The Pathless on Paths---------Chapter VIII(9)

Karrson discovered that a sign hung upon it, reading “Weathertop”, which offered some comfort. Shortly, there came a sound of unlocking, and the gates swung inwards slowly on creaking and unoiled rusty hinges. A middle aged man, accompanied by two armed men, walked towards them. All three wore gas masks. His eyes lit up as he saw Emmerich, and nodded slowly, a look of awe and shock on his face.
“Well, if it isn’t------” The man said with a voice familiar to Karrson, though sounding muffled from within the mask. Karrson could see his vibrant blue eyes, but beyond that, the gas mask hid it all.

“I apologize to have kept you waiting, Ivan.” Emmerich replied, smiling. “But we could come no quicker, for much went amiss.” He extended his hand.
Ivan took it, shaking it vigorously. His eyes shone with a light of delight. “I knew my faith would not fail me. Come in.”
He led them through the gates, coming within the confines of the walls. It was not large inside, merely enough for a few hastily-made sheds, along with a few tents. Some people were about, some wore scientist uniforms like that of Clare’s, and some of them wore security guard uniforms identical to that of Clark and Sanders.