2025 U : Underwater

     

In the challenge, "U" is for Underwater. After her cover as a sailor is blown, Anastasia is captured by the dragon hater Broch. An additional issue Broch had with Anastasia is that Broch desired the dragon lord, Lord Branin Llewlyn. The problem was that Anastasia was Dal's predestined mate. Z Broch's punishment was to chain Anastasia in an underwater cavern just above the water line ... and the tide was coming in. Between her won resources (hidden lockpicks in her boot) and the other prisoners in the cave, Branin and the true dragon, Crisiant, all are freed from their shackles. However, the entrance to the cave is underwater.

From Windmaster:

Branin put an arm around Anastasia and guided her to the water’s edge. He sent a prayer heavenward that the iron would truly protect them all from the ancient spells. Crisiant had no other choice other than risking the water. She would not fit through the winding crevice to freedom on land. By the next evening, the entire cave would be submerged. Even if the water did not burn, dragons could still drown.

Holding her wings up, Crisiant gingerly dipped in one toe. <It doesn’t hurt. The iron works.> She turned dark green eyes on Anastasia. <Hold onto my tail, little one. I will tow you. It is too soon for you to join Branin and me in dragon form.>

“I will swim in human form,” Branin argued.

<Why?> Crisiant’s question echoed the confusion evident on Anastasia’s face.

“There is not enough space in the cave for his body if I switch shape with Llewlyn,” Branin explained. “And the entrance is too small. Crisiant, you may lose some scales getting through. Llewlyn would get trapped. Also, using my magic to switch forms could still push Anastasia into an early First Change. I will not risk it. I will not risk her.” He turned an earnest stare to Anastasia in reassurance. “I am a strong swimmer, I will be fine even without Llewlyn’s dragon strength.” Then with a tone of ringing authority hidden in the request he said, “Crisiant, take care of Anastasia.”

<Very well.> With a nod at Anastasia to follow, the blue dragon led the way into the waist-deep water. Crisiant took a deep breath and held it. In a muffled tone she counted, <One... two... three.>

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt of an underwater escape. If you enjoyed this post, related "water-themed" posts include sailing and rivers. 

 ~till next time, Helen 

 

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