“What?” she said, stealing Vachlan’s drink and guzzling it happily. “Should I call it something more dignified since you guys are royalty? Okay. Let me see. Maybe we could say that Trevain fixed Zuri’s plumbing? He dipped his pen in her ink? He speared the bearded clam? He polished the porpoise? He put the hot dog on the—”
“Grandma!” Trevain yelled in aggravation. “I’m going to put you in prison if you don’t behave yourself.” He turned to Aazuria, who had a palm pressed against her forehead to hide her embarrassment. “Can I put her in prison?”
“Sure,” said Aazuria weakly. “Well, you can try, but it probably won’t work. And she’ll get back at you with revenge that’s twice as bad.”
“True,” Visola chirped.
“I’ll punish her later on behalf of your majesties,” Vachlan said with a respectful bow, “by depriving her of gourmet sausage.”
“I personally prefer salami,” Princess Yamako said, to ease the awkwardness in the hot tub.
“Really?” Visola asked with a wink. “I wouldn’t have guessed. Is this salami made of silicone by any chance?”
“What a fascinating woman,” Dylan said thoughtfully. “I’m starting to understand her a bit better. I need to get my notebook…”
“Don’t even try,” Sionna said with a laugh. “If you attempt to analyze my sister, you’ll end up lost in the endless labyrinth of madness that is her brain.”
“And I’m the only one allowed to analyze her,” Vachlan said possessively. In his experience, men who were interested in Sionna were usually interested in Visola, and vice versa. This gave him double the reason not to trust the skinny doctor.
“Wait,” said Princess Yamako. “I missed a part of the story. How did you two docs get in touch again? Sio never mentioned this to me.”
“It was at a conference in Vienna last June,” Dylan explained, clearing his throat. “Of course, I went there specifically to see her.”
“I was flummoxed,” Sionna admitted. “I saw him sitting there in the audience, and I had to stop my lecture. I thought he was dead. I thought he died in the sixteenth century.”
“Vienna,” the Japanese princess said in confusion. “You mean the trip where you decided to extend your weekend stay to two weeks for ‘shopping’ and didn’t come home with any new clothes?”
Sionna hesitated. “Yes, that trip.”
“I see,” said Yamako quietly as she lifted herself out of the hot tub. She wrapped herself in a large towel as she moved gracefully toward the palace. “I suppose I should check on Kaito.”
Sionna’s brow creased. “Yama…”
“No. I can’t compete. I’m just a girl. A short, Japanese girl. I give up—he wins.”
“Princess Yamako,” Dylan Rosenberg said anxiously. “I can assure you that nothing happened—I’m a gentleman. We had nearly 450 years to catch up on over dinner, that’s all.”
“But she didn’t tell me,” Yamako said sadly. “She met the love of her life in a romantic European city, during the summer, for a medical thing—all of this for the second time—and she didn’t even tell me.” The dark-haired woman turned away, her feet padding softly on the ground as she entered the palace.
Sionna remained very still, staring after her lover with a stricken expression. “I—I don’t know how to do this sort of thing,” she shamefully confessed to the people in the pool. “Relationships, I mean.”
“None of us do,” Aazuria told her gently. “That’s why we have Dr. Rosenberg.”
Sionna sighed as she glanced at Dylan. “This man might be the solution to your problems, but he’s the source of mine.”
Aazuria glanced after the Japanese princess. “Sio, do you want me to go and talk to Yama for you?”
Sionna shook her head, still obviously perturbed by the whole situation. She was startled when she felt herself attacked by a very large woman. It took her a moment to realize that her sister was giving her a hug, and another moment to get over her surprise long enough to return the embrace.
“Damn, Sio,” Visola said in disappointment as she affectionately squashed her twin. “That was amateur. Why didn’t you tell me about this in advance? I could have covered for you and saved you from the doghouse! Or at least explained how to bury info about ex-boyfriends properly. Rule #1: Don’t bring them into the hot tub with your current lover. Keep them in a different hot tub down the street.”
“Pretty standard stuff,” Vachlan commented.
