“Well Sister, the time has come for you to join in union with your human,” Titus teased with a grin.
“Yes Brother and I cannot wait to do so.” She smiled and kissed him on the cheek letting her thoughts tell him how thankful she was.
“I’m so happy for you Tarra, bless you both,” said Lana as she kissed her cheek and hugged her.
“I am also happy for you my daughter.” Smiled Princess Cassandra also kissing and hugging her.
“Thank you Mother,” said Tarra as she went to her father and took his hand. They swam together to come beside Micah and then Prince Terrance placed her hand in Micah’s and Micah gave a smile and a knowing look of gratitude to her father.
As was his custom, Micah wore a white shell necklace and a ring of white flowers upon his head. He also wore a white cloth draped across his shoulder and chest. He had on the traditional long colorful skirt.
Micah and Tarra were both given white flower leis. They together faced Ratu Daniel and King Titan. The island warriors began to beat their drums to signal that the Vakamau (Marriage Ceremony) was about to begin.
Ratu Daniel spoke first, “Bula! We welcome the mer to our island and we wish to show you our custom.” He clapped his hands three times and one of the villagers gave him a half coconut cup of Kava and he drank it. Then all of the villagers clapped their hands three times and Ratu Daniel handed King Titan the Kava to drink and he did, then all drank from their half coconut cups of Kava that had been given them and the welcoming part of the ceremony was complete.
King Titan called to everyone as the mer began to blow on their conch shells signaling it was time for the sacred assembly of the union. “We mer of Tullius and the people of Kaloki Island have come together for this sacred event of the union of Micah and Princess Tarra. May the great and mighty Arius bless them with a long and happy life of peace. May they not know hunger, may they always remember the sacred ways of their people and may they be blessed with many offspring. Micah, do you wish to make a vow to Princess Tarra?”
“Yes I do. Princess Tarra, I will do all that I can to protect and provide for you. I will try and always live the sacred ways of our people and teach them to our children. I will love you for as long as there is a beat in my heart,” said Micah so filled with joy.
“Princess Tarra, do you wish to speak a vow to Micah?” King Titan asked.
“Yes. Micah, I will do all I can to give you comfort and rest. I will try and live the sacred ways of our people and teach them to our children. I will also love you for as long as I have a beat in my heart,” said Tarra as tears rolled down her cheeks.
King Titan proclaimed them joined and the shouts went up from the islanders as well as the mer. The islanders began to beat upon their drums once more. Their warrior dancers came and twirled lit torches. They were wearing grass skirts and leggings. There was such a celebration that the mer and the islanders have become one. Micah and Tarra visited with all those wishing them well until late in the evening.
Titus and Lana were filled with the memory of their own wedding. Titus had made it a special project of his to search out a secret grotto for Micah and Tarra. He let Micah know where it was and had shown it to him the day before. Lana had been sure to leave a basket of fruit and a large jug of water. She even managed to have Levu bring driftwood for the fire ring they had made so that Micah could have a small fire for warmth. Titus made sure that there was some ventilation in the roof.
Since the grotto was not very far, Tarra sat in a canoe that was prepared for them and decorated with beautiful tropical flowers. Micah paddled, and as he did, he told Tarra how very much he loved her and would always remember this night.
Once they entered the grotto, he began to sign. He pointed to her with his right index finger and then he slowly brought his hand to his chest, saying she was his.
She signed, with her right hand, fingers up and out moving towards him, saying yours. They smiled and embraced.
~~~~~
Chapter 16
DAMON
Over the next several months, the mer and the villagers of Kaloki Island grew closer. Titus and Makoa became like brothers to not only Levu and Micah, but also Micah’s brothers Eli and Andrew. They even became close to his cousin Joseph and were glad they had learned the language of the hands to speak with him. The mer and the men worked each day together. Titus, Makoa and many of the guard, would herd the fish to the nets of the villagers. They in turn provided food from their island, of which Lana was especially grateful.
Little Rose was growing so quickly. She loved her cousin Uly, who visited her often. He never stopped making her smile as he wiggled his ears back and forth.
“Now why does that remind me of you?” Lana asked Titus.
“I cannot imagine what you are talking about,” he said with a smile and a kiss to her.
“She likes it when I do it.” Smiled Uly.
“Yeah, she does,” Lana giggled.
“Are you going to Mer Island today?” Uly asked.
“Yes and Makoa too,” answered Titus.
“May I come along?”
“You must get your mother’s permission,” Titus said with a grin. Uly did not say another word but took off quickly out their doorway. Titus shook his head and laughed, “He reminds me so much of myself at that age.”
“Yeah, I can see that he would,” Lana also laughed and baby Rose laughed with them just because.
