Chapter 16
Splashes exploded in front of Jim and Rob, right in front of the shelf.
Maerlis with her arm wrapped around Nesil, trying to drag him out of the water.
Belles pushing from behind, grunting loud enough to make deep ripples.
Neither Maerlis nor the Greponians saw the things waiting along the cave wall.
“Watch out!” Jim let go of Rob and lunged forward, trying to get to Maerlis. Strong paws gripped his waist, nearly throwing him onto the rock.
Jim raised his arms, hoping he looked more threatening than he felt. Hoping he wouldn’t throw up before he could protect anyone. Or himself.
“Stay back! Don’t get near her!”
The things could have been human if glimpsed through wavy glass, or maybe through watering eyes.
Heads and limbs slumped like melting wax, sickly green and mottl