“But there was nothing to cover for,” Sionna said quietly as she patted Visola’s back. “At least, I think there was nothing. There wasn’t, was there?” She directed this question at Dylan.
He shook his head sadly. “It’s only been a few years since I lost my wife and kids. How could I—but of course I still… God, I’m sorry, Sio. I don’t even know what I’m saying.”
“Look at the brilliant doctors all flummoxed!” Visola said with deep appreciation.
“I shouldn’t have come here,” Dylan said regretfully. “I was just looking for a place where I could be useful, and feel at home. I was so happy at the prospect of having you back in my life, Sionna—but if you want me to leave…”
“You’re not going anywhere,” she told him with a smile. “This will get sorted out.”
“Besides, we desperately need you,” Trevain said earnestly. “I know we’re paying you for your services, Dylan, so this might sound pathetic, but I really feel like you’re the closest thing I’ve had to a friend since my boat exploded and I lost my entire crew. In one day, all my friends were killed by the Clan of Zalcan. So I get where you’re coming from.”
“We should explore that later in therapy,” Dylan said sympathetically. “I really should have brought my notebook out here!” He cleared his throat. “Also—it’s a privilege to be deemed worthy of your friendship, King Trevain. I hope I can be as loyal and helpful to you as the Ramaris twins are to Queen Aazuria.”
“Don’t go exaggerating now, boy,” Visola scolded.
“I would really like to call Adlivun home,” Dylan said. “I enjoyed living among the Rusalka, but it’s far too painful to go back there now. I was born in Ker-ys, but I could never stomach the place once things went sour.”
“Aazuria and I are hoping to make it more livable now,” Empress Amabie said as she stepped out of the castle. “Vachlan, it seems that there is an important phone call for you—from the CIA. Also a package.”
He popped out of the pool quickly. “Great! Thank you, Empress Amabie. I’ve been expecting that package for a few days.” Vachlan grabbed his t-shirt and tugged it over his head. “And the phone call? Well, I’ll leave the buggers on hold for about ten minutes or so.”
“Sounds like an excellent plan,” said the empress with a smile as he walked past her. She turned to Visola sadly. “After what they put your kids through, I might not answer at all. Now, which one of you made my daughter upset?”
Sionna was about to confess when a furious brunette made her way out of the castle.
“Hey, Murphy!” she shouted, her hands on her hips. “Where is your fucking dumbass brother?”
Trevain blinked. “I don’t know.”
“Can you tell him he has a kid now and he can’t go off drinking and partying with strippers all night? Honestly! I flew here all the way from Atlantis without him!”
“Brynne,” Trevain commanded, “take off your clothes, get in the pool, and relax.”
She seemed stunned at his tone of voice. “Yes, Captain Murphy,” she mumbled as she began to comply. “I just think I should at least be aware of his whereabouts. But he’s probably passed out somewhere with some slimy hookers…”
“That doesn’t sound like Callder to me,” Aazuria said with worry.
“That’s because you didn’t know him before all of this,” Brynne said, gesturing at the palace. “We thought that he changed? No, he didn’t. A near-death experience, a wake-up call? No. People don’t change.” She sighed. “It’s the casinos in Atlantis; once a
gambling addict, always a gambling addict. He barely comes home anymore.”
“Just calm down and enjoy the hot tub,” Trevain told her. “I’ll knock some sense into my brother the next time I see him.”
“One of my sons is like that,” Empress Amabie said sadly. “I have no idea whether he is dead or alive. Thank goodness I have Yamako to take care of me in my old age.”
Visola scoffed. “Sedna’s fallopian tubes, Amabie! You’re not old. You act like the title of empress adds half a century.”
“That’s the way I often feel, my friend,” the elderly Japanese woman admitted. “After losing Yonaguni and Shiretoko, failing my homeland completely, I often wonder how I can presume to lead an empire. Even if it is only in title, how much is my title worth?”
“It’s worth everything to me,” Visola attested. “Crazy lady. Thinks a few wrinkles erase centuries of great leadership and epic samurai sword fighting.”