~~~
When Titus, Lana, Makoa and Uly arrived at Mer Island, Tarra was sun bathing on the rock with Micah, she had a slight round belly as she was now expecting their first child. “Hi Tarra and Micah,” called Lana as she swam up.
“Bula everyone!” Smiled Tarra.
“I see you are picking up the human ways already,” teased Titus.
“She learns quickly.” Micah smiled and then he kissed her.
“I cannot wait to see my new cousin, maybe you will have the boy for me to fish with,” said Uly hopeful.
“You never know Uly, even if I have a girl, she might like to learn to fish,” said Tarra.
“Yes, I guess so, then I will teach her and Princess Rose!” He smiled brightly.
“Yeah, I’m sure Rose will love that Uly.” Lana grinned.
“If she is anything like her mother, she will insist that you teach her. Do not let Princess Lana’s name fool you; calm and peaceful waters,” chuckled Titus.
Lana wasn’t laughing; she just gave Titus a glare and said, “I’m going to get some bananas and sit alone in the shade for a while.” Everyone else laughed under their breath as to not let Lana hear them. “Too late, I can especially hear your thoughts Makoa!” Lana called back as she walked into the trees.
“I think I am glad that she could not hear my thoughts,” chuckled Micah.
“Yes, you do have an advantage over us with our women.” Titus smiled to Tarra.
Tarra jumped in the water pulling Titus under and everyone laughed.
“Brothers and sisters,” said Uly rolling his eyes.
“How have you been Micah, are you looking forward to being a father?” Makoa asked.
“I have been blessed more than a man should be and yes, I am greatly looking forward to being a father and seeing our baby.”
“Which are you hoping for, a boy or a girl?”
“I do not care, only a healthy child.”
“Yes, I pray it is so.” Makoa smiled.
Titus and Tarra resurfaced smiling and then they both together splashed Micah. He jumped in with a cannonball next to them and then all five went swimming.
After Lana had her fill of bananas, she went back to the rock and saw the others swimming in the distance. She decided to lie in the sun for a while. Only a few minutes passed and Lana began to get a strange feeling. It’s just like the time in the cavern with Darious, she thought. She quickly sat up. She looked out to see the others still swimming and she couldn’t see anything else, but she felt ; Damon! She called out, “Titus, Come back please!�
��
Titus lifted up his head as he heard her and then dove down and sped through the water to her, “What is it?” Titus asked with concern as he surfaced.
“I’m not sure, maybe nothing; only I could swear that I felt the presence of Damon,” she said softly.
“I think we should return to the city,” he said as he took her hand and pulled her off the rock and onto his back. He let his thoughts tell the others and Tarra told Micah.
Micah and Tarra went to their grotto and the mer went to Tullius. Titus had told Tarra to have Micah, his brothers and Levu, meet him at Kaloki Island when the sun had set. He wanted to tell them of Damon and the others. Titus knew that Lana must have sensed his presence and that they needed to be prepared.
After Titus and Lana returned to the city, King Titan called for Titus to meet with him. He told him that one of the mer families had disappeared. They could only guess that they had joined with Damon and the others; they had been of the Native American descent and Damon must have somehow convinced them that they belonged with him.
King Titan agreed with Titus that he must prepare the islanders for what might come and that they would appreciate any help they could give; the mer in turn would do what they could to protect them.
When Titus and Makoa arrived at Kaloki Island, they saw that Micah had not only brought his brothers and Levu, but also at least fifty of the island warriors together to hear what Prince Titus had to say. “Hello Micah, I am glad that you brought so many,” said Titus gratefully.
“Bula Prince Titus, what do you wish us to do?” Micah asked sincerely.
“Right now, I am not really sure. We believe that an attack of some kind is going to come soon. I do not know if it will only be against my people or yours as well,” said Titus sadly.
“Then we will prepare for battle. You must tell us all you can on how these others fight.”
“We shall, we greatly appreciate any help that your people can give to us and we agree to help you also,” vowed Titus.
~~~
During the next few weeks, all was calm. However, Prince Titus and the guard worked nearly day and night to help the islanders prepare for what they might have to face. Micah and his men were brave and strong, but Titus knew that if they could gain some sort of advantage on land then it would be their best option.
Titus and Micah developed a plan on how they might trap Damon. Titus knew that the best chance would include Lana’s involvement and it did not sit well with him.
The night before they were to begin to execute the plan, Lana and Titus nestled with their little Rose in their home. Tempest stayed by the entrance as he now felt very protective of little Rose.
“Titus, is there no other way?” Lana asked with worry filling her mind.
“I do not see how, but you know that you do not have to do this Lana. I would prefer that you did not,” said Titus seriously looking into her eyes.
“No Titus, if you’re gonna be fool enough to draw Damon to you, then I’m gonna be there with you,” she said sternly.
