Amber and Iron - Margaret Weis [59]
“You will excuse me,” said the dragon. “I am old and all this excitement has worn me out. Please don’t let me deter you from your task.”
Sharks circled Mina. Jellyfish floated uncomfortably close. The squid’s eyes opened. The sea creatures watched her. None of them came near her.
Mina began to swim through the water, heading toward the sand castle, keeping her enemies in sight.
Moving in lazy circles, the sharks accompanied her. The squid propelled itself through the water, but kept its distance.
Puzzled beyond measure, Mina continued to swim. The sea creatures followed her, watching her. The dragon watched her, gold-green eyes gleaming with what might have been amusement.
Of course, there will be traps.
Arriving at the structure, Mina swam around to the front and floated there, swaying gently with the currents, to gaze at it in perplexity. The water had not been playing tricks on her eyes. The Solio Febalas was a child’s play castle made of sand, which looked as though it would crumble at a touch.
She would have to get down on her hands and knees to crawl through the doorway, and even with her slender build, it would be a tight fit.
There are no artifacts! This is a hoax perpetrated by Nuitari, but why? Why go to all this trouble? Certainly, Mina reflected, the ways of the gods are beyond man’s comprehension. My lord will be exceedingly disappointed.
Mina glanced back at the dragon, who appeared to be enjoying her discomfiture. Mina wondered if she should continue to investigate or give up and swim back.
At least, I should look inside, she determined. My lord will be outraged enough as it is. I should be able to provide him with all the details.
Mina approached the sand castle with caution, mindful of traps and half-afraid she would bring down the entire structure if she bumped into it. The top of the walls came to her shoulders.
Mina reached out her hand to gingerly touch the wall. The structure was made of sand that had been fused together and was hard as marble. Nothing happened when she touched the wall. She glanced back again at the dragon and then outside the crystal globe, fearing Nuitari must come at any moment.
No one was there and the dragon hadn’t stirred.
Mina swam around to the front of the sand castle and found the entrance—a door, about three feet in height, made of thousands of pearls that shimmered with a pinkish-purple luster. A single rune carved out of a large emerald was embedded in the center. Mina brushed the tips of her fingers across the emerald.
The rune flashed a blinding green. The pearl door flew open with explosive force. Too late, Mina understood the trap. The building was air tight, sealed against the water. When the door opened, the seal broke. The water rushed inside, carrying Mina with it. The rush of the water ceased. The door shut and sealed, leaving the castle once again airtight.
Leaving Mina, once again, a prisoner.
Small wonder the dragon had looked amused.
The force of the water had swept Mina off her feet and tumbled her about. She lay on her stomach in water that was up to her chin. The water level was sinking fast, however. There must be a drain in the floor. She could hear the water gurgle as it swirled away.
Mina could not see a thing in the pitch darkness. She raised herself up slowly off the floor, fearful of hitting her head against the low ceiling. She felt nothing. She reached up her hand, still felt nothing. She tried straightening to her full height.
She did not hit her head. She stood perfectly still, afraid to move when she could not see. Gradually, her eyes became accustomed to the gloom. The room was not as dark as she’d first thought. There were no lights, but some objects around the room gave off a soft glow, so she was able to make out her surroundings.
Mina looked about her. She looked up, and she looked down. Her breath caught in her throat. Tears burned her eyes, causing the lights to blur together.