Empress Amabie sighed. “I would just like to do more. Poor Aazuria does all the work!”
“Does it look like I’m working very hard right now?” Aazuria asked in amusement. “This is the least work I’ve ever done in my life.”
“Doctor-recommended therapy,” Sionna and Dylan said at the same time.
Naclana moved to the doorway, clearing his throat. “I hate to interrupt the pool party, but dinner will be ready in a few minutes. You should all get dressed in your fancy clothes.”
Chapter 12: Supposedly Friendly Fire
Vachlan stared at the phone with his arms crossed over his chest for several minutes. He chewed on his lip pensively as he tried to devise a strategy. Finally, picking up the phone, he spoke in a cordial voice. “This is Vachlan speaking, how might I be of service?”
The person on the other end of the line cleared his throat. “Um, yes, Vachlan. This is Agent Poole. We met the other day…”
“Oh, yes. You’re the person who attempted to capture my wife and children in the middle of the night. Lovely to hear from you! How did that work out?”
“Uh, well. We do realize our error in approaching the situation in that manner…”
“Over a dozen automatic rifles pointed at five-year-olds,” Vachlan commented casually. “I’m really interested to see how you can justify that, especially considering I’ve been nothing but friendly and cooperative with you. Frankly, I was wounded by your lack of trust. Not as wounded as your gunmen were, but emotionally wounded.”
“My apologies for letting things get out of hand, Vachlan. If you could give us Leviathan, we promise we’ll leave you and your family alone for good. I want you to know that—”
“Things were never out of hand, Agent Poole. But they’re getting there. I hope you understand that if you send armed spies anywhere near my wife in the future, they will be sent home in body bags. If you are curious about our whereabouts or activities, you might want to consider just calling up and asking, ‘How was your day?’”
“Sir, it won’t happen again. We were very mistaken in using excessive force—”
“You’re right,” Vachlan said. “It won’t happen again. Adlivun is locked down. Even the queen has no clue how locked down we are. This country is sealed airtight. Our airspace is locked down, our waters are locked down, and the bridge is locked down.”
“I don’t feel it’s necessary for you to overreact, Vachlan—”
“My five-year-old daughter was shot, Agent Poole. I don’t care how supposedly friendly your fire is—it’s still fire.”
“Vachlan, I’ve decided to completely withdraw my team from this investigation. You only have me to deal with. Just state your demands, and your price, and we’ll negotiate a deal. I’m willing to offer you fifty million dollars for detailed information on the location and objectives of Leviathan.”
Pausing, Vachlan stared into space for several seconds. He reached up to scratch his head, scowling. He wondered if he should try to wait long enough to make it seem like the figure impressed him. “That’s generous, Agent.” He rolled his eyes at the wall and shook his head in bored disbelief. “So that’s the price you’ve placed on Leviathan? I see. You must be pretty sure that this Leviathan poses a real threat. I wonder why?”
“You know exactly why. There have been concentrated, highly specialized attacks throughout Europe and coastal areas worldwide. No one will claim responsibility, but we keep hearing reference to Leviathan. The Leviathan will protect Oceanus. The Leviathan will sink the impure. What does that mean?”
“If you make me a slightly more reasonable offer,” Vachlan said lightly, “I would be happy to collect and relate that information to you.”
“Reasonable!” Agent Poole said in shock. “You’ll be set for life—your children and grandchildren will be provided for and comfortable. That kind of money can transform the life of any man.”
Vachlan chuckled to himself lightly. “I am more than just a man. I was not born yesterday; I already have grown grandchildren who have made their own fortunes, and have children of their own.”
“Well, then. Even if it’s just pocket money to you, I’m sure you could enjoy it! Buy yourself something nice, Vachlan.”
“With fifty million dollars?” Vachlan asked, laughing. “That can’t even build a decent theatre! I was a teenager when Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was first built in London. I used to go there and watch plays with my mother, dreaming of the day they would perform one of my plays on that stage. Of course, the bastards never did.” Vachlan cocked his head to the side. “For the record, I had nothing to do with that theatre burning down. I was out of the country, and I have an alibi.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I always dreamed of opening my own theatre, and now I own a few, all across the world. Opera houses too. But fifty million dollars? Please. I’ve paid more to produce one of my musicals on Broadway! It’s chump change, my friend. Fifty million won’t even buy a ton of gold.”
