As we packed up all that was set up and soon continued upon our journey to the uncharted landscape. We were on our way to Fort Hall, for the lovely Alla to find her sick mom. A part of me knew that she was probably already dead. This happens more than one would like to think on the trail, a broken leg turns into an infection, a stomach bug leads to death, and a rattlesnake bit means you ain’t seeing tomorrow. Many small things mostly lead to death and so that’s why you live every day like it’s the last. It’s dark, I know but it’s the truth, and when you get past that hurdle you’ll survive just about anything. I knew nothing about who to watch out for or where to stop except for the name of the fort and that there was easier said than done. Every so often you’d find a weather-worn sign sticking out of the ground pointing in some general location. But this could also be a complete lie, as someone could readjust the sign to benefit them in the hopes of robbing you. That the wind perhaps could’ve knocked the sign from the Earth and be buried in the dirt. Honestly, who knows, it’s all a gamble, and that’s the risk you take. Just through rock and see where it lands, that’s the direction you should go. It’s pretty much the luck of the draw. I looked over to Alla and saw that her demeanour changed quite a bit and she was on the brink of shaking with a nervous feeling. She stared blankly towards the engulfing landscape. “Are you going to be alright?” I asked. “Yeah, just wish we could go faster.” She replied. “If we did the wagon would probably fall apart or the horses would drop from exhaustion. Believe me, I wish we could be there in a matter of moments. Just think positive and all will work out.” “I know, thank you,” Alla said, as she placed her hand next to mind. I began to feel my heart begin to race like a rabbit racing through the land hiding from a starving hunter who just fired a round at it. I could feel the eye’s of the preacher watching us like a hawk. Quickly, I turned to look at the Preacher watching us with a schmuck grin on his face. He gave me a nod and continued starring ahead. Probably thinking of a future sermon for when we reach the Fort. “How much further?” The Preacher shouted to me. “Hard to say. Can’t be more then I’d say close to dinner.” “At this point, I’d give my soul to the Devil himself to get there sooner.” Alla shouted. “Hold your tongue Alla, the good Lord will always ensure a safe journey.” The Preacher said. “Unless he’s testing us.” I replied. “Alan.” The Preacher said with a Sunday school tone. He then chuckled and shook his head. “Your right.” “That I am.” I said in return. I swung the reigns telling the horses to speed up and as I did this Alla let out a sigh and thanked me for doing that. I could tell she was panicking, her whole life was in a drop fueled by madness. Ever since I met her she’s been in danger and dealing with trying to do anything in her power to get herself back on track. I figured now would be the best it me in attempting to take her mind off her troubles that were being fueled by dark thoughts of her ill mother. “How did you get separated from your ma?” I asked. Alla took a deep breath and released it. She then lowered her head and began opening up to me. I didn’t know how to respond, but I figured silence would be the best way to allow her to feel comfortable with everything. “We were heading west to California. I’m Mormon and so when my Ma got sick, she decided to stay at the Fort and wait to get better. My Pa and I decided to keep going, we thought if we got there we could send for her. We had to flee our home because of what we believe. That’s what got my Pa killed and so I decided to head back. My Pa made a friend and he said he’d take me to my Ma and that obviously didn’t happen. That’s why I met you and the Preacher. I’m thankful every day to God, that you two were n the same path. If my Ma’s alive I may just have to stay with her. If not, then so be it.” She said, wiping away a tear and trying to stop her emotions from taking hold.