The tour bus finally rumbled to a stop in the gravel clearing at the base of the mountain. Everyone hurried off the vehicle, glad to escape the cramped, stuffy seats.
As Rai stepped outside into the open, the majestic view immediately took his breath away.
The ancient temple sat high above them, perched precariously on the sharp, rocky edge of the mountain peak like a silent, timeless guardian.
Thick green forests covered the slopes below it, and a soft, white mist rolled lazily across the jagged cliffs.
The air up here was incredibly crisp and cool, smelling strongly of wet earth and wild pine. It was beautiful, but looking up at the massive peak, Rai knew they had a long, exhausting way to go.
Before they could even move toward the main path, a loud, piercing shriek echoed near the edge of the woods, breaking the enthusiastic chatter of the group.
"Hey! Stop! Bring that back!" someone yelled at the top of their lungs.
