Page 154 of The Dragon's Gambit

They walked up to a small cliffside where the river emptied into the ocean. The four peered over the edge.

“There should be a cave directly below us, under where the river splashes into the ocean,” Reiya said calmly.

“Reiya, I’ll fly us down. It’ll be much faster that way.” Xander watched her nod in agreement. It would be much faster than climbing down.

“What about Brody and Chelsie?”

“I don’t need a ride. I’m a kelpie, after all.” Chelsie grinned and winked at Reiya.

“I can easily haul you and Po panda bear here. I really can carry all three of you.” Xander looked over at Chelsie who shook her head, looking at him like he was crazy.

“I’ll meet you three down there.” Chelsie raised up on her tiptoes and kissed Brody before he could object, then ran and dove into the rapid river.

Xander chuckled. “I think she’s afraid of heights.” He winked at Brody, and then his body began to shift. His large red dragon took form, and he flapped his wings slightly to stretch them out. “Ready?”

Brody sighed in irritation and lifted Reiya onto Xander’s back. “I may be climbing on your back on our first date, but I still have my standards,” Brody teased as he hoisted himself up onto Xander.

“I’ll treat you to a honey pot when we get back home.” Xander adjusted himself into a standing position and then glanced backward at them. “You both set?”

“Your back doesn’t feel like Lee’s back. His is more muscular than yours,” Reiya teased and heard a steaming snort come from Xander’s nose.

Xander flapped his large red wings, creating gusts of wind below him, and they elevated off the ground. He flew forward and spiraled downward over the cliffside. The waterfall misted them as they approached. Small water droplets landed on them as Xander found a flat area where he could land.

Chelsie was already standing there with a small smirk on her face. Water travel was all too easy for her. Air travel … eh, that wasn’t her sort of thing. She watched as Brody hopped off and walked up to her. He reached his hand out and gently took her hand in his.

“You really should try it sometime.” Brody smiled, knowing she had a problem with flying. He watched her shrug and then lean her body into his.

“It’s overrated, I’m sure.” Chelsie couldn’t see why she needed to fly, not when she could instantly travel to any body of watershe chose. Maybe if she needed to go to the desert, where the land was barren, then she would fly. Maybe.

Reiya walked up to the falls as Xander shifted back into his human form. She could see darkness behind the cascading water. Taking in a small breath, she quickly jumped through the falling water, landing on a cold, damp stone surface and peered into the darkness. This used to be a problem for her, but she had Lumi now. She pushed her wolf senses forward and her eyes adjusted to the darkness in front of her. Moments later, her three companions were also at her side.

“I hope there aren’t water snakes in there,” Xander said with a frown.

“Aren’t those like a cousin of yours or something?” Chelsie snickered as Xander flashed an annoyed look at her.

“Aww, the big bad dragon isn’t afraid of snakes, is he?” Brody grinned widely, looking at Xander.

“I’m not afraid of them. I just don’t like them.” Xander snorted and walked over to Reiya’s side. “You good?”

“I’m great. I’m ready to get Lee back.” Reiya looked into the darkness, then back to Xander.

“Remember, we’re here with you, Reiya. You aren’t alone,” Brody said as he walked up to her other side.

Reiya nodded with a smile. “Let’s find this Merrow Queen.”

The sounds of the river began to hush as they walked deeper into the caverns. The gentle pitter-patter of water droplets falling onto smooth rocks created a steady cadence, occasionally punctuated by the faint echoes bouncing off the walls. The cave tunnel stretched out before them, a gaping darkness pierced by jagged rocks and dripping stalactites. The walls were damp and covered in moss, slick with moisture. As they walked closer, they saw a blurry-looking barrier in front of them, and beyond that was another pool of water. Reiya reached out and touched the barrier. She realized it was not meant for them. It was to keepout deities. The four of them effortlessly walked through the shield.

“What was that?” Chelsie asked as she turned back to look at it.

“It’s to keep deities out, so none of them can reach the Merrow Queen.” Reiya stared at the deep pool in front of her. “The Merrow Queen should be down there. Then there should be an area where there’s another shield that will allow us to breathe and talk under water.”

“Let me check it out really quick. I need to see how far away this is.” Chelsie looked at Reiya, who nodded for her to continue. “I’ll be right back.”

Brody grabbed onto her arm and pulled her into his chest. “Be careful.”

She smiled up at him. “Don’t go treating me like I’m fragile now. Not only am I a kelpie, but I’m also a guardian. They’re the ones who need to be careful.” She kissed his chin and winked at him. “Don’t worry.” He slowly released his grip on her and she took a few fleeting steps backward before jumping into the water.

Brody walked up to the edge and stood there, staring into the deep dark pool below.