Malcador surfaced, taking in lungfuls of air as he did so. Even with his water-breathing incantation, it didn't feel natural breathing underwater. Air was far more accommodating to the human body regardless of magic. Ironically, as soon as he had found fresh air, the glittering sight took his breath away. Before his eyes was a mound of gold and jewels, scattered amongst the hard rocks of the inner cavern. Small beams of light shot into the sanctum from holes in the rock from years of erosion. 

The water had cleared his sinuses at least, and he felt somewhat refreshed after the seasickness. He swore he wasn't as bad as he used to be, but long trips at sea were not his forte. Funny enough, it seemed swimming helped him out in an odd way. He put his feet on the stone in the shallow area and ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair. He had another few minutes of water breathing, and though he was loathe to leave the treasure, he knew he needed to get back to the fellows waiting outside. 

He delved back into the murk, making his way through the tunnel with what little light filtered in. It was just about twelve meters once one was fully submersed, and when Malcador made it to the other side, he was murk had congregated at the top of the pond above. Curious, he continued upwards, surfacing and expelling a breath, coughing up water. He was greeted by the screams of the last of his crew, getting impaled and cut into pieces by what looked to be a motley crew of women. 

The murk on the surface turned out to be blood, it seemed. Malcador splashed some away and tried to brainstorm on what to do now. He could go back under, but they would just follow him. No spell he had could destroy them all, and even if it could, was he supposed to sail and entire ship back by himself? Realizing there was little he could do, he cleared his throat and looked at the women sheepishly. He raised his hands out of the water to show he was unarmed and said: 

"I can lead you to the booty, ladies." In a quiet voice. Luckily for him, people told him he could charm himself out of a death trap. Hopefully, they were not lying.