They passed up through many tunnels, always taking the uphill fork until 
they saw sunlight shining down from above through the waves, casting lines of 
white light on the translucent roof. Nell severed the tunnel behind them, 
wielding her sword like the sweep of a clock's hand. The warm water rushed in 
on them. Nell swam up toward the light. Miranda was not swimming strongly, and 
Carl was torn between a panicky desire to reach the surface and his duty to 
Miranda. Then he saw shadows descending from above, dozens of naked
girls swimming downward, garlands of silver bubbles streaming from their 
mouths, their almond eyes excited and mischievous. Carl and Miranda were 
gripped by many gentle hands and borne upward into the light.