Part 7: The Pool

What to do? Willoway wondered for a moment, gazing longingly at the girl. He shook his head and resolutely turned away. "Miss?" he called over sounds of moving water.

He heard a gasp, and it was all he could do not to turn toward the utterance. "Excuse me..." he said, still unsure of how to handle the situation. "I was here getting some water for my friends and I... I didn't mean to disturb you, please accept my apologies..."

"It's... it's all right," a melodious voice replied. He heard a rustling sound and stole a quick glance in its direction.