Haji Ali reached up and laid his hand on Mortenson's shoulder. "These mountains have been here a long time," he said. "And so have we." He reached for his rich brown lambswool topi, the only symbol of authority Kophe's nurmadhar ever wore, and centered it on his silver hair. "You can't tell the mountains what to do," he said, with an air of gravity that transfixed Mortenson as much as the view. "You must learn to listen to them. So now I am asking you to listen to me. By the mercy of Almighty Allah, you have done much for my people, and we appreciate it. But now you must do one more thing for me."

"Anything," Mortenson said.

"Sit down. And shut your mouth," Haji Ali said. "You're making everyone crazy."