“Where are my manners?” the young council member asked. “My name is Greer, and this,” he said waving toward his peers, “is Draegan, Corvina, and Leander.”
They gave David a quick nod.
For the first time, Faren looked around and saw the humans walking among the injured. They knelt by their side, taking care of their wounds. She never thought she’d see the day when humans and mers came together.
Two men in suits and ties walked up to them. “My name is Frederick Turner, and this is my partner, Thesil Curry,” the shorter man said. “We represent the Bahamian government.” He loosened his tie. The perspiration covering his brow ran down the side of his face, and he wiped it away with a handkerchief he’d pulled from his pocket.
“Thank you for your help,” Servio said, extending his hand.
“It isn’t a problem,” Thesil said, returning the gesture. “When we heard of the struggle taking place on this island,” he said in a raspy voice, “we felt it was necessary to come out and investigate the alleged incident for ourselves.”
Thaden stepped forward and asked the obvious. “How were you able to find our island?”
Neither Thesil nor Frederick acted as if they were offended by the question, even when it was obvious he was suspicious of their good intentions.
“Our ancestors were friends with the mers many centuries ago,” Thesil said. “They passed on their gift of sight when that friendship began.”
“You say that we were friends?” Corvina stepped forward. “We’ve never heard of this friendship.”
“It was a secret alliance few knew about.” Thesil shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
An awkward silence fell over the group.
“What alliance was that?” Thaden asked him. Now he wasn’t even trying to hide his sour attitude.
“The agreement our ancestors made with you over four hundred years ago started with an elite society,” Thesil said. “They were a small handful of important people–government officials and trusted military personnel. They guarded the secret alliance with their lives.”
Servio quieted Thaden when he started to open his mouth again. “I’m sorry, but we’ve never heard of this alliance.”
Thesil stiffened and glanced over at Frederick. He took a deep breath before delving deeper into the subject. “On the Eve of February 4th, 1610, a contract was drawn up, bringing our species together to form a mutual alliance,” he said, folding his hands in front of him and rocking back on his heels. “This contract stated that we would join forces if a war ever broke out on our lands or in your waters,” he said.
“The problem started with a fisherman–Tiernan Roebuck,” Frederick said. “When he went fishing on the high seas, he would leave his family alone for months at a time. As our ancestors remembered it, he met a mer named Ophelia during the last trip he took.” He used his hands to speak. “As time went on, they fell in love. After members of the secret society found out about their meetings, they burned the contract to signify the independence of both our species. We continued to hide your identity from the outside world, but from then on, we refused to have anything more to do with your civilizations, as you did with us.”
“Is there anything else you can tell us about the conflict that ended this alliance?” Salene asked, grabbing Thesil’s attention first.
Faren could see his mind drifting to a realm his people saw as fact. As he spoke, the image of what he was saying came to life. It was so real, she felt as if she were living it. The lives of Tiernan and Ophelia were reborn…
As the lovers made their way down the beach, the waves crashed to the shore. Tiernan put his hand to Ophelia’s protruding belly and laughed when he felt the life within her stir.
“She’s kicking again,” he said with a smile.
Ophelia’s expression turned coy. “How are you so sure the baby is a girl?”
“I just know,” Tiernan said, pulling her close, “and I hope she looks just like you.”
The day turned into night, leaving the sweethearts with the knowledge they would soon be parting ways. It happened every night at the same time, but no matter how long they had endured the moon’s cruel control, it was something they would never get used to or accept without heavy hearts.
Ophelia looked into his eyes and said, “I’ll see you again tomorrow at sunup. Remember that I love you.”
Before she fled back to the sea, Tiernan pulled her into a passionate embrace and kissed her. After they separated, he watched her make her way down the beach, into the surf. Before diving into the waves, she turned to look at him one last time. Neither one of them could have anticipated that night would be the last time they would ever see each other.
As Tiernan stood there, staring out at the last place he had seen his true love, a stranger jumped from the shadows and landed on top of him. The unwelcome visitor dragged him into the nearby woods, ignoring his screams.
The man forced Tiernan deep into the woods. There were dozens of others standing in a circle, all of them focusing their hate toward him. The burly man holding him hostage hurled Tiernan into the middle of the circle before joining his friends.
“Tiernan Roebuck,” the leader said in a firm voice, “you have been found guilty of high treason. We caught you in the midst of an affair that goes against everything humans stand for.” He threw a rope to the man closest to Tiernan. “We brought you into the Secret Society, and we gave you the gift of knowledge based on your morality. We trusted you to uphold that morality, and you have failed miserably. With your deception, you have spit in our faces and defied God’s law. Your sentence will be death!”
“The members of the Secret Society murdered Tiernan for the crime they thought he had committed against humanity. They hung him on this very island,” Thesil said, waving his hand in the air. “In their eyes, the unborn baby was an abomination they were determined to destroy. Thank goodness, they never had the chance. They never saw the mer or her child again.”
Because they’re dead!
