Chapter 112

TO WIL'S sincere chagrin and frustration, Dallin halted them as they rounded the bend in the path and demanded that Wil close his eyes and allow Dallin to lead him the rest of the way blind. The river was louder now, grown to an actual roar once they'd passed the muting barrier of what Dallin had called the Stairs. If Wil squinted, he could vaguely see blue-tinged whitecaps through the autumn-thinned trees, ages-old deadfall, and bramble sprouting from the swath of strand that stretched between them and the water.

"I'm not closing my eyes. There's bloody rock and moss everywhere. I'll break my neck."

"Not if you hold on to me and let me guide you." Dallin was resolute. "It'll be worth it, I promise, and I won't let you fall or anything--I'll be very careful."

Well, sure, but--"The deepest water I've ever been in was a bathtub. What if I fall in?"