*
The snow was just beginning to melt along the northern face of the mountain. It lay on every part of the trail which wrapped around the mountain and sloped down towards the dark forest beyond.
"Come along," Leonard called when he noticed Sierra lagging behind. "We have to make a break through the trees before the sun sets. There's a clearing up ahead where we will be able to camp for the night."
Sierra struggled with her bag as the path turned upwards. They'd been walking for about four hours now, and Leonard hadn't spoken a word to her if not to encourage her to hurry up. He seemed determined to clear the forest as quickly as possible.
"Where exactly are we heading to?" she asked when she managed to catch up to his lengthy strides.
"My home," he replied without looking at her. "
