The path you have chosen rises gradually, bordered on both sides by lush vegetation. You hear birds singing. Insects are chirping. The sky is a beautiful deep blue, and the sun warms you as it shines brightly to your left.

As you hike along, you wonder whether or not you have made the right choice. This path seems almost too pleasant. And at the rate you are moving upward, you may never reach the Peak. You begin walking faster.

Ahead of you on the left, you see a movement in the underbrush. It might be a large animal stirring. You stop and pick p a fallen branch to use as a staff and a weapon. There may be dangers on this path other than the Epidemic, you think as you quickly pass by.

In the distance, you see smoke rising above the vegetation. You make your way toward it, and slowly you begin to see that it comes from a campfire in a clearing beside a small pond. As you draw nearer, you can see a man resting at the water's edge with a fishing pole propped up next to him. He seems to be asleep.

You hesitate for a moment, wondering what to do. Though you are hungry and in need of directions, you also think it might be wise to move on. After all, he might have the Epidemic.


(If you decide to keep climbing, turn to page 13; if you approach the man for help, turn to page 15.)