Chapter 12: The Hanging Bridge
Lara rolled her eyes at the white-haired man; then she surveyed the narrow bridge before her. It stretched less than a meter in width, appearing almost fragile against the towering trees surrounding her. The bridge extended four meters long, swaying slightly with the whispering breeze. Sturdy ropes were anchored securely to two big trees on the slope of Ourea, their thick trunks providing stability. On the opposite side, two stakes, the size of an adult's waist, gripped the ground, standing as silent sentinels that held the bridge in place.
Without waiting any longer, Lara stepped onto the wooden planks of the narrow hanging bridge and crossed as if walking on a flat, sturdy surface.
Jethru watched Lara intently, and then he broke into a grin. He was right about that girl. Indeed, she has skills.
"Girl, it is your turn." He nudged Reya, who was in front of him.
Reya peered over the edge and saw the water in the canyon below shimmering ominously, a tantalizing mix of emerald green and dark blue. An unsettling sensation washed over her as if the roiling currents were beckoning her to leap into their embrace. The sheer drop made her heart race, and the rushing water echoed in her ears, filling her with terror.
She remained frozen in place, her legs trembling beneath her as if they might give way at any moment. Although her dark skin concealed her paleness, her eyes widened with fright, and she became breathless.
Jethru, who was standing beside her, waited and was getting impatient.
"Hey, You! What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for me to carry you?"
Reya's lips twitched. She looked back at the white-haired man with eyes that said, 'Please carry me.'