"If you're not afraid, I'm not either," Theta said. "Let's go."
Carrying the basket with its remaining supply of fruit between them, they started up the slope. It was only a short distance to the top defrosters. These only went into action at blossom time for the apples and other highland fruits.
From there to the force fence was a steep climb through rocks and brush. Their pace grew slower as they approached the fence. Their eyes scanned the rocks and scant brush for signs of the great beasts, but they saw none. Higher yet, about a quarter of a mile, was the top of the ridge. The edge of the earth.
Theta pressed against him. "I'm scared," she murmured.
Henry's face became set. "We said we were going," he said curtly. "You can stay if you wish." He selected rocks for both hands.
The force fence only gave them a strong tingling sensation. The plast sandals insulated them somewhat. The slope became steeper, but there was no indication of any great beasts. Too excited to stop and rest, although they were breathing heavily, they pressed onward.
Would it be night down there, over the edge of the world? Stars shining? Would it be daylight and clouds?
The top of the ridge was a hundred feet away ... ten. Henry flung himself on the ground so if he became dizzy he would not lose his balance and fall. Theta did the same. Side by side, they crept the remaining distance.
What they saw made them stare in open-mouthed amazement.