Last voyage of The Nonesuch

Expedition

Sova and Kal embark on a voyage to the north to find the truth about Spirits.

We climbed for over a week straight. I have little concept of the time, since the sun never sets this far north. My legs feel like jelly, but still the staircase spirals on around the mountain. It wasn't so bad once I get into a rhythm, as long as I didn't glance over the side to realize how high we had climbed. So many times I longed to turned back, but every time, Kal encouraged me onward. I couldn't have done this without him, and not only so I can share his warmth when we stop to sleep.

  By all rights, there shouldn't even be oxygen this high. Spirits have something to do with this, I'm sure. Today, we reached the base of the tower. There's a little wooden door at the top of the stairs. When I tried the latch, it was unlocked. The Spirits want us to be here. I can feel it. This is how the legend goes, isn't it? Climb to the top, play the drum, bring glory for yourself and the world. I think the Spirits have been waiting for us - waiting for someone to reach them.

  We've rested at the base of the tower long enough. There's another staircase to climb, but at least this one is indoors.

— From the journal of Sova Isazåzus