The High Barrier

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   Without answering Shila, you extend your arm to help her onward. She pulls herself toward you, and the two of you continue onward. Sleepiness pulls at your mind with renewed energy, and you find yourself less and less able to fight it off. At one point, you stumble over a buried rock and fall to the ground. You sense Shila nearby, but cannot find the strength to get up.
   'Spencer! Get up!' she says, her voice seeming very far away. When you don't answer, you feel her arms on your shoulders, shaking you as though trying to wake you up. You try to assure her that you're all right, but nothing comes out. All you really need now is some sleep...
   Shila mumbles something and you feel her hands on your back. Suddenly, the world jumps back into focus. You're cold, but no longer tired. Slowly, and with Shila's help, you climb to your feet. 'Shila... You used your magic...' you stammer, surprised.
   'Of course I used my magic... you'd do the same for me - in fact, you did.' She smiles weakly. 'Come on, let's go'
   The two of you continue on your path - at least, you hope that you're still on the path - for what seems like hours before you notice that the way seems to be a little easier than it had been. It takes you a few moment to figure out why - you're going downhill.
   'Shila! We've done it! We're on our way down!' you say. Shila smiles back at you, not saying anything, just continuing to walk forward. You can almost feel the temperature increase as you continue...

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   Hours later....

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