Faren felt like crying. How hard it must have been for Ophelia and Tiernan to lose each other because of a barrier neither one could control. She gazed over at David and realized he was thinking the same thing–how similar their circumstances were. Even though the mers had accepted him, it didn’t mean the humans would take her in as one of their own.
“That’s quite a story,” Thaden said, staring at the men. His face was hard and unmoved by the tragic love story. “The only question I have is how do we know this is based on fact and not a lie you’ve created to worm your way into our lives?”
Frederick was quick to make Thaden look like a fool. “How else could we see the island?” he asked. His smile didn’t scream polite anymore. He pointed his nose in the air. “How would we know about the gift of sight?”
Faren smiled and looked over at David. He was smiling, too. When Faren noted Thaden’s hateful glance in her direction, she bit her top lip and looked down at the sand. Even though she didn’t want the high council angry with her–Faren knew she wasn’t in the position to laugh at Thaden no matter how dumb his question was–she had to force the chuckle away.
“After our contract dissolved, we still tried to keep up foreign affairs, but you destroyed our vessels any time we tried to come to this island.”
“May we have a few minutes, gentlemen,” Servio said, reaching out to shake their hands. “There’s something we need to discuss in private.”
Thesil returned the gesture. “Take your time,” he said. With that, he and Frederick join the nearest medic to check on an injured mer.
“Faren,” Servio said when the humans were gone. “Did anyone find the Ring of the Ancients?”
Faren wished she could say yes. She wished she could hand it over to the High Council. “Not that I know of,” she said. “I can ask around, but–”
A bright haze filled the sky, stopping her from answering. It was a collection of colors ten times more beautiful than those seen in the most aw
e-inspiring sunset. The clouds parted, giving way to a glimpse into a world beyond their own.
Everyone looked on in disbelief. They stared at the figure making his way down the beach toward them. His long, flowing, white robes blew this way and that in the heavy breeze he brought with him.
Faren could do nothing but stare at the man walking toward them–or was it a man? It couldn’t be. She felt at peace in his presence, as if evil no longer had a place on Earth. At that moment, it didn’t exist.
The stranger walked up and smiled. “I am pleased you could make peace with one another,” he said. His gaze jumped from the mers to the selkies, to the humans and back to the mers again. “This is your first step in becoming righteous in my eyes. You will soon be ready to begin the next phase of your lives.”
The voice didn’t come from the man, but from everywhere all at once. As he stood there in all his glory, he looked out at the faces staring back at him. His long, graying hair blew around his angelic face like a sheath of flowing silk. All at once, Faren knew she and her fellow mers were in the company of the Spirit.
Again he spoke. “This union will prove, in its own right, to be the beginning of an alliance I have always wanted for you.” He put his hands together and then opened one of his palms. “And I have the Ring of the Ancients,” he said, lifting it for all to see. “You need never to worry about it falling into the wrong hands again.”
He turned and walked away, leaving behind a hushed silence that would follow for many minutes. It seemed as though everyone involved in this miracle were too dumbfounded to speak. For the longest time everything remained as still as the quietest night. No one spoke. No one so much as whispered a word.
Soon the entire sky was on fire with the yellow, orange and white lights that could have only been shining down from the heavens above. No place on Earth could have created such a remarkable sight.
Faren continued to stare at the sky many minutes after all was normal again. She never thought in her wildest dreams she would meet her creator. She knew how lucky she was. She didn’t need someone to tell her that.
“We can’t argue with the Spirit,” Servio said, waiting for the other council members to agree with him before going on. “We believe in his word, but we have a request of our own that will help solidify our union.”
“What is your request?” Thesil asked. He appeared to be holding his breath. He fidgeted with his hands.
Servio walked over, wrapped one arm around Faren and the other around David. “A mer is in love with a human,” he said. “He fought beside us, and we think they should be given the chance that others were not.”
Thesil stood up straight and raised his chin in the air. “We need to talk this over,” he said, glancing over at Frederick. “I’m sure you understand.”
“I do,” Servio said. “When do you think you’ll be ready to give us an answer?”
Frederick broke in. “I think a few minutes will suffice,” he said.
“I have something to say if I could,” David said, taking everyone by surprise.
Faren grew nervous. She hoped whatever he had to say wouldn’t hurt their chances of staying together.
“Speak up, son,” Servio said.
“I’d like to marry Faren,” he replied without hesitation. His voice quivered, yet held a conviction unlike any Faren had ever heard. All she could do was stand there, staring up into his face. David’s jaw trembled. Other than that, he appeared rigid, hard as stone. She knew this should have been the most magical moment of her life, but tremendous fear tainted the excitement.
Will they allow this?
“The possibility of a mer/human marriage is a giant leap for us to consider. We’ve never done this before,” Thesil said, wide-eyed. “There are still questions lingering in our minds as to how this union could affect both our worlds.”
The human officials exchanged uncomfortable glances with the High Council before turning to look at the couple determined to break down the final boundaries separating their species.
“Like I said,” Thesil repeated, “we’ll need a few minutes to discuss this. This is a very delicate matter.” Frederick and Thesil slipped away from the group and talked in hushed tones.
