It stood to reason that the Merpeople were faster in water than running on land. So, Jake swam, trying his best to keep up with his new friend, but as a veteran of life, she pulled away. He dared to look back for a second but regretted it immediately, having gazed into the encroaching abyss of upturned silt and who knew what else.
Jake quickly felt his toes scraping the riverbed as his flippers did the same. The Mermaid was slowing too, and before he knew it, he was crawling through a muddied stream on his knees. It was hard for him to maintain his balance, though. So, he stumbled to his feet and moved to hide behind what was left of one of the buildings.
'That there is proof you are not one of my people; do you think timber will protect you from the Silver Dragon? Look at it!'
