Cass stopped and wiped the sweat out of her eyes. She felt at peace here on the side of this mountain. Cherokee was her home and she knew these mountains like the back of her hand. She adjusted her headband and continued to climb up the side of the rock face. She cleared her mind of any thoughts as she concentrated on each foot and hand hold. She wasn't using ropes or belts so each decision of where to put her hand or foot was an important one. Cass was aware of being thirsty but put it out of her mind. She would not stop till she reached the top.

Mark and Glen were pretty much in their own thoughts for most of the trip to Charlotte. Each was worried about Cass, but kept quite about it. Mark got up and fixed come coffee and got him and Glen a cup.

"So what kind of angle are they going to put you in?" Glen asked taking the coffee.

"I'm going to be in a feud for a while with Triple H." Mark said grinning.

"That should be interesting considering you two can't stand each other." Glen said.

"Yea I guess Vince thinks it makes it more believable." Mark said.

"Well were almost to Charlotte. What are you going to do for two days? We got plenty of free time before we have to work Thursday." Glen said.

"Well I'll find me a nice little bar and hunker down for a while tonight. I'm horney as hell, gonna find me a hot little number to wet my appetite for the next couple of days." Mark said.

Glen laughed.

"Same old Mark. Maybe we better get separate rooms if you're going to be laid up with some female." Glen said.

"We'll get a suite with two bedrooms, after all ya never minded hearing me make a girl scream and holler before." Mark said laughing.

"It doesn't bother me at all." Glen said smirking.

"But I was thinking about Cass." Glen said. Glen didn't want to piss Mark off. The two of them had many a good time together living as bachelors on the road, but Glen had someone else to think of now. He glanced at Mark.

Mark looked at him.

"Yea your right, don't worry, if I drag a ring rat home, I'll have her out before Cass gets back." Mark said.

Glen was surprised that Mark had agreed with him so readily.

"Don't look so shocked buddy, I know the difference between a lady and a piece of ass. "I'll treat Cass with respect, ya aint got to worry about that." Mark said.

"Mark I've known you forever, and you still manage to shock me sometimes." Glen said.

"Got ta keep ya on your toes." Mark said laughing.

Glen just shook his head; Mark was a complicated person sometimes.

Cass wanted to throw her self on the ground in exhaustion, but she didn't. She had finally reached the top. She looked at the view from the top. It was spectacular. She built a small fire and got her ceremony bowl and filled it with sage and jasper. Only then did she allow her self a small drink of water. She would be fasting for the period of time she was here. Cass sat cross legged in front of the fire. She proceeded with the smudging, which entailed lighting the sage and jasper and using her hand to move the bowl over various parts of her body as she used her left hand to wave the smoke over her. Ceremonies always started with smudging to cleanse the soul and spirit and your prayers were sent directly to The Great spirit along with the rising smoke.

Cass started chanting as she drifted the smoke over her body, offering up prayers to The Great Spirit.

Ancient Mother, We hear you calling

Ancient Mother, We hear your song

Ancient Mother, We hear your laughter

Ancient Mother, We taste your tears

Cass set the bowl down. She closed her eyes and continued to chant. She would keep this up as long as she deemed necessary. She chanted and waited for her guide.

Mark and Glen checked in the hotel that evening. Mark took a shower and dressed in his classic look. Black t-shirt, black jeans and boots with a bandanna and dark sunglasses.

He went to Glen's room in the suite.

"Come on man, were going to a bar and have a few drinks." Mark said.

"Okay, let me get dressed." Glen said.

Glen came our a few minutes later with his long hair back in a pony tail. He had on blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt. The two of them made quite a striking pair. They had never had trouble finding female companionship. They left their room and went down to the motel bar. Mark and Glen planted there selves at the bar. Glen ordered a beer and Mark got a shot of JD and a beer. Mark sat back and waited it was early yet. There would be plenty of females for the taking a little later.