Watching Thayde prepare to speed-swim was one of the sexiest things about him; his lovely body had to prepare for it. Closing his eyes, he exhaled; his shoulders and chest relaxing, almost closing in on themselves momentarily before a sudden great breath of air and surge of power swept through him, his muscles straining to the max. Though the power running through him was so intense, he would not allow his grip around my waist to tighten, to hurt me.
The moment I shut my eyes, the rush of Thayde taking off from being static in the water took my breath away. It was similar to leaping; the water flew around us, cold and jagged like ice. It reminded me of breaking the horses drinking water with my hands back home. The frigid shards almost cut my hands every time I did it. Dad would shake his head and say that was why we had shovels and that I never learned.
I didn’t dare open my eyes. Swimming at Thayde’s speed was not something I was used to and frankly, there was a reason why I hadn’t perfected it. I wasn’t fond of dark water and being hurled around at that speed was equally terrifying. Sure, I’d practiced it enough times to get the hang of it in McCall with Aletheia, but I was nowhere near as good as Thayde.
The water temperature changed, very quickly warming, and I stiffened. This was something new. Thayde pulled me even closer to him, nestling me against his side. A few moments later, the warmth disappeared and the cold returned. I sensed a change in his pace; he was slowing down for me.
I’m sorry baby, I keep forgetting.
It’s okay, just tell me when we’re there.
Just a few moments later, he stopped. We’re here.
Peering through slitted lids, my grip on Thayde’s arm tightened as I realized we were actually at Neridia. I was expecting to be at the surface above Neridia and swim down as a group. I looked about for Tiesa and Ezen.
“They aren’t here yet.” Thayde dug my nails from his skin.
“I’m so sorry,” I cried, realizing I had left nail indentations in his bicep.
He chuckled, ignoring my apology.
“Wait a moment,” I had to stop my mouth from hanging open. “We got here really fast – that’s why the water heated up. Are you gaining speed?”
His short hair trailed in the dark water. “Every time. I’m trying to go sonic.”
“Why are you doing that?”
A slight frown traced his face. “Why?”
“What’s the point of going sonic?”
“Because I know I can.” He rubbed his hand over the marks I left in his arm. “Why are you so upset about it?”
I hesitated, not really sure. “Can anyone else do it?”
“Not that I know of,” he said through gritted teeth, “what’s this really about?”
“Can you do it above water?”
Thayde smirked. “You mean fly?”
“No, run that fast?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“You are one fast son-of-a you know what!” Ezen’s familiar voice interrupted through the darkness.
I glanced past Thayde and watched as Ezen and Tiesa’s forms drifted toward us.
“We’re here!” Tiesa announced, bowing grandly.
“Don’t do that.” I snapped and the smile fell from her face. Backtracking, I turned to Thayde.
“This is insane. If you go sonic, you could get seriously hurt, you know that right?” I knew I sounded like I was talking to a four year old, and I ignored his granite stare waiting for an answer.
“I can handle it just fine, Morgan.” Thayde said firmly and my heart dropped as the look on his face made me realize what I was doing. I was trying to control something that couldn’t be controlled. Thayde was his own man. The best I could do was tell him what I knew and do my best to protect him. Trying to guarantee he do what was best for him was pointless and it wasn’t going to do anything for our relationship. Instead