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

76 77 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince 1st Projection to the main tent to wait for their final instructions from Dorjee. “Once again, good job on making it this far. It was not without its challenges and hurdles along the way. But now you are one step away. You have done all the work. You have put your bodies on the line. Now you are ready to make the Summit.” All the climbers were feeling inspired, receiving another impassioned speech by Dorjee, their fearless guide. It did the job; everyone was excited and ready for the great Summit. Dorjee then paused before his next statement: “This is as far as our journey goes with you guys.” The room was filled with puzzled expressions. There was a moment of silence before they responded. “Wait. What?” said Pippa. “This is as far as our journey goes. As in all of us? Or… like…” TJ said in confusion. They were surprised at what they had just heard. They stood there in silence. Looking around at one another, they were trying to figure out what was going on. “We have been instructed to go no further than Camp 4, as you guys are to complete the final leg yourselves, just the six of you. Once you get to the top, you will receive further instructions.” “There you go again with the ‘we have been instructed’ business,” said TJ. “Who has instructed you? Why have they instructed you? And when will we get all our answers?” “Well, he just said we’ll get our answers at the top,” responded Pippa. “No, he actually said we will receive further instructions,” Tumi said. “Exactly, we don’t know if we’ll get any answers up there or not. Who’s to say we won’t be sent on another wild goose chase when we get there?” said TJ. “Geese are actually fun animals to chase around. Tricky lil’ buggers, but once you catch ‘em, they’re cute and cuddly, making the chase worthwhile.” Ethan said. You could hear a few snickers coming from some of the climbers. Those who didn’t find that comment amusing were slightly annoyed, given the news they had just received. Neither of them could wrap their minds around the idea of having to climb without any of the sherpas. As they looked back to their climb thus far, it was difficult enough with the guidance and assistance of the sherpas. Attempting it without them sounded like guaranteed failure. “Thanks for that, Ethan. Can we get back to the seriousness of what Dorjee just told us,” said TJ. “You guys will be fine, I promise,” said Dorjee. “We have climbed with you for a little over a month now. We have prepared you for this. It’s one last ascent. You can do it. You really can. You just need to work as a team, and support one another.” They all looked at each other with a hint of uncertainty. They were not completely convinced they could do it. Some doubted their own ability, while others doubted the abilities of others. Picking up on the uncertainty, Dorjee tried to reassure them: “This morning the sherpas and myself discussed the route you will be taking. We’ve mapped out your path with