The Pathless on Paths---------Chapter VI part 5(5)

He woke with a start. The staircase was empty. No sign of his companions could be seen. It was wholly dark, and he could barely seen his own fingers. He supported himself up, and looked around. Empty and silent was the space around him, the narrow landing. How long had he slept? He could not know? Why did his friends leave him without waking him? Still he found no answer. Panic rose in him, and he sprinted up the stairs regardless of his sour legs, hopping to catch up to them someway ahead, though his senses told him it was a fruitless effort. Abruptly, the stairs ended, and a dark abyss rushed forward to greet him. He could not stop himself, and fell.