Chapter 32
The snow finally relented. Large flakes gave way to smaller ice crystals, and then there was nothing. The air became bitterly cold, but at least the horizon was clear. They could now see where they were putting their feet and where they were going. A small, rickety wooden bridge, cobbled together from planks, spanned a waterfall ahead of them. Colourful prayer flags flapped cheerfully in the wind on a length of twine stretched overhead. The little stream was narrow, flanked on both sides by steep rock, and the water thundered loudly as it plummeted downwards.
The monastery was larger than it had appeared from a distance. It emerged unexpectedly through the clouds, its white walls and red roof tiles showing faintly through the snow. Time and capricious weather had taken their t
