The Way Back

So we're about to set off. There's a few goodbyes I've got to say - Tony for a start - he's been a really big help in getting this sorted out, so I go and see him, tell him how I feel and say thanks. He's obviously a bit surprised about how I feel - maybe he didn't realise quite what an impression he made. What I told him was that if my hero hadn't turned up to rescue me, that I would have quite happily let him do whatever he wanted - well, within reason- and I think he appreciated that. Anyway, we parted on pretty good terms.
On my way back to the ferry, who should I bump into but Mr H, who was not happy at all. I told him that we had done a deal way back then, and that we had shaken hands on it , so he should be honest enough to let me go now I'd made my point. What he said to me didn't exactly fill me with hope though - he said that the deal was that he wouldn't look back before you both get out of here. and that that hasn't happened yet, has it, so I would suggest you don't count your chickens just yet, Mmm?
Like I said, not promising.
I reminded him that he'd promised not to interfere - not to do the "Look behind you" pantomime stuff - that he'd agreed to play it straight. He reminded me that he was the God down here, and that although he might have promised personally not to do anything, there were loads of things that could happen on the last bit of the journey that could make it all go wrong, and that he had no control of things like that. Or no responsibility, anyway. Then he reminded me about the snakes, and how they had got it a bit wrong.

So I'm now more than a bit worried that something bad is going to happen on the way up - that no matter what, I'm ending up back down here on a permanent basis, so I go back in to see Tony. He's packing. Says Mr H has told him he can go up top a week or so early this year - apparently the crops up there need a bit of a boost - so he won't be around for three or four months anyway. He says he'll send me a postcard - just in case I don't make it. Thanks, just what I need. So now what ? Looks like I've go to just go for it and hope, so I make my way to the ferry - hoping against hope it all works out ok and that he just keeps on walking and doesn't turn back. Me? I just need to make sure I don't do, say ( or scream) anything that might make him.
I'd like to warn him about things - but apparently I can't - against the rules. You don't need to ask who made up these rules, do you.
So I get to the ferry, and there he is , waiting to start the journey. We still can't touch or talk, but we can look.
So I do.
Lots.
Let's hope he can read my mind through my eyes!!

I'll tell you what happens very soon.