Wai Woph (Completed)

Journal, Log 8

December 25 - It is in the moments of pressure that the strength and integrity of a party or a team is tested. Our party went through the same such test in the past few days. After we announced that we were going after the monster, many in the party refused to take part in it. I don't blame them. It's what any sane person would do; I would have too if it wasn't for Garret; if it was not for his smiling face still stuck in my head.

  After this of the who's going after it and who is not was decided. Talk came to be focused on those outside Kashmir, our families. As we sat around the fireplace, everyone talking about his family, children, home and as I was about to tell them how Agnes and I met; the youngest of the bunch, Sebastian asked me why didn't anyone come and save us. It was difficult to answer as I was hopeful of help too, I wanted someone to come and save us. So, I said what any senior would say, "It is the snow, son. It keeps us in and them out."

  The mood shifted and suddenly I thought of my family coming to save me, father and Annie my sister here in Kashmir. The thought seemed good for a while until I realised what danger I would be putting them in.

  This is of importance and must be noted, I shall be leaving this Journal to Dr. Neil when I leave tomorrow for the mountain. It is imperative to me that records of us remain if we do not, therefore I will be taking a few pages of paper with me. When and if I return I shall add what I have written in my venture to this journal to preserve the records and my learnings for the future.

December 26 - Morning- I write this as we who are to leave for the mountain get ready. Dr. Neil has agreed to write about anything of import that happens in this journal. We are five in number with one horse and one donkey to carry our supplies. The ones coming with me are Robert, Cecil, Mr. Walter the eldest of us, Sebastian and me. I have included in our supplies 2 guns and Alcohol so the business of the fire can be taken care of, should there be any need. I must now leave, if I do not return and you are reading this Agnes I am sorry but the Lord gave me death before I could fulfil my promises to you.

Farewell.