“No matter what they say, I’ll never leave you,” David said once they were alone. “Faren, I love you, and I know I want to be with you forever.”
Faren let her gaze fall to the sand, where it lingered a moment, before David asked her the question she had always dreamed of hearing.
“Will you marry me?”
Sadness accompanied his proposal. “I’m afraid to tell you yes,” she said. “I know how difficult our marriage would be if they don’t accept us. I don’t want to think about what could happen to us if we go against your government. We need to hear their answer before making plans of our own.”
David looked deep into her eyes and ran his hand down the side of her face. Faren could feel the unconditional love in his touch. “The only answer I’m interested in hearing is yours,” he whispered.
* * *
Faren watched David through the double doors of his bedroom. He took his clothes from the top drawer of the dresser, stuffed them into the large black suitcase and sat down on the bed. Even though she was so close to him, Faren felt a million miles away. She felt more alone than she ever had. When Ryan joined David on the bed, she ducked beneath the waves.
* * *
“I know I haven’t been the most sensitive guy lately,” Ryan said. “I’m sorry.”
David looked over at him and forced a smile for his sake. It meant a lot to hear his friend say that. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“I think a part of me is scared to feel what you feel for Faren because… I’m terrified to end up like this.” He let his breath out slowly. “I’m a coward, plain and simple.”
David felt for the first time he and Ryan were sharing a moment. He could see in his friend’s eyes the truth behind his declaration, and suddenly he felt pity for Ryan. It had to be terrible going through life the way he did–afraid to live.
Ryan put his hand on David’s shoulder. “If there’s anything I can do let me know.”
“I will.” When Ryan got up to leave, David stopped him. “Really, man, thank you.”
Ryan nodded and left the room.
Bryce walked in with clothes under each arm. He stuffed them into two separate black bags and called out to Ryan, “Did I leave anything in the bathroom?”
“No!”
Ryan walked back in carrying his red and blue duffel bag. “I still can’t believe this,” he said, shaking his head. He grabbed a brochure for the Bahamas off the bed. “Have fun in the sun…what it should say is get robbed and murdered,” he said, dropping it. “This is one vacation I’ll never forget.” He grabbed his things and started from the room. “I’ll meet you down there,” he said before disappearing into the hall.
David strolled over to the glass doors and stared out at the ocean. His heart felt as if someone had ripped it from his chest. He never thought he would leave Faren’s side, and here he was doing just that. He hoped she could forgive him.
Bryce walked over and put his hand on his shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“Not in this lifetime.”
Chapter 17
Starting Over
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HARD it was for me to see David leave,” Faren said, lowering her eyes from the mirror.
Luna groaned in good nature and lay back on the bed. “It was only for a couple of weeks. He went home to see his family.”
“I know… you’re right, but we just got engaged.”
“You’re together now,” Luna reminded her. “That’s all that matters.”
As Thesil’s eldest daughter, Jordan, smoothed Faren’s thick hair into a tight chignon and secured it with another bobby pin, Faren let out a small groan. “I know. I guess I’m expecting everyone to change their minds. I still can’t believe we brought the High Council into the twenty-first century.”
“I’m finished, and it’s perfect if I do say so myself,” Jordan said, stepping back to admire her masterpiece. “You’re the loveliest bride I’ve ever seen.”
The makeup Jordan used to cover the last of Faren’s bruises worked its magic beautifully. The Grecian-style gown hugged her slender body in filmy elegance, and the healing scars in her shoulders were barely visible.
Faren turned in place, admiring herself. “I love it. Thank you.”
Jordan straightened the dress’s beaded waist in the mirror and smiled. “You look like an angel.”
“No, she looks like a princess,” Cindel said, walking into the room. She was beaming from ear to ear.
“Really?” Faren reached for her sister’s hand. “And what do you know about princesses?”
Cindel gave her a coy grin. “That nice lady out there showed me a book–an actual book with pictures–and you look just like the girl in the story.”
“Thank you,” Faren said, touching her cheek. “You always know what to say.” Faren was grateful to be sharing this day with Cindel. She knew how close she had come to losing her, and although that horrible thought continued to creep up on her when she least expected it, she pushed it away and thanked the Spirit for the time they still had together. She made herself not think about her father–who should be there, but couldn’t be. Maybe he watched his daughters from above.
“Don’t be nervous. This is your dream guy.” Cindel folded her hands under her chin and batted her eyelashes. “You’ve waited your entire life for someone like David.”
Faren fidgeted with the front of her dress. “I know,” she said. “I’m being silly, aren’t I?”
“Yes,” all three girls said in unison.
Faren walked over to the window and pulled the red sheers to the side. Thesil had lent them his beautiful home on the canal and the reception would be here tonight. Outside, event workers were setting up tables near the pool and there was a chef already grilling at the outdoor kitchen. Thesil stood by the pool, talking to a worker about the colored lights they were setting up. He looked happy with what the young man was telling him.
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