All right, I've been playing this same blessed puzzle for 3 hours and never got across the cistern (lake thing) -- even using a couple of walkthrus. I must be getting older than I thought. I'm not sure I never completed a puzzle before! I didn't realize until moments ago I could skip this ((*& puzzle by going to "Casual" mode. Anyone know how long you have to play a puzzle before the skip option kicks in? And, optionally, and even better, anyone have a saved game for just after crossing the cistern? Thanks!

I sent you a saved game with instructions.
Go forward once to finish the puzzle.