Whispers of Mount Arden

Whispers of Mount Arden

A Journey of Shadows and Redemption

Emily Forsyth

Copyright © 2024 by Emily Forsyth

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

First Edition: August 2024

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The Return

Chapter 2 Preparations and Portents

Chapter 3 Departure

Chapter 4 Unwelcoming Welcome

Chapter 5 First Ascent

Chapter 6 Echoes in the Wind

Chapter 7 Isolation

Chapter 8 Revelations

Chapter 9 The Cave

Chapter 10 Mid-Mountain Crisis

Chapter 11 Alone Against the Mountain

Chapter 12 The Echoes Speak

Chapter 13 Gathering Storm

Chapter 14 The Old Camp

Chapter 15 The Breakthrough

Chapter 16 Descent into the Abyss

Chapter 17 Confrontation with the Past

Chapter 18 The Guardian's Legacy

Chapter 19 Ascending from Darkness

Chapter 20 Edge of Revelation

Chapter 21 Confrontation at the Summit

Chapter 22 The Descent Begins

Chapter 23 Reunion and Realizations

Chapter 24 Departure from Arden

Chapter 25 Epilogue - New Beginnings

Conclusion

Chapter 1

The Return

The soft, rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the shore blended with the distant cries of seabirds as the morning sun filtered through Emily Forsyth’s curtains. The golden light cast a warm glow across her modest bedroom, illuminating the framed photographs that adorned the walls. Each picture captured a different adventure from her past—a climb in the Andes, a trek across the Sahara, and, most notably, a snapshot of Mount Arden’s formidable peaks. But those days felt like a lifetime ago, another person’s story.

Emily stirred, stretching her arms above her head before slowly sitting up. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night. The house was quiet, save for the ticking of the clock in the hallway, a sound she had grown accustomed to during her years of solitude. After Sarah’s disappearance, quiet mornings like this had become both a comfort and a curse, allowing her to retreat from the world and, at the same time, trapping her in a prison of her own thoughts.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed, the wooden floor cool against her bare feet, and glanced out the window. The ocean stretched out before her, calm and endless, a stark contrast to the turbulent memories that threatened to surface every day. She pushed them back, focusing on the routine she had built to keep herself grounded—coffee first, then a walk along the beach, maybe some reading afterward.

As she moved through the house, her fingers lightly brushed the edges of the photos on the wall. Each touch was a small acknowledgment of the past she was trying to leave behind, but the image of Mount Arden always made her pause. She lingered on that one for a moment longer, the mountain’s silhouette stark against a fiery sky. It was the last adventure she and Sarah had shared, before everything changed.

The sharp ring of the doorbell cut through the silence, startling her out of her reverie. She frowned, glancing at the clock. It was still early—too early for visitors. Emily hesitated, a faint sense of unease settling over her. The locals knew better than to bother her at this hour, and she wasn’t expecting any deliveries.

Curiosity piqued, she made her way to the door, her footsteps echoing in the stillness of the house. She opened the door to find no one there, only the morning breeze and the sound of the ocean greeting her. But as her gaze lowered, she noticed a single envelope lying on the doormat. It was aged, the paper slightly crumpled, and there was no return address.

Emily’s heart skipped a beat as she bent down to pick it up. The handwriting on the front was familiar—too familiar. Her breath caught in her throat as she traced the looping letters with her fingertips, her mind racing. It couldn’t be.

Sarah? she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

Her hands trembled as she carefully tore open the envelope. Inside, there was a single sheet of paper, folded neatly in half. Emily unfolded it slowly, dread building in her chest. The message was brief, just a few words written in that same unmistakable hand:

Come back to Mount Arden.

Emily stared at the words, her mind reeling. It felt like the ground had shifted beneath her, like the world had suddenly tilted on its axis. This couldn’t be real. It had to be some kind of cruel joke, but deep down, she knew the truth. The handwriting, the words—there was no mistaking them.

No, she murmured, shaking her head as if trying to dispel the notion. This can’t be from her...

She backed away from the door, clutching the letter to her chest. Memories she had tried so hard to bury came rushing back—Sarah’s laughter, the thrill of the climb, the last time she saw her sister alive. Emily’s vision blurred with unshed tears as she collapsed onto the nearest chair, the letter crumpled in her fist.

Why now? she whispered, her voice cracking. Why after all this time?

