XXII | Different Paths
“Sihadi!” cried Shekalane—as the boat hit the water and very nearly capsized, rocking so violently that the youth was catapulted clear to bounce off the side of the dragger, which he reached for from the roiling froth; and, finding purchase on the ragged edge of the hole left from the blast, pulled himself to safety.
“Sihadi, my hand!” shouted Dravidian—too late, for the current was already drawing them away, and at a rapid clip.
“Swim, Sihadi, quickly!” screeched Shekalane ... but the boy only shook his head, realizing, as did Dravidian, it seemed, that the distance between them was already too great; more so, there was a look upon his face now that Shekalane immediately recognized—for it belonged wholly to his father—and it said, simply, and without compromise:
