Following the coastline, Helen proceeded slowly on the rocks along the shore of the lake. They were steep and slippery, split with deep cracks through which water was visible far down below.

Mid-morning. At a place where pine trees grew to the water's edge, she slid down the rocks to a small beach. The water lapping against the beach was so clear that she could see jewel-like stones on the bottom. Away from the shore, the water was dark blue.

In the sky, there was no sign of the Septemberclaver helicopter. On the lake, there was no sign of pursuing boats.