The Pass

Dawn broke through the craggy pass. Streaming down from the high mountain plateau, the light illuminated the multicolored layers of rock which flanked the carved path. Far below, the plains were interspersed with copses of trees, and a river ran away from the mountains, to the southeast, towards the rift. Blinking his eyes, he threw open his bedroll, stood and straightened his coat. The wind, not howling as it did through the night, was still forceful and constant. Coat flapping behind him, he took some bread and cheese from his pack. Another long day of climbing was ahead of him.