Journey to the Summit

The world was muted, swathed in a pre-dawn fog that clung to the jagged peaks like a shroud. Elias, a man carved from granite and weathered leather, paused, his breath misting in the frigid air. Fifty years he'd been climbing, and the mountains still held him captive. Beside him, young Ben shivered, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Ben was tall and lanky, his youthful face framed by unruly brown hair escaping from beneath his beanie. His bright blue eyes darted around nervously, taking in the harsh environment. He wore modern climbing gear, a stark contrast to Elias's worn, practical attire. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Elias rasped, his voice a low rumble. Ben nodded, speechless. Elias pointed with a gloved hand towards a faint orange glow piercing the fog. "Sunrise will be here soon. We need to reach the summit before the winds pick up." He started forward again, his crampons biting into the ice. "Keep close, Ben. The mountain doesn't forgive mistakes."