The four rode away from the doomed castle in silence.  Behind them they could hear explosion after explosion, but none looked back.  Alyia and her mother both seemed to be in a daze, their wet bodies sitting limp in the boat.  Kullvox slowly rowed with the one oar, moving the boat slowly across the calm waters of Halcyon lake.  Garalt stood at the head of the boat, slowly putting his breast plate armor and helm back on.  He knew he would be most uncomfortable still damp under his armor, but if he needed to fight, he'd be better off protected.  Half way across the lake, Alyia looked back at Halcyon castle, and the other three looked not long after.  The castle had grown silent now, only a column of black smoke rising from the burning structure showed any movement.  Alyia sighed heavily, fighting back tears.
    "They'll be all right, Milady," Garalt said softly.  Alyia looked up at the face of the young knight, her cheeks were tear stained and soiled.  Garalt thought she was still beautiful, no matter how bedraggled she became.

    "Garalt," Kullvox said quickly, motioning with his head to in front of the boat.  Garalt turned quickly and saw a small mound of bubbles coming out from below the surface of the lake.  Garalt picked up his axe and shield and looked back at the older knight.