Search for the Sunlight

Whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, Harry checked their position on the map.

From what he could make out, by the flickering light of the fire, they were only a mile or so from the perimeter fence, the boundary that separated the forest from the forbidden zone beyond. As a matter of course, he informed the others of their approximate whereabouts and began to fold the map away.

To a seasoned outward bound enthusiast, or an anorak-clad hill walker, this normally straightforward exercise would have taken no more than a few seconds, but ten frustrating minutes and several failed attempts later, Harry was still wrestling with the stubborn chart. Finally, with the kettle and his patience boiling furiously, he crumpled the nuisance document up like a discarded paper bag and stuffed it forcefully into the side pocket of his lapsack. “Paff!” he grizzled as he punched the weather flap shut with his fist and returned to the business of tea.

It had been a long and arduous day and under most other circumstances the travellers would have gladly stopped for the night, but in this dark and menacing part of the forest, it was impossible for them to settle. Herbert suggested that if Harry’s map co-ordinates were right, then it would make good sense for them to abandon tea for the time being and continue onwards to the boundary fence where they could attempt to set up a proper camp at what might be a safer and more hospitable location. With everyone in agreement, they packed up the utensils and scurried off into the fog.