“A ton of gold? Why would you want that?”
“Here’s something you might not understand about my job. This is an empire run by a monarchy; an oligarchy. The royal advisor is somewhat equivalent to a Minister of Finance—I control and protect the reserves of gold of all the undersea nations. You could call me the Secretary of the Treasury—sometimes I am the fucking treasury.”
“I didn’t intend to offend you with my offer,” Agent Poole said nervously. “I guess we got our wires crossed a little—I thought you were willing to offer us information for a nominal fee.”
“I was. Before you shot my kid.”
“Understandable, sir. But if you would please consider—”
“Consider finding Leviathan and offering my assistance for free? I have considered that. It could be a great deal of fun,” Vachlan said nonchalantly.
“Please, sir. We are gravely sorry for our mistake. I will do whatever I can to prove to you that we’re on the same side here, and that you can benefit from helping my organization. We can offer you anything you like; if you will just give me some time to get approval for more resources…”
“Sure. But don’t bother calling back and wasting my time until you have something important to say.”
“I will—but Vachlan? I just want you to know one thing. If Leviathan continues to jeopardize national or global security, we will find and destroy it—with or without your help.”
“Good luck, my friend,” Vachlan said, hanging up the phone. He sighed and smashed his fist into the frozen wall. “Dammit, Visola!” he muttered to himself. “What the hell are you doing?”
A knock on the door of the room where he stood alerted him to the presence of a stranger.
“Vachlan, sir?”
“Who the fuck are you?” Vachlan hissed.
“I’m... Rolf. Huge fan of your work,” the chubby man said shyly. “Anyway, I have this package for you. I was told that it was to be hand delivered specifically to you.”
Vachlan stared at the small cardboard box with holes in various places. A huge smile spread across his face. “Great! F
inally, some good news.” Crossing the room, Vachlan opened the top of the box, and withdrew a familiar-looking fish-tank. He nodded in relief as he checked the health of its inhabitants. “Looks like they all survived the trip. Thank Sedna almighty!”
“Are these, like, killer flesh-eating fish or something?” Rolf asked curiously. “Did you train them to attack a certain type of person or something like that?”
“What’s wrong with you, man?” Vachlan asked in puzzlement. “They’re just fish!” Shaking his head, he walked past the castle guard and headed for the part of the castle where the kids were all gathered. When he entered the room, he saw Princess Yamako sitting in the corner, and watching her son practice fencing with Glais.
Kaito was eleven years old, but he had not yet experienced a significant growth spurt. He still appeared far younger than he was, giving the impression of being more than only three years Varia’s junior. In spite of his size, he managed to provide a challenge for eighteen-year-old Glais by virtue of his speed alone. Varia was standing to the side with her cousin, Kolora, and trying to convince the stylish young girl to compete with her. Kolora, however, preferred to watch the boys, causing great frustration in Varia.
Vachlan’s eyes finally fell on the intended recipients of the fish. Ivory and Ronan were locked in competition as they played a video game. Of course, Ivory was beating her brother, and he was stopping every few minutes to complain about her unethical methods. They were in the middle of a heated argument when Ivory turned her head, noticing that her father had entered the room. Her eyes widened in sheer joy as she bolted forward.
“The Spice Fish!” she shouted as she skidded across the floor, pressing her face up against the fishbowl. All of the other children in the room turned to look at her with curiosity. “Cinnamon?” she whispered. “Horseradish! Are they the real Spice Fish, Daddy? You didn’t cheat and bring me imposters?”
“You tell me, pumpkin. You’re the one who knows them best.”
Ivory carefully began to study the body shapes of each of the fish, and used her finger to count the speckles on the body of the seahorse. “Ohmigod, it’s really Horseradish!” she squealed in delight, diving at Vachlan to give him a savage hug.
Tides of Tranquility Page 17
