The next day, the Challengers awoke to find scrolls delivered with their breakfast meals, directing them to the foothills of the Tormal Mountains. They set off at once, making their way over rivers and plains, and through some of the most vile slums of Ial, before finally arriving at the base of the foothills.
Queen Athena awaited them there, accompanied by several guards and courtesans, enjoying a cup of tea as they watched the surroundings. “Welcome,” she announced grandly, “to your next challenge! The Tormal Mountains,” she said, her voice ringing clearly and echoing through the hills. “Though I bear the title of Conqueror of the Tormal Mountains, they are like a force of nature. They cannot be tamed, any more than a savage dragon may be made to submit. Many have climbed the mountains over the years, including my own ancestors, but doing so is an arduous task, and many who attempt it lose their lives in the process."
Murmurs, some excited, others nervous, rippled through the group as the looked up at the immense task likely awaiting them.
“As you have probably guessed, you will climb the Tormal Mountains today,” said the Queen. “This challenge pushes your physical ability and mental endurance to the limit. How far can you go, before you yield to the mountains? Unfortunately, there is not enough rope for all of you, meaning some pieces will require splitting. The rope you choose to use is up to you. Furthermore, the shorter your rope, the longer it will take to scale the mountain, which will put you at a disadvantage compared to your foes.
"You will have to communicate with each other to determine the best path, but communication is risky up in the heights where avalanches are common. However, take heart in this,” she continued. “There will be no elimination today. Or at least, there will be none, if –– and only if! –– the losing challenger forfeits all of his or her Scrolls of Summon Magical Assistant to the winner. Now, this may be a greater loss for some of you than others. But it is the price you must pay to remain in the Seventh Challenge of Challesia.
“The best of luck to you all. Let the challenge begin!”