Ambush

The sand caught up Devrim and Mairwen in its fearsome grip and pushed them forward. The Emperor held onto the princess's hand as long as he could, but the sand worked its way between their hands and wrenched his grip free.

"Mairwen!" the grey-eyed man tried to call out, but his mouth filled with gritty particles. The wave had captured them and there was no room to even breathe.

Instincts kicked in, and Devrim swam with the sandy current to crest the wave and receive a life-giving lungful of air. He dove below once more to try to find his daughter and anyone else who might be drowning in the sandy depths. Whether it was sand or water stealing air, the end result was death. Devrim had to help however he could.

The Emperor caught hold of an odd arm and leg, pushing the owner upward however he could. Devrim was blind inside the sandy mass, however, and he was not sure if his efforts were doing any good.

Devrim pushed himself to the surface for another gasp. His arms and legs were so weak