Ssarak wanted to stop Alaira, but she was too quick to grab. He wished he could yell at her inside her head, but having her scream out in pain while sneaking up on them would make the situation immediately worse. The first mistake he might forgive, but now it was like she was just trying to sabotage them. He had not believed it was a good idea to bring her along, but not for this reason; he had more anticipated her weakened state would be the issue. It mattered little at the moment, however, as he needed to focus on keeping the bridge stable, an idea that Meirin shared.

Meirin was a bit quicker to reach the rope than Ssarak, but he was right behind her. She shouted for them all to cross, but there was no way in Tien he was leaving her to be dragged into the river by the weight she was supporting. Besides, falling into the river wouldn't be an issue for him if he was pulled down by the rope. He rushed over to Meirin and grabbed onto the post and rope as well, adding his considerable strength to the mix and, more importantly, reducing the stress on Meirin. 

[i]"Darius, help us!"[/i] Ssarak shouted telepathically. It was possible they might hold it up long enough as it was, but Darius could only make it easier.