But there was no answer, only the relentless ticking of the clock and the distant sound of the sea. Emily sat there for what felt like hours, the weight of the letter pressing down on her, as if it were dragging her back to the place she had sworn never to return.

She closed her eyes, trying to block out the flood of emotions—fear, guilt, a deep, aching loss—but they swirled around her, relentless. The letter was like a ghost, a reminder of everything she had lost and everything she had tried to forget.

After what felt like an eternity, Emily finally opened her eyes and looked down at the letter again. The words seemed to pulse on the page, a summons she couldn’t ignore, no matter how much she wanted to. She knew what she had to do, even if it terrified her.

Slowly, she rose from the chair, the letter still clutched in her hand. She walked back to the window and stared out at the horizon, where the sea met the sky. The tranquility of the morning had been shattered, and she knew that her life was about to change once again. The mountain was calling her back, and this time, she couldn’t turn away.

With a deep breath, Emily made her decision. She would return to Mount Arden. She would face whatever waited for her there. And maybe, just maybe, she would finally find the answers she had been searching for all these years.

————

Emily paced the length of her living room, the letter still clutched tightly in her hand. She could feel her heart racing, her thoughts spiraling in every direction as the words on the page replayed in her mind—Come back to Mount Arden. It felt like an impossible demand, dragging her back to a place she had vowed never to see again.

She stopped by the window, staring out at the calm sea, searching for the same calm within herself but finding none. Her reflection in the glass looked back at her, eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. She didn’t recognize this version of herself, so caught off guard, so unprepared.

A knock at the door broke through her thoughts, and she turned sharply, her pulse quickening. She took a deep breath before crossing the room to open it. Tom Bennett stood on the doorstep, concern etched into his features. His presence was both a comfort and a painful reminder of the past they shared.

Tom... I wasn’t expecting you, Emily said, her voice unsteady.

I got your message. You sounded... off. I thought I’d come by and check on you, Tom replied, stepping inside. He glanced at the letter in her hand. What’s that?

Emily hesitated, looking down at the letter as if seeing it for the first time. It’s... from Sarah, she whispered, the words catching in her throat.

Tom’s brow furrowed. From Sarah? But... how?

I don’t know, Emily said, shaking her head as she handed him the letter. But it’s her handwriting, Tom. It’s her.

Tom unfolded the letter carefully, his eyes scanning the words. When he looked up, his expression was a mix of disbelief and concern. Come back to Mount Arden... Emily, this can’t be real. Sarah—

Sarah is gone. I know that, Tom! Emily snapped, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion. But this letter... it’s her. I know it is.

Tom reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Emily, you’ve been through so much. Maybe this is someone’s idea of a cruel joke. Maybe—

No, Emily interrupted, pulling away from him. It’s not a joke. I feel it, Tom. She’s calling me back, but I don’t know if I can do it. I don’t know if I have the strength to face that place again.

Tom’s gaze softened. Emily, you don’t have to do this alone. If you decide to go back, I’ll be with you every step of the way. But you need to think this through. Are you sure you’re ready to face whatever’s up there?

I thought I had buried it all, Emily whispered, her voice breaking. I thought I had moved on, but the memories... they’re still there, Tom. Every day, they haunt me. The guilt, the loss... it’s like a weight I can’t escape. And now, this letter... it’s ripping everything open again.

Tom sighed, running a hand through his hair. What happened to Sarah wasn’t your fault. You did everything you could. We all did.

But it wasn’t enough, Emily said, tears welling in her eyes. I wasn’t enough. I should have been able to save her.

You can’t keep blaming yourself for what happened, Tom said gently. The mountain... it took her, but it doesn’t have to take you too. You’ve spent so long punishing yourself. Maybe this is your chance to find some closure, to finally let go.

Let go... Emily echoed, her voice hollow. How do I do that, Tom? How do I go back there and not lose myself again?

By facing it head-on, Tom replied, his voice firm. By confronting whatever demons are still haunting you on that mountain. And by knowing you’re not alone in this. You have me, Emily. We’ll do this together.

Emily looked at him, searching his eyes for the reassurance she so desperately needed. You really think I can do this?

I know you can, Tom said, squeezing her shoulder. But only if you’re ready. You don’t have to decide right now. Take some time. Think it over. But whatever you decide, just know I’ll be there with you.

Emily nodded slowly, the turmoil within her beginning to settle, if only slightly. Thank you, Tom. I... I need to be alone for a while. To think.

Of course, Tom said, stepping back toward the door. I’ll give you some space. But remember, I’m just a call away.

