Sojourn/Text

Life is difficult. I cannot remember the last time my family had a good meal, let alone myself. I find myself wanting to give up. Travel is so difficult. And yet, Rizak will not let us quit. I suppose it is best that he is leader, and not I. We are still getting accustomed to the change.

I have lost track of how long we have been walking. It feels like it has been years, but in truth it is likely only months, or even weeks. We have no way of knowing what we will find out here. It is wilderness, far from civilzation. But, that is just what we are looking for. So we must press on.

I saw the most amazing thing today. As we came down off this massive mountain, we crested a foothill, and looked to the west. It was surely the highest point in the area. We could see a roaring river to the west, and utter stillness of the land was almost disconcerting. Surely no person had ever set foot here.

Walking, always walking. After crossing the river, we continued heading west for what seemed like months on end. Finally some wildlife to kill and eat! Lions and other large cats, a few bears, and some bizarre flying creature we kept away from. Life has been getting better, but still I can tell everyone yearns for some sort of stability. I'm not sure why we haven't settled on a new home yet. I highly doubt that if we set our roots down right here we would ever be bothered. And yet, we continue on. Some...force, some pull keeps us going. Perhaps there is a plan for us. Perhaps we will KNOW for sure when we reach our new home.

Finally the plains have ended. The hills are beginning again, and I can feel the cold beginning to sneak into the air. Our course has been drifting more and more to the north as well. I write this from the south end of a lake in this hilly region we have reached after leaving the plains. It is the largest body of water I have seen in quite some time, and still it is quite small. Not since the river have we seen any real water source. It is good to resupply.

I cannot believe that we made it through that cave system without losing some of our clan. A massive hole dominated the middle of the cavern, and we got the sense that we were being watched, but were never confronted. As soon as we exited the cavern on the other side, I could feel the cold in the air. We had reached the North, there was now no doubt. Our home feels closer. I hope we reach it soon.

I spent most of today climbing ruins in this frozen tundra we have reached. I am unsure what this ruins are from, but I found large slab that lent quite a view of the land. I could see a frozen river to the East. Perhaps we will head there tomorrow.

This is truly unbelievable. These caves are remarkable. This is without doubt our new home. It feels...perfect.