“What is that?” a soldier exclaimed. “What’s going on?”
The rumbling grew even louder. “It feels like an earthquake!” Maeryn shouted over the noise. “Away from the walls!”
Casimir shot to his feet, pulling Ava with him as they huddled in the center of the canyon. The animals joined, pressing in to avoid the debris. The shaking grew stronger. A large boulder tumbled down the wall, headed straight for the group. Someone screamed.
Imsel raised their hands and a wall of rock erupted from the ground, encircling them. The boulder bounced off the edge, rolling away. But more continued to fall.
“We need a roof!” Casmir shouted, raising his arms.
Ava, Raine, Gisela and the earth-magic-wielding soldiers joined, assisting Casimir in fortifying the structure. Vines spread over Imsel’s wall, weaving among themselves to form a ceiling as Imsel erected another barrier to enclose their shelter. The profusion of plants blocked out the light, and though they were unable to see, their makeshift refuge held fast. Aside from dust and a few miniscule pebbles, nothing broke through.
As abruptly as the earthquake had started, it faded away, small aftershocks following in its wake.
“Well, fuck. I think we’re trapped,” Raine’s voice spoke in the dark.
38
Ava trembled, trapped in the makeshift shelter with her friends, soldiers, and animals. Their bodies were pressed together, and it was hot…oppressive. She took a breath, trying to tame her racing heart and reminding herself they were all right. They were safe.
A flicker of light appeared in Jareth’s hand, allowing them to see.
“Are we buried?” one of the soldiers asked.
“I’m not sure,” answered Casimir.
Ava said, “This feels awfully familiar…”
“At least you didn’t break your leg this time,” Raine quipped.
“And at least you didn’t break your ankle.”
“True,” Raine said. “I have an idea.”
“Let’s hear it,” Casimir replied.
“Who has the smallest animal here?”
“I guess Luna…” Ava said.
“We need something smaller,” Raine said. “Wait. Is Pascal in here?”
Gisela paused. “No, he’s not. One moment.”
The group remained silent, waiting for Gisela. A few seconds later she spoke, “The rockslide is piled against one side of our shelter. If we lower the free wall, we should be able to hurry out without getting crushed.”
“Which side?” Casimir asked.
A caw echoed from behind Ava.
“We need to go toward where we can hear him,” Gisela instructed.
“Alright. Earth magic wielders, keep the vines steady. Imsel, I need you to lower just enough of the stone wall to let us out.”
“Understood.”
“Ready? On three. One…two…three.”
Ava concentrated on controlling her vines, along with the others, keeping them secure. Imsel lowered a section of rocks and their shelter was flooded with daylight.