“It may be possible that Makoa and I could do the same.”
“No Titus, you know he’d only wait until a day that I returned to Mer Island with you.”
“I suppose you are right. One thing you must do for me Lana, once you are on the island, I want you to stay in the center. No mer would risk going that far. And another thing, you must not watch,” he said seriously once more looking into her eyes. He knew that it would be hard for her.
“If it will keep you safe, then I won’t watch, although it will be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” she said as she ran her fingers tenderly along his cheek and then kissed him.
~~~
In the morning, Titus and Lana set out for Mer Island. Titus was certain of two things about Damon. One was that he desired Lana and would not want to pass up the opportunity to get her with little effort. The other was that he knew that he would want to gloat over it with Titus. Damon was a coward; he had proven that by leaving his brother Darious behind without any of his own guard to help him. Titus knew that he would send his guard first to capture him.
Lana tried to do as Titus said; she kept her mind focused on how much he loved her and their little Rose. She didn’t want to give Damon or his guardsmen any advantage by reading her thoughts. It was still so hard to do, especially as she let go of his hand and walked up onto the beach leaving him behind to what she knew was a very dangerous situation. She did as Titus had instructed and went into the center of the island. Lana sat down beneath the trees where she immediately began to cry and let out the emotions she had been guarding. Now all she could do was wait and pray that Titus would be safe.
Titus pretended to look in the direction Lana had gone. He was hoping that Damon and his guard might think that this was only a quick trip for Lana to get the bananas and coconuts as she had so many times before. He waded hip deep in the water while resting on his tailfin. He began to feel the strange sensation of their evil intentions as he knew that they were beginning to circle him. He kept his thoughts focused on Lana and their love and little Rose and how quickly she was growing. He knew that the timing was everything and he had to wait for the signal. He looked to Micah in one of the trees; still not letting his thoughts reveal any of it. Now he could even hear the water rippling behind him, but he stayed frozen for the right moment.
Micah gave the sign for swim, putting the backs of his hands together and pulling them out in a swimming motion.
Titus quickly dove straight out onto the shore and Micah and his men let loose their harpoon guns striking Damon’s guard. When Titus turned to see them, there were twenty of the mermen dying in the water. Damon was not among them.
Makoa surfaced with a grin as he was clutching Damon. He had him in a headlock with Makoa’s arms under Damon’s and locking his hands behind his neck. Damon thrashed his tail wildly, but nothing he could do could get him free of Makoa. “You are not so brave when your guard is not with you,” said Makoa to Damon.
“Let me go or my King will bring a full war against you!” Damon shouted.
“If it were not for King Titan wishing us to bring you to him alive, I would have killed you myself,” said Titus through gritted teeth.
“So, the King Titan wants me alive. He must know the danger he faces,” hissed out Damon.
“Take him, I do not want to look at him another minute!” Titus said aloud.
Makoa and many of Titus’ guardsmen bound Damon in chains and took him to Tullius.
Titus turned to see Micah and his men with Lana now coming towards him. He was so thankful that their plan had worked and that Lana was safe. He called to them, “Micah, you and your men must gather Damon’s guard and bury them where they will not be found. We cannot risk someone finding their bodies.”
“Yes Prince Titus, we will do as you say. We know of a good place,” said Micah with a grin.
“Thank you Micah, and your men, for all that you have done.” Titus smiled.
“Thank you for coming up with such a great plan. It worked perfectly.” Micah grinned and winked.
“Yes, but I am not sure that the threat of open war has passed. Our King will find out more from Damon. We have to keep watch,” said Titus as he now held Lana in his arms and looked to her and kissed her.
Lana was so glad to be in his arms again, but now was worried about her daughter, “Titus, I’m so glad your plan worked. I just hate the thought of Damon being in Tullius; so near to Rose.”
“He will not escape, but I agree, let us go home,” he said as he took her hand and pulled her up on his back. Then he said to Micah, “We will tell Tarra what has occurred, though I think she will know when she sees Damon entering the city.”
“Yes, let her know all is well. I am thankful that she is safe with her people during this time. Tell her that I will see her later,” said Micah as he and his men began loading up their boats that had been hidden on the other side of the island.
“I
shall,” said Titus and then dove into the water with Lana.
~~~
When Titus and Lana got back to Tullius, Lana went to the home of Princess Cassandra and agreed to stay there with their daughter and Princess Tarra.
Titus went to the Hall where he knew King Titan would be interrogating Damon.
“I am not a fool Damon; I know that you have not acted alone. I know that Tiberius has only allowed you and your brother to test our defenses,” King Titan said to the bound Damon with Makoa and another guarding him.
LEGEND OF THE MER Page 17
