Chapter: The Next Climb
The words that came from Marko sent a chill through everyone.
"We have work to do."
His voice was serious.
Kyler was the first to speak. "What do you mean? We just got out of a death trap. We wouldn't have known what to do if it wasn't for Allen."
Allen stepped forward. "I know this is a lot to take in, but we all have to get home. Ever since I got here, Marko and I have been planning something."
Everyone listened closely.
"We all know about the Grass Man. Around this town, people treat him like a myth. But when he starts chanting, every parent runs and hides. It's like they're terrified of him… or terrified of what he can do."
Silence filled the air.
Then Mimi spoke.
"But why now? Why do we have to keep going? We've been running nonstop. We're exhausted."
The others nodded in agreement.
Marko sighed. "You're right."
He looked around at everyone's tired faces.
"So we'll eat. We'll sleep. But when morning comes, we must leave this place."
He turned and pointed beyond the hill.
"We have to go up there."
Everyone followed his finger.
Another mountain stood in the distance.
It was even bigger than the one they had just crossed.
Steeper.
Darker.
For a moment, no one said a word.
The only sound was the nervous gulp that escaped from nearly everyone in the group.
The next morning came too soon.
Everyone woke up, ate what little food they had left, and packed their things. They stood together at the edge of the cabin, waiting for Marko to give the signal.
Just as he raised his hand…
A familiar chant drifted through the cold morning air.
"Grass Man… Grass Man… come… come… come…"
Every face turned pale.
Marko looked toward the mountain.
Then he gave a thumbs-up.
Without another word, the group started moving.