by H. B. Bolton
“That can’t be me! You said this castle was from a long time ago. I’m guessing that was before I was even born. How could that possibly be me?”
“My ancestors had great knowledge of the future. Most of their predictions have come true. Many of them were good, a few were not,” said Lazonia, resting her long webbed fingers on Evan’s arm.
And there was Jormundgand, taking up most of the space. As usual, the image showed him biting his tail. Except in this portrayal, he was wrapped around a carving of the world. This wall must have been enchanted because the planet spun around on its axis. A man with a shaggy beard was carved on the left side. Stretching his hand toward Jormundgand, he offered a tiny ring. Evan moved closer to study the small object. Just then, the tiny ring floated above the man’s upward facing palm.
It was the Serpent’s Ring, Evan was certain of it. Now the picture came together. This must have been Aegir, and he was unlocking the giant sea serpent. Evan scanned over to the other side of the image. There, standing on a cliff, was a small boy facing a massive wave. Sharks were swimming in the wave—just like in Evan’s dream.
“What am I going to do?” Evan said and sank to the ocean’s floor, hanging his head.
“Evan, the wall does not show what happens after you face Aegir,” Lazonia said calmly. “You must fulfill your destiny. You must and will stop Aegir. I believe in you.”
“So do I,” chimed Claire. “Now, let’s go kick some sea-god booty!”
Although Evan was terrified, he laughed at his sister’s comment. “I don’t see you guys carved on the wall. I thought all of us were going to stick together. I never imagined I would have to face Aegir alone,” Evan said and then looked at Lazonia. “Where is everyone else?”
Wearing a frown on her face, the mermaid shook her head. “For whatever reason, you are meant to battle Aegir alone.”
Evan sighed and looked at each one of his friends’ faces in turn. Dunkle looked most concerned, and he was the one to approach Evan.
“We will travel with you as far as we are permitted. You can do this,” said the imp. And although it was impossible to smell anything underwater, Evan believed the area around him was saturated by the odor of pine.
“Perhaps, it is time to see my father,” said Lazonia. “I will not be able to swim all of you there. So, I promise to move slowly.”
On the journey back, Lazonia stayed true to her word and moved along with the group. Occasionally, she would swim away long enough to speak with a sea turtle or fish, but she always returned.
Half an hour passed before they reached some outer buildings, all of which were made of colorful glass. Etchings and molded sculptures depicted sea life: shells, fish, merpeople, and other ornate designs.
“We need to swim to the top of this building,” said Lazonia, coming to a stop. “It is pretty high. Would any of you like for me to help you swim?”
Evan was just about to say yes when Claire snipped, “We’ll be fine.” And Evan had to scale the building on his own.
Chapter Eighteen
TRAVEL BY TURTLE
BY THE TIME EVAN REACHED the top, Lazonia was already inside the building. Evan drifted into the room, and saw she was already speaking with her father. Evan paused in the center of the circle and was all too aware of the thirteen sets of eyes fixed on him.
“Ah, Sigurd, it is good to see you, old friend,” announced Ragnar. “Please, all of you come in.”
Sigurd led the group right across and over the circle’s center, coming to rest on Ragnar’s right side. The two discussed something so quietly that Evan was unable to make out what they were saying. Sigurd then nodded and returned to Claire, Dunkle, and Barfel.
Ragnar began formally, “My fellow council members, we are joined by Evan’s sister Claire, Dunkle, Barfel, and—I am certain you all have heard of the great hero—Sigurd.”
A flurry of comments were made, but all in undertones. Evan looked around, trying to figure out what was being said. It was no use. Most of the council members were speaking in that funny clicking-fishy language.
And then, for some strange reason, Dunkle gasped. Evan turned to see what had startled the imp but saw nothing unusual other than that a fish arrived and had positioned itself between Lazonia and Ragnar.
“That’s him! That’s him!” cried out Barfel, pointing his gangly arm at the fish.
