Above the exhibition field
An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.
Beyond the rope, the spectators called encouragement to Tobias. He raised one hand in reply, as he had seen confident travellers do, but no answer would pass his lips. Behind him, the balloon heaved against its cords. The basket rocked, and he tightened his grip until the wicker pressed a red pattern into his palm.
The assistants began to release the cords one at a time. With each loosened knot, the basket gave an eager jerk. Tobias fixed his eyes upon the brass buckle of his boot: a small, solid object which still belonged to the earth.
The last cord dropped.
The cheers thinned beneath him as the field widened and the people lost their faces. Tobias forced himself to look upwards. The great silk balloon filled his whole view, swelling and cracking above his head like a sail caught in a storm. There was nowhere steady to rest his eyes.
Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to convey Tobias's anxiety as the balloon begins its ascent. Support your answer with references to the passage.