The Alliance (The Survivors Book Twenty-One) by Nathan Hystad

Author:Nathan Hystad [Hystad, Nathan]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Woodbridge Press
Published: 2023-11-25T00:00:00+00:00

SEVENTEEN

J onathan’s cart rocked from side to side, but nowhere near as often as Kain’s. Jules figured he took the best tires for himself, but she didn’t comment on it as they passed through the ninth quadrant and into the tenth. The Jusop Mountains were not as tall as Balder, and a rudimentary facility sat outside the cavernous opening, the mouth of the cave supported with crudely carved wooden beams, probably to prevent a collapse.

“Do you guys use the mine?” It didn’t look presently occupied.

“When we need to. The equipment isn’t ideal for processing the slate we’ve found inside, but the facility was already here when I arrived.”

“Who built it?”

“That remains a mystery.” He directed the cart to the entrance, and it sputtered, then stopped. “Want a tour?”

Jules wondered if it was a good idea, but she’d already put herself in danger by agreeing to venture out of town with Reeve. “Sounds good.”

She was still sore, but well on her way to recovery. Jules took quick strides to catch up with Jonathan, and glanced at the cavern’s beams. The wood looked nearly rotten, with splinters poking from its surface throughout. “Is it safe?”

“I believe so.” He entered without any trepidation, and Jules wished she could have done the same. They walked into an open, rounded room, the rock braced with beams. A couple of them were buckled in place. A pile of stones sat in the corner, each of the boulders at least her height.

“Is that recent?”

“Nah, been like that since I first came here.” John set a hand on the nearest. “There are good ores in this mountain, but we lack the proper means to extract them. Salish is always on the lookout for mechanical parts to complete her vision, but getting the right tools on Falana is a challenge.”

They crossed a short bridge over a gap in the cave floor, and reached a corridor, the walls damp with moisture. Jules peered at a steady drip on the ceiling, creating a muddy pool in the middle of the hall. “What’s down there?”

“More of the same. Tracks with some trolleys. The wheels are locked from rust and age, so we can’t even utilize them.”

Jules noticed a secondary trail. “And that?”

“Ebleros says it’s a deathtrap. He lost five surveyors investigating it before my time.”

Jules stepped closer, peering into the black abyss. “You’ve never checked?”

“No reason why I would. I may be stuck on Falana, but I haven’t given up the will to live. Now that you’ve seen it, let’s check quadrant ten like you requested.”

Jules took a stride after him, and her foot broke through the bridge. She tried to throw her shield on, but it failed. She was about to call for help when her second leg pushed into the clay. The ground gave out, and Jules began falling.

A strong hand grabbed her shirt, keeping her head above bridge level. There was a brief moment where she thought he’d drop her, but he winced and hauled her to safety.

“You have to watch your steps in this old mine,” he said, narrowing his gaze.

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