Chapter Nine: Climbs
"Is this what you were talking about when you mentioned 'substantive obstacles'?" Lorrik asked in a slightly dreary tone.
"I wouldn't define this as substantive. Troublesome perhaps, but not substantive," Jresh clarified. "In the very least, we can see the other side and a way across."
"A way across? Where?" Lorrik asked.
"The pit lies between two ridges," Jresh explained, offering a quick gesture to the left and right. "Though steep, the raised formations are not completely shear. We can climb laterally and scale the ridge to the other side of the pit."
"Seems risky," Lorrik muttered.
"Less risky than a vertical climb down into the unknown before trying to climb out upon the other side," Jresh admitted.
"But if we lose our grip on the ridge, we'll plummet into the pit anyways," Lorrik replied.
"Then don't lose your grip," Arlia plainly offered.
"She's right," Jresh added, making no attempt to assuage his companion. "But look more closely upon the right-hand ridge. There is a small ledge jutting from the side to provide ample footing. And below, another ledge should you be forced to catch yourself on an unwanted descent."
Looking over the edge, Lorrik did see a momentary respite from whatever treacherous fall awaited any who lost their grip. A small ledge, no wider than his shoulders lay at the precipice of shadows, basking in the half-darkness of the early morning sun's reach into the mysterious pit. The first ledge that rest high above it lay no wider than the width of his foot.
Lorrik granted himself one last passing view of the surrounding area, looking for any other answer, but ultimately found none. "We'll lose too much time searching for another path through the mountains. Looks like we're crossing this pit. Any objections?"
The others appeared less than thrilled with the prospect, but could offer no better plan of action.
"Anyone have any ideas on the best way to go about this?" Lorrik put forth to the group.
"This isn't a time for elaborate plans," Isorr declared. "Just put all your focus into making it across."
"We should at least establish a climbing order," Ryloh offered.
"He's right, whomever makes it across first can help the others," Lorrik stated.
"How so?" Kar'ai asked.
"Remember when we had to catch the warriors after they fell off a cliff?"
"You mean, after they got pushed off," Kar'ai added.
"Yes," Lorrik plainly stated. "If an inquisitor makes it over first they can help stabilized those following them."
"How far apart do you actually expect us to climb?" Isorr asked.
"We'll all cross at once, but the gap isn't exactly a short one," Jresh explained. "Plus, we should put enough of a distance between us all to make sure we lessen the strain on the rock."
"We'll need someone lightweight but strong, both physically and in the Force, to take the lead," Lorrik offered. "I suggest Arlia."
The purple Twi'lek offered a quick shrug of her shoulders. "Works for me."
"Really? I expected more clout," Lorrik admitted.
"I enjoy my ego stroked as much as the next Sith, but coming from you…"
"Okay, okay, I get it," Lorrik stated with a gentle waft of his hand. "I can follow afterwards. Then probably Ryloh and Kar'ai."
"What about Vurt? He's an inquisitor," Ryloh added.
"He's also arguable the most physically strong," Lorrik explained, the content Nikto standing a short distance away. "I'd suggest he and Nesk take the rear. They're likely the best climbers, but their claws could unsettle stones the rest of us would grab onto were any of us to go after them."
"So… Arlia, Lorrik, Ryloh, myself… then?" Kar'ai asked.
"Jresh and Isorr," Lorrik answered. "Their order shouldn't matter."
"He can go first," Jresh offered.
"Hrmph," Isorr grunted, showing neither agreement nor abject objection.
"Come on, the sooner we can return to our normal trek, the better," Jresh called out.
The Pureblood parted from the gathered group and made his way toward the rightward ridge, with the others following with little hesitation. Reaching the jagged wall that crossed the shadowed gap, the acolytes gazed across the far expanse with an inkling trepidation.
"How long you think it'll take to cross?" Lorrik asked with wide eyes upon the treacherous stretch.
The Pureblood narrowed his gaze as he studied the ridge. "At the pace of a careful shuffle? Maybe twenty minutes."
"Ugh," Lorrik offered.
"Haven't you tired of complaining?" Isorr asked. "We've passed physical trials far worse than this."
"Our time away from the Academy has had an effect on our bodies, whether you realize it or not," Lorrik explained. "Your body will tire and your focus will wane faster than you expect."
"Then let's start sooner rather than later," Arlia stated as she took a step toward the imposing rock. Reaching a hand up high, she grabbed a firm hold of the nearby facade. Placing a foot near her waist, she began to elevate herself upon the ridge. Ascending, the inquisitor now hugged the wall above the other acolytes' heads before she was able to place a foot on the thin ridge that stretched across the ridge. Shuffling onto the ledge, she planted the soles of her boots upon the minor extension and let out a deep breath once she was confident in her standing. "Alright. Next."
Lorrik watched as Arlia slowly began her lateral trek across the cliff-face. Following her original path of ascension, the Human took careful hold of the rocks before beginning his climb. Eventually reaching the ledge, Lorrik saw that Arlia had not yet managed to put a great deal of distance between them. Though the tiny ledge offered a footing, careful maneuvering was still required to cross the gap.
