The Children of When (Complete)

Chapter 30 - Behind the Waterfall

The waterfall proved to be even more impressive close-up than it had been from a distance. The children sat on their horses, puzzling over the seemingly impossible task of getting behind it. The broad curtain of water pounded relentlessly as it met the lake, churning the water, and making it bubble as if it were boiling. A fine misty spray hung in the air, streaked with tiny rainbows flickering in and out of existence.

Raff watched as another two elven hunters attempted to reach the cave behind the waterfall by clinging to the jagged rocks and inching sideways from each side. They hadn't progressed far before they were swept into the churning water, resurfacing shaking their heads in frustration.

Leah hadn't said much all morning, a fact Raff found unusual enough to finally comment on. "So Leah, what's with the brooding silence? Want to share?"

She turned towards him with a faraway look in her eyes, chewing her lip in concentration. "Hmmmm?"

"What's going on? You've hardly said a word all morning."

Her eyes came back into focus, and she smiled. "Well, I was wondering about what Madame Persimmons said about me being an elemental. What if I could, like, ask the water to clear a path for us?"

Belle's head swivelled towards them. "Leah, you're brilliant! But.... didn't Madame Persimmons also say your Gift might only work if it was used to save yourself or someone else?"

Leah sighed. "That's why I didn't suggest it earlier. But I've been thinking. What if the reason we need to get to the cave is to reassemble the amulet, which we're doing to help people? I mean, we don't want to just get in there because we're being nosey. There's a good reason for it, right?"

Raff nodded. "You know what, it might just work. Besides, there's no harm in trying. I say go for it!"

Belle nodded too. "I agree. So should we let the others know the plan first? I'm pretty sure the poor elven hunters who keep getting dunked would appreciate the warning. Hang on, I'll let Lyricus know."

They waited until all the elves were back on the shore. Leah slid off Solange's back, and walked to the shore in front of the waterfall. She stood with her head bowed, the roar of the waterfall the only sound, as they all watched her in silent hope.

Finally, Leah lifted her head, and threw her arms out in front of her. A ripple ran through the middle of the lake, but the waterfall remained unchanged. Leah slowly turned, misery written all over her face, as she looked at Raff with tears pouring down her face.

"I'm sorry..." He could see her mouth frame the words, but the roaring of the waterfall muted the sound.

Raff slid off Rogue's back and walked towards her. "It's ok, I get it," he whispered into her ear. He squeezed her shoulder, and in that instant he knew what he had to do. He turned and dived into the icy-cold water, swimming towards the turbulence where the waterfall met the lake.

He'd always been a strong swimmer, but the current created by the waterfall was so strong he was hardly making any headway. When he knew he couldn't get any closer, he filled his lungs with air and duck-dived under the water, pulling himself to the bottom of the lake. He just hoped Leah wouldn't wait too long before she tried to use her Gift again.

His lungs were burning, and he'd almost given up hope, when he felt the water lifting away from him. Sucking in the fresh air now surrounding him, he sat on what had been the bottom of the lake, and looked in awe at the towering walls of water to his left and right. The waterfall had also split, as if someone had just opened a pair of curtains, and tied them back on each side.

Leah's face held a mixture of awe, pride and excitement as she stood on the shore. Raff let out a loud woohoo as he jumped up, shook himself off, and ran to hug her.

"I knew you could do it! That was amazing!" He had to yell to be heard over the roar. From the look on Belle's face, he wasn't sure whether she wanted to hug him or punch him. They all ended up laughing and hugging, although he got the message when the playful punches were a little harder than usual.

With arms around each other's shoulders, they walked back to where Dominic, Dub, Lyricus and the other elves all sat in stunned silence.

"That be th' most amazin sight me old eyes 've ever beheld lass." Dominic slapped his thigh, as his bearded face split into a wide grin.

"As f'r th' idiotic stunt this young'un pulled," he said, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Raff. "Stroke 'o genius lad. Y' knew she'd save y'!" He winked, and burst into raucous laughter.

Dub looked at Leah with pride in his beady eyes. "The water had no choice but to do as you asked Miss Leah. Your request was both eloquent and selfless."

Raff chuckled at the elves looking at each other, obviously wondering how Dub had heard her request when they hadn't. He knew exactly how that felt.

"Ummm, do you think maybe we should get going, before the water decides we've had long enough to get through?" Belle, as always, was the sensible one.

Lyricus urged his horse forward. "I'm afraid Belle is right. It's time for you to go on alone. We will be here waiting for your safe return." They were each handed a backpack containing their supplies of food and water, ropes, and a variety of tools they might need along the way.

Amidst the cries of good luck and be careful, the children turned and walked towards the parted water. Raff held his breath as they stepped onto the cleared path, the water suspended in giant walls on either side of them. The yawning mouth of a cave, carved into the base of the mountain, beckoned to them.

Obviously Leah had proven herself 'worthy' to enter, but what if he or Belle weren't? Would the water just pick them up and toss them aside? Or would the cave refuse them entry?

Guess there's only one way to find out! Still holding his breath, Raff continued to put one foot in front of the other.