The Exodus Quest

II

The water had now reached Lily's chin. She had to tilt back her head to breathe. Her left arm was aching from holding up Gaille, still breathing faintly but not yet conscious. She transferred her to her right. She'd climbed as high as she could go on the mound, but it was being eaten away bit by bit beneath her feet. She gave a sob of fear and loneliness.

The time was fast coming when she'd have to choose. She could perhaps ride the rising tide, supporting herself on the few meagre holds in the limestone wall, but no way could she do so while still holding Gaille. She was already too close to exhaustion. And the longer she held on, the more of her own precious reserves of strength she'd burn up. Letting her go was the only sensible strategy. No one would see. No one would ever know. And even if they did, they'd agree she'd had no choice.

Right, she told herself. On the count of ten.

She took a deep breath, counted the numbers out loud. But she trailed to a halt at seven, aware she couldn't do it. She just couldn't.

Not yet, at least.

Not yet.