Page 159 of Wind Rider

They were all laughing when the rail path emerged from the forest and took a sharp turn to the left, snaking along a sheer cliff that ended in an abrupt drop to a white-water gorge far below, with the iron rails reaching out to connect to nothing. Beside the broken rails was a suspension bridge that was swaying gently in the cold midday breeze.

“I do not like how that looks,” said Lily as she crouched to pet the little male pup who was batting around a pinecone at her feet.

“Okay.” Antreas spoke in a booming voice as he walked up and down the paused line. “We’ll cross single file—one small group at a time. Give the group in front of you a few yards before you begin. That should keep the bridge from bowing down or up too much. It’s normal that it sways. And we need to double up on the litters. Don’t drag them over the bridge. They’ll get hung up on the wooden slats and may even pull some free, which is not a good thing.”

“You’re sure it’s safe?” Sora asked.

“It’s perfectly safe—as long as you don’t fall off,” said Antreas.

“Antreas, Bast, and I will cross with our litter first,” said Danita.

Bast coughed and chirped from her place in line, which was always close to Danita.

“That’s right. Like Bast says, we’ll show you how easy it is,” said Antreas. “It really does look a lot worse than it is.”

Mari stared over the edge of the cliff at the rapids below. “It’s a long way down, that’s for sure.”

“It is—so don’t fall. Keep any free hands you have on the ropes that serve as railings,” said Antreas. “Okay, Danita and I will cross. I think it’d be a good idea for Mariah and the pups to cross behind us.”

Cammy barked and tried to get off the litter, but Davis caught him. “Hang on, big guy. The pups are going to need you up there with them to keep them calm during the crossing. You’re a lot lighter than Mariah.”

Cammy huffed but settled again, and the eleven pups quit whining and curled up against him. Mariah came to sniff her family, and Cammy licked her.

“We’re all set,” said Davis. “If the Pack would make way we’ll move up and be ready to start across as soon as Antreas lets us know we should.”

“Shall I cross with them?” Dove asked.

“Yes. How about you let Fala’s pup ride with Cammy and the babies so that Lily can help you across?” said Mari.

“That’s a good idea,” said Lily, picking up the restless pup and plopping him down beside Cammy. The pup instantly flopped over on his side and started batting at Cammy’s long blond beard.

Mari swore she heard the adult Terrier sigh in annoyance, but he continued to tolerate the playful pup.

“You’re a good boy, Cammyman,” Mari said, sending him an image of the extra helping of cooked rabbit that she was planning to add to his dinner.

Cammy’s nub of a tail began wagging, and he gave her an open-mouthed canine grin.

“You’re spoiling him,” Davis said without turning around.

“I can’t help it,” Mari said. “He’s adorable.”

“You won’t say that if he gets fat and you have to take a turn dragging his litter,” Davis said.

Cammyman huffed and sneezed, making Nik chuckle.

“Let’s cross with Dove and Lily. That way we can be on the other side to encourage those who are frightened by heights,” said Mari.

Nik nodded. “Good idea.” They moved into position behind Davis and Claudia as they made their way to the front of the line and the suspension bridge.

Antreas entered the bridge first, moving at an unhurried, but confident pace. Lifting the rear of the litter that held their supplies, Danita crossed right behind, and Bast padded along after them.

When Antreas was several yards out on the swaying bridge, he called back.

“Okay, Davis and Claudia, you can cross with the litter. Mari and Nik, give them a few yards and then cross with Lily and Dove.”

“Will do!” Nik shouted.

Mari glanced behind them. Spencer and Jaxom were sharing litter duty. Jaxom looked worried, but Spencer just seemed curious.