Sloan scrambled after her, swinging onto the rungs. The moment she placed her weight against them they gave in unison, dissolving like the padlock. She groped for Delaney's outstretched hand and swiped nothing but air as the small square of light above grew smaller and smaller, Delaney minimizing into oblivion.

She fell a long, long time, long enough to worry how and where she would land before she landed on an updraft of air about a foot from the ground. Beside her stood Winnipeg, directing the wind with a finger.

"You idiot," said Winnipeg as she dispersed the air and dropped Sloan to the floor. "It was obvious the rungs would break. Why do you think I jumped?"

"Thanks for the warning," said Sloan. "And thanks for catching me."

(Chapter 9)