Evan had absolutely no clue why the imps were so worked up. It was just a fish. Wait a minute; that fish looked awfully familiar. It was at that moment something occurred to Evan. “Hey, it’s the fish from the boat! He’s one of Aegir’s spies. We caught him with a fishing pole.” There were gasps of horror, and Evan flinched. “Okay, not good. Look, we put him in a tub of water and kept him on board. He admitted to being a spy!”
Ragnar leaned over and listened to something the fish had to say. The merman smiled and nodded his head.
“What did the fish say? And how did it get here? We left it on that boat,” said Evan, causing even more hostility amongst the mercouncil. “Look, we didn’t mistreat it. Obviously its fine,” he added, trying to calm the angry merfolk.
“Council members, this boy did not cause the fish, Egbert, any harm,” announced Ragnar. “Evan speaks the truth; Egbert is one of Aegir’s spies. He has confided in me some of Aegir’s plans. We must listen to what he has to say.”
“Why should we trust it?” Evan asked, giving the fish a dirty look. “I mean, isn’t it one of the bad guys?”
“My dear boy,” said Ragnar, “Aegir is neither a ‘bad guy’ nor is he our enemy. Aegir’s outlook of the world has been skewed, warped. He believes that by wiping out mankind, he will be washing away all of his evils.”
“Doesn’t Aegir realize he’ll be washing away all the good stuff too?” said Evan.
“I think that over the centuries, Aegir has forgotten,” said Ragnar. “Egbert told me that many sea creatures have forgotten men still have a few virtuous qualities. In fact, ironically enough, it was not the act of a man that changed the mind of this fish. It was the act of an imp that caused Egbert to reconsider his loyalty. For although Egbert cares little for mankind, he is rather fond of imps and does not wish to see them drowned.” Ragnar grinned at Barfel, and Barfel beamed in return.
Barfel leapt into the center of the room and danced around Evan. “Barfel set him free! Barfel set him free!”
Dunkle approached the dancing imp, rested his hand on Barfel’s shoulder, and said, “I did not see you release the fish. How were you able to manage it without my knowledge?”
“More importantly, why did you?” mumbled Evan, receiving many furious glares. He shrunk back, and grunted, “Sorry.”
“Last one off the ship! Dumped him back in the sea!” sang Barfel.
“Good job,” said Dunkle, escorting Barfel back to Sigurd and Claire.
“In that one single act, the imp was able to change Egbert’s mind about flooding the planet,” explained Ragnar, and more discussion ensued. “Now, it’s time to tell you everything I know.”
Words poured out from the merman’s mouth, filling every space. Ragnar wove a tale, sounding more like fiction than fact. Unfortunately for Evan, he happened to play a huge role in the story. “Evan and his comrades must continue traveling to Hlesey. That is where they will find Aegir and the Serpent’s Ring. This boy is mankind’s only hope for salvation. Although he keeps company with four other heroes, in the end, it will be Evan Jones who must face Aegir—alone,” announced Ragnar. “We merpeople will help in any way we can.”
“But why?” Claire asked. “I mean, why would you help mankind?”
“We might be creatures of the sea, but we are also half-human. We believe in the ingenuity of mankind. It will take time, but the oceans will one day return to their former perfection: pure and unspoiled. In his fury, Aegir has lost his way. Although some creatures of the sea agree with him, many do not. Ran’s Undersea Hall sits empty. The sea god and goddess have drawn a line so deep in the sand that few h
ave crossed over to their side. Thus, they are alienated from the remainder of Sagaas.”
Evan edged back toward the balcony, and just when he was about to make a “swim” for it, Ragnar said, “The hour is late, and you need to rebuild your strength. You will stay here tonight, so as morning breaks you will be ready to complete your task.”
“Sir, I have one question for you; if you don’t mind,” said Claire. “Our submarines are made from wood and are now sitting in a broken heap. We will need materials to make a new submarine.”
“What sort of materials do you require?” he asked.
“Metal would be best. That is if you know where I could find some,” said Claire.
Ragnar pondered, his fingertips resting together. “Lazonia, please take them to the undersea grotto, and then show them to their quarters.”
