It was one of the river maidens. She smiled at me and nodded. I shook my head frantically, trying to get away. The river maiden looked frustrated. Then she let go of one of my ankles, touched her nose, and made a sound almost like breathing. I was so surprised that I didn’t try to get away again; instead, I just said “What?” The word came out almost clearly, with just a hint of a gurgle. As soon as I said that one word, I was breathing. I laughed, and drew in a great big breath. I could breathe underwater, just like a fish! I was a fish girl—and a shiny green one, at that. I would have tumbled around like an otter to celebrate, but I had a friend to save. “I’m here, Kerka!” I shouted, trying to get my bearings again. My voice traveled loudly through the water. The river maiden pointed down. Below us, I could see the two maidens surrounding a limp Kerka. I swam down as fast as I could. Kerka’s eyes were open and bulging. She had stopped struggling to save energy, and now she was just holding her breath.
