Lib Novel Page 41
Sten worked the crank as fast as he could. She maneuvered close to him, her back pressed to his as she held up the shield. He crouched a little and kept them moving.
They shifted under the waterfall, and the fluid hit the shield. Carys braced. Several small droplets dripped off the metal, hitting the edge of the cart. It sizzled.
Gul. Sten saw the rail was about half the size it should be, partly eaten away.
If it broke…
He pumped his arm faster.
“We’re through.” She dissolved the shield and grinned.
“And look.” He pointed ahead.
A platform appeared out of the darkness. Beyond it, lay a tunnel entrance.
“Thank the knights,” she said. “I’ve had enough of this ride.”
All of a sudden, the cart lurched to the side, tilting wildly.
They both grabbed onto the seats and sides of the cart.
It was slanted on its side. Sten looked down at the yawning darkness below and gritted his teeth.
“Sten, the rail line isn’t going to hold much longer.” Her tone was low and urgent.
They had to hurry.
“Get into the front of the cart and get ready to jump.” He cranked the handle, and the tilted cart moved, metal screeching on metal.
She climbed up and perched on the front of the cart.
“Almost there,” he said. “Go!”
She leaped into the air, athletic and graceful. She landed on the platform with a roll.
There was a crack from overhead.
Sten felt the cart dip.
His luck had run out.
It was too far to jump from the back of the cart. If he moved, the cart would fall.
Suddenly, there was another screech, and the cart fell away from under his feet.
“Sten!” Carys’ scream echoed through the chasm.
He leaped straight up, using all his enhanced strength.
His hand closed around the main rail. He held on tight and looked down.
The falling cart was swallowed by the darkness.
Leaving him dangling.
CHAPTER NINE
“Sten!”