Eventually he
came to a solid cliff face which seemed to form the base of an
island or some larger landmass. Near the surface there was a
channel cut into the rock. He swam into it. Translucent green
leaves waved in the slow currents, sunlight glinting between
them as they reached the surface.
He swam along the channel until it became too shallow, then he
stood up dripping and naked, emerging into the air again, blowing
the water out of his lungs in a fine spray. He looked down at
his reflection in the water... Young again... nineteen again...
When he was able to comprehend his surroundings, he saw that
he was standing in a water rill in an overgrown garden. Around
him were ancient ruined statues and fountains. Dominating all
this was a rambling city which seemed to have grown out of the
rock and overgrowth of the surrounding hillside. It looked as
though the city had evolved by growing from the ruins of its
vast cathedral. |