As the door closed behind him, Emily sank into the nearest chair, the letter once again in her hands. She stared at it, the words blurring as tears filled her eyes. She knew Tom was right—she had to face this, but the thought of returning to Mount Arden terrified her in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

She pressed the letter to her chest, closing her eyes as memories of Sarah flooded back—their laughter, their shared dreams, the moment she lost her on that cursed mountain. The pain was still raw, still unbearable. How could she possibly go back?

But deep down, she knew there was no other choice. The mountain was calling her, and this time, she couldn’t run away.

With a deep, shuddering breath, Emily made a silent vow. She would return to Mount Arden. For Sarah. For herself. And for the chance to finally put the past to rest.

————

The afternoon sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the coastal town as Emily walked along the familiar path to Tom’s house. Her mind was a whirlwind of doubt and confusion, the letter still heavy in her pocket, like a weight she couldn’t shake. She needed to talk to someone, to hear another voice that could help her make sense of the chaos in her head. And there was no one better than Tom.

When she reached Tom’s front door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking. She had always relied on him, ever since their first climb together years ago. He had been there through thick and thin, a steady presence in the tumultuous aftermath of Sarah’s disappearance. But this—this was different. This was asking him to revisit the same pain she had been running from.

Tom opened the door almost immediately, as if he had been expecting her. His rugged features softened when he saw her, but the concern in his eyes was unmistakable.

Emily, come in, he said, stepping aside to let her pass. I had a feeling you’d be back.

She nodded, stepping into the familiar warmth of his home. The walls were lined with photos of past expeditions, a constant reminder of the lives they had led before everything changed. She felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with sorrow as she looked at the smiling faces, hers and Sarah’s among them.

Tom motioned for her to sit at the kitchen table, where a pot of coffee was already brewing. He poured two mugs, setting one in front of her before taking a seat across the table. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence thick with unspoken words.

Finally, Emily broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. Tom, I got a letter. From Sarah.

Tom’s eyes widened, but he kept his voice steady. The letter you mentioned earlier... It was really from her?

Emily nodded, pulling the crumpled paper from her pocket and sliding it across the table to him. Tom picked it up carefully, as if handling something fragile, and read the brief message. He set the letter down, his brow furrowing as he considered its implications.

‘Come back to Mount Arden,’ he read aloud, his tone thoughtful. Emily, I don’t know how this is possible. But I do know that this letter has shaken you to your core.

Emily stared into her coffee, the steam swirling up like the thoughts in her mind. It has. I don’t understand it, Tom. I thought I was done with that mountain, with everything it took from me. But this letter... it’s like it’s pulling me back.

Tom leaned forward, his voice gentle but firm. Maybe it’s not just the letter pulling you back. Maybe there’s a part of you that never really left Mount Arden.

Emily looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty. What do you mean?

You’ve been carrying this guilt, this loss, for years, Emily, Tom said, his gaze unwavering. We all have. But you... you were closest to Sarah. You were the one who felt responsible when she didn’t come back. And that’s been eating away at you ever since.

It has, Emily admitted, her voice breaking slightly. I couldn’t save her, Tom. I let her down, and I’ve been punishing myself for it every day.

Tom reached across the table, taking her hand in his. You didn’t let her down. You did everything you could. But maybe now it’s time to stop punishing yourself and start healing.

By going back to Mount Arden? Emily asked, her voice laced with fear. I don’t know if I can do that, Tom. I don’t know if I’m strong enough.

You’re stronger than you think, Tom replied, squeezing her hand. You’ve always been stronger than you give yourself credit for. But this... this isn’t just about strength. It’s about finding closure, about reclaiming that part of yourself you left behind on that mountain.

Emily’s gaze dropped to their hands, her thoughts churning. What if I go back and it’s too much? What if I can’t handle it?

Then I’ll be there with you, Tom said without hesitation. Every step of the way, I’ll be right there. You don’t have to face this alone, Emily. We started this journey together, and if you decide to go back, we’ll finish it together.

Emily’s eyes welled with tears, but she blinked them back, nodding slowly. I’m so scared, Tom.

I know, Tom said softly. But fear doesn’t have to stop you. It can guide you, push you to do what needs to be done. And maybe, just maybe, going back to Mount Arden is the only way to finally find peace.

Emily took a deep, shaky breath, feeling the warmth of his hand in hers, grounding her in the moment. You really think this is the right thing to do?

