69 - Down

I feel under pressure from the time that’s been slipping away. I know that I need to do something, but tactics aren’t my strong point. I’m a Doctor, not a battlefield officer. I know I could stand here all night, trying to decide what to do. There isn’t time for that, so I take the risk. I move forward, slipping down the rocks that border the edge of the pool beside the cave.

I try to keep to the shadows, sticking close to the ground. I still can’t feel Seren and I can’t hear anyone else approaching. So I take my chance and sink down, I dive forward into the water. Wading carefully, trying not to splash until I’m deep enough so that I can sink under the surface, holding my breath.

I straighten up, pushing my hair back from my face. My hands and wrists are stinging, but at least the open wounds are clean, or something like it. The water, from what I can see is clear. It’s fresh and it’s running so I cup my hands, taking a deep drink. Anything to take the edge of my dehydration.

Then