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“Let me see.” Moving to the window, he creates another orb and tosses it through. When it passes the ledge, he sees what Jiron is talking about. Though not very wide, it doesn’t look as if it will support their weight.

He’s about ready to move away from the window when the breeze which originally caught Jiron’s attention wafts through and ruffles his hair. Air movement can only mean a way out.

“I think we should chance it,” he says as he turns back from the window. “That breeze has to mean there is an opening to the surface somewhere.” He sets the orb on the mound of dirt while he gets ready to climb through.

“I agree,” replies Jiron. “We could wander around down here for days and not find another way.” He uncoils the rope from around his waist and says, “I’ll lower you down first.” When James nods, he ties the loop at the end of the rope for his foot. Setting the rope on the dirt mound for a moment, he helps James through the opening.

Once his feet are dangling on the other side, he works the rope through and hooks it around James’ right foot. Bracing himself, he gives James a nod and holds the rope tightly while James works his way the rest of the way through the opening. He lets out slack very slowly until he hears ‘I’m set’, then begins lowering steadily.

James holds the rope tightly in his good hand with the other arm wrapped around it for support. As he is lowered into the darkness an orb springs to life and settles on his shoulder. He keeps an eye out for the ledge. When he sees it coming up beneath him, he hollers, “Almost there!” From above he hears Jiron holler back, “Let me know when you reach it.”

“Right!” he shouts. Looking down, he watches as the ledge gradually approaches. When he is but inches from it he hollers up to Jiron to halt. Moving carefully, he places the foot not in the rope’s loop upon the ledge and tests it for stability. When the ledge proves secure, he places more of his weight upon it, never once letting go the rope.

Finally standing with his entire weight resting upon the ledge, he hollers up to Jiron, “It’s holding!”

“Good,” comes the reply. Then the rope is quickly drawn back up.

Back at the window, Jiron takes out one of his knives. After untying the loop, he ties the end securely around the base of the knife’s hilt. He then places the knife crosswise across the corner of the window and wedges it there. While maintaining tension on the rope tied to the knife to keep it in place, he tosses the rest of the rope through the window and down to James.

Jiron!

James’ scream comes to him from below. He looks through the window just as a massive flash explodes on the other side and blinds him. Holding his eyes, he shouts, “James! What’s happening?”

Another inarticulate yell comes from James followed by a splash. “James!” he yells through the window. From below come two explosions and James’s voice calling his name.

Crumph!

Another explosion and then he hears James again calling his name, this time sounding like he’s further away.

When his eyes finally clear enough to see, he looks through the window but only sees blackness on the other side. Taking his orb, he holds it high as he leans out to look below, but the ledge is empty and there’s no sign of James.

“James!”

Chapter Twenty Four

______________________

He stands on the ledge as Jiron pulls the rope up. Shifting his feet, he edges over to make room for when he comes down. Once Jiron makes it down to the ledge they’ll work the rest of their way down to the bottom.

Above his head, the glow from Jiron’s orb shines through the window and he can see his silhouette as he makes ready to descend. Then Jiron’s hand emerges from the window holding the rope then lets it fall.

James reaches out and catches the rope to steady it during Jiron’s descent. Pulling the rope tight, he holds it while he waits for Jiron to pass through the window. Just then from below, he catches a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye.