There was no caveat, or condition, or middle ground. There was no room permitted for compromise, accommodation, or splitting the difference. Sometimes, under certain circumstances, there can be give and take. That was not the case here.

It rises in majestic splendor and intimidating triumph.

Clothed in breathtaking beauty and shrouded in mystery, it ascends 5.5 miles amidst the ancient Himalayas. It’s the earth’s highest mountain. Its Tibetan name means Holy Mother.