Then they entered calmer, deeper water. They were past the danger for the time being.
The river still flowed with speed. Ella judged them to be going faster than a running man. They continued to paddle, increasing their speed still further. They were regaining the time they had lost.
Strange birds and animals could occasionally be seen on the banks. A tall bird with thick legs ducked its entire head under the water then kept it there for a good amount of time before reappearing with a fish in its beak. A capering, cat-sized animal with brown fur and small horns danced in the tree tops.
Butterflies twisted and turned in a growing breeze, the rushing sound of the river combining with the buzz of insects to create a general background hum, the song of nature.
As the morning moved into midday, the sun came out in force, dispelling the chill of the night. Ella even started to feel hot, working up a sweat with the constant paddling.
The river grew wider, slowing its frantic pace. It looked like a good spot to break their fast on some cold rabbit and wild mushrooms.
"I miss my people," said Layla suddenly.
Ella sighed. She had wondered when this would be coming. Layla had proved to be an invaluable tracker and travelling companion. She might even call her a friend.
"When we come to the road, and we have confirmed that he is still going in the same direction, you can go home then," Ella said.
Layla nodded. "I will go home then."
"I… I want to thank you for helping me," Ella said.
"You have given me a gift."
"Is that the only reason you’re helping me, because I gave you something in return?"
Layla seemed pensive for a moment. "It has been good to come to understand you a little; your people, your ways. You are different. I think you still have a lot to learn about the world."
"I guess we all do." Ella paused, watching the bank roll by. "Layla, do you think I could call you my friend?"
Ella wasn’t sure what answer she could expect. She realised then, that after Miro and Amber, she didn’t really have any other friends. Even though Layla was so different, it was good to have someone to talk to.
She turned and met Layla’s eyes. Dunfolk eyes. "We are friends Ella. Of course we are. Did you think we weren’t?"
Ella smiled.
~
ELLA was pleased with the progress they made as the day progressed. The river had narrowed again, and with it came a corresponding increase in speed. At one stage they passed through a great canyon, its sides made of shiny black volcanic glass. At other places the bank was wide and marshy, with tall tufted grass and host to a myriad of wildlife. The sun sank in the sky and as the last vestiges of a vermillion sunset disappeared into darkness Ella took out the rock she had made into a nightlamp.
"Tish-tassine," the warm glow of the runes lit up the raft.
It was fortunate she had done so, for shortly after a broad shape could be outlined against the clouded night sky. A bridge.
"The road!" Ella exclaimed.
"Yes, the road," Layla echoed.
"Quick, we need to stop."
Ella began to paddle towards the narrow bank. The raft moved ponderously; they were in the middle of a wide part in the river here but the flow was still fast. Surprisingly fast. A sound could be heard carried on the breeze.
"What’s that sound?" Ella stopped paddling.
It grew louder, until it became a gentle roar. It sounded like heavy rain, or a furious wind.
Layla stopped also. They were still far from the bank. The current grew rapid, swifter than ever before. The raft bobbed along, caught in the inevitable surge.
"Paddle!" cried Ella. "It’s a waterfall!"
She paddled to the utmost of her strength. The raft slowly pulled across as the bank sped by.
Ella heard a shriek. She turned. It was Layla, staring, transfixed, her hand across her mouth. Then Ella saw it too.
Just ahead river fell away into nothingness. There was no chance. They would never make it.
Ella’s mind went blank. She thought of nothing, just gazed at her impending doom.
The raft flew on the swift water.
They went over.
Ella screamed as she fell. She lost contact with the raft immediately. The nightlamp was lost. Everything was in darkness. She could see nothing, hear nothing, except for the great roar of the cascading water. Her body twisted one way, then another, as she plummeted through the air.
Then she hit. The water churned itself into froth. For a heartbeat she was floating on the foam before being slammed deep underwater, pummelled mercilessly with the strength of a thousand hammers into the cavity created by the action of thousands of years.
Her vision turned black, then white. Her ears hummed and shrieked, her head felt like it would explode. Her lungs were groaning with the lack of air, desperately trying to convince her she should open her mouth and suck in whatever she might find. Some sensible part of Ella held fast.