Zork breathes a heavy sigh and considers once again going into the water to get across. He curses not trying to cross the bridge before Theaton went with his horse.
Zork will see how best he can get rope to Theaton to secure himself to or vice verse so that he is not in the water alone. Then he will cross.
Climb: +10 = 27
Swim: +3 = 13
It takes Zork a few attempts to throw his rope all the way over; eventually Theaton grabs it and Zork ties himself. Zork slowly progresses through the fast moving river, Theaton pulling against the water current. Zork is almost across the 50 foot river, but with 5 feet left the river overwhelms him and he goes under the water's surface.
I need a few more swim checks and Theaton can aid with Strength checks.
Zork recovers but makes no progress, then finds himself go under again, and again a second time, almost losing his breath. He wills himself to keep going and finally splashes to the cliff face on the other side. He holds on and catches his breath, making little progress on the slippery rocks, but as he gets higher it gets drier and easier. Theaton's help on the rope certainly saved him.
You're on the other side of the bridge with a bag of wet supplies, which includes pieces of parchment. After drying them, which way do you wish to explore? Into the forest to the west, or the hills to the south?
"Next time, I cross first" Says Zork while trying to catch his breath. After drying out he determines the next enemy with a horse he encounters he will surely take it from them. Zork suggests into the forest for a slow movement and maybe a future camp.