Harker stood up. "Let's go take a look." Down below the flower heads were agitated "They don't like that thought, Rory. Maybe it can be done, and they know it."
McLaren rose, leaning on a short spear like a cane. "Matt. They won't let us get away with it."
Harker frowned. "Button said there were other ways beside the seed...." He turned away. "No use standing here worrying about it."
They started climbing again, very slowly on account of McLaren. Harker tried to gauge where they were in relation to the cavern beneath. The river made a good guide. The rocks were almost barren of growth here, which was a godsend. He watched, but he couldn't see anything threatening approaching from the valley. The flower people were mere dots now, perfectly motionless.
The rock formation changed abruptly. Ancient quakes had left scars in the shape of twisted strata, great leaning slabs of granite poised like dancers, and cracks that vanished into darkness.
Harker stopped. "This is it. Listen, Rory. I want you to go off up there, out of the danger area...."
"Matt, I...."
"Shut up. One of us has got to be alive to take word back to the ships as soon as he can get through the valley. There's no great rush and you'll be able to travel in three-four days. You...."
"But why me? You're a better mountain man...."