Thief of Time - Ground

'Do you know what kinetic energy is?'

'No.'

'It's what you have far too much of.' Soto's fingers danced on the beads, sometimes disappearing and reappearing. 'I imagine you weigh about a hundred and ten pounds, yes?'

He pocketed the little device and strolled off to a nearby cart. He did something that Newgate couldn't see, and came back.

'In a few seconds you will complete your fall,' he said, reaching under him to place something on the ground. 'Try to think of it as a new start in life.'

Newgate fell. He hit the ground. The air flashed purple and the laden cart across the street jerked a foot into the air and collapsed heavily. One wheel bounced away. Soto leaned down and shook Newgate's unresisting hand.

'How do you do?' he said. ' Any bruises?'

'It does hurt a bit,' said the shaken Newgate.

'Maybe you're a bit heavier than you look. Allow me...' Soto grabbed Newgate under the shoulders and began to tug him off into the mists.

***

The Thief of Time - p63