Two Extracts from The Shintae - a Novel (2/3) by Brian R Hill

(1/3), (2/3), (3/3).

For how long, or indeed how far, the river maintained its reckless downward chase he had no idea, he was just grateful for the occasional brief interlude that allowed him to gasp for air. As the torrent succeeded in its fight to find a lower passage, the watercourse broadened out and the flow eased considerably. Several minutes passed during which he was content to float, allowing the stream to carry him where it willed. This proved merely temporary, however, as the channel narrowed shortly afterwards and the current seized him once more in its deadly grip.

Fighting for air, his hands made contact with the overhang and, almost instantly, he was dragged under as roof and surface came together. Frantically, he tried warding off the rocky surrounds as a strange buzzing noise grew louder and a fuzzy, detached feeling came over him. With lungs at bursting point, all appeared lost until, in the distance, he perceived a faint glow. Moments later he was disgorged from the mountain and, out in the open, found himself floating free.

Coughing and spluttering, he cleared the water from his mouth and nose, gulping fresh air deep into his oxygen starved lungs. The fog lifted from his mind and, with the return of his senses, he found himself being drawn towards the far side of a small lake. A clear image filled his thoughts, as witnessed earlier from above, of a stream and sinkhole draining the icy waters. Striking out in panic, he made towards the nearest edge before the pull became too strong. Severely hampered by his waterlogged clothes, the effort exhausted him and, once clear of the danger area, he found himself unable to do little more than tread water.

The icy cold liquid numbed his fingers, making them too weak and clumsy to allow him to strip off the sodden garments. His sword was jammed, its weight pulling him down, and he realised he was in imminent danger of drowning. Somehow, from out of the depths of his inner self, he found the courage to fight off the overpowering fatigue and painfully struggle on towards the bank. Crawling clear, he managed to pull off his outer garments before collapsing onto the soft sand beside them.

Extract from Chapter 16

They waited in silence, hardly daring to breathe. Biren's threats were not to be taken idly, he was, after all, quite capable of carrying them out. Every eye was upon Kriel, waiting for his signal. Suddenly, he waved his arm frantically. The travellers had entered the gap. Dropping down, they listened intently for the sounds of movement to reach them. Five minutes passed and then another five. The strain became intolerable. Had the strangers turned back? they wondered.

Then, in the distance, came the gentle swish of snowshoes slithering over the frozen surface. Muscles tensed as they drew nearer, grips tightened on swords. For a moment the noises ceased altogether. Did they suspect something? Movement started again and the sound of breathing came to them over the still air, it came nearer and, as it passed by, they launched their attack.

Continued... Next Page (3/3)

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