CN1 - 9 - Strength Paddle

By the time he reached the rocky little ledge, his ice “boat” had melted away to about half its original size.

More than half, Kopaka told himself as he leaped onto the island and scooped up the mask. It’s still more than half there. That will be enough – especially with the added strength of my new Kanohi to help me row. He jammed the Mask of Strength over his face, feeling its power seep through him.

Still, he hesitated as he stepped back onto the floe. It would take him almost as long to row back to shore as it had taken to get here. Would the ice last that long?

Just go! he chided himself. There’s no other choice.

Jabbing his blade into the lava, Kopaka put all the strength of his new mask into his effort as he pushed away from the island.

I’ll make it, he told himself firmly, squashing the thought. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it. If the floe melts away too soon, maybe I can freeze enough of the lava, to hop across the rest of the way a step at a time. Or –