The Stone Trembles

A lot can happen in a second. Thoughts race through the minds of the observers.

Professor D'Andria wonders how this will be reported in the newspapers.

Gaius is impressed by the Roman style courage of Bunny.

Arthur thinks gloomily that if Bunny dies Pastor Moon will inherit her money.

And then....

Bunny's head emerges from the Portal, coughing and choking.

Arthur drags her out.

Bunny is greenish and whitish. She lies flat on the ground, staring up blankly at Arthur.

Ughh! says Bunny. That was sicko!

What could you see? asks Arthur.

Pchuh! coughs Bunny. It was .....uch!

Bunny throws up.

We need to get her down from the plateau, says Professor D'Andria. Perhaps a hot bath.....and some tea.

You and Arthur take her, says Gaius. I shall stay and pull Lavender out. Now where is the end of that string?

Bunny doesn't have it. The professor and Arthur carry her away.

Gaius approaches the hole.

Yes, he can just see the end of the twisted bandage string that had been wrapped around Lavender, dangling at the edge of the hole.

You might think he would pull it.

He does not.

Not straight away.

He sits down and thinks about what might be happening to Lavender. She is in no danger. She is a space in the shape of a ....what does she call it?...... an augur. Strange little non-creature. He will give her a chance to have a proper look around.

Who knows? thinks Gaius. She might encounter Pluto himself, god of the Underworld, and Persephone the maiden. Better than nothing. Best wait a few minutes at least.

He picks up the end of the string. Places a stone on it. Wouldn't do to let it get away. How long is it? he wonders.

If only he had some more string. Or another bandage. He could make the string longer, then Lavender could go further in....

Pity Arthur was gone.... Arthur could always come up with a bandage....good and reliable.... Arthur....Arthur will be back in a minute, bringing Baby Pierre.....

The sun is warm on Gaius's face. He is sleepy.

The stone on the string trembles slightly; the earth rumbles.

Something is happening down there.