Lady of the Sea: The Aureate Chronicles, Book One

by Heather Zwygart

  Chapter 13

  Outside the house, I’m struck at the wide expanse before me. What chance do I have of finding Sol Fyre in a world of this size and utterly foreign to me? What was Cian thinking? What was I thinking?

  I begin walking down a small slope that leads to an outbuilding. I don’t have the first clue where to find Ethan but that seems as good a start as any.

  The building is enclosed by a wooden fence. As I approach, I see Ethan sweeping dirt and other residue from the floorboards.

  “May I help?” I ask, feeling shy.

  “Avelessa, I didn’t see you there,” Ethan says.

  “I haven’t been standing here long.”

  “I’m almost finished. Want to go for a walk afterwards? I can give you a tour of the grounds.”

  “Yeah. I would like that.” Anything to still this restlessness I feel. I settle myself on the sill of a window and take in my surroundings. There are crude tools hanging on the wall. They’re sharp and intimidating to look at. “What are those for?” I ask.

  “Oh, those are shearing tools. Kind of scary looking huh? There will be quite a few extra hands here tomorrow to help with the wool cutting. It doesn’t hurt the sheep I promise,” Ethan explains. “I’m actually done here. You ready to go.”

  I nod my head and slide down from the window sill. I follow him into the pasture, and he leads us out onto open land.

  “It’s pretty rare to own land here in the north,” Ethan says.

  “Why is that?”

  “The Maori aren’t too eager to part with it. Pa made friends with the Ngāi Te Rangi and they’re letting him work the land in return for a portion of the wool.”

  “Does that mean your family is not from here?”

  “My family came from Ireland. There was a famine, and Pa brought us out here when I was seven, hoping for a fresh start.”

  How did you and Kai become friends?” I ask doing my best to match his long strides.

  “Kai and I met shortly after I moved here. I was exploring the harbor. I saw Kai swimming out toward where it gets deeper and he seemed fine, but, in the next moment, he was gone. Nothing but ripples where he had been a second ago. Pa taught us how to swim at a young age, and I must have been pretty confident in my abilities because I didn’t hesitate. I jumped in and swam toward where I last saw him. I dived under and found him tangled in the seaweed, but what’s strange is…” Ethan pauses and looks at me as though he’s trying to decide whether to continue.

  “Tell me,” I say placing my hand gently on his arm in encouragement. Ethan glances down at my hand for a beat and continues.

  “He was unconscious and I pulled him to shore. I was nearly eight at the time and quite proud of myself for the feat, but, looking back, now that I’m older, I realize how lucky we were.”

  “How so?”

  “Kai must have been under the water for at least three minutes. The kid gasped and sputtered a couple times but then he just started to breathe like nothing had happened.”

  I look at him, confused as to why this might be considered strange.

  “Avelessa, Kai should have died. No one can hold their breath that long; at least, no child can. And he was unconscious. His body would have forced him to take a breath while still submerged and water would have filled his lungs and drowned him.”

  “Oh,” I say. Breathing under the sea is not something I ever gave much thought to, but I can see now how that might be unusual for a land dweller.

  Ethan continues, “The Ngāi Te Rangi were grateful and Kai and I became best mates. He comes to help out on the farm mostly out of respect for my family and helps with interpreting the terms set out by Tupaea." We walk for a time in companionable silence over open hillside. I marvel at how much easier it is to converse with Ethan than Kai.

  Dusk approaches and I feel like I might never get enough of these moments. Moments when half the sky lights up with colors of deep blue, flushed crimson, and pale gold. The other half hides in shadow, mysterious and compelling.

  The breeze is cool on my skin and all before me are hills and valleys of green. Why, oh why did my kind choose to give this up? To walk in both worlds. I don’t think I can go back to the way things are in Sol. That is, if there’s still a Sol to go back to. We stop at a large boulder overlooking the valley.