“Yes, Father,” she said dutifully and kissed him fondly on the cheek. In a flash, she was next to Evan, reaching for his hand. “Come with me.”
She led them to the balcony and sang something that sounded like, “whaahhh-oooh.”
Evan started to ask what she was doing but was quieted by Sigurd. “You must not interrupt her. She is soliciting help.”
“Look, over there,” said Claire softly.
At first, it looked like five green eggs were bobbing along in the water. After a minute, Evan realized the eggs were actually giant sea turtles, heading in their direction.
“Since you do not swim very fast, I thought it would be easier to travel by turtle,” said Lazonia, as the turtles reached the balcony.
“Is that what you were doing? Calling sea turtles to give us a lift?” Evan asked.
“Duh, Evan,” said Claire, moving closer to the turtles.
“THEY ARE HUGE,” said Evan.
“We will travel quickly. Make sure you hold on tight,” instructed Lazonia, and then one of the turtles moaned something from deep in his throat. Lazonia nodded and ran her hand along the back of his neck. “Oh, but please do not squeeze them too tight. And no digging in your heels or tugging on their shells. Remember, they are not seahorses.”
Once everyone was situated on his or her sea turtle, Lazonia gave a command, and the turtles raced forward. The turtles and their passengers sped past buildings, heading in the direction of a large cluster of coral reef. As they approached, an opening in the reef came into view.
The sea turtles slowed to a crawl and then allowed their riders to climb off. Lazonia said something and away they went.
“The turtles will come back for us if we need them,” she said and swam toward the cave.
Darkness covered the group like a thick blanket. Evan could barely see his hand in front of him, when all of a sudden gems from Lazonia’s tail began to glow. Evan’s racing heart slowed, and he followed her deep into the heart of the cave.
Chapter Nineteen
DRIPPING IN DIAMONDS
AT FIRST, THE CAVE’S WALLS were stark and foreboding, but as Lazonia moved along, resident flora and fauna emerged from holes and deep pits. Evan was so distracted by the spectacle that he accidently bumped right into Claire.
“Oops, sorry,” he said, feeling mildly embarrassed. “I couldn’t help it. The walls are coming to life.”
“Just try to watch where you’re going.”
Staying focused was virtually impossible for Evan, he was far too entertained. In fact, he repeatedly turned his head to watch the long tunnel become even more vibrant and bright. It reminded him of a fireworks show, only better.
At last, the tunnel opened into an underwater cavern. Lazonia floated over a smooth rock and closed her eyes. She chanted some words, which Evan had never before heard. Water gurgled and then rumbled. It spun around the group, creating a whirlpool. And then, just like a gigantic sink, jelly water drained down through holes in the floor.
The bubble covering Evan’s face deflated. He was breathing actual air.
“Come with me and stay close. Otherwise, you will get lost,” said Lazonia.
Flickering light shimmered from every crevice, giving the illusion of warmth. For the first time since entering the cavern, Evan looked at Lazonia. Her tail had transformed—she had legs! Gems now wrapped over her like a bodysuit. Other than having purple color on her toenails, her feet and ankles were bare. Gems created swirling patterns around her body. Evan might not have had a whole lot of fashion sense, but he knew this outfit was cool.
Claire rushed toward Lazonia, exclaiming, “Wow, you look stunning. I love how the amethysts and sapphires mix together and sparkle. I want an outfit like yours.”
Evan could practically see the wheels spin in Claire’s head.
“You can do that later,” said Evan, trying to nudge her along.
“Right,” she said and followed Lazonia.
Lazonia ventured in the direction of a playful dolphin carved around an enormous, round hole. She wandered through its center and into another dark tunnel, but as Lazonia passed through, the walls sprang to life. Evan took a minute to study the many different phosphorescent shapes. Some were long and cylindrical, with blue and green lines. Others were round with numerous miniscule spheres attached to its surfaces.
“Evan, hurry up! You won’t believe this!” Claire shouted from several yards away.
He realized he was far behind and raced to catch up. Sigurd and Claire could be seen beyond a cavernous threshold. Their wide eyes sparkled and twinkled.
