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The thrill of knowing that her father, now dead, could figuratively hold his head high in pride diminished the jolting, bruising ride. There was a sense of purpose in the gruelling journey, although she still didn’t know what the end result would be.
She pondered further on the problem as they rode steadily upwards. Perhaps the Gemini Peak marked the border between Xabia and another country. Furthermore, it might be a safe route for her out of Xa Shiraq’s grasp.
Considering the crimes listed against her, Aman
da realised that Upgrade could be rescuing her from a lengthy term of highly unpleasant imprisonment, as well as saving his own skin from retribution. It made sense of the speed he pressed on her, and the need to avoid any possible witnesses to their passage into these mountains.
Amanda was not keen on running away. Not if she actually found the crystal caves. It nagged at her mind. Would Upgrade be happy as an exile to a country he had served with great personal commitment? Would she be happy knowing her mission to establish the truth of her father’s discovery was aborted without full restitution being made? Could anyone ever scuttle all that had made up their past lives?
Amanda felt as rootless as her father had been. She had a conviction that some things were worth fighting for. Like justice. And fair play. Her instincts told her it would be better for both her and Upgrade if they faced up to Xa Shiraq.
The problem lay in whether Upgrade would agree to it or not. Could she rescue him from Xa Shiraq’s wrath by playing her cards right, forcing a stand-off so that Upgrade didn’t have to face exile? Power could be challenged with power. Firstly, she would have to re-establish contact with Mocca, then get to her embassy. Amanda had a lot of faith in Mocca’s resourcefulness.
Once that had been done, and she had her own government’s support, she would beard Xa Shiraq in his den. There were ways and means of establishing a truce once she had her bargaining tool.
As plans revolved around Amanda’s mind, she started taking more notice of landmarks along the trail they travelled. She might have to go back alone if Upgrade rejected her ideas. He would follow her. She had no doubt of that. However, she might very well need a head start to accomplish what she wanted.
The day wore on. They didn’t stop. A water canteen and a bag of dried fruit and biscuits were attached to Amanda’s saddle. She didn’t starve and she didn’t die of thirst but the long exhausting ride took its toll. She was almost reeling with fatigue when a halt was finally called beside a small rocky mountain stream that trickled down from the peak.
‘This is far enough. We leave the horses here.’
The black mare came to a stop next to the white stallion.
‘Why?’ Amanda asked. The peak looked so close now. Enticingly close. ‘Surely an hour or two more....’
‘The horses cannot go where we will go. This is the best place for them to rest.’
‘You mean we are to continue on foot?’
‘Exactly.’
‘So we save the horses and kill ourselves,’ she said with an attempt at ironic humour.
‘You cannot go on?’ he asked, his dark eyes scanning hers in concern.
‘Where you go, so, too, will I,’ she said loftily.
‘Good,’ he approved, taking her at her word.
Nevertheless, he helped her off the mare and gave her some time to wash her hands and splash her face with the cold water from the stream while he saw to the horses, unsaddling and tethering them. She did her best to collect a second wind as she watched him swing a pack on his shoulders, ready to trek forward.
He didn’t say anything. Neither did she. He took her hand in his, and strode off without a backward glance.
They climbed.
He assisted her, supported her, pushed her. Amanda went on like an automaton, beyond fatigue, holding on, moving one foot after the other. They came to a ledge which was blocked by a monstrous stone.
‘It’s no good,’ Amanda said. ‘We can’t go past it or get around it.’
Upgrade took no notice of her. He dropped the pack from his shoulders, unbuckled it and took out two hydraulic jacks.
‘I will lift the rock sufficiently for us to bypass it.’
He suited his actions to his words. Curiosity drew Amanda forward to observe. The rock had been cut at the base on either side, but one side much higher than the other in order to take the jacks.
Upgrade manoeuvred them into place, then started the lifting process. One side was kept at the same level to form a fulcrum on which to lever the other.
Amanda watched in fascination as millimeter by millimeter the great block began to tilt. It revealed a small crevice set into the rock wall.