  “I love to come here and watch the sunset,” says Ethan, scaling the side of the boulder. I follow his lead, taking one step then another on smaller boulders that create a stairway of sorts. Ethan helps me up the last bit, which is none too graceful, and pats the surface of the rock next to him. We can see the ocean from this vantage point. The wave tips sparkle like diamonds in the fading sunlight.

  “It’s beautiful,” I say.

  “Mmm… yes it is,” replies Ethan but when I turn to smile at him, he’s not gazing at the ocean but at me.

  His look hints at affection, and this sends a jolt of alarm through me. I don’t want this. It’s too risky. What have I done to encourage this?

  I can’t afford friends, and nothing good ever comes of forming relationships. Even Cian, my mentor and friend, lies dying and I feel helpless to do anything about it. The truth is, I care about Ethan. I would hate to hurt him, which is all too likely when I disappear without warning. I’ll have to be more careful.

  Do I tell Ethan the truth? Not the whole truth. Surely not that. But enough to keep him at a distance. There may be no better moment than this.

  “Ethan… can I tell you something?”

  “Sure, anything.”

  “It’s hard to explain. There is something I’m looking for, and I can’t go back home until I’ve found it.”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “I can’t tell you everything. You wouldn’t believe me even if I did…”

  “Avelessa, you can trust me.” When I don’t answer him right away, he asks, “Should I be concerned? Are you in some kind of trouble?”

  “Strange you should ask that. Kai asked me the same thing. I really didn’t mean to interfere in your lives, and nothing I say will be explanation enough for my behavior the past couple of days. You both mean well.”

  “I like you, Avelessa. I can’t imagine you capable of murdering anyone, so, if not that, then what could possibly be so bad that you feel you can’t tell someone?”

  “I didn’t murder those people, but I’m not what you think I am.”

  “What’s that even supposed to mean?” Ethan is beginning to sound irritated.

  I’m looking anywhere but at Ethan. I despise lying. I was never any good at it; at least, that’s what Acelin would always tell me.

  I fold my arms in closer to my body, giving myself a hug to strengthen my resolve. Making a conscious effort, I look Ethan in the eyes. It’s nearly dark out and I feel the need to speak quietly, “I’m not from here, and I can prove it, but first I need you to take me to White Island tomorrow. There’s something there I must do.” Did I really just say that?

  “That’s it?” Ethan asks. He seems relieved.

  “One more thing. I don’t think you should tell Kai. He’s already suspicious of me.”

  “What exactly am I not telling Kai? You haven’t told me anything we don’t both already know. It’s pretty obvious you’re not from around here.”

  My heart sinks. He doesn’t understand. And suddenly it’s more important than ever that he does. I have to make him understand. I don’t hesitate. I was going to show him my pendant but I have a better idea.

  “Ethan, is there a lake or waterfall nearby we can go to?”

  “What? Right now? It’s nearly dark.”

  “It’s important.”

  “Then we’d best get on it. I should run to the house first to fetch a lantern.” Ethan jumps down from the rock. Turning around, he holds out his arms to me. “Jump!” he calls.

  Chapter 14

  As we near the house, Ethan indicates for me to wait outside. “What did you tell your family?” I ask when he returns.

&n
bsp; “That we’re headed to the hot pools just west of here.”

  “And they’re okay with that?”

  “Ma wasn’t thrilled about it, and Pa gave me a look but said I was old enough to be making my own decisions.”

  Our eyes have adjusted and we need only the moon’s glow to light our way. A brush of warm moist breeze sweeps past my face, and, in the next instant, I’m enveloped by an opaque cloud of steam. A feeling of calm washes over me.

  Ethan speaks in a hushed voice as if afraid to disturb the stillness, “This is it.”

  “Promise you won’t light the lantern until I say so?” I ask.

  “Promise.”

  I remove my dress out of sight of Ethan and gingerly step into the heated water. It smells strongly of sulfur but it feels heavenly. I focus on pulling energy from the water, suddenly unsure of whether I’ll even be able to transform.

