Chapter 17, The Day Summary

As the dawn breaks in Kurtal, crowds gather around the only telescope. Since word of the climb reached the village, the people have gathered at the prospect of the Citadel being conquered at last. This morning, the third day, the mood is more tense. There is worry for the climbers. Everyone knows the food situation. The telescope is trained on the shoulder of the mountain. If the climbers are to be seen, it has to be this morning. There are rumors and arguments, most centering around Saxo slowing the group. Frau Matt is present when the announcement is made that two figures are visible above the shoulder.

The men begin to speculate which two men are climbing and what happened to the other two. Someone speaks about "the boy" not being able to make it and then stops suddenly...