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

102 103 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Fight or Flight “Don’t confuse your inability to understand or appreciate Darius’ genius with his overall inability, or shortcomings,” Fang responded. “Whatever, its so-called genius couldn’t protect us from potential harm, so I don’t know how useful it is.” “Enough guys. If what Darius said is true, then we need to stop yapping and get moving,” Tumi said. “Did you really just say yapping?” Ethan asked. “Yes, Ethan, I did.” “We do need to get going,” TJ interjected. “Let’s all go back to our tents and collect our things.” As they continued to make their way down the mountain, they were all on edge. They didn’t know what to expect: Would there be another attack? Was the first one even an attack? Were they being chased down? The mood was tense. There were hardly any conversations happening amongst them. TJ and Fang kept surveying their surroundings, looking back and forth, at one another, communicating through their eyes as they kept moving, trying to make sure they were safe. After the attack, and with the knowledge of their 12-hour window, the team decided to move at a faster pace. As opposed to covering one camp each day, sleeping one night, then moving to the next camp, they decided to cover two camps each day. They made it to Camp 3 without any problems. It was tough, but they all managed. They rested for a short time, then started moving again. After hours of walking, some of them were getting tired. “Could we please slow down?” Ana said. “Stop, mates!” Ethan called out. “What’s wrong?” TJ asked. “Is everyone OK?” “Can we stop for a little bit please?” Ana asked. “It’s not safe. We need to keep moving.” “I’m with Ana. I need a break,” said Pippa. Ethan and Tumi nodded their heads in agreement. They were feeling tired, as the adrenaline and special boost from the mountaintop had worn off. TJ looked at Fang, slightly frustrated, but he understood that they couldn’t keep going at that pace. “We could use a break,” Fang said. Ethan dropped his bags and started setting up. He wasn’t going to wait for any confirmation. The girls followed, dropping their bags. TJ conceded. “Let’s at least get a better sense of how far we are from Camp 2,” TJ said. “Darius, how much further to Camp 2?” Fang asked. “3 hours and 40 minutes.” “That’s still quite a distant that needs to be covered. We can’t stop for long. And the sun sets in a few hours,” TJ said. “Cool, let’s take an hour rest for a little bit,” Ethan said. “We can do 30 minutes, max,” TJ responded. “Only 30 minutes?” Pippa said. The others were also surprised by the short time given. “I know we’re tired, but we don’t have the time,” TJ said. “Guys, TJ is right. We can’t afford to be caught out in the snow after sunset. We will literally freeze to death,” Fang affirmed. There were a few grumbles, but everyone agreed with the 30-minute rest.