When the Delectable Mountains appeared in the distance, the boys were too hungry to talk. Fruit trees and springs were on the hills, and sheep moved slowly across the grass. Halfway up, a shepherd noticed them. First he brought them into a house and served porridge and warm water.
There were four shepherds: Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere. Chris thought their names would be easy to remember, but he still mixed them up twice during the meal. Sincere smiled and told him to eat first. There would be time tomorrow to get to know them.
They rested on the mountains for several days. Their wounds were cared for, and their clothes washed. At last Chris could sit under a tree with Hopeful and eat without listening for someone coming to catch them.
When they had regained their strength, Knowledge showed them the mountain paths. Some slopes looked level until you crossed them and discovered a steep cliff beyond. Experience showed them an old road washed away by rain. A road that had once been passable, he said, might not still be passable today.
Watchful spoke about false guides. “Some people truly know the way. Others simply won’t admit they don’t. You may ask what makes them certain, and you may stop to check the map.”
Chris thought of Vain-confidence and looked down at his shoes. He had once felt that asking too many questions would make people think he was a coward. Now, it seemed better to ask when he did not know than to lead a companion the wrong way.
Beside the mountain was a door opening downward. It was dark within, and wind blew up from far below. The shepherds did not take them inside. They explained only that some people went deeper and deeper to protect their pride, their money, or their lies, until they were unwilling even to turn back.
Chris asked whether those people could still seek help. Sincere said, “When you are willing to turn back, don’t begin by telling yourself that nobody will want you. But you cannot make their decision for them.”
Before they left, the shepherds gave them a map with places to watch carefully circled on it. On the back, they drew small routes between travelers’ lodgings that could carry letters and supplies. Chris quickly asked about the City of Destruction. The shepherds promised to send word to the Interpreter and ask about his family.
Finally, they borrowed a telescope and let the boys look toward the Celestial City. Chris held it so tightly that the light kept shaking. Knowledge steadied his hands and helped him breathe slowly. At last he saw bright rooftops above the clouds, like many windows opening toward him at once.
Hopeful looked for a long time too. They returned the telescope, put the map away, and thanked the shepherds again. Going down the mountain, Chris really did stop at a turning. Hopeful caught up with him. Together they unfolded the map, checked the road first, and then took their next step.