The setting sun was at our backs when we first saw the valley.

We could just catch the sound of the waterfall. The wind was swirling around us but our eyes were fixed on the fire of the summit.

That was our goal and, if the stories be true, very possibly our tomb.

We stood there, taking in the moment. We would camp here tonight and make our careful way to the mountain.

It would be a slow process, given the terrain. But a required one. To maybe fulfill a wish.

So that maybe next year, there wouldn’t be sacrifices.