Page 86 of Tashama
She pointed to a light area in the water beneath the rock wall. “We must dive below and swim to the other side. It is the only way.”
“I cannot swim under the water.”
“You can, my prince. If I can crawl through a pipe-like tunnel for nearly two hours, you can swim beneath the surface of the water for a minute or two. Take a deep breath, and I will pull you along. One…, two…, three.” She dove beneath the surface as she pulled him with her.
She smiled as the water nymphs clustered about the prince as they tugged at his clothes and hair while they helped her to get him to the air. They finally made it past the wall of rock. Tashama pulled the prince to the surface, then held his head above the water while they both gasped for air.
Then, she swam across to the other side of the lake and held onto the rock as he climbed out of the water. He turned to help her out when he caught sight of white gowns shimmering in the corner of the cave.
When the lady recognized the prince and Tashama, she ran forward. “Sire.” She curtsied low to him.
“Listra,” he scowled at her.
“Forgive me.” She turned to Tashama. “We have failed, my lady.”
“I cannot believe you of all people,” the prince said.
“What is wrong?” Tashama touched Listra’s tear-soaked cheek.
“Carissian blocked all the passageways to Karthland. He shook the mountains while we were lost in the mists. He has come for the prince, and he has come for you and me now.”
“Where are the thieves?” Tashama squeezed the water from her hair.
“They have hidden. I couldn’t let them get caught because of me.”
“I cannot believe you would have aided the princess’s escape as you did, Listra.” Aleron wrung out his tunic.
“Oshon and his men were going to murder her, sire. You know that as well as I. I couldn’t let that happen.”
“No one will murder her,” The prince glanced over at the passageway that led into the cavernous room. He smiled to hear Carissian’s welcome voice as Tashama rolled her eyes.
“Carissian,” the prince said in greeting. “Seems your quick thinking has saved us all.”
“You, maybe,” Tashama said. “Not me.”
The guards rushed into the room, and the prince said, “The women are to be guarded all the way back to Banff. Take them to the horses.”
“Will they be shackled, sire?”
“No. Carissian and I will be along shortly, then we will ride together.”
“I should have left you behind in Ramoria,” Tashama said.
“You wouldn’t have made it without me.” The prince couldn’t conceal the delight he felt in being with his people. He knew he had a good chance of losing Tashama should she have made it to Karthland.
“And you, without me.” Tashama shook her wet hair at him.
“Swimming with you was indeed an exhilarating experience. I will take you up on your offer to teach me to swim.” He considered Tashama’s green gowns, which clung to her figure.
“I retract my offer.”
The prince waved for Tashama and Listra to be removed from the cavern. They left the room, and the prince grabbed Carissian’s arm. “So tell me, Carissian, what has gone on while I’ve been away?”
“Your people are waiting for the crowning of their king.”
“Good, I’m ready to do my duty.”
“And the princesses?”
