Unknown vistas and topography greet eye and foot from the Catacombs in Rome to the light caves of New Zealand and on to the frozen peaks of K2. Yet the pinnacle lies before them as Machu Pichu entices them further. Destiny crooks her finger and three friends blindly follow the curled appendage. Above, below, in nooks and crannies, chasing the illusion, the dream, stumbling toward the fateful proof that will confirm faith and denounce disbelief they lurch their tender youth in pursuit. To be greeted by the stark underside of all they have known, and nothing has prepared them for. Youthful hubris fails before experience and maturity springs early as Mark realizes the great cost of his dream when fate withholds the reward reserved for victory.