"I can take care of that," said Athgar. He looked skyward as they tied a rope around him. It took him only a moment to bring forth his magic, and then a streak of flame shot into the air, a beacon to the distressed vessel.

"They've seen us," someone called out. "Their boat's struggling to come towards us."

"The rope's secure," the boatswain announced.

"Wish me luck," said Athgar.

"Always," said Natalia. "Now, be careful."

He dove overboard, the crew letting out the rope behind him. The Therengian disappeared beneath the waves to appear a moment later, several arm's lengths away. He began swimming, gasping for air, and then he realized the effect the spell had on him, for as his head disappeared beneath the next wave, his speed improved significantly.

The tiny boat of refugees was barely moving towards them now, wallowing in the waves, its rowers making scant progress. Athgar drew closer to them, water splashing over him every now and again as a wave intervened, blocking their view.

Activity exploded on the far boat as the occupants spotted him in the water. Moments later, they were hauling him aboard. Someone untied him and secured the rope to the bow of their boat.

"Haul away," called the Swift's boatswain, and the crew began reeling in the rope, drawing them inexorably closer.

Natalia breathed a sigh of relief, content that Athgar was safe, but then, all of a sudden, Athgar stood up among the survivors, looking to their rear, and then he dove back into the water.

"No!" she cried out, her heart leaping into her mouth.

Someone grabbed her, lest she upset the skiff, and pulled her back down to a sitting position. She held her breath, unable to even speak, watching in horror as Athgar disappeared beneath the waves.

The ship's boat drew closer, and someone pulled it alongside, allowing the occupants to scramble aboard. The boatswain ordered the damaged vessel pushed off and the rowers bent to the task of returning to the Swift.

Natalia, her eyes glued to the surface, suddenly called out, "I see him!"

Athgar had surfaced, floating on his back, trying to get to them while pulling something, or someone along with him. It was an awkward and cumbersome task, made all the more difficult by the rolling waves.

Natalia moved to a kneeling position, planting herself firmly on the bottom of the skiff. She cast her spell. It was a strange sensation, for it was designed to target a boat, but instead, she chose Athgar as the point of impact. He bobbed unexpectedly, no doubt feeling the effects as the spell hit, and then the water around him calmed considerably.