Breeze Scorchwind's Arc

Chapter 5 of 6

Breeze landed on the summit and stretched her wings wide. The entire mountain range spread below her in every direction. She had mapped the caves, found the hidden springs, and learned the safe routes through dangerous sections. Now it was time to start building. She gathered loose stones from a flat section near the peak's highest point and arranged them in a circle. The wind tried to scatter them, but she pressed each one firmly into place. Her nest would sit here, protected by the cliffs behind it and open to the sky above. She stepped back and looked at the ring of stones. It wasn't much yet, but it was hers. The highest peak was becoming her domain, one stone at a time. The next morning, Breeze flew down the eastern slope in search of something she'd heard the climbers mention at the rest area. She followed a narrow canyon between two red rock walls until she spotted the opening. A cave mouth sat tucked behind a cluster of boulders, its entrance covered in strange markings. She landed and walked closer. Ancient symbols had been carved into the stone, marking boundaries and claims from harpies who'd come before. Inside, colorful paintings covered the walls—desert cacti, mountain flowers, and winged figures standing on peaks. This was where territorial claims were recorded, passed down through generations. Breeze traced her talon over the carvings and understood. The highest peak was hers now, proven by her knowledge of every cave and spring, every safe route and hidden danger. She didn't need to carve her mark yet—that would come when her nest was finished. But finding this place meant her claim would be official, recognized by any harpy who climbed high enough to challenge her. She stepped back into the sunlight and looked up at her summit. Her domain was real. That afternoon, Breeze returned to the summit with supplies she'd gathered from lower camps. She found a leather sleeping bag wedged between rocks near the base of the peak, abandoned by a climber who'd turned back. The cowboy-style leather was thick and tough, perfect for the harsh conditions up here. She dragged it to her stone circle and unrolled it inside. The soft pillow tucked into one end still held its shape. This would keep her warm during the long nights while she finished building. She curled up inside to test it, her wings folded tight against her sides. The wind howled across the summit, but the stone circle and cliff wall blocked most of it. Her sleeping spot was protected and comfortable. When other climbers reached this height, they would see her nest and know someone had conquered the peak. The leather bag was her first real marker of success—proof that she was here to stay. Tomorrow she would start gathering branches and soft materials to complete the nest. But tonight, wrapped in leather under the open sky, she could rest knowing her domain was taking shape. She woke early and flew down to the hiking store before the sun climbed too high. Outside the entrance, a new display caught her eye—a red feathered tiara resting on a wooden stand. Polished stones decorated the crown, catching the morning light. A small sign beneath it read "Summit Victory." Breeze stepped closer and studied the craftsmanship. Someone had built this to honor climbers who reached the peaks. She picked it up carefully and placed it on her head. The feathers matched her own perfectly, and the weight felt right. She caught her reflection in the store window—fierce and proud. This was what claiming a domain looked like. She took the tiara off and set it back on the stand. She didn't need it yet, but seeing it there reminded her how close she was. Her stone circle waited at the summit, her sleeping spot was ready, and the ancient cave would one day hold her carved mark. The highest peak was becoming hers, piece by piece, and everyone who climbed these mountains would know it.