Chapter 76: The Slow Climb

ALIAH

Fortunately some natural light came from somewhere above, helping her make out hand and foot holds in the rock face. The climb did not look too difficult. Although there were plenty of places for her hands, nerves caused them to shake. She was physically fit, but climbing was not something she had ever been good at.

Beginning her assent, it seemed only moments later her arms and legs started cramping. As she climbed, she glanced up, then down. "Not even half way up," she thought wearily. At that stage, she was high enough that a fall to the ground would badly injure her. A little higher, and it could result in death. She searched and found a ledge where she could sit and drink some water, allowing her weary limbs to rest.