I do, Tom said with conviction. But it’s your decision, Emily. Whatever you choose, I’ll support you. Just know that sometimes, the only way to move forward is to face the past head-on.

Emily nodded, her resolve slowly solidifying. You’re right. I can’t keep running from this. If I want to move on, I have to go back.

Tom smiled, a mixture of pride and relief in his eyes. That’s the Emily I know. We’ll do this together, just like old times.

Emily returned his smile, albeit shakily, feeling a spark of the determination she had once known so well. Thank you, Tom. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

You’ll never have to find out, Tom said with a wink. Now, let’s start planning. We have a mountain to climb.

As they began discussing the logistics of the journey, Emily felt a strange sense of calm settle over her. The fear was still there, lurking in the background, but it was tempered by the knowledge that she wasn’t alone. With Tom by her side, she could face whatever awaited her on Mount Arden.

And for the first time in years, Emily felt a flicker of hope—a hope that maybe, just maybe, this journey would bring her the peace she so desperately needed.

————

The night had been anything but restful. Emily tossed and turned, the darkness of her room a canvas for the memories that replayed in her mind. Each time she closed her eyes, she saw the jagged peaks of Mount Arden, sharp against the sky, as if they were waiting for her. Sarah’s laughter echoed in her dreams, a haunting reminder of the bond they had shared and the gaping void left by her absence.

She awoke before dawn, her heart racing and her sheets twisted around her legs. For a moment, she lay there, staring at the ceiling, her mind a storm of emotions—fear, guilt, determination. The letter lay on the nightstand, as if it had been watching over her all night, a silent sentinel of her unresolved past.

Emily sat up, running a hand through her disheveled hair. The weight of the decision she had to make pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe. But even in the silence of the early morning, she knew what she had to do. She couldn’t hide from it any longer.

She reached for the letter, smoothing out its creases as if that could somehow ease the tension in her heart. The words were as clear as they had been the day before—Come back to Mount Arden. She read them over and over, as if searching for some hidden meaning, but there was none. Just the stark reality of what was being asked of her.

Emily rose from the bed, her movements slow and deliberate, as if her body was reluctant to start the day. She walked to the window and pulled back the curtains, revealing the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon. The ocean was calm, the sky a pale shade of pink, and for a moment, the beauty of it all made her pause. But the peace was fleeting, replaced by the gnawing anxiety that had settled in her chest since the letter arrived.

With a deep breath, she turned away from the window and headed to the closet. The door creaked as she opened it, revealing her old climbing gear neatly packed away on the top shelf. It had been years since she’d even looked at it, let alone touched it. But now, as she pulled down the heavy backpack, the climbing ropes, and her boots, she felt a strange sense of familiarity, like greeting an old friend.

Her fingers brushed over the worn leather of her boots, the memories of past climbs flooding back—each peak she had conquered, each challenge she had overcome. But those memories were bittersweet, tinged with the loss of Sarah, and the guilt that had haunted her ever since.

Emily began packing her gear with methodical precision. The rope was coiled tightly, the carabiners clinked softly as she checked each one, and the harness was still in good condition. As she worked, her mind drifted back to the last time she had packed for Mount Arden. Sarah had been there, laughing and teasing her about being too meticulous, while she had simply rolled her eyes and double-checked everything anyway. That was how they had always been—Sarah the free spirit, Emily the careful planner.

But careful planning hadn’t saved Sarah. The thought made Emily pause, her hands trembling slightly as she placed the last piece of equipment in her pack. She had always prided herself on being prepared, on thinking of every possible outcome. But she hadn’t been prepared for what had happened on that mountain. And now, the thought of returning filled her with a dread she couldn’t shake.

Am I really doing this? she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the quiet of the room.

But the answer was already clear. She had made her decision the moment she had opened the letter. There was no turning back now. She had to go, not just for Sarah, but for herself. To find some semblance of peace, to finally put the past to rest.

As she zipped up her pack, the sound seemed to echo in the stillness, a finality that both terrified and reassured her. She glanced at the clock—still early, but time was slipping away. There was much to do, and she knew she had to prepare herself, not just physically, but mentally. The mountain would test her in ways she couldn’t yet imagine, and she had to be ready for whatever it threw at her.

Emily carried the pack to the living room, setting it down by the door. The house was filled with the soft light of morning now, but it felt different—more like a place she was leaving behind rather than returning to. She knew this journey would change her, that when she came back—if she came back—nothing would be the same.

She took