Axler, James - Deathlands 15 by Axler James

Author:Axler, James
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Twenty-Five

The line of trees grew thinner as Ryan picked the way between the stunted, twisted trunks. He'd seen enough plant malformation near hot spots throughout Deathlands to recognize the effects of pollution on the pines. Branches had withered and died, and many of the needles were a sickly yellow color and brushed off against their clothes as he and Kate moved deeper into the heart of the valley.

But there was still enough cover to pass the main workings without being observed.

Once Kate tripped and rolled toward the foaming water, only stopping herself by a desperate grab at a tangle of dead roots. Some snapped under her weight, some held.

"Keep moving," Ryan urged. "Got to get across as quick as we can."

The river was narrowing, but it was also moving more quietly, showing ominously deep swirls of green over some of the bigger boulders.

Not far ahead, Ryan finally saw clearly what he'd only glimpsed from their earlier vantage point. At some time, probably a century or so ago, the railway had stretched farther up the canyon. Then, during the dark years after the long winters, the river had carried on its process of erosion and had undercut the iron rails. There'd been a bridge, a narrow, wooden pontoon that crossed the rapids, but that had fallen, leaving a solid tangle of rusted metal and rotting, mangled timbers.

"There," Ryan said.

Kate sighed. "I won't bother saying no, Ryan. You sure this is the best way?"

"It's the only way."

IT WAS A TIME of maximum danger. They moved along under the shelter of the trees, aware of the cliffs closing in on their right. By the time they reached the ruined bridge, the line of pines had diminished.

But from there it was possible to see farther along the canyon.

The river was no wider, but it was moving faster, whirling around jagged rocks that stuck their fangs above the white foam. And the valley narrowed until either side glistened with black ice.

"Here or nowhere," Ryan said, having to raise his voice above the noise of the torrent.

"But they can still see us from back there. What if someone looks around when we're halfway across?

What then, Ryan?"

"Then it'll be swimming time again."

He went first.

The Trader had always warned that to move too fast was to draw attention to yourself.

Ryan eased out of the trees, keeping himself hunched and small, walking straight to the end of the bridge, picking his way over the nest of warped rails. He quickly reached a point where he was out of sight of the sec guards.

"Now," he called, beckoning for Kate to come and join him.

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She obeyed his instructions, keeping low, making sure she didn't stumble on the icy rocks, not turning her face toward the mine.

When the young woman was concealed among the jumble of splintered timber, Ryan saw how pale she was.

"You making it?"

"Sure."

He stared at her. "You don't look it. Fall off and someone'll likely spot it. That way we both get chilled.

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