  I’m all nerves and on edge when I feel ripples pulse through me like shock waves. I feel the release of tension like the final give of an oyster shell when pried open. I’m aware of aching muscles in my back and where my legs used to be as my body adjusts. At last, I’m whole again.

  “Avelessa, is everything okay?” Ethan asks from up on the bank.

  “I’m ready,” I reply, admiring the iridescent gold and blue scales on my tail, following it down to the curve of my fin where fire and gold merge in a display of radiance.

  I can hear Ethan mumble to himself, “All a bit strange. Kai is going to kill me for taking it this far.”

  He lifts the lantern above his head and peers in the pool. I try to imagine what he sees. I’m submerged up to my neck, and the steam and murky green water hides most of my torso, but when I draw my tail closer to the surface, I can see the astonishment in Ethan’s face as the light from the lantern reflects off the gold scales.

  “A merrow,” Ethan says in utter disbelief.

  Chapter 15

  A rooster crows in the distance. Sunlight streams through an open window, warming my face. I peer through my eyelashes, hesitant at first, until they have adjusted. I gaze around the room.

  Where Poppy slept, there now lies a nest of blankets. I’m not an early riser on the best of days. Ethan and I didn’t return to the house until close to morning. We talked for hours, Ethan with a multitude of questions and me with my own.

  I examine my state of mind in the light of day, searching for feelings of regret. Do I regret revealing my true self to Ethan? No, but, in the end, Ethan and I couldn’t agree on whether to tell Kai or not.

  “Kai is my best friend. You can trust him with this secret too,” Ethan argued. “You’re asking a lot for me to keep this from him.”

  “I know and I wouldn’t if it wasn’t important. Maybe once he’s become accustomed to me,” I replied.

  “He’ll know something is amiss. He always knows.”

  “He’ll think I’m one of them! The taniwha. I cannot afford to lose any more time, and that’s exactly what will happen if we tell Kai.” I search his face, willing him to see what’s at stake here. “I didn’t kill those villagers, Ethan, but I think I may know who did.”

  “Fine. I’ll give you three days to find your pearl, but then he has to know. If you’re real, these taniwha may be just as real, and we can’t afford to ignore them. Kai has the most knowledge and training on how to deal with these creatures; we need him.”

  I had agreed to taking Kai with us to White Island. I feared pushing Ethan too far, so I had consented with no more argument.

  My stomach begins to grumble, reminding me of the lateness of the morning, just as the door opens.

  “Good morning, sunshine!” Poppy says in a cheery voice. “Ethan made me swear not to bother you about last night, but I want you to know I’m good at keeping secrets too.” She giggles.

  “Oh, Poppy, it’s not what you think.” What exactly does she think happened last night?

  “Never mind. I’m told you three are planning a trip to White Island. How Ethan pulled that off with shearing just starting today, I don’t know, and while I would love to join you, I don’t care for boats.” Poppy is rummaging through a wooden chest and pulls out a dress of muslin blue and holds it up for me to see. “This will go perfect with your eyes.”

  “I already have a dress,” I say, looking at the corner where I had thrown it in a heap before going to bed last night.

  “Yes, well, it’s bit muddy from your excursion last night and I don’t mind, truly. So get dressed and come to the kitchen. Ma made some pastries for breakfast,” she says and turns to walk out the door, leaving no room for argument.

  Poppy is confident and carefree in a way I’ve never been able to be. I do as she says and go in search of the promised pastries. They’re sitting on a platter in the middle of the table. I take a bite of one. It’s flaky and tastes of cream and salt. I grab two more, not knowing if I’ll ever taste their likeness again. I grab an apple as well and head outdoors.

  “There you are,” says Poppy, walking in my direction. "I’ve just fed the pigs and chickens. Oh! I almost forgot.” Poppy skips to the front door, returning with a pair of worn boots. “I noticed you weren’t wearing any shoes before. These ought to fit you, albeit they may be a little big. Shame on those boys for letting you trek through the bush with no foot protection.” I accept the gift with a nod and proceed to place them on my feet as I’ve witnessed the others do.

