Though the ride seemed to last forever, it was less than an hour when Lurid shouted back, "We're here! There's a flat place around the side, but you're still going to have to climb a little."

Climb. Could it get any worse?

The helicopter touched down none too gently and the passengers lurched. Katelina clutched Jorick and mashed her eyes shut. She didn't want to see her death.

The noise of the blades died. She was sweating under the heavy coat and her heart ...