“We must
stress,” Strauss says, as they stand before the hole, “That it is
the ladder that controls our destination. If you let go of the
ladder, there is no telling where you might find yourself. You could
be lost for a very long time.”
“Why would
I let go of a ladder I was climbing down?” Fiona asks, desperately
trying to focus her attention on the hole and ignore their current
surroundings.
“There
will be... temptations,” Strauss replies.
“Believe
me,” Fiona says, “There is nothing that tempting.”
“Lost
good,” rumbles the bear quietly, the first time he's spoken since
his pained screaming. Before they can reply, it scoops Strauss into
its other arm and steps into the hole.
