The purple oil Agatha found on the rocks coated her fingers, making it impossible for her to continue the ascend. The sun had sunken beyond the horizon line, so she didn't have enough time today for a second try.
Attempting to not rely on the slimy hand, she descended back to the green grass below where her mother waited for her in silence.
When her feet touched the ground, Agatha turned to her mother. "What do you know about this?" she asked, showing her hand enveloped in purple goo to Gerlinda.
"Follow me," her mother replied. The old leader turned her back on her daughter and walked away.
Agatha complied. Not long after, she could see a modest stone structure squatted near the wall, enveloped by a massive spruce forest, well-hidden in the landscape.
This volume won't be as long as the first one. After a few chapters, we will go into the third and final volume :)