The four individuals, not even aware that the fifth had abruptly disappeared, began to march towards the only landmark present, on guard for any sort of dastardly trap or monstrous ambush. And yet nothing happened on their journey, and they continued onwards for three hours in relative silence. Conversations may have been exchanged, but as the white ash shifted beneath their feet and the dry air stole away moisture from their skin. Travel fatigue settled in slowly, an invisible predator that gnawed until their stomachs were empty and their throats were dry, making every step harder and harder to take.

There was no food, no water, no respite.

And above, the moon grew larger, brighter.