Chapter 8.3
The scene was repeated almost exactly as before, if not more violently and the two were left standing unable to move to make any attempt to escape.
“Do you notice,” Jaala said barely above a whisper, “That we are again on the same side of the river as when we started?” Katashi merely nodded his head in response so Jaala continued, “Perhaps we would be better served to take my suggestion and walk along the edge towards the valley wall. Surely we will find the water does not extend to both walls.”
Katashi again nodded and this time spoke, “Your suggestion is a wise one, let us go.” They both started walking and Katashi continued speaking as they did, “Though I fear this water will indeed extend from one valley wall to the other. Clearly it is meant to be a test, a barrier to those not intelligent enough to pass.”
“or worthy,” Jaala added, and they both lapsed into silence as they tracked along the river which looked completely calm again. They got to one wall and found that as they had approached the river had grown wider and stronger. The water war raging here as it poured right out of a large opening in the valley wall which rose straight up.
They looked at each other, nodded and turned to retrace their steps. It took over an hour to get to the other canyon wall and yes, the water did indeed go right up to the wall of the valley, which rose up almost vertically, and raging enter into a hole in the rock.
“This is quite maddening,” Katashi spoke loudly in order to be heard above the noise of the water.
“Indeed,” Jaala responded just as loudly. “Let’s retreat a bit to get away from this noise where we can discuss the matter.”
They sat very close to the same place where they originally attempted their first crossing. They sat discussing their options, neither coming up with anything meaningful, both of them unwilling to make another attempt until they could come up with something that would lead to a different outcome. The sun continued its journey across the sky and began to set at the far end of the valley. As it did so the last rays caressed the water in a reddish orange glow.
Katashi suddenly sprang to his feet as the sun was just a sliver and ready to disappear. “Jaala trust me and come quickly and do exactly as I do.”
With that Katashi sprang to his feet. Jaala rushed to his side and the two joined hands. Katashi took Cuauhtemoc’s pin and again focused his will into the pin. The truth was he wasn’t sure exactly what to do, it was more of a feeling really, but he was sure he was right. They both stepped into the water and found the surface was now springy, spongey. They looked at each other, both clearly surprised. As they took more steps, gingerly at first, the water to either side of them began to rage and boil as before. Only immediately in front of them, where the sun shown was the water calm.
“I fear we must hurry my friend,” Jaala said, “For when the sun has set we shall surely be overcome again by the water, and it looks even stronger than before.”
What Jaala said was truth too. The water was raging and it’s roar cast a low rumbling threat at them, “Misstep and you will be mine, and this time I will not let you go!”
The two quickened their pace and sprung for the other side.
Leave a Reply