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Show -6- mean that people actually live in a volcano?" Verus laughed. "I said it looks like a volcano. It isn't a volcano at all. The Inner Mountains surround us completely, forming high cliffs that touch on all sides. The cliffs jut out and make the opening to the valley small, but as.you descend into the valley, the cliffs widen considerably." "Isn't it dark and cold down there? I would hate to be shut up in a place like that." Sandy shuddered. "There is plenty of light. The cliffs are porous, much like a sponge. They soak in the sunbeams which stream into the cone opening and reflect them into the valley, lighting up even the farthest corners. The fog which is over the Inner Mountains never covers the opening to the valley." "Y/hy?" "The wind blows it away. The wind is particularly fierce above the opening. It is so savage, in fact, that it protects us. If anyone were to find their way to Sol Vallis, the wind would dash them on the crags below." "How will we get into the valley, then?" Sandy asked fearfully. "Don't worry," smiled Verus. "This bubble will get us there." While they were talking, the bubble floated into some rather dense clouds. Night fell. A Northerly wind blew the bubble through the cold night air. Protected from the cold, and lulled by the gentle swaying, Sandy soon fell into a deep sleep. |