Becoming a Lioness (Book 2)

Chapter 28 Jump

The rushing water swirled around our ankles as we approached the corner. The closer we got to it the higher the water got, and the stronger the current got, as well. The air, colder than I expected it to be, mixed with the chilled water caused my teeth to chatter, that and my anxiousness.

We turned the corner simultaneously, and I stopped dead in my tracks, stunned at the large pile of rocks that stretched from wall to wall.

"How did that happen?" I turned to Edmund who was eyeing the pile intensely as well.

"I'm not sure. It could have occurred from the pressure of the water, or maybe Black Beard had his crew do it on purpose to ensure that you never get out." He replied with a light shrug of his shoulders.

"Well they succeeded, then."

Edmund shook his head and pulled me over to the pile. "I climbed over it to get to you. It's not so bad. Just make sure you have a good grip, and be prepared for the water at the bottom on the other side."

"Is it high?" I peered at him slightly.

"It wasn't to bad when I came over, but I have a feeling it will be now. Okay, time to climb." He shot me a wink and raised his leg, planting his right foot firmly on one of the rocks.

I watched as he pulled himself up time and time again. Timidly, I pulled myself up slowly, trying my best to mimic his actions.

"How are you doing?" Edmund called down to me, once he was near the top.

"So far so-" The words turned into a gasp as the rock I was holding all my weight on chipped a bit, sending a few pieces flying to the water I had just left behind. "Good."

I took a deep breath and continued my climb, sighing in relief as I noticed Edmund about two feet away. I increased my pace and instantly regretted it. I took hold of a sturdy looking rock and tugged.

The rock slid out of its place and the right side of my body swung off of the pile, leaving me dangling with one hand. "Edmund!" I shrieked, staring up at him, panicked.

His hand shot out in an instant, and before I knew it he was pulling me up. I clutched onto his tunic as soon as I was safely at the top, and thanked him. He did a once over of me to ensure that I was alright before pointing down below.

I stared in horror at the water the nearly reached half way up the pile. "There is absolutely no way I can touch the bottom here."

Edmund nodded in reply. "I know, it's at least ten, if not eleven feet deep. We'll have to swim out. Listen," He gripped my shoulders firmly. "Once we reach the mouth of the cave the water will be to the ceiling. You'll have to hold your breath to swim out."

"Will it be for long?" I shuddered at the thought of being underwater, something that had always bothered me.

He looked at me in sympathy. "There's a tunnel you'll have to swim through as soon as you go under. It's not far, but it's extremely dark, you won't be able to see anything, so make sure you keep your hands in front of you as best you can so you don't run into anything. Ill call to you when you need to go under, alright?"

I nodded slowly in response, and gazed down at the rising waters. "Are you ready?"

"For what?" I asked slowly, "To climb down, you mean?"

He shook his head and shrugged. "Not exactly. Follow me."

I leaned up a bit, just as he did, and watched as he pulled himself to his feet in a crouching position. Once I was in the same position as him, I realized how we were getting down. He reached for my hand, which I gladly gave to him, and nodded at me. "On three. One."

"Two."

"Three!" We cried together as we jumped.