The banquet hall glowed beneath warm golden lights, its marble floors reflecting the soft shimmer of antique murals and sculptures arranged with almost ceremonial care. The Goodwill family filled the room with hushed conversations and polite laughter.At the high table, Robert Goodwill, broad-shouldered with a thinning hairline and a voice that could carry through storms, rose to his feet.“Everyone,” he called, the smooth baritone slicing through the chatter, “may I have your attention?”The room stilled. Robert let the quiet settle before he began.“Every human life has a peak,” he said. “For some, it’s something earth-shaking, like the man who first stepped on the moon. For others, it’s wealth, fame, recognition. Whatever form it takes, a peak is still a peak, and it deserves to be honored.”He paused, scanning familiar faces, siblings, nieces, nephews, each one attentive.“Today,” Robert continued, “we celebrate a man whose peak keeps rising. A brother to some, a father to two, a

“Argh" Victor grunted as he tried to sit up. "Victor's awake!" He heard someone say as he sat upright. He hadn't fully gotten himself when he felt someone rush into his arms. “Victor" he heard and immediately he knew who that was.“I'm so sorry for making you worried, Ness.” Victor said“You're not to blame." Vanessa acknowledged with her face still buried in his chest.“Is everyone here?" Victor asked as he looked around, paying attention to everyone's face.Vanessa replied, “Yes, everyone is here." Relief washed over Victor’s face as he turned to see Robert and Caleb reunite with their wives. After the joy of reunion everyone sobered up. The thought of where they were made every thought seem bleak and dark. Drops of water dripping from the top of the tent, the. damp ground, the squeaking noise made as rats interacted, the decaying smell that filled the air, the bars made of bamboo that separated the cells, all of these pointed and a future not to be desired.Cough coughAn old

The dread that was to come since they left the camp has finally descended. The glow of the Sun felt chilly as they took measured and muffled breaths. “Let's go" the patrol whispered.They continued the walk silently, paying attention to shadows and the ruffling of leaves. Although they seemed slower, they covered much more ground than earlier. The Sun got to the midpoint as the journey continued, that was until they got out of the area fill with those oversized trees. Everyone sighed in relief except the patrol. "We've gotten through that, this is where most people die” the patrol said his eyes filled with dread. “Don't think I was sent to lead or protect you. I was also exiled, so it's each man for himself. I won't risk my life to save you but I advise that you risk your lives to save me else you'd be stranded in this terror." The patrol said as he looked from face to face.He looked away from their faces and said “Let's continue.”“This place is filled with snakes and some are v

Silence ensued, both Karl and Victor weighed down by the information. After a while, Victor said, “I'll be going now, I'll gather the others from my end and come back here." "Okay then.” Karl replied.Victor got up, patted away the grass pieces on his clothes and walked towards the goodwills. On getting to where Robert, Katie and Vanessa were, he sat, his face still looking solemn because of the information her got.“I'll join Aunt May now.” Vanessa said, giving them privacy for their discussion.Knowing Vanessa, Robert said “Take a good rest Vanessa. I know you like pushing your limits but these are dangerous time.” concern etched on his face.“I will." Vanessa replied, as she walked away.After Vanessa had gone away, Victor, who had silent the whole time began."The patrol’s name is Karl and he shared some basic information about the world with me.”He continued, telling them all that Karl had told him. Robert and Katie's expressions darkened as they listened to Victor. Properly

“My group is in charge of watching tonight,” Victor said as he stroked Vanessa's hair. Vanessa hummed and nodded in response.Victor got to his feet shortly after. As though it was planned, Nathan, RJ, George got up as well.The four walked towards Karl. Derik seeing them, got up and joined. Too tired for small talk, they all walked in silence.Getting close to Karl, Victor said, “How is tonight's watch going to be?" “Considering the cave has just one entrance, that's where you guys will be stationed mostly." Karl responded, after thinking for a bit.“At least two people will be on watch at a time, the rest can use that opportunity to rest.” Karl said."Okay then, we'll be going now.” Victor said as he nodded.The watch was uneventful as though the night decided to be merciful. Still their vigilance did not wean. The moon sped into hiding as morning crept upon them."Let's move, we're close to the frontier already.” Karl boomed as the day dawned.Everyone stirred from their sleep a