Chapter 52

I took Surry's advice and spent the night in contemplation of what was to come. Less than a week from now the remainder of my Pack -- minus the seven children and a couple of others, particularly the elderly Saro -- would be leaving this place, possibly never to return.

Our destination was the southernmost trail up the mountain. When my group had first descended, frozen and starved, the furthest thing from our minds was "I wonder how we'll climb back up this thing the next time." I had no idea if it was even feasible -- hence why Rufias had gone off to check on it early this afternoon.

He believed it was doable, and I believed in him. Therefore, there was no more use in hesitating beyond waiting for the weather to shift.

We had decided to move out on the first warmer day that came along, when the temperature was at