Kinntho ran down the hill and back toward the pond. It was teeming with greenery from Ni and Lage. She knelt at the water's surface and looked in.
It was murky, but she could still hear the sound under the water. She took a deep breath and dove in.
She expected to feel cold, but everything felt natural like she'd always meant to be here. She came to the bottom and put down her feet finding she could stand upright if she wished. Then gleefully she did a back flip.
That's when the calling got stronger and sadder. Kinntho walked along the pond bottom looking for anything that might be producing the sound.
At last, she came upon a peculiar creature. It was small and shiny. She cupped her hands under it and brought it closer.
It wiggled feebly in her hands, seeming to be in pain.
"Where are you hurt?" She whispered to it.
She turned it over and found a gash in its side.
"How do I help you," She asked.
She swam toward the surface, but when she broke into the air the creature began to gasp.
"You can't breathe here," She realized and plunged into the water again.
She looked around herself and had an idea. She began to weave a basket out of the various water plants. Several times she tested it to ensure it could hold water. When at last it was done she placed the feeble creature inside.
She carried the basket toward the castle just as the sun began to rise.
The little creature lay at the bottom, unmoving until they stepped into the castle threshold.
Suddenly it threw itself from the basket, hitting the floor with a loud thump.
Kinntho gasped as she saw what lay before her. Not a creature but a boy. He lay sprawled out, his eyes closed. His hair shimmered blue in the sunlight.
She picked him up in her arms and ran for the throne room.
"Lage! Rara! Help!" She screamed.
But only Ni was in the room. He looked up to see Kinntho and the boy in her arms. He ran to her side.
"He's alive, but barely," He said gravely.
Just then the boy's eyes fluttered open.
"Where am I?" He asked in a strained voice.
Ni stood up, "I'll get Lage."
Kinntho held his head in her hands.
"You're going to be alright," She whispered.
Lage came bursting through the doors and rushed to his side. She placed her hands on his chest and a soft glow began to come from her.
Kinntho watched in wonder as the boy seemed to become stronger.
At last, Lage backed away and the boy sat up. He looked over at Kinntho and Lage.
"You saved me," He said, tears began to run down his face.
"What is your name?" Kinntho asked.
"Kithel," He replied softly. He bowed his head, "I am indebted to you for the rest of my life."