Activity

ENYDD

“Here is about as good as any place.” Avin replied, almost coldly. He hurriedly added, “I like the woods too. I used to call them home, if you can believe that.”

I smiled uncertainly. “I guess I can see- What on earth?” I whimpered.

“Everyone get back! Get out of the room!” someone yelled.

I wished I could obey their practical order, but my feet were glued to the floor, arrested by the giant swarm of bugs filling the room.

“I think we should go, Enydd.” Avin said in a low, urgent voice.

I made for the door that the rest were rushing to, but Avin held me back.

“We won’t make it in time. Are you afraid of water?”

“No,” I replied, too overwhelmed with panic to wonder at the subject change.

“Come on,” he started for the space behind me.

I hesitated. Where was he going?

Then I saw the stream.

Oh.

I rushed after him. It wasn’t ideal, but it was our only chance.

The bugs droning grew louder as we raced for the water.

With no time for hesitation, we dove into the water. I took one last deep breath and submerged myself.

Soon, too soon, the burn sprung up in my chest. My head throbbed. My throat clawed for air.

I wouldn’t be able to hold on for much longer.

I needed air.

Something bumped into me. I jerked back weakly in alarm.

What on ear-

I shrieked, choking on the water. I was in something! I struggled feebly. Against what? I couldn’t tell. I felt myself falling. I landed on something hard.

I opened my eyes slowly, coughing out the water. I drew in a ragged breath. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone spewing ice over a hole in the wall.

I struggled to a sitting position, breathing heavily. With a groan, I got to my feet, leaning on the cave’s walls. The fog gradually cleared from my mind.

Avin was crouched over someone. It was Abirami, I realized.

I stumbled over and dropped beside Avin. “What happened?” I asked in a hoarse whisper.