Page 5 of Alien Hunter's Prize

Imethodically checked my gear in the preparation area. Strong lines woven from mountain fibers, carved grips for difficult rock faces, sturdy hide straps and bindings.

Healing pastes, wound-binding fibers, pain-dulling powders. Blade, striker, purification crystals. A ritual of order, preparation for the unknown.

Jen worked nearby, packing her own bag. Efficient, but lacking ingrained patterns. More focus on her scavenged recording tech than on survival gear. Priorities needing adjustment.

"The thermal wraps," I said, indicating the stack. "Take two. High pass nights drop below freezing."

She nodded, adding them without argument. Practical enough to accept guidance. Promising.

"Heavier than expected," she commented.

"Density traps heat. Treated with resins. Two allows survival in sudden ice storms."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Ice storms? This season?"

"Mountains create their own weather. Preparation is wisdom." Respect flickered in her features. She rearranged herpack, removing less essential items for the second wrap. Good adaptation.

The door opened. Elder Shyla entered, primary contact for the Aerie Kin messenger, Kozlan. She carried a small, intricately carved wooden box. Her expression was solemn.

"The other Elders asked me to share what little we know of the Echoing Caves," she said. "What Kozlan has told us."

I paused, giving full attention, Jen moving to my side.

"His information was fragmented," Elder Shyla continued, opening the box. Inside, a small, rough-hewn crystal emitted a faint blue glow.

"Pain clouded his mind. But he spoke of the Shardwings' distress, harmony disrupted by something awakening in the 'Mountain's Throat'—what our oldest texts call the Echoing Caves."

"The failed stabilization site," I confirmed, recalling Rylis's warning in Council. Ancestral memory stirred—technology seeking control, bringing destruction.

"Yes." Elder Shyla lifted the crystal. "A shard from their sacred resonance crystals. Kozlan carried it as proof. The Aerie Kin use these to communicate with Shardwings, maintain balance." The shard seemed more alive than ruin-crystals.

"May I?" Jen stepped forward.

Shyla hesitated, then placed it in Jen's palm. The crystal's glow intensified slightly; Jen's eyes widened, breathing changed subtly.

"It resonates at a specific frequency," she murmured. "Clean. Structured. Similar to Shardwing calls, but more... controlled."

Elder Shyla watched sharply. "You sense this? Without tools?"

"My markings respond," Jen explained, returning the crystal.

Revelation crossed the elder’s face, then concern. "Unexpected. Our sensitives require years of training for such resonance." She addressed Jen.

"Kozlan noticed your markings. Even as exhausted and injured as he was. They troubled him—he called you 'the marked outsider.' Too weak to explain further."

If Kozlan recognized her markings... was there some connection we didn't understand? Unsettling.

"What else about the caves?" I asked, focusing on practical dangers.

Shyla grew grave. "The old texts call it where the mountain's true voice was shattered." She closed the box.

"Beware the dissonant whispers... they can trap the unwary mind." Cryptic warnings, likely holding truth. If the caves affected minds—perhaps via that resonance Jen detected—we needed caution.

"We will be cautious, Elder," I assured her.

She nodded, retrieving a small pouch. "Crushed kirna leaves. Help clear the mind from disharmonious energies. Aerie Kin use them. Kozlan insisted we give you his."

I accepted the pouch reverently. If Kozlan thought to provide this, the danger was real. Sharp, clean scent.

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