The Sun, The Line, and The Cave

by Legionnaire24601

"Oğul, the salt mines are not like any other place we've been, there is a blackness within the Kubera caves that rivals even that of the Darklands, one can easily lose their way there, for you cannot look to either side or behind you, only straight ahead. And even that does not guarantee that you'll return Walder."

1. Basics

The steady drip of water from cavernous walls and the soft brush of air from his own lungs are the only sounds he can identify, as Walder Stricklander tried his best to maintain his balance on the caverns ridge. Beneath the blindfold, sweat dripped into his eyes. He winced. His legs were shaking from holding his semi crouched position. Gripping at the rough stone tightly Walder tried to adjust his footing, inhaling sharply when his knee jammed up against a jagged rock, nearly causing him to lose his hold.

Irritated, he cursed, and went back to his original position. The pain in his knee a throbbing reminder that he hated this exercise.

"You need the practice oğul" Walder mimicked quietly reaching up to find a better hold. Finding it, he Lifted his left leg to hook his heel into a groove he had felt out.

Fighting against gravity, He raised himself higher. A small tremor going through the back of his leg at the effort.

"go back to the basics oğul."

He tried to steady his breathing.

The fabric obscuring his vision was growing increasingly uncomfortable.

"This isn't a request oğul, you will go and you will stay there until I tell you to come down."

Walder sighed, he didn't know how long he'd been up here,clinging to the rock wall. Time in the Darklands passed differently, Centuries could have passed and he wouldn't know the difference. He shifted his weight slightly. An uncomfortable twinge went through his arm,and the muscles of his back stiffened from exertion, a cold sweat breaking out between his shoulder blades.

Gritting his teeth He continued climbing upward.

"This is ridiculous," He thought with a groan, "Only trainees are put through this."

Restlessness was getting the better of him. making sure his foothold was stable,Walder let go with one hand and tore off the blindfold. Immediately he regretted the decision, a horrible whirling sensation assaulted his senses and his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach as he realized just how high up he was.

Regaining his bearings, Walder shut his eyes and pressed himself closer to the face of the wall. The rough, damp stone scraped against his cheek as He huffed in frustration.

"Alright," he mumbled to himself, "that's enough."

He could just picture Sadik's disapproving golden gaze.

Gritting his teeth, Walder rolled his neck, and giving a brief glance down to double check his holds He began to work his way back into the Bowels of the Darklands.