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

70 71 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince “Yes, don’t worry. We’ll be with you every step of the way,” Tumi added. “Thanks, guys. It means a lot to me.” Once they were all ready, Dorjee led them to Camp 1. The climb from Base Camp to Camp 1 was relatively hassle free. They climbed at a steady pace, with the tail end, Ana and the sherpa crew, keeping up without much struggle. Even the infamous Khumbu icefalls were overcome routinely, mainly due to Dorjee and his sherpas good work and expert skillset. With Fang and TJ right behind Dorjee, setting the pace, it was no surprise that the two boys felt they could keep going immediately once they had arrived at Camp 1. Dorjee had to constantly remind them that they were climbing as a team, not as individuals. His words were met with great appreciation by Pippa, Tumi, and Ethan. Though they were keeping up, they were conscious of Ana and the fact that she needed more time. The temperature at Camp 1 remained steady at -25 degrees Celsius. The wind speed was bearable. They stopped at Camp 1 for some time so everyone could rest and regain their energies. Dorjee checked in on everyone. Once they were ready, he led them through to camp 2. Chapter 4 1st Projection They were on their way once again. With the icefalls behind them, the climb to Camp 2 was more of a formality. Fatigue would begin to kick in, but within a few hours, upon arriving at the camp, they would have two days of rest and recovery. Having left just before sunrise, and now almost half a day later, they were safely at Camp 2. The second of five. With one thing on their mind—sleep—they dropped all their stuff, changed out of their climbing gear, had dinner, and went straight to their tents. After two nights at Camp 2, they moved on to Camp 3. The climb was challenging, but they made it without any major issues. With a few stops in between, everyone pulled their weight, and the crew made it through as a team. They spent two nights at the Camp and then moved on to the next one.