Ben the Dragonborn by Dianne E Astle Page A

sea.”  
    While Charla was gone, Jared said, “At least I know my brother made it this far.  That’s his boat.”      
    Charla popped up beside them, “The boat is secure.”  
    “Thanks,” Jared responded.  “Can you go upstream and investigate.  See how far the sand continues and whether there is any sign of spider clams past the sand.” 
    Charla disappeared, and Jared and Ben sat in silence watching the hungry would-be diners jumping up and down on the fallen log as they anticipated their next meal.  Charla came back and said, “The sand disappears almost immediately beyond this tree.  The water is deep right here.  It is possible to swim underwater and get past the sand creatures. After that it becomes shallower.”  
    “I can’t swim underwater,” stated Ben dully.  
    “Yes, you can,” responded Charla.  “You hold your breath, and I will hold you and make sure you stay underwater.  You kick your feet and together we’ll swim.” 
    Ben sat there and said nothing.  Jared exclaimed hotly, “You can’t stay here.  There is no way back and the only way forward is underwater.  It’s an easy enough thing to do.” 
    “Easy for you maybe!” said Ben stubbornly.  Ben was silent for a moment then said "But as you say there is no other way.”  
    Jared picked up his pack and one of the spears on the bottom of the boat and jumped into the water without hesitation.  Ben tentatively climbed out of the boat.  Once in the water he clung to the boat, unwilling to let go.  When Charla came alongside and took one hand, he still had a hard time letting go. Charla flipped her tail and dragged Ben away.  As Ben struggled, she towed him underwater to the other side of the fallen tree.  She continued to tow him until the water was shallow enough for Ben to walk.  The shore line turned to rock and the sand creatures disappeared.  Ben and Jared left the water and took a trail that ran alongside the stream. They stopped when they came to a clearing that was near a waterfall.  Charla would no longer be able to follow them upstream in the water. 
    The sun hung low in the horizon and it was growing dark under the canopy of trees.  Charla sat on a partly submerged rock near the bank of the river with her tail in the water.  She said, “I don’t think we should go further this day.  This looks like a good place to spend the night.”
    Ben said, “What do you mean ‘we?’” 
    Charla replied, “I’m going with you.”  
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Ben said.   
    Jared snorted, “As if the mermaid could come with us.  We can’t carry you up the mountain and you can’t swim past that waterfall.  The only way you could come is if you sprout wings!” 
    “Will legs do?” Charla said as her tail transformed.     
    Faster than Ben could blink, Jared’s spear headed for Charla’s chest. Ben grabbed hold of the spear and threw it into the bush.  Jared took out his knife.  Ben grabbed the arm that held the knife.  
    “Whatever happened to ‘I owe you my life and I am duty bound to help you?’”  Ben asked hotly.  
    “That was before I knew she was a changeling.  My first duty is to my people.  I am duty bound to kill a changeling before it comes among our people to betray us. Every…”  Whatever else Jared had planned to say, was cut short by a spear that Charla pointed at Jared’s neck.  
    Through clenched teeth, Charla hissed, “Go ahead tree ape, try to plunge your knife into me. I will kill you first.”  
    Jared’s arm fell. “I will not kill you today, for you have saved my life this day.  However, you had better do what your traitor friend said and go back to where you came from. Otherwise I cannot guarantee your life.  If I do not kill you, my brother or one of the other men from my village will.”   
    “I am going with you,” Charla stated firmly.
    “Charla! That is not a good idea. Lea Waterborn would not