Rivalyn by Rachel James

Author:Rachel James
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781699020555
Published: 2019-11-29T05:00:00+00:00

Oh, for heaven’s sake, here they go again.

Niall gripped Alys tighter as they landed in a pool of hot water, and the stench of rotten eggs ascended his nostrils.

“Where are we?” Alys shouted above the torrential noise.

He swam frantically about, the darkness overwhelming his senses. “I do not know; I can’t see a thing. Reach out your hand.” After a few attempts, he finally grabbed hold of Alys.

“The water’s rising,” panicked Alys.

He fumbled around the chamber searching for an exit route. “I can’t find a way out.”

Alys started to laugh. “You and water don’t mix, do you?”

If he had time to get annoyed with her, he would have. “Can you blame me? I’ve not had a good relationship with it in the past. Tends to throw me into situations beyond my control. Besides, I’d be a lot calmer if I could just see something...”

Alys leaned back and gazed up at the ceiling. “There is a little light...the smallest crack, but...”

“What are you doing?”

“Waiting.”

“For what?”

“For the water to rise enough to get out of here.”

“And what makes you think it will?”

“Just trying to exercise a little faith.”

He had to laugh with her, either that or break down. “All right, I’ll give you that one. What have we got to lose?” He sat back in the water, so he was neck-deep, allowing the rising water to carry him.

The water moved up fast. He grabbed hold of a ridge on the lower ceiling as they rose above it. “Grab the walls as we go up. We might climb the rest of the way.”

“Good idea.” Alys gripped one part, but her hand slipped away, and he caught her before she went underwater.

“I got you. Try again.”

She took a deep breath, and this time clasped the side. “My hands are so wet I can barely grip anything.”

He reached up to the ledge and pulled up his body. He lunged his foot hard into the wall. One more stretch and his hand grasped the top.

“There’s some kind of hatch...” The door was heavy, but when he pushed, it gave way a fraction. “Help me shift this.”

The two of them thrust their weight, and the cover moved.

The intensity of daylight was welcoming, despite the blinding effect it momentarily had on his sight. He pulled himself up, the wind catching his breath. He rolled over and dangled his arms down to give Alys a hand up.

Alys whistled. “You were right, we’ve entered the valley, although, we have a fair way to go.”

Niall noticed Alys shivering, and, unable to offer her a cloak, he wrapped his arm around her instead. “We can’t go back now.” He glanced down at her attire. She had changed into a simple tunic, but still wore her armour. “I’m very glad you’ve got your breastplate with you.”

Her brow furrowed. “But we’ve left Cabal. What will he think?”

“He knew we were in the chapel. Hopefully, he didn’t follow us and risk getting trapped in that bizarre pool.”

“I wonder if he discovered anything.” She pulled her knees up to her chest.

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