The Way Down

'Show me the way down, the young climber called to the hawk circling overhead. I'm lost, show me the way down.'
The hawk continued his lazy circle, eyes darting hither and yon, searching, searching and then, suddenly, diving towards earth, talons extended ready to snatch up his prey.
The young climber winced as the piercing screams of the tortured rabbit ripped through his body.
'Show me the way down he called to the doe.' It raised it's head, alert, deciphering the strange sound filtering through the air waves. Deciding it might be in danger it turned and ran to the cover of the forest artfully dodging rocks and boulders.
The young climber slumped to the ground, dejected.
A snuffling sound alerted his senses. 'What was that?'
A scruffy brown dog appeared from the bush a short distance from the young climber.
'Oh, good doggy, show me the way down. I'm lost, can you show me the way down.' he called jumping to his feet excitedly.
'Oi, what's all this bloody noise you're making young fella, you've scared off my deer,' growled the hunter.
The young man was perplexed. 'Excuse me sir, I didn't mean to offend, I can't find my way down.'
'Where you from son?' the hunter asked, softening towards the obviously distraught young man.'
'Sweden sir, I came up here with friends but we got separated and now I'm lost.'
'What are you doing up here anyway? Got any mountaineering experience?'
'No sir.' the young man hung his head.
'What about your friends?'
'No they haven't either, we just thought it would be a fun thing to do.'
The hunter was about to respond when two shots rang out in quick succession. 'That's my mate Tom, there's something wrong. You stay here and don't move, I'll come back and get you.' It was an order, not a request.
'Can't you just point the way out?' wailed the young man not wanting to be left alone again.
'No, you'll get lost again, just stay here.'
Night fell and the hunter did not return. The young climber searched his backpack for food, there was none, just a half empty bottle of water. It got colder as the sun disappeared over the snow capped mountain tops. He curled himself up in a tight ball and slept fitfully, shivering, starting at the night calls from the nocturnal animals going about their business. He was awakened at day break by the thump thump thump of a helicopter. Fully alert he sprang to his feet screaming and waving frantically. A crewman hanging out the open door of the small helicopter waved back and gave the thumbs up. The chopper landed further up on a ledge, blades still swishing then shortly after took off again, disappearing over the adjacent mountain tops.
'Hey, wait for me. Come back. I can't find my way down.' the distraught young man screamed at the empty sky.
'It's okay son, they'll be back soon.'
The young man swung around in fright. Seeing the smiling crewman standing in front of him he ran over and threw his arms around the mans neck.
'Man am I glad to see you,' tears were running down his cheeks.
'It's okay, we've got you now. The chopper will be back soon. They found another couple of kids about your age, one with a broken leg. Your friends I assume.'
The young man nodded, relieved. 'Are they okay?'
'I think so. What's your name?'
'Luke. There was a hunting man, he was coming back....'
'Yeah, that was old Albert. You are damned lucky him and his mate Tom found you you know. Albert had to walk all the way out to call us, took him most of the night. If it wasn't for those two who knows what might have happened to you. This mountain range is not a playground son. You shouldn't be wandering around up here without a guide. What were you thinking?' Seeing the tears welling up in the young man's eyes again the crewman put his arm around his shoulders.
'Come on Luke let's get you up to that ledge, the chopper will be back soon. Tell you what, I'll have a word with the pilot and see if he will take the long way back so you can see this fabulous mountain range from the safety of the helicopter.'