Contents
Chapter Sixty-One
Overview
In the storm-lashed wall run, Tala reaches the north-west watchtower as lightning obliterates it, sending guards and masonry into the sea. Left hanging from a crevice, Tala is nearly abandoned when Ruko runs on, but he reverses course and rescues her. His choice costs him any hope of beating Neema, while softening his hardened resolve.
Summary
Tala inches along the rain-battered wall near the north-west watchtower, repeating her Ox mantra to steady herself. She negotiates a loose stretch, leaps a widening gap, and briefly believes she is safe. Then lightning strikes the tower, shattering the structure and hurling guards and debris down past her.
The ledge collapses and Tala slides, catching a crevice with three fingers. Exhausted and unable to climb, she calls for help and sees Ruko on the ledge above. He jumps the new chasm and, to her horror, sprints away without a word.
As Tala’s grip fails, a rope suddenly drops. Ruko has anchored himself on the parapet and calmly guides her up. Tala scrambles over, weeping with relief, and they acknowledge the tower’s dead and the trauma they’ve witnessed.
Recognizing that any winning time is now impossible, Tala urges Ruko to continue, but both accept the loss. Walking south together as the storm eases, Tala confronts Ruko about his hesitation. He admits he considered leaving her; the admission exposes his inner conflict even as his rescue rekindles his capacity for care.
Who Appears
- TalaOx contender; survives the watchtower collapse, dangles from a crevice, and is rescued by Ruko.
- RukoContender and rising leader; hesitates, then returns with a rope to save Tala, sacrificing his chance to beat Neema.