There was land close by, but no hope at all of turning the boat to reach it. In the relentless rain and waves, they were barely staying afloat.“Heart help us!” yelled Corr, and hoped that the Heart heard the crying of his own heart though the fury and crash of the waves drowned out his voice. The boat lurched and tipped, water swirling around Corr’s paws. He bailed furiously. Crown’s strong beak held the tiller as the little boat pitched. A wave flung itself over them. Spray blinded Corr. A second wave hurled him into the water and threw him back against the boat, knocking the breath from him. Gripping the side with both paws he heaved himself back in, tumbling onto the soaked benches, and when he raised his head he saw something he had never seen before, and would never forget.The sea advanced like the charge of an army. At first, it looked like a great wave building up behind them, gaining on them, faster and faster. Then it reared up, roaring like a great wild creature, ready to devour them.