As Lorrik traversed the rocky facade, he offered a brief wave for Ryloh to follow. The second Twi'lek climbed and bade his companion to follow. Eventually, one by one, all eight acolytes found themselves shuffling along the cliff-face, the shadowy pit resting below them. Perpetually moving forward, the students refused to allow themselves pause. Hugging the wall, they were hesitant to remove themselves from the stone enough to turn their head to the chain's rear. Like clockwork they proceeded. Left hand. Left foot. Right foot. Right hand. Repeat. The acolytes concentrated on nothing but their goal at the end of the ridge. Minutes passed, and eventually, the students had reached the halfway point in the crossing.
With each step, the subtle cracks and grinding of stone against stone plagued the acolytes' ears. Plagued their minds. Dust would fall from above. Fissures, long since created, tensed the heart upon their recognition. A stone would fall. And bounce from the steep facade below them. And bounce. And bounce. Until it vanished into the consuming darkness below.
Pressing forward, the acolytes attempted to keep their minds calm. Not allowing the sights and sounds to get the better of their rational minds. In the middle of the chain, Kar'ai followed closer to Ryloh than any other two climbers. With each step, each hand movement, she focused her gaze only upon the back of the Twi'lek's head as his lekku swayed and bounced with each shuffle toward their destination. As she continued forward, she felt a sharp pain in her forearm. A stabbing. A slicing. Her mind couldn't quite place it.
"Ouch," Kar'ai let out, remarkably subdued.
"Something wrong?" Ryloh hastily asked, stopping in his tracks but not turning his head or removing his hands from the cliff-face.
"It's nothing. Probably scratched myself on a sharp rock," Kar'ai calmly explained. "Keep moving."
Ryloh immediately complied, moving his hands and feet with careful precision and the rest of his body followed. As the group continued forward, the Rattataki felt each step grow heavier and heavier. Her chest followed as her breathing slowed. Her knees weakened, and her hands and feet grew increasingly numb.
"Ryloh, I…" Kar'ai softly muttered before her eyes fluttered and her body went limp. Her hands releasing their grip, the entirety of her body began to lean away before she finally crumbled and began to slip from the ledge.
"Kar'ai!" Jresh exclaimed, looking past a silent Isorr. Immediately stopping once more and looking to his rear, Ryloh only caught the vacating glimpse of his companion falling toward the pit below. Slipping from the ledge, Kar'ai continued to unconsciously hug the cliff-face as she slid down the inclined façade.
"Kar'ai!" Ryloh screamed, barely able to articulate. With reckless abandon, the Twi'lek removed himself from the cliff-face and jumped down after her. Sliding down the ridge on his side, Ryloh raked his gloved hand upon the rocks as his other reached forward. As they descended, the inquisitor's face tensed with total effort as he tried to seize his partner with the Force slow her treacherous fall into the darkness below. Looking to the falling acolytes, Lorrik caught the attention of the nearby students.
"Keep going! You can help once you're safely across!" Lorrik shouted before letting go of the rock wall himself. Stepping off the ledge, the Human began his slide down to the descending acolytes, using his gloves and the Force to keep his plunge relatively under control. The remaining students upon the ledge complied with his wishes, and began to make their way toward the end of the ridge.
As the final acolyte, Nesk, crossed the area immediately preceding Kar'ai's fall, he happened across a darkened fissure in front of him. Emerging from the shadowy crack, a large insect covered in a jagged carapace bearing envenomed fangs lashed out from its sanctuary. With remarkable speed, the Trandoshan backed away before snatching the creature within his hand. The corrupt pest writhed and contorted its many legs in the lizard's grip. With a snarl, Nesk crushed the insect before proceeded along the path.
Sliding down the cliff, Ryloh had managed to grab ahold of Kar'ai with the Force sufficiently enough to catch up with her. Grabbing ahold of her, he wrapped his arms around her body and refused to let go. Focusing what remained of his energy, the Twi'lek tried to slow themselves enough to catch the second ledge that was fast approaching. His feet landing firmly on the shallow ledge, Ryloh let out a exasperated sigh of relief as he crumbled upon his back, Kar'ai still cradled within his arms.
Touching down upon the ledge, Lorrik stabilized himself before tending to the fallen pair. The Human offered a word to the Twi'lek who was ecstatic with his arrival. Offering his aid, Lorrik extended a hand down to the inquisitor. Ryloh put precedence on his companion, lifting her and begging Lorrik to help her. Putting one of her arms around his neck, the Human lifted the unconscious Rattataki and leaned her against the cliff-face whilst the Twi'lek raised himself.
"Is she okay? What's wrong with her? What do we do?" Ryloh barraged with an increasing concern.
Lorrik looked to the trembling inquisitor, the limp warrior, the ridge above, and the encroaching darkness that surrounding them at their lowered elevation. The Human ran a hand through his hair as he struggled to process the events taking place. Removing a glove, Lorrik placed a bare hand upon Kar'ai's forehead, feeling a remarkable heat. Closing his eyes, the inquisitor focused his thoughts as he tried to understand the situation. Looking not with his eyes, but with the Force, Lorrik came to a stark realization.
"She's dying."