Sweat beads on my forehead and I finally seem to be closing in on the peak. I run faster. Once I hit the peak, the downhill will be easy and I am antsy to make it to the city before nightfall. I am not totally sure what to expect, it's been many years since I've been there. I'm not quite sure if the buildings are still falling in on themselves from the disaster or if it's been rebuilt. It could be abandoned for all I know. That would make my night interesting-- just me, some empty buildings and the restless spirits of an old dilapidated city. It's a good thing I don't believe in ghosts. 

My bag is getting heavy and I slow down to double check the knot and make sure it's secure. I would hate to accidentally lose some of this stuff to the wind before I make it. The guy I'm working for would be upset, to say the least. I promised him I'd deliver when I bid this job. I was known to be one of the best in my line of work, reliable to a fault and cutthroat when I had to be. This job would not be an exception. I'd already risked too much to drop the ball here, this far into it and so close to the end. 

I round the peak, though I barely notice except that my knees start to hurt and I realize my toes are hitting the front of my boots. I'm on the downhill now.

 

The Climb

I tread grudgingly up the winding trail. It unfolds in front of me like a writhing serpent, never ending twists and turns leading to the top. I grip a smooth rock in my right hand and in my left I carry the sack. Gray mist cloaks the valley below in a thick flannel blanket, making it impossible to see the city nestled into the crook between the mountains. I squint my eyes, willing myself to see the outlines of the crumbling buildings that I know should be there, but it's no use. Memories of a past life surge through me and I walk faster to clear them away. Still, they tug at the periphery of my mind and I break into a run. Maybe if I direct all of my energy into my body I can get out of my head.