rock crevices. There was virtually no path.

The cliff was at least 330 feet high, an obstacle to their ascent. Beyond it, the path remained difficult, but passable.

"We have iron hooks and ropes," Tobias said.

Everett shook his head. "Those are useless. There are no protruding rocks, and the surface is too smooth for the hooks to grip. We'll have to scale it directly, using those small trees for leverage. But your Lightfoot Skills aren't sufficient. Only Rafael and I can manage it."

Dylan examined the cliff face. "I can do it too." He could leap and grab the small trees to climb further. It would be difficult, but possible.

Jacob, also proficient in Lightfoot Skills, added, "I can do it as well."

Chapter 555