/> "Is the river ahead?" asked Shrike. Spyder heard the rustling of the thick, rubbery sheets as she unfolded the map. "We have to cross it to get to Pandemonium. "
"That wont be a problem. The crossing part, I mean. "
"Lay it out for us, Lulu," said Spyder. He had his back to a stone outcropping just beyond the tunnel. Around them were dozens of voices, people screaming and talking, people on crying jags. From above came a metallic humming punctuated by momentary squeals, the wail of rusted wheels and rotten gears. Spyder didnt like the idea of machines that he couldnt see hanging over his head.
"I dont know where to start. Were in a Hieronymous Bosch painting," Lulu said. "Hear all those people? Theyre standing around waiting to get across the river. I bet you dont smell roses anymore, do you? Theres pipes all around dumping what looks a lot like shit, blood, carcasses and lord knows what other puke into the river. Jesus fuck!"
"What is it?" Shrike asked, her sword half-raised.
"Something, like a big, white worm just popped out of the water, latched on to one of those people and dragged em under. "
"They arent people, Lulu. Theyre souls. Dont worry, they cant drown," said Spyder
"No, but I bet that thing can chew on em for a good long time. "
"What else do you see? Can you tell how we get to the other side?" asked Shrike.
"Yeah. Theres these metal cars, like the sky cars at an old amusement park, slung on wires over the water. Shit. I dont know if I want to ride on one of those with those hungry worms waiting for us to drop. "
"We have to," said Spyder. "Listen, the thing that grabbe
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