Part I: Six Packages, Six Journeys, One Big Wooden Door

40 41 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Journey to Sagarmatha “OK.” TJ didn’t actually know what a charter flight was, but not wanting to expose his aeronautical inexperience, he chose not to ask any clarifying questions. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. We would like to once again welcome you all onboard. The time is 19:45, and we are scheduled to land in Lukla at 20:10. We would now like to ask that you please fasten your seatbelts and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Thank you. Enjoy your flight.” “Enjoy my flight? This thing feels so unstable,” Tumi said as the plane took off. She gripped onto the armrests with her body rigidly pushing against her seat. She could feel her body moving from side to side. The rattles outside were faint but loud enough for Tumi to hear, increasing her unease. “Did you know that this particular aircraft is a Donnier DO 228? It is a STOL utility aircraft. STOL stands for ‘Short Take-Off and Landing.’ It is ideal for airports in mountainous regions. So, we are as safe as we will ever be in this type of aircraft.” “Ana, I know you’re trying to help,” Tumi replied, “but nothing you say will put me at ease right now.” “Sorry, I was just trying to help,” she said looking dejected. “OK, OK… Tell me more.” Ana continued telling them about the aircraft and the airline they were using, describing the history of both in detail. A 25-minute flight was not sufficient for Ana to cover all the content she had to share with everyone. “Oh no, we’re here. Sorry, Ana, you’ll have to continue your story another time,” said TJ. “Ah no. OK.” She didn’t notice the sarcasm in TJ’s tone. As they exited the aircraft, a guy dressed in snow pants and a snow jacket was waiting for them at one of the airport entrance doors. “Oh my word, it’s freezing here!” Pippa said. She was the first one to exit. They all followed with the same reaction, shivering as they ran towards the entrance. It was -3 degrees Celsius. As they ran towards the door, a group of men walked towards the aircraft. They were collecting a large number of bags. Each guy came back carrying two sizeable bags individually. “Welcome to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Come inside.” “That’s so much better!” Pippa said. “Yes, it is a little warmer inside, but it is still quite cold everywhere else. Hi, my name is Dorjee, by the way. I will be your expedition leader. Please, follow me. You will be briefed when we get to the Lodge.” The entire group got into three Jeeps: one for the visitors, another for the gentlemen carrying the bags, and the last for the bags themselves. The drive to the lodge only took about five minutes, as it was located on the other side of the airport.