The Bookbinder's Daughter by Jane Glatt

Author:Jane Glatt [Glatt, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantas
Publisher: Tyche Books
Published: 2017-01-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“LAD, ARE YOU all right?” the councilman called from above him. “Grab onto the ladder.”

Aric breathed out once, the pain from where the rope dug into him making him wince. He clutched at the rope, shifting it until it rested more on his ribs instead of the soft flesh of his belly. He spun slowly on the rope, the ladder just out of reach of his outstretched hand.

He looked down at Fae, her face pale, and nodded. He would not fall on her, he wouldn’t.

Ignoring the pain, Aric swung back to the ladder. He reached out and his fingertips brushed a rung, and then momentum brought him close enough to grasp the rope. He grabbed it and pulled himself onto the ladder, twisting his legs as he searched for footholds. Once he had his feet back on the ladder rungs, he let out a big breath. The ladder jumped and he looked up to see the councilman take two steps down towards him. The tether line was slack again and Aric loosened the rope from around his chest and stomach. He would have bruises, but at least he was alive.

“Thank you,” he said to the councilman. “I hope I have the worst of it.”

The man grinned. “It’s a good system,” he said. “It’s worked before.”

More slowly now, Aric made his way down the ladder. Finally he was close enough for Fae to grab him. She steadied him, her hands on his waist, as he stepped onto the platform. Exhausted, he slumped to the ground as the councilman climbed the rest of the way down.

Gingerly, Aric untied the rope from around his waist. His hand touched a rib and he sucked in a breath. He looked up at Fae, who hovered over him, a worried look on her face.

“I can breathe now,” he said. “I didn’t notice while I was on the ladder.”

“Thank the Seven,” she said. “I was worried the effect wouldn’t reverse so quickly.”

The councilman stepped off the ladder. “That could have gone better,” he said as he untied the rope from around his waist and let it drop to the floor of the platform. “Don’t think there’s any permanent damage, but it’s a sight more painful than the time my son slipped.” He stretched his arms over his head. “But he was just a lad of eight, not a full grown Riverman.” He turned to Aric. “Are you all right?”

“Just bruised I think,” Aric replied. He stood up, wincing.

“Me too, a rib or two,” the man said. “At least we’re at the river.”

“Yes,” Aric agreed. “And I can breathe.” He took another deep breath, trying not to wince from the pain in his side. Even if he’d cracked a rib, he couldn’t let it slow him down.

“Good,” the councilman said. “We can talk now. It might be an hour before someone comes.” He sat at the edge of the platform and dangled his feet out over the edge. “I’m Larwood, by the by. As I told the Bridger, I’m the head councilman for Waglenn Landing.

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