A little comic relief hurt no one, however through some unspoken arrangement, we stopped laughing and sobered. The reality of our situation and the importance that our missions succeed was back in the forefront of our minds. “Earmuffs,” Sen said and popped hers on. A second later, she held up a finger to stop Duncan ...

After a long day’s trek through the forest, I found myself in a cozy tree-ringed grove. Beneath a canopy of jeweled blossoms sat a single handsome cottage, the shutters drawn tight, a large “Keep Out” sign greeting me at the walkway. Directly beside the sign was a tidy mailbox that read, The Bears, indicating who ...