Uphill Work

"So would I, but I just don't think it's practical," Astra replied. "Just going along on the level is exhausting work. I don't think we could get our craft up the hill."

"But if we go the other way, then we shall have the same trouble coming back, if we want to return to the lagoon. And we shall have to do that sooner or later, as I don't think that our boat can sustain us indefinitely."

"We must have been climbing very slowly ever since we left the lagoon behind, since otherwise descending the ridge ought to take us back to the sea, but there's no sign of that," Astra suggested

"Well, dry land below sea level is not unknown. There's a valley in Allaria like that."

"This isn't getting us anywhere," Astra said. "All right, we'll try climbing that hill. We shall have to take it slow and steady, though, with frequent rests."

1. They set off up the hill.
2. They set off up the hill but quickly realise that there is a problem. The slope is steep enough that some of their precious water starts to slop over the boat's stern.
3. They set off up the hill, but the trail is narrow and rough. Before long their boat overturns!

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