We had trodden the contours of the ice glades and skidded across the shallow frost bitten peaks. From the top of the peaks you could see a vast deserted land of white dust and cold fog. It was alot worse than what it seemed to be. From time to time you could hear howls from the wolves and hoots from the white owls. My blood was frozen all over my legs, hands and face. My bruises calmed down after the frost concealed the burning. I felt like I could just drop dead any minute but I had survived worse. After 10 years of being Chief Commando in S.W.A.T, I wasn't going to be brought down by a measly cold. Suddenly Byron got another message from the headset. He had hope in his eyes as soon as he heard it. "They said they were able to track one of the crew members in Russia who owns a hotel called Snezhinka Inn. It's about a 50km walk from here.", he said.
"Byron, you have been under my guidance for years. Do you think we can make it there in time? It's close to impossible. We need to find shelter and fast, it's gonna turn morning anytime soon and these Russian assassins won't leave us be. They will hunt for us as soon as their company leader figures it out.", I said with great pain from my leg.
"Lyra, your leg is oozing with blood again. Well being under you has taught me you are quite good at hiding your pain. Oh well let's find shelter as fast as possible then." He blabbered.
We continued along the contours when we heard a night call. I heard an odd flapping pattern and a cheerful yet screeching chirp. I stopped and tried to trace the origin of the call. "What are you doing Big sis Lyra? Tired already?", Byron jeered.
"Shut up and stay where you are Denvers!", I whispered in command. I heard it again, and again. and it looked like it was coming from behind me. I took a look at my watch's compass. "If I'm right, our destination is in the north.", I said pointing behind me. Byron being as confused as ever "I'm sorry what in the actual-"
"That call, it's from a nightjar. They plant their nests on plain fertile ground with considerable wood and pricks on plain soil. It's almost morning, so its only natural for them to return to their nests. Which is in the mainland. These chirps were coming from behind me, it's north. Let's move.", I interrupted. He looked flabbergasted. He just followed me like an obedient child as we hiked the peaks. We traced the chirps every now and then and followed it. Finally, we made it. We saw lights in the horizon and a bonfire lit up. My eyes felt droopy and my feet were numb. My fingertips were frozen and my mouth felt frigid and bitter from the cold. I blacked out.