Evelyn Ford made a split-second decision and jumped onto the wooden plank. She trusted Ronan Kendrick. At a time like this, it was even more crucial for her to remain calm and work with him to lead the entire group out of the quicksand zone.
"Be careful."
Ronan Kendrick nodded, then headed forward alone.
The once hard-packed layer of yellow sand was now covered by quicksand. It contained no frost, and stepping on it revealed a surprising softness.
Ronan Kendrick held a wooden stick, using it to probe for quicksand for the group behind him, much like sweeping for landmines. Fortunately, they crossed the entire area without running into another pit.
When Ronan Kendrick returned to the carriage, Evelyn Ford threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Don't worry, I'm safe."
As Evelyn held him, the knot of worry in her chest finally loosened.
