Passing over a bluff we were met with a view that would have been remarkable if it weren't for the current spirits of the men. Two massive peaks raised and pointed at the sky, jagged rocks became spires of granite that seemed to aim for the heavens. The sun rested between the two as if held.

In my years alone, I learned to appreciate the beauty of nature. But now was not the time to let myself be consumed by its beauty.

A restlessness had taken over the group.

Our lunch was insignificant, and that spoiled the mood the men

This was what I had worried about most of all.

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How would these groups of rag-tag mercenaries handle adversity?

Could one man in glowing plate really keep them together?

The answer has eased itself out of the men with each passing day.

"Tomorrow will be the last," I whispered to Ronald and Robert.

"I knew we should have never entered this damn group and these damn mountains…" Robert muttered under his breath but loud enough for us to decipher.

Ronald simply nodded his head as he played with that rune of his.

It consumed more and more of his attention as we traveled farther into the mountain peaks.

I don't know if it had always been the case…but the runes appeared to glow in a red hue that I hadn't noticed before.

Omens hovered over us.

Vultures had begun to circle.

This would be the beginning of the snap of men.