  “Ethan and Kai said to meet them by the barn when you’re ready to go,” Poppy continues.

  I turn to go before realizing how little I’ve thanked her for her generosity. “Thank you, Poppy. You’ve been very kind to me. I’ll never forget you.” She gives me a strange look before smiling and waving goodbye.

  Chapter 16

  It takes some convincing to get Kai out on the water with us.

  “It’s not like I have anything better to do,” Kai says. “What about shearing, Ethan? Your pa couldn’t have been pleased to learn you plan to go traipsing to White Island just when he needs you most.”

  “If you feel so bad for him, lend us the use of your canoe and you can make your way over to the farm post haste; we won’t get in your way,” Ethan replies.

  “Ha! If you think I’m entrusting you with my waka, then you’re dreaming.”

  “Come on, Kai! I’m serious. Avelessa needs our help, and we could use you,” Ethan says.

  Kai looks at me as if expecting me to confirm that. I’ve refrained from speaking up to this point but no more.

  “I’m still not convinced that’s entirely true,” I say. Ethan shoots me a dark look. “Fine, we could probably use the extra muscle to row the canoe across,” I add flippantly.

  I swear Kai looks as though he’s ready to burst out into laughter. How maddening that he can go from ignoring me to finding amusement in my trial. For that’s what this is. A trial I must overcome or pay the ultimate price.

  The sun has reached its zenith in the sky. There’s no breeze out on the open water. Sweat trickles down my neck and forehead and my belly cramps with hunger. I’m miserable and I’m only to blame. This voyage was my idea, after all.

  A couple of orca whales play in the water several leagues away, and I almost call to them in song, the song of my kind. What a disaster that would have been.

  How I long to shed my human confines and jump into the cool, blue, sanctuary of the ocean to join them. It’s hard to remember a time when I did just that, chasing the dolphins or floating with the jellyfish, letting my worries wash away with the waves.

  Instead, I worry about the rocky motion of the water and what could happen should the canoe capsize. I worry about the melody in my ears, so sad and melancholy. I ache with the longing for something I cannot describe. I worry about Cian and whether he’s dead already.

  But most of all, I worry that once we get to the island, I’ll find nothing at all. And the search must begin all over again. The sound of my name distracts me from my thoughts.

  “Sing with us, Avelessa. It will hel
p to pass the time,” says Ethan.

  “No,” I say, shaking my head with fervor. “I don’t sing.” I give Ethan a pointed stare, willing him to understand the meaning behind my words. I hear Kai chuckle derisively behind me.

  “Oh, she can sing alright. Go ahead, Ava. Sing us a song from home. A melody to stir the heart,” Kai says in a tone of mock civility.

  “Take it easy, Kai,” says Ethan frowning at Kai over my shoulder. To me he says, “Forget I asked.”

  “You want a song, then a song you shall have,” I say, preventing Kai from saying anything further. “This is a song about a true queen, the Lady of the sea, who died tragically at the hands of sailors.”

  It isn’t a song they’ll likely recognize, although it was written by one of their own, lost in the archives of human history, believed now to be only myth. I search for the very same pearl, and the irony is not lost on me. I’m becoming either bolder or more foolish in my desperation.

  “Cordelia, Lady of the Sea

  A pearl you wore that kept

  Thy soul with thee…

  With each word, I gain confidence. My voice rises and falls with an emotional understanding of what this song truly means to the Aureate, what it means to me.

  “Both cow and calf

  Were out to fight

  ‘Twas sailors caught sight

  Of a radiant light

  The waves did roar and the thunder crash

  The rain did pour and the gaff did lash

  Woe upon the man

  Your heart did sunder

  And lost soul

  Thy pearl did plunder.”

  I’m taken aback at first, almost coming to a stop, when the song coming from the island, so haunting before, joins my voice in a cadence of perfect harmony. A joyful exultation of homecoming. I know, in this moment, that it is Sol Fyre calling to me. I’ve sung a tribute to her mistress, and she has answered. My search is almost at an end.