CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN - WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER

" The seasoned hunter traced a path on the map with his gloved finger. "Icy cliffs, narrow ledges, and if we're unlucky, some unstable ice bridges. We'll need to be on high alert every step of the way." Erik nodded, his face serious. "We've come too far to fail now. Ethan's counting on us." The mention of Erik's ailing brother sent a ripple of determination through the group. They quickly broke camp, each member double-checking their gear with meticulous care. As they set out, the sun climbed higher in the sky, its weak light doing little to dispel the bone-chilling cold. The group moved in single file, with Arryk leading the way and Erik bringing up the rear. Anna found herself in the middle, sandwiched between Freya and Erik, drawing comfort from their presence. The first challenge presented itself in the form of a steep, icy incline. Arryk paused at the base, assessing the best route. "We'll need to use our ice axes here," he called back. "Take it slow and steady. Test each hol