When even the thought of lifting my foot to take a single step was too much, I slid down the tunnel wall. This place was as good as any. It was dry, and the air was slightly warmer than earlier. Hopefully, that meant we were getting closer to the surface.
Placing my sword on the ground next to me, keeping the hilt within reaching distance, I gave Ryllae water before drinking the slightest amount of the life-giving liquid myself. Just enough to quench my thirst without draining our meager supplies. Drawing her onto my lap once again, I curled my arms around her. The steady sound of her heartbeat was a gentle, reassuring reminder that she still lived.
Bending, I brushed my lips across the top of her head. “I’ve got you, Ryllae.”
There was no response. Closing my eyes, I leaned my head against the stone and gave in to the call to sleep.
* * *
When I woke,nothing had changed. Ryllae slept on me, the tiniest bit of drool running out of her mouth and dampening my tunic. Placing her gently on the ground, I went down the tunnel and took care of my personal needs, all the while monitoring her.
Then I picked her up and walked once more. There was nothing else to do. It might have been the middle of the night, but it did not matter. Time had no meaning in this place of darkness. With only the glowing mushrooms and the gentle breeze to guide me, I marked the passing days by the dwindling of food.
When we fell, I had four hard loaves of bread in my pack, and one and a half jugs of water. By the third time I slept, my body forcing me to rest despite my desire to get out of this mountain, I was down to one loaf and half a jug. Things were getting dire, and I knew I couldn’t stay like this forever.
Ryllae had yet to wake.
The cuts and lacerations were nothing more than pink lines on her skin, her magic having healed them, but she continued to sleep.
And so I walked.
* * *
The steady rhythmof my footsteps on the rocks had become so normal that at first, I thought the sound of water was in my head. It started out quiet, little more than a drip, but soon it grew louder. The air dampened, and I hurried forward. By the time the tunnel widened, opening into an underground cavern, the lapping of water against rocks was all I could hear.
Tightening my hold around Ryllae, I moved as quickly as I dared. This water was a blessing we desperately needed. Our last jug was nearly empty, and my throat was scratchy and dry.
If any doubts had lingered about the source of the strange breeze guiding me through the tunnels, they were now squashed. There was no way I could have navigated the twisting passageways without the wind’s help. A frisson of fear ran through me at the thought. We could have been stuck here forever.
But we weren’t.
This underground cavern was far brighter than the tunnel had been, lit by luminescent blue and yellow plants growing on rocks, covering the walls and ceilings.
“Thank Kydona.” More prayers left my lips as I took in the massive cavern. An entire lake lay before me, the crystal-clear waters reflecting the shimmering, glowing vines and leaves that crawled over the space.
The previous inhabitants of the city must have used the lake for transportation because several rowboats were stacked in a haphazard pile against the wall. Maybe if we were lucky, one of them would still be waterproof.
We had more pressing issues than that, however. Leaving thoughts of boats for a later time, I hurried over to the water’s edge. Dropping to my knees, I placed Ryllae on the ground next to me. Pulling off my pack and my cloak, I dipped my hands into the water. It was cool to the touch, and refreshing as I brought it to my lips. I drank my fill, washing my dirty palms, arms, and face before filling the jugs. I was twisting the lid on the second when Ryllae moaned.
Hope surged through me, and I turned, dropping the jug. It rolled away, coming to rest against the wall as her hand fluttered against her chest.
I was at her side in an instant, picking that hand up in mine. “Hey there, Princess,” I whispered. “Can you hear me?”
Those blue eyes opened, and relief coursed through me. Ryllae’s tongue darted out of her mouth, wetting her lips. “Yes,” she rasped. “I can.”
Thanking every god I could think of, I grabbed the stray jug of water before hurrying back to her side. Settling her head on my lap, I brought the container to her mouth.
“Drink,” I urged her, acutely aware of how similar this entire situation was to one that took place not long ago, where she saved me.
I tipped it slowly as Ryllae drank. With every passing moment, her face regained color. She reached up, trying to pull the water closer, but I stopped her.
“Careful, my brave princess.” I shook my head, giving her water in gentle measures. “If you drink too fast, you’ll be sick.”
My Death Elf frowned, but she didn’t fight me. When she had enough, she sighed. “Thank you.”
Placing the half-empty jug next to me, I helped Ryllae sit up. Her eyes widened, and her hand found mine as she looked around.
“Where are we?” she asked.