A rounded log lying on the edge nearby was almost perfectly placed to protect the rope from any grinding along the sharp shale. I tossed the remaining length loosely over the edge, across this piece of relatively smooth wood, and it sailed down.
> No cursing, a good start. <
The initial descent went smoothly. I controlled my speed with ease, as this body's balance and reflexes made what could have been a treacherous descent feel almost routine. Modifying my interior with a partial shift also made me more than strong enough to hang by a single hand if needed.
But halfway down, my foot braced on the wall hit a patch of loose shale that gave way without warning. Slinging me sideways as it crumbled… sharp rock edges scored across my cheek before I managed to arrest the swing.
"Damn it!"
