Page 20 of Legend of Scorpio
“Yeah. It links me to the portal in the tower where I live. But I can’t get it to do its thing.”
“Is it because we’re underground?”
“That, or the meteor around us is interfering with my ability. Fuck.” He spat the word just as the first chunk of stone fell from the center of the roof, crashing and exploding into shards.
“It’s coming down,” she stated unnecessarily. “We’re going to get crushed.”
“Not necessarily. Get to the wall.” He dragged Rebecca to a section and pressed her tight against it as the ceiling continued to collapse. Not just rocks tumbled, but hunks of ice, too. Scorpio turned Rebeca so her face was smushed to the wall. His body shielded hers as the room caved in.
It seemed to be an eternity, but probably only took minutes, before the rumbling and crashing ceased.
“I think it’s done falling down,” he announced. “And look, it left a way out.”
A glance showed a shaft of light descending from where the room once peaked, a room now filled with rubble and ice.
“You think we can climb out through that opening?” She couldn’t help but sound skeptical.
“Only one way to find out.” He kept the sphere tucked under his arm as he nimbly navigated the mound, but he didn’t leave her behind. He steadied Rebecca as she struggled to follow, her bulky boots and suit making her less agile. He gave her a hand when she wavered. At the peak of the mini mountain, daylight beckoned.
The brightness had her squinting as she glanced upward to see a narrow shaft that must exit at the top of the glacier.
“Now what do we do? There’s no ladder or handholds.”
“It’s the perfect width to chimney climb.” A term that quickly became clear as Scorpio leaped into the opening and braced his legs against the inside. He began moving upward, making it look easy.
For him. “I don’t know if I can do it.”
“It’s easy. Watch me.” So easy, he did it one-handed, the other holding the sphere. His legs and feet moved, his bare feet gripping the ice. He reached the top quickly and peered down.
“Now you try.”
“Yeah, because I totally have the skill and strength,” Rebecca grumbled as she tried to leap and brace.
And failed.
She landed on her ass and scowled. “So much for easy.”
“Hold on a second. I’ll come help.”
He descended, both hands free, having left the orb at the top.
“Want me to carry you?” he asked.
“I’m not useless,” she grumbled. “Give me a boost and I should be able to manage.”
With his aid, she maneuvered inside the shaft. Copying his movements, she began to climb. Slowly. Laboriously. Huffing.Panting. Her muscles screaming. And for that effort? Only a quarter of the way there.
She sighed. “I changed my mind. Is that offer to carry still available?”
“Of course it is. I got you, Doc.” Scorpio immediately sidled his way to position himself in front of her, making the shaft even more narrow. “Loop your arms around my neck, legs around my waist. Hold on tight.”
She tucked against him, resting her face on his chest while he did the work. Most annoying part? He wasn’t even breathing hard by the time they made it to the top and her set her down outside.
A good thing he had air to waste, because the stream of expletives he let out needed a lungful.
The reason? Surrounding the opening of the shaft, a dozen men in expensive snow gear, which included concealing helmets and pointed rifles.
“Hands up,” one of them barked.