Banner In The Sky

After Rudi attempts to swim out of the avalanche, the snow stops, leaving him “motionless in a tomb of white silence” (126). Rudi understands that struggling to get out might only entrench him deeper in the avalanche, so he manages to gently backstroke his way to the top of the snow, where he finally breathes again. Saxo also makes his way out, and the two of them dig up Winter, who was flung against rocks and has a gash on his head. Saxo and Winter agree that it was stupid to climb the ridge so late in the day. The three make their way back to the cabin for dinner. Rudi is so exhausted that he falls asleep, revealing that he is still a child, despite his adult climb that day. Winter wakes him up for dinner, and the three rest well that evening.

The next morning, they discuss the best way to approach the Citadel. Despite the avalanche, Winter is convinced that the southeast route is superior if they leave early enough in the morning. Saxo disagrees, but they will decide later, after returning to Broli for supplies. Winter wants to stop in Kurtal to convince Franz to climb with them.