Reaching the island required a cautious approach. Swimming was out of the question; the frigid water and the unknown depths posed too great a risk.
"We need to find a boat," William declared, scanning the shoreline. "There has to be a way for them to have reached the island."
His words sparked a renewed sense of purpose. The students spread out, searching for any sign of a vessel. They soon discovered a hidden dock, several small boats bobbing gently in the water. Relief washed over them; there were enough boats to accommodate all twelve survivors.
"Divide into groups and take a boat each," William instructed, his voice steady despite the urgency of their situation. The students, their fear momentarily forgotten, scrambled towards the vessels.
