The noblewoman looked troubled. “It’s the biggest dam in our region. It services a dozen farms, and it provides drinking water for a number of towns.” She nodded toward a hamlet visible between the folds of some low hills in the distance, on the other side of the dam. “That one, for example.”
Theo could see what she meant. Irrigation channels spread out from the dam in multiple directions, sunlight glinting off the lines of water.
“Not to mention that town would be flooded if the dam were to break,” he said.
“You’re right.” Elowen sounded distressed. “We have to stop it somehow.”
She pushed her horse forward, trying to catch up with her brother once again, and Theo kept pace with her. They found the prince conversing with a burly man who was practically sweating with stress.
“I don’t understand it, Your Highness. The damage to the foundation is extensive. I’ve no idea what would cause it. We’ve had no floods or tremors or anything like that. It was discovered only this morning, and we’ve been working hard to try to repair it, but the pressure coming against it is too strong. I’m not confident we can prevent a burst.”
“We must prevent a burst,” Prince Patrick said. “The results would be catastrophic for the region.”
“I understand, Your Highness.” The man mopped his brow. “If we had some magic craftsmen, it might help, but we don’t have an official guild house in the area. We’ve requested some craftsmen from the capital, but we’re still waiting. His Grace arrived a short time ago, and he’s leading an evacuation effort for that hamlet there, in case we can’t prevent disaster.”
“Simeon,” Lady Sophia said suddenly. “He might be able to help. Didn’t he return home yesterday evening, Bertrand?”
“I think you exaggerate his abilities, Sophia.” Bertrand’s tone was incredulous. “He’s one servant, he wouldn’t be able to hold a dam together on his own.”
“He could help,” she insisted. “We should find him.”
“I thought of Simeon, My Lady,” the local man said. “He’s well known around here, often helps out with little magical tasks. But I thought he was in the capital with Your Lordship.” He looked inquiringly at Bertrand.
“He was yesterday, but no one seems to know where he is now,” Bertrand said in irritation. “It’s no matter, I’m sure it wouldn’t make a difference. What we need to do is shore up the barrier. Show me where it’s weakened.”
The man led them down the sloping side of a hill, toward the base of the dam. Theo followed with a twinge of misgiving, his eyes fixed on the golden head in front of him. If the dam was so close to giving out, any of them who weren’t actively helping with the restoration effort would be wise to keep some distance from it.
“Father!” Lady Sophia’s cry made everyone look up.
The Duke of Nirocha was approaching at a smart trot from the other side of the retaining wall, his expression sober. The two groups had almost met in the middle of the plain when a cry went up from the rim of the dam above.
Theo’s eyes darted up to see two men sprinting along the stone barrier in opposite directions, each desperate to clear the area before the whole structure collapsed.
“She’s done for!” one of them bellowed. “Everyone back!”
Chapter
Five
Cries of dismay went up on all sides, and for a brief moment, Elowen froze in panic. Then a firm hand took hold of the reins, and a voice spoke steadily into her ear.
“Come, Elowen.”
She responded at once, pressing her knees into Ochre’s side to encourage the mare in the direction Theo was guiding them. She was barely aware of where they were going, but she felt a strange sense of relief and security in the midst of the panic. Then she heard a cracking sound behind her, and her alarm returned. She looked wildly around, relieved to see Patrick also riding hard to get clear of the dam. Her heart seized, however, when she saw that Sophia was struggling to get control of her horse. It was borrowed from the royal stables, not her own mount, and it was clearly panicking.
“Sophia!” she called.
Theo’s head whipped around, his eyes serious as he made a warning sound. “I’ll help her, Elowen, you keep moving.”
She felt she should protest, but some part of her recognized that he was more likely to have success, so she just gave a curt nod.
“You can manage?” he pressed.
“I’m fine!” she cried, as another crack rent the air, followed by the sound of rushing water. A small fissure had appeared near the top of the dam. It wasn’t in total collapse yet, but it would be at any moment. “And please don’t drown!” she called foolishly after Theo’s retreating back.
She urged Ochre forward, her attention divided as she tried to watch Theo’s progress. He reached Sophia in moments, his calm and steady hand bringing the horse swiftly under control. Elowen breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the two of them swing around in a canter that rapidly became a gallop. Elowen slowed to wait for them. She was fairly certain she was clear of the danger now.
“I’ve got you, Princess, never fear.”
