"Wait a moment!" he yelled back, scanning the ship, looking for anything that might be of use. The mainmast was held in place by ropes, rigging as the captain had called it, and he could see where one such rope had been tied off, leaving an excess that thrashed about on the deck. He pointed to it, Natalia following his gesture. It was forward of their position, and he must first get around her, so he grabbed her by the waist, steadying himself as he went. Once past, he inched along the railing, pausing as another wave rolled across the deck. Natalia mimicked his actions, and soon, the loose rope was between them.

Athgar waited until the ship hit yet another trough, and then grabbed the end of the rope, looping it about his right forearm. He then turned to Natalia, beckoning her forward.

She took a step, closing the distance, and he put his left arm around her waist, holding her close to him. They were face to face now, the rain nearly blinding them with its ferocity.

"Turn around," he yelled, "and I'll hold you in place!"

She nodded her understanding and then pivoted somewhat awkwardly. She was now standing, her back to Athgar, secure with his strong arm around her. Closing her eyes, she tried to block out the storm, but as the words flowed from her mouth, an unexpected wave hit the side of the ship, sending a tremendous rush of water over them. She choked, gasping for air.

"Take your time," he called out, "and try to gauge the waves."

Natalia took a breath, watching as the ship heaved once more. On the downward wave, she cast, the words of power flowing freely. There was no visible sign of the spell letting loose, no flash of light or buzzing of the air, but the motion of the waves seemed to lessen a moment later. The rain still drove down on them, but the little ship appeared calmer as if the sea was not heaving beneath them. It was a strange sensation, thought Athgar, for just beyond the railing, he saw the massive waves, rising like cliffs outside their reach, and yet the water around the Swift rose and fell no more than a man's height.

He placed his mouth close to her ear, the better to be heard. "Can you do something about this rain?" he called out.

"I'm afraid not," she replied. "There are some things that even magic can't do."

"How long will your spell last?"

In answer, she turned herself around so that they were again, face to face. "A good while yet," she said, "though I'll have to cast it once more before daybreak."