"Help!" Maria screamed as she struggled to keep her head afloat.
The water splashed as a guard jumped into the river. Relief washed over her as he moved towards her. He swam through the waves with strong strokes, his eyes fixed on hers.
Maria kicked beneath the water, trying hard not to sink. Her arms ached as she flailed them, but she had to stay above water, long enough for him to reach her.
The man was almost there, and stretched out his hand to grab hers. Then, the river turned cruel. A mighty wave rose in his direction, sending the guard tumbling. Maria screamed as the man vanished beneath the water. No head broke the surface. No arm reached for her again. He was gone, just like that.
"Maria! Hold on!" The other guard's voice came from the boat. The captain stood by his side, both men's faces pale with disbelief as they saw their companion vanish.
"The current is too deep! No one can fight it. Grab the rope now!"
