Having fallen with such momentum, Thor too had trouble holding on and he continued to slide down the rope toward the upturned points of the grappling hook. Despite the rope burn blisters, he managed to stop his fall only five feet above the steel claw below. He sighed with relief.
Unfortunately for Thor, Eric wasn’t able to stop himself so easily. Eric continued to slide down the rope until he crashed into Thor, knocking his grip loose and sending him sliding the rest of the way down the rope. He roared with agony as all three of the grappling hook barbs sank into the small of his back, piercing vital organs. He writhed on the hooks, trying to free himself, but finally even that stopped.
Then the tower began to tilt, until the tilting became falling. Eric leaped free of the rope as flaming wood showered all around him.
* * *
EIGHTEEN
“You’re going to give birth to a whole new medical specialty,” Dr. Fishbine said, tying off the last bandage. “The Ravensmithologist. Does nothing but fix the wounds of Eric Ravensmith.”
“Doesn’t sound like much pay,” Eric said.
“And not much satisfaction either. No sooner do you fix one wound up than he goes out and gets a few more.”
Eric smiled. “Know anything about dentistry?”
“Floss regularly, avoid sweets.” He helped Eric up out of the chair. “There. That’s about all I can do. The rest is up to mother nature. And common sense.”
“What do you mean?” D.B. asked.
“Common sense. Like no physical exercise for a while. No travelling. Not even long walks for at least a week.”
Eric nodded, shook the doctor’s hand. “Thanks.”
“Yeah, right. So now what do you intend to do with my sage advice?”
“Leave in the morning.”
Dr. Fishbine shook his head. “That’s what I thought.”
“Don’t worry, Dr. Fishbine,” D.B. said, “I’ll watch after him.”
Eric didn’t say anything. Dr. Fishbine and Maggie exchanged uncomfortable glances.
“I know what you’re thinking,” D.B. continued happily. “You’re thinking he won’t take me. But he will. Won’t you, Doc Rock?”
“You’re both welcome to stay here,” Maggie said. “We’ll be moving back across the bay to reclaim Asgard, find a more suitable name for it. The doctor figures he can manufacture enough antibiotics to help wipe out the plague, or at least keep it from wiping us out. Lots of need for both of you right here.”
Eric looked into her eyes. He was tempted. To start fresh in a new place, a new home. Maggie was a tough woman, strong and intelligent. The people here were good. But it wasn’t yet for him. Not without Tim. Maybe later he could come back. Maybe.
“I’ll need a boat and some supplies,” he said.
Maggie nodded. “I’ll get them ready tonight. Whatever you need.” Her face was hardened against the emotion her voice betrayed.
Eric took her aside, spoke softly to her. “You understand?”
“Yes, I understand. I also understand how hard this world is alone, especially here, especially now. I know that I felt something for you and that scares me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m a part of these people here. My life is among this community, helping it grow and become safe. Riva gave her life for us to have this chance. But I’m afraid that if you asked me to go with you, I’d say yes. So don’t ask, please.”
Eric hesitated. In fact, he had considered asking her. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips.
“We still have tonight,” she said. “If you’re up to it.”
“I’m down,” he grinned, “but not out.”
“What are you two whispering about?” D.B. said from across the room. “As if I couldn’t guess.” She stood up. “When do we go, Eric?”
Eric turned back to her and shook his head. “Too dangerous, D.B. You’re better off staying here. They can use a good warlord around here.”
“Don’t patronize me, okay? I haven’t done so badly for you.”
“No you haven’t,” Eric admitted. “But what’s ahead is even worse. Fallows makes Thor look like a campus practical joker.”
D.B. was silent. She slid her sunglasses over her eyes and shrugged.
Eric stooped over, picked up a chip of wood the size of a quarter. With his Boy Scout pocket knife he carved an X on one side. “The X side you go with me; the plain side you stay here. Fair enough.”
She brightened immediately. “You bet.”
“No anger or tears or sulking if you lose?”
“Hell, no. Only you shouldn’t be flipping it, someone else should.”
“One thing you better know right up front, young lady,” Eric said with a stern stare, “I don’t cheat.”
“Sorry,” she said sheepishly.
“Right.” Eric flipped the wood chip high into the air and caught it in his hand. He could feel the carved X side with the finger tips of his closed fist. With the slightest of wrist movements, he could now make the chip come up whichever side he chose. No one would know better.
He slapped the chip onto his wrist and lifted his wrist.
Dr. Fishbine, Maggie, and D.B. all leaned closer to see which side had come up.
* * *
* * *
Scanned and proofed, added TOC. TK July 2013 (v1.0) (html)
Jason Frost - Warlord 04 - Prisonland Page 18
