From the monolith's mouth, a powerful current flows out of its gaping gullet and drops into a river leading to the falls and then down the mountainside. An ice bridge crosses over the treacherous water, leading to a snowy path on the far side. After seeing Zelnard's discovery, you feel more anxious about any unthought-out action and caution everyone, "Let's take this a little slower."

"We should cross one at a time," suggests Dushino, "and be careful, this thing looks slippery."

"You go first, Zelnard," you say to the young mage.

"Oh, so I'm expendable now?" he asks with a frown across his brow.

"No, smarty! You are the lightest and most likely not to break the bridge," you respond in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Oh, okay, I'll test it out," Zelnard declares in a humble voice.

Zelnard steps onto the ice bridge first, his light frame making it across without incident. The bridge creaks slightly under his weight, but it holds firm. He reaches the other side and waves back, signaling it’s safe.

Kazrod follows next, his heavy boots crunching on the ice. Halfway across, a crack forms beneath him. He hesitates but then quickens his pace, making it across just as the crack widens.

Lukindar is next. His steps are cautious, and he keeps his eyes fixed on the cracks that Kazrod left. He reaches the other side without incident, though he breathes a sigh of relief as his feet touch solid ground.

You go next, feeling the bridge give slightly under your weight. The cracks from Kazrod's crossing spiderweb beneath your feet. You keep your pace steady and make it across, but you can feel the bridge weakening with every step. "I don't think this bridge is gonna last much longer", you yell back. 

Patrice steps onto the bridge, and it creaks ominously. He is halfway across when the cracks spread further, and a chunk of ice gives way beneath his foot. He stumbles but catches himself, making it to the other side with a look of concern.

Finally, it's Dushino's turn. He steps onto the bridge, and it immediately begins to crack and tilt. The warmth from the previous crossings has weakened it considerably. As he nears the center, the bridge shudders and tilts forward, causing Dushino to slide down towards the water below.

"Patrice, help!" you shout.

Patrice reacts instantly, putting out her hand. Zelnard, thinking quickly, uses his water mage abilities to freeze some of the water at the end of the bridge, halting its fall. The bridge stabilizes just enough for Dushino to reach Patrice's outstretched hand.

With a firm grip, Patrice holds on to Dushino. You, Kazrod, and Lukindar rush to help, pulling Dushino up to the other side just as the ice bridge collapses another 2 meters behind him.

Breathless but safe, you take a short break and realize your drinking pouches are empty. Your group makes its way over a small crest ahead, and you see a spring in front of you. The small body of water flows into a spattering waterfall, offering a much-needed respite after the harrowing crossing.

The teamwork and quick thinking of the group really saved the day. "These guys aren't so bad". you thought.

You are starting to warm to this questing party of 5 and have you noticed you are so involved with your quest you are starting to forget why you are on it. Evaluate why you think you are starting to accept your new comrades and your previous quest dwindles in your mind. Enter those thoughts in Thy Quests below.

Next: E8Q3 A Needed Pause