John stood in the front of the large crowd of explorers, preparing to lead them on what they call an excursion. Their company had no name, yet they worked unanimously together. They explored the extreme reaches of the realm in search of higher religious understanding and knowledge. This particular area has been known to be home to several anomalies, thought to be caused by the Gods. Anomalies such a strange lights in the night skies and noises not known to be procured from any man nor beast. These journeys were often dangerous and requires a great amount of care along the way. Violence was not amongst their ideals, however in areas such as this it cannot be avoided at times. Many within the group were skilled warriors and mages. John was one such warrior. His skills honed in the arenas of a land which he has never spoken. His time as a slave was not one he cared to return his memory's eye toward. His freedom he had taken as an act of mercy from the Gods, for he was to die in the pits of the arena's underworld. Since his release he had traveled the world, in search of the hand that graced moved the will to see him free.
A torch in one hand, John turned towards the crowd, lifting it high above his head. His voice boomed out, reaching all ears, wanting of reception or not. "Listen up! We haven't much time. The storms of ice and snow here are not mere legend. The Gods have seen fit to bless us with a few days of relief. We must use this to our advantage! If we march fast, we will reach our goal on the summit of this peak in 2 days time, and another 2 for our return. We will begin in one hour! Pack all you will need and return to this area when ready. We will begin at the break of dawn! "
Lowering his torch, John stepped down off the outcropping of rock that had him hoisted above the heads of his many onlookers. At the bottom he met Kashmir, who was waiting expectantly. Kashmir, along with his pursuit of religious enlightenment, was a man of battle, the same as John. However his gift lie not in the harming of others, but in the healing. His gift of restorative magic had been a welcome presence these past few years. So invaluable were they, in fact, that the past several trips had seen not a single person lose their life, to any sort of attack or malady. His true purpose was not known to any, not even John, for he never spoke a word of his meaning behind his search. Though none asked, as his reasons were his own. "Kashmir! Is there something you needed before we left? "
Kashmir shook his head, smiling. "I am fine John, I just wished to know if we might pray before we departed. We could use all the favor we can get in his harsh climate. "
John looked forlorn at the request, "I am sorry Kashmir, but there is simply not enough time. We must finish preparations if we are to return safely before the weather worsens. I am truly sorry, my friend. " With that, he left Kashmir with a nod and walked towards the encampment now being torn down and packed up for the journey. He still had his own packing to do.
Upon reaching his tent, John looked back before entering to where he had left Kashmir. He still stood in the same spot as before, his head down. A pang of sorrow stabbed at John's heart.
It was noon of the next day. The progression had made good time thus far, blessed with an ever forgiving path. John stayed out front, leading the group towards the summit. Their path had taken them in a winding direction around the peak of the mountain, to avoid the need to scale. Their group was not large, only around 30 people followed behind John, however a vertical climb would be dangerous, and at the very least could slow them down significantly.
John turned his head around for a moment, peering through the faces, checking to ensure all looked well. Kashmir was near the rear of the party, where he always stayed, in order to keep an eye on everybody were something to happen. Turning his head back to the front, John pressed forward, allowing thoughts to run through his head. Thoughts of the previous night and the state in which he had left his friend. Thought they had only known each other for a small few years, Kashmir has been there alongside John since the founding of the missions. It pained John to have turned away Kashmir's request. The man took prayer very seriously, and John knew he had insulted his friend. He would have to make things right as soon as they reached -
"AUGGGHHHH!!!! "
