CHAPTER 42
The floating platform had been moved right to the edge of the stadium, opposite the Old Girl’s box. The steamer was approaching the platform and began manoeuvring itself so that it could dock at the platform while leaving the sunken masts behind it, near the centre of the stadium.
Around the water were four huts, from which the chains that moved the floating platform could be operated. Longinus hurried towards the one nearest the floating platform. Once the platform had reached the water’s edge, he’d be able to get onto it from the hut and then reach the steamer and masts to get the crossbow.
He entered the hut, and immediately his senses were assailed by the loud clanging of machinery and the heat of boilers. The air was full of dancing dust motes. A tall man with his back t
