Her mother had told her about the Peak.

Oswin marveled at the sight of the great mountain rising up as if it intended to touch the heavens. She imagined on days when the clouds were thick in the sky the top would disappear in their coverage. Today, on a day which was crawling toward the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, there was just enough blank space in the blue sky to show her the Peak in all its glory. Soon she imagined the rain clouds gathering on the horizon would drift close and partially shield its might.

Oswin remembered the day her mother told her about the Peak. It had been the first place Dock crossed on her fateful trip to Crossing Isle. First she’d met a mare at the Peak, and then she’d met the stallion who would one day be Oswin’s father, and then came the worst twist of fate no one should dare suffer. Dock had kept the tale from her daughter for as long as she possibly could, but since the day Oswin learned she had another brother (the day he’d come into the Prairie), she’d been desperate to know the truth. Her mother told her to wait until she was older and wait she did until finally, alone and away from the herd, Dock told everything to Oswin.

A mix of emotions had followed the talk and though it had brought the two closer than ever, it only solidified Oswin’s decision to leave her father’s herd as they traveled over the mainlands and return to the islands. One, she intended to find her half-brother should he still live here. She would not openly fault her mother for her mistreatment of him but quietly, Oswin felt it was misplaced and had a desire to know him. Two, she wished to seek out the Peak. It sounded as if it was everything and every place she’d ever wanted to live at.

Plus, she’d once met a girl who lived there and was curious to see if she still did.

Oswin did not stop as she made her way through the forests and over what land made up Crossing Isle. She kept the Peak as her destination, marveling at how its might only grew the further she drew close. Craning her neck she looked up the worn-down path which would take her to the top and without hesitation, started forward. Oswin was careful as she went, only going so fast as not to stumble or cause any unnecessary injury, but still quick enough that she wasn’t advancing at a snail’s pace.

Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, she made it to the top. A large exhale left her and she glanced around her, amazed at everything she could see.