Ki-ur Kakkabu

Chapter 27: Into the Waterworld

Frogs made noise while brightly coloured birds joined in. Light danced on the rippling water, playing among the moving shadows of swaying leaves.

The travellers felt amazed at the vibrant world that had been revealed. "There can be no doubt—these are the famous marshes of Qadisiyya," Ashamshemesh confidently declared. As the tall reeds showed the full splendour of the marshes, cries of wonder erupted from the travellers.

"Wow, look at this place!" exclaimed Dex, turning in his saddle to take it all in.

"The text we read does not capture its greatness," Themistonoe added, shocked. "The amount of life here is beyond imagination."

"Truly, a magical watery world," Mnesarete said, eyes wide and captivated by the dancing lights and shadows.

"Incredible!" Chrysomallo gasped, struggling to capture the lush scene with her sketches.

"After spending a lifetime with dusty scrolls, seeing nature's beauty firsthand is a blessing," Ikkos said softly.

Ashamshemesh nodded solemnly, smiling at his companions' amazed expressions. "Very few lands have such ancient magic. We are honoured guests in the watery heart of Qadisiyya."

Chrysomallo studied the complex waterways weaving through the marshes as the reeds continued to grow. "Look at the intricate network of channels that connect the lakes," she observed. "The plants and land have been shaped over centuries by the ebb and flow of water."

She reached for her tablet to make additional notes and sketches. "Mapping these changing wetlands will be a challenge, but it will provide valuable information. Documenting the natural patterns of streams and vegetation could help us understand changes over time."

Chrysomallo looked across the rippling water with the sharp eye of a mapmaker. "If I can figure out the seasonal flows and document landmarks, it might enable more accurate navigation under different conditions. The water system in this area holds insights into the past habitats and civilisations."

Ashamshemesh agreed by nodding his head. "Your efforts to understand the natural rhythms of Qadisiyya will be beneficial for future travellers and scholars. Nature's influence is deep, and there is a wealth of knowledge to be found in these fertile waters."

As the fellowship continued their journey, the world around them became more lush and unfamiliar. The reeds grew tall, reaching the same height as the camels in certain areas, making it difficult to glimpse the sky.

The air became heavy and humid, filled with the damp, organic scents of decaying plants. Breathing became challenging, but it allowed them to experience the true essence of this watery realm.

The dense vegetation muffled sounds, even silencing the birds' cries as they flew between the reeds. It seemed as if the marshes themselves were speaking.

The light changed as it filtered through the waving stalks, taking on a strange greenish-gold colour. Shadows moved unpredictably in the shifting glow.

Deeper channels led them away from the open lagoons, winding like mysterious, dark passages into the soggy interior. Roots and runners crisscrossed the murky waters, making the bottom invisible.

The world appeared as a narrow green tunnel, occasionally revealing glimpses of mudbanks and fens on either side. They were completely enveloped in this unfamiliar and close-knit world.

Strange sounds, like squeaks, croaks, and splashes, came from unseen depths as if some primal rhythm was playing beneath the surface. Vapours rose, swirling around them and clouding their faces, disorienting them even more.