Page 74 of The Most Dangerous Games

“Hopefully that attitude will prove useful in the free climb you are about to make to the summit,” The Host says.

“I assume you were joking about us making a free climb up this monster,” Ant Tipton says.

“No joke, Mr. Tipton,” The Host says. “And no ropes, no harnesses, no rappelling equipment. Your goal is simple. Reach the checkpoint above the headwall by sundown.”

Wyatt looks up at the headwall and feels his throat tighten. Loose rock. Unreliable holds. A fall that would not be cinematic.

Just final.

Tipton adjusts his backpack straps.

“Well,” Tipton says, “this is a stupid way to die.”

Wyatt can’t help himself. “So don’t.”

Tipton turns his head slowly toward him. Mildly amused.

“I’ll be going it alone,” Ant Tipton says.

“Your choice or ours?” Wyatt asks.

Tipton fixes him with a long look.

“You do not want to back talk me, boy,” Tipton says finally.

Reg steps half a pace closer without making it obvious. Protective. Measured.

Wyatt holds Tipton’s gaze anyway.

“Yeah,” Wyatt says, “I kind of do.”

Tipton’s mouth twitches.

“Fine,” Tipton says. “Stay behind me. You’ll live longer.”

The driver cuts short the exchange right before Reg Drummond steps between Wyatt and Tipton. He distributes folded maps—odd little topographic sheets with a thin line drawn up the ravine, hand-marked dots beside it.

Holds. Ledges. “Rest shelves.”

“What happens if we turn back?” Hannah asks, voice steady.

The Host answers like he’s been waiting for her.

“Turning back is always an option,” he says. “But it has consequences.”

Reg’s eyes narrow. “Define consequences.”

The Host doesn’t.

“What are these for?” Hannah asks. “We can see what’s in front of us. And above us.”

“Maps that show various natural holds, ledges, knobs, and imperfections that may aid you in your climbs,” The Host says. “And now, if there are no further questions or comments from the group . . .”

“I have another question,” Hannah says.

“Yes, Miss Wagner,” The Host replies.

“If we press the red button in the middle of a climb . . . how fast does rescue arrive?”