Out of the Mountain Read Free Page B

then took my first steps toward the unknown.
    ***
    I climbed until it was too dark to see, finally thankful for all the conditioning Master Tatsu had put me through. My endurance was high, and I kept a quick pace, only allowing my mind to focus on what was directly in front of me. One foot in front of the other and repeat. The rocky mountain was a fierce opponent that required all of my attention to keep myself on my feet. I had slipped and fallen on the rocks more than once as I climbed, and my knees were aching from the uneven impacts.
    When it was near dusk I happened upon a small cave. It was shallow and seemed safe enough, so I decided to stop for the night. I doubted I would find a better place to rest than this. I dropped my pack at the opening and set to clearing a spot for myself in the small space. When darkness finally fell I ate a small meal from my pack and gazed up at the stars. As always I was enchanted by their beauty, and I breathed a little easier. It was a comforting thought to me that no matter where I was, the stars that looked down on me and the constellations I sought would be the same. Sure, there might be changes in their visibility and position as the months rolled by, but when I found them again, it was like looking at an old friend. Reliable, that’s what the stars were. I laid on my back, using my pack as a pillow, and rested uneasily until daylight found me again.
    I groaned loudly as I stretched in an attempt to get some of the kinks out of my back. I was exhausted already from little sleep, but I knew I had no choice but to continue on. My stomach growled angrily at me even as I munched on the granola from my pack. I was used to eating much more than this in the mornings.
    “Spoiled brat,” I hissed at it before finishing my food and gathering my pack. I had never been truly alone before this trip, and it was daunting. I was also frustrated and a little anxious to finally reach my guide, Rowan, and hopefully get some straight answers. I really pushed myself to keep going throughout the day. I again stuck to focusing only on the obstacles directly in my path, which helped to keep me from sighing when I glanced up at the rest of the climb I had yet to make. I stumbled, drenched in sweat, legs and feet aching, when I finally reached the peak of the mountain. I bent over, heaving in deep breaths before I stood and let my eyes sweep over the sight ahead of me.
    A loud gasp escaped, cutting through the silence I had spent the day in. I had never seen such beauty. Land was stretched out as far as I could see: trees, rivers, rolling hills. Living in the mountains and valley, I had never realized how much space there really was. I mean, logically I knew . . . but knowing something in theory and knowing something by experience made all the difference. I had never seen this far in any direction before. My knees felt weak, and I slid to sit on the rocks at my feet as I continued to take in the view. Slowly, reality set in, and I began to panic. I had been going on pure adrenaline and excitement to this point. But looking out in front of me, I was overwhelmed. How would anyone ever be able to find me out there? I took deep breaths as I tried to keep calm and remind myself that the masters had sent me on this journey, and they would be certain that no harm would come to me. They would have seen, and they would be sure that someone would come for me.
    I stood back up, dusted myself off, and took in the view awhile longer before I began the trip down the other side of the mountain. Determination settled into my bones, and I descended with speed, entering the state of mind Master Tatsu had taught me during training. I made it most of the way down before dark fell. The night was clear of clouds, and the stars were shining bright, complementing the waxing moon. I decided to continue my trek down the mountain and find somewhere to rest in the forest that was ahead.
    All my knowledge of the outside world had