The Pendelton Cruiser rolled down the final slope of the mountain range. The air turned heavy and humid. The sharp smell of pine needles was replaced by the smell of stagnant water and rotting vegetation.
They had reached the Rotting Fen.
It was a vast ocean of mud, green water, and twisted trees covered in moss. There was no road here. Just patches of wet land separated by deep, murky channels.
Arthur brought the car to a stop at the edge of the water.
"Seal check," Arthur ordered.
"Doors are locked," Vivian reported, pulling the handle to test it. "Windows are up."
"Engaging Amphibious Mode," Arthur flipped a switch.
Under the car, mechanical flaps closed over the air intakes. The exhaust pipe (which was mounted high, like a snorkel) chugged rhythmically. The steam engine switched its output from the wheels to a propeller mounted at the rear.
"We are now a boat," Arthur announced. "A very heavy, un-aerodynamic boat."
He drove into the water.
SPLASH.
