Eccar remained frozen in a dazed state, unable to tear his eyes away from the two crushed pilgrims. The old man, however, recovered his composure faster than everyone else.
As the leader of the group, he forced himself to think beyond the shock and grief that had taken hold of the others.
"We should move their bodies and give them a proper burial," the old man said. He then turned toward Eccar. "Can you please move the boulders?"
The old man's voice finally reached Eccar. He slowly raised his head and looked at him.
For the first time, Eccar noticed that the man no longer looked as kind and patient as before. He did not shout at Eccar or blame him like some of the others had and his words remained calm and respectful.
But Eccar could see the disappointment in his eyes. That quiet disappointment struck Eccar harder than any angry accusation could have, Eccar realized.
