Chapter 24

The storm raged as they led their cart up the steep ascent. All around them, thick, weather-beaten trees clung to the hard ground wherever they could. In more than one place fallen trunks crossed their path and they had to carefully navigate around them in what were by now treacherous conditions.

Callum wiped his face with his sleeve. Streams of water ran down his face and dropped from his nose and his brow. He peered into the gloom.

"See anything Callum?"

"No, not yet," he replied. He paused. "So much for summer eh?"

Behind him, Aaron laughed. "Well you certainly saved that one up didn't you!" Even Callum was forced to grin at his friend's remark. "I know you could do with a wash Callum but this is getting ridiculous!"

Callum was about to respond when all of a sudden Lena called them to a halt.

"I see a light."

"A light?"

"Yes, a light up ahead look."