Harmonics: Rise of the Magician

  *****

  This was not happening. Not again. Dirk seriously considered finding a new profession. Maybe a teacher, or a writer. Something that did not involve angry enforcement officials. Dirk quickly thought through his options and realized he only had two. Go up and be caught, or go down and hopefully not be caught. Well, that was an easy one. Dirk readied himself. He took one last look down to make sure his path was clear, and then hit the release on the brake. Gravity took over and Dirk heard the line spin through the motor's grips with an ever-increasing whine. He was falling rapidly towards the valley floor. He had to time this just right.

  Dirk kept looking down at the fast approaching ground. Just a few more seconds. Dirk hit the brake, engaging the clamps. The line smoked and moaned at the intense friction. He closed his eyes, hoping that he had timed it right. If not, two broken legs would definitely not help in his escape attempt.

  *****

  Roman heard the descending whine and his heart sank. He scrambled to the edge of the rock face on his hands and knees, looking for its source. All he saw was a blurry image of a man falling towards the bottom of the cliff. Roman called to the Major to secure the line and start pulling the man up. The pit in Roman's stomach grew a little larger.