The Paladin (The King Eternal Monarch AU)

The Lost Princess

The sound of something thrashing around in water stopped James' thoughts. It did not sound like any animal. Most animals knew how to navigate the lake water without struggle. This, however, sounded like quite a struggle.

He looked up at the grey clouds and cursed. From his vantage point at his favourite lookout, he could not see anything. The morning mist was thick. There was no sound any longer, but he just had to know. Some reconnaissance was in order. He took off his shirt and dived into the lake.

The lake, normally alpine blue in good weather was slate grey. The water was cold and clear. In fact, it was just a tad too cold. He let his SEAL training take over and treaded the water to allow his body to get used to the cold. He knew from experience, and training, that swimming now would kill even the strongest of swimmers.

Looking over the lake surface, he saw nothing. He waited for the 15 seconds to be over – he had began counting as soon as he dived into the water.

James then dived, keeping his eyes open. A little over three o'clock from where he was, he saw something sinking in the lake. He let his instincts take over and swam towards it. It looked like someone.

This lake was a frequent spot for suicide. In fact, that someone looked like he had his hands tied. James thought grimly, that this was more than suicide. He kicked faster, and let his legs lead him to the sinking man.

Blind instinct kicked in. It was like SEAL training all over again. James grabbed the man by his waist. In that situation, he failed to realise that the waist his right hand gripped was smaller than the average man.

He began to kick upwards to the surface of the lake. His lungs almost burst from the exertion. The surface of the lake had turned choppy. James emerged and began swimming towards the little cove just under his favourite lookout.

James was a strong swimmer. He was second in his class. Swimming was one of his favourite sports, apart from rowing. With someone in tow, he was slower than usual.

He pushed himself, stroke after stroke, kicking for all he was worth. With one hand gripping the waist of the small lifeless man, it was difficult but they made it to the edge of his little cove.

James quickly got out of the water and pulled the small man upwards onto the tiny strip of sand and rock. There was no time to lose. He only noted absently that it was a woman, after all. She was not breathing.

Without wasting time, he carried out CPR, praying under his breath that this woman made it.

His left hand tilted her head back, covered her mouth ensuring that it was airtight. Two one-second breaths followed quickly by chest compressions. He had to make some adjustment to the position of his hands during the chest compressions. The mannequin they usually trained on did not have breasts.

James repeated it twice and was relieved when he was rewarded with vomit. He quickly turned the woman onto her side and so that her airway could be cleared. His victim opened her eyes as she continued to vomit out water and stomach acid.

He was silent as she laid back on her back and took in a few hoarse breaths. He could see that she was wild-eyed as she took in her surroundings. With a sharp rock lying nearby, he sawed through the ropes tying her hands, freeing them.

Seeing that the wind was beginning to blow in earnest, he said, "I'm going to carry you inside. The wind will give you death by hypothermia."

To which, she only nodded. Inside was not really a cave. It was actually directly below his favourite lookout. It was an outcropping of rock at the top which was almost unseen from the beach cove. He had to go around a huge boulder before arriving in the rocky shelter.