Love is a Mask by Rodford Edmiston

Author:Rodford Edmiston [Edmiston, Rodford]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: X06
Publisher: DopplerPress
Published: 2019-01-17T05:00:00+00:00

Part Four

To my vast surprise, John's huge SUV had proven capable of following not only the heavily weathered gravel road leading deep into the area, but once that ended, it had forged on through rough woodlands and forded creeks. I again wondered if John might be enhancing things a bit with his powers. Finally, even John decided that going further in the vehicle was neither practical nor safe. By that time, we were at the foot of the ridge separating us from the mountain valley which was most likely the destination we sought. We found a relatively level area sheltered by trees on all sides and well above any creeks to park the vehicle.

Greg and I convinced the others to set up camp before starting off. We had the tent erected and equipped, a camp kitchen in place, and even a gravity filter dripping purified water into a jug. Now it would all be ready when returned, most likely tired and hungry.

First, we walked along the base of the ridge for a while, looking for the best way up. Then, we hiked that to the top of the ridge along one candidate route to get a good look at the land beyond. The land where first Sonic Jett, then Nimrod and Mack Risk had ventured with only the last of those returning.

We reached the top in short order, then simply stood for a while, drinking it all in.

"We're still in the US, but you can see British Columbia from here!" said Tulio, a bit breathlessly.

I was enthralled by the scene, as were my companions. Finally, Greg made a sweeping gesture, taking in most of the valley below.

"According to what I was able to learn about this area, about a hundred years ago there were some small mines down there. None of them ever turned a profit - mainly due to difficulty of access - and the last closed after just five years. They were supposedly all around the shore of the lake. There is a road at the north end of the valley, but that's actually in Canada."

"That fits with both Mack's notes and what the Assembly told me," said John, nodding absently, most of his attention still on the scene. What is it with Olympians and mountains?

We were carrying only light packs, since this was just a scouting mission. As we stood there, on the crest of our adventure, I shifted my eyes to long distance vision and squinted a bit.

"I see what could be mine entrances in several places."

"You can see those from here?!" asked Greg, startled.

"You've improved," said Tulio. "Used to be you had to give yourself eagle's eyes to do that, but now they still look normal."

"You hadn't seen me in decades before this started. Why are you surprised I'm better at what I do?"

"Well, I'm a tool user," said Simon, pulling binoculars out of a side pocket of his pack.

John and Greg also had binoculars, and we all four spent nearly half an hour looking around the valley and describing what we were seeing.

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