“What is it? What do you see?” Evan asked, but they didn’t answer.
He ran faster and practically knocked into them with his speed. He looked around, and what he saw made his mouth drop. Mounds of colorful gems, elaborate swords, marble statues, decorative vases, filigreed platters, oversize goblets, and lots and lots of golden coins filled the grotto.
“What is this place?” Claire asked.
“The Grotto,” answered Sigurd. I’ve heard of it, but not in my wildest dreams believed it was real.”
“It is very real. We have collected rare treasures for thousands of years. Some were gifts, but many were found in the ships Aegir sank,” she said.
“Aegir sinks ships, on purpose?” Evan asked.
“Sometimes,” said Lazonia, shrugging her shoulders.
“Why did you bring us here?” Claire asked.
“My father has offered to let you use what you need. It is important for you to succeed on your quest,” answered Lazonia.
“I don’t suppose that means I could design my own bodysuit with gems?” Claire asked. “I mean, I’ve been wearing the same clothes for days. I just know I could be more successful if I didn’t feel like a drowned rat.”
Lazonia smiled and said, “I believe you are right in that. I am certain Father would not mind. After all, you are equally as important on this quest.”
The imps played on hills of gold coins, sliding down slopes and then scurrying back up again. Claire giggled, as she dug through piles and piles of perfect gems.
“Ooh, rubies and emeralds! I think I’ll make my suit red and green,” she announced.
“Great, then you’ll look like a Christmas decoration,” laughed Evan.
“Good point,” she said and dug some more.
“I will search for some proper shields and swords,” said Sigurd, wandering over to a far wall lined with golden armory.
Evan looked over at Lazonia. “Thanks,” he said simply.
“For what?” she asked.
“You know, helping us.”
“Evan, merpeople understand how important it is you retrieve the Serpent’s Ring. You have our support.”
“Yeah, I know. But I haven’t seen any other merpeople helping us the way you have.”
“Maybe this merperson supports you a little more than the others,” she said with a sweet smile.
“Hey guys! I did it! Look over here!” announced Claire.
It was difficult to draw his attention away from Lazonia, but he finally looked over at his sister. She was poised on top of a mountain of golden coins, we
aring a ridiculous smirk. She spun around a few times all the while wiggling her hips.
“So, what do you think?” she asked, still prancing around in circles.
“About what?” Evan asked, not really caring.
“You are dazzling,” said Sigurd. As if in a trance, he moved over to Claire and appeared appropriately awestruck. Claire rushed to him and smiled brightly.
“You think so?” she asked.
Evan didn’t pay attention to what Sigurd said in return. Quite honestly, Evan didn’t really care. But he did take a closer look at his sister’s new outfit. Starting as a simple strap around one shoulder, diamonds and sapphires trailed down to her knees. It was pretty nice, but didn’t hold a candle to Lazonia’s. And Evan smiled at the mermaid once more.
“Time to make a sub! Time to make a sub!” announced Barfel, bounding up and down in the middle of the group.
After a few more seconds of mushy-gushy talk between Claire and Sigurd, and the imp finally had everyone’s attention.
“What should I build?” Claire asked.
“Aren’t you going to make another shark-pod?” Evan asked excitedly. After all, he wanted to travel to Hlesey disguised as a shark. How cool would that be?
“We need to make something bigger, so we can travel in it together,” said Sigurd. “Besides, we will have to take turns paddling the blades.”
“Paddling? But you didn’t have to paddle the shark-pods. Why can’t you make a larger sub like that?” Evan asked.
“The wood from Sigurd’s ship held energy from the gods, remember?” said Claire. “We were able to make it move by magic. Even if I knew how to make a motor, it wouldn’t work. I don’t have gasoline; I don’t know how to create electricity; and I doubt we could find enough seahorse power to get us where we need to go. Sigurd’s right, we’ll have to make a stationary bike inside or something to help turn the propellers.”
“Well, that stinks,” said Evan, shoving his hands into his pockets.
