Storm and Fire Part Ten

NOTICE: I was tired of going so slow and decided to get to a different part of the story. Not wanting to skip any and confuse the readers, I decided to include the section anyway. However, I did condense it all, about three to four chapter's worth, into one chapter. About half the size of normal, too. Hope you enjoy it anyway. If there isn't enough action for you, be glad the little bit of exitement there is -- if, in fact, there is any -- is condensed and not eight pages long.

Chapter Ten:
I want to get this story going!

Paul got up early, the rising sun shining in his face. He woke Silvia up and they went to the lobby of the inn, where they got free vegetables from the owner. Having nothing else to eat, they had their vegetable breakfast. They promptly left the hotel and met up with the guide and the others. “Let’s go, none else are arriving.”
They walked for days. There was enough food for the trip that they could walk on without needing to hunt. This allowed them to cover much more ground. They past many houses, most abandoned, some villages abandoned. They also found several thriving villages. The bandits have been pushed out of this area, it seemed. Besides local crime, the towns were safe.
It was still dry because it was summer, but as they climbed it began to get colder. The snowy mountains appeared larger before them. When there were forests, it was especially cold in the shade. People shivered and needed to rest. The whole group had to wait for them. The road was in worse condition in some parts and were hard to walk on. One person sprained their ankle. Their friend carried them for days.
The eventually reached a lodge. “This place was once known as Stevens Pass,” the guide said. It was immense for an inn. There was room to fit nearly one thousand people. The injured ankle healed and everyone rested and within a few days they continued. The passed through the populous town of Leavenworth were they spent the night. It was a nice town, with good shops. It seemed very orderly compared to the other town.
Walking was easier downhill, and they covered more ground in a day. They soon were only a day away from Wenatchee. “What do you think it will be like,” asked someone, “I heard they even have electricity,” said another. “Nonsense! There isn’t any electricity and there hasn’t been for near 30 years!” With these remarks of technological marvels, Paul found himself exited. It’s going to be just like before the war. The remarks got more exited with each step toward Wenatchee.
Soon Wenatchee would be in sight. Paul’s heart was beating quickly. He heard Silvia’s was too. The guide smiled as if he had seen many like them, and knew they would be joyous when they got there. “Just a few more minutes,” he told them, “You’ll see the city soon enough.”