Blake rubbed his hands together. They were gloved with thin red woolen gloves but still cold. He stepped into the common room and looked around. He had been here in Nepal for two days now, at the foothills of Mount Everest, and the cold still ate at him.

He wanted the fire. The others were already sitting there, glasses of wine in their hands. The man with grey hair intermixed with his original black was Gustav. Blake wasn’t sure how old Gustav was, but he was a hardy man. He had climbed Everest twice before and he was the leader of their expedition. The girl in the single yellow seat was Felicia. She was an intelligently silent woman who only spoke when she needed to, unlike the man Blake sat down next to, Caleb. Caleb was a loudmouth and the youngest in the group.

“It shouldn’t be too difficult,” Caleb was saying, “I mean, it is just a mountain. I’ve spent a year in Antarctica, so the cold is something I’m used to. This should be a cinch.”

“Don’t be cocky, boy,” Gustav responded. He always called them boys. “You may have climbed mountains but this the king of all mountains. Antarctica doesn’t compare to this. It’s cold, while climbing with less oxygen than you’re used to. There are days when it’s so dark you can barely see in front of you. This is no walk in the park.”

“Oh boy, this conversation again, how fun,” Blake said, resting his back against the couch.

Felicia giggled at his comment but said nothing.

“The boy refuses to listen,” Gustav said, “I won’t be surprised if he’s the first to give up.”

“I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that I’ll make it up and down the mountain,” Caleb said.

“I’ll take that bet,” Gustav said, extending his hand towards Caleb.

Caleb took Gustav’s hand and held it. He looked over at Blake, “Cut it?” he said. Blake sighed and struck their hands, sealing the deal. “That’s a deal.” Caleb said, “I’ll be happy to take your money, Gustav.”

Their conversation continued for a while. An old man with wrinkled skin and a grey head joined them at the fire.

“You guys hiking the mountain tomorrow?” the man said, taking his seat.

Gustav grew quiet. He didn’t like anyone older than himself joining their company.

“Yep,” Caleb said with a smile, “21 days. 14 days up, seven days down.”

“Impressive,” the man said, “what will you do if you don’t make it up?”

“I will make it up,” Caleb said, “I have money riding on it.”

Blake smiled. He extended his hand to the old man, “Blake, nice to meet you.”

“Midrel,” the man said, shaking his hand, “and you? What will you do if you don’t make it up?”

“I’ll just try again when I’m better prepared,” Blake answered.

The man nodded, “Tough time of the year you guys chose to climb,” Midrel said. “It’s winter right now. There’ll be loads of snowstorms. Have you guys ever heard of the hidden portals of Everest?”

“The hidden portals of Everest?” Felicia asked.

“Yes,” Midrel said, “it’s not a well-known story but they say there are hidden portals at the top of the mountain. They only appear to the bravest and most valiant of climbers. The portals take you to another world. That’s why so few people ever return.”

“That, or they died up there,” Felicia said, sceptically.

“Oh no, some do die up there, but others do not. They simply vanish. Their bodies are simply gone with no evidence remaining,” Midrel responded.

“Well, Gustav, looks like I won’t be able to pay you that money,” Caleb said, “the portals will most likely open up for me.” He laughed loudly.

Gustav simply grunted.

After a few minutes, Midrel stood up and bowed his head to them. “I wish you all the best in your journey,” he said. “Good luck.”

“Thank you!” Caleb and Blake responded.

Midrel smiled at them and walked off.

As soon as Midrel left, Gustav’s tongue loosened. “An old fool,” he said. “Talking about portals and such nonsense. Twice I’ve been up there and I’ve seen nothing.”

“Well, he did say they only open up to the bravest of individuals Gustav,” Caleb said, taunting him.

Felicia stood up. “I’m going to get some rest,” she said. “We’re hiking in the morning and I want to make sure I’m ready. I suggest you boys do the same.”

Gustav was the next to leave, still grumbling about Midrel, and then Caleb. Blake sat in the silence of the fire for a while before he stood up to get to bed. Tomorrow his expedition started and he was determined to see it completed successfully.

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