When the makeshift raft was finally completed, it stood like a quiet promise by the bank—broad enough to carry them all, rough around the edges, but held together with care and instinct. Von gave it a final once-over, his hand brushing along the lashings that held the planks and tree trunks together. Then, without a word, he gave it a sharp shove.
The heavy wooden platform creaked and groaned as it slid into the river. The sound of it parting the water was strangely calming—like the sigh of something ancient giving way. The group watched, some nervous, others simply tired. When the raft bobbed a few times and held firm, Von turned back to them with a nod.
"One at a time," he said. "Step steady."
