Prologue

“Damn, Danielle, you’re going to try to climb that?” Chloe gazed up in revelation at the cliff wall that reared up into the sky above them.

Charles looked uncomfortable and slightly apprehensive. “I’m thinking that this isn’t such a wonderful idea. I highly advise against it.” He clenched his hands behind his back and looked down at Danielle, a somewhat pleading look in his eyes.

Glaring at Charles, Chloe patted Danielle on the back. “You said you were a great climber, right? I’m not worried! All that matters is that you get up there and tell those morons that I- err- we’re here.” She said through a small smile. Danielle sighed and turned to Yasmine who stood silent behind them, watching her shuffling feet.

“Yasi? You’ve been pretty quiet.” Danielle said. Looking up, Yasmine shakily replied, “Well… it’s definitely dangerous and I don’t want you to get hurt…but… you are the only one who can do it and… you need to go.” She returned to shuffling her feet and staring at the ground.

“Well, that settles it.” Danielle sighed after a moment or two, “I’m going up.” Chloe let out a small cry of excitement while Charles groaned in exasperation.

“If you must, go, but be careful because if anything were to happen I’d never forgive myself for allowing you to do such a… treacherous act.” He cried pointing at her with a trembling hand, “I mean it is completely irresponsible of me and I’m allowing you to put yourself in great danger and-“ Danielle put her hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I can do this.” She said, the very slightest hint of doubt showing through her words, “I’ve just got to take it slow.”

They turned back to the canyon wall, their eyes crawling up its side slowly.

“Well… here goes.” Danielle said and stepped up to the jagged partition, “I’ll be back later, don’t worry. I’ll see you all then.” Yasi ran up and quickly embraced her in a hug. “Be careful!” She cried, burying her face in Danielle’s hair. Danielle patted her on the back and stepped back.

“I will.”

Chloe, her hands on her hips, gave her a quick smile as Danielle turned to look around at them once more. Charles nodded to her, his eyes filled with anxiousness.

She turned back to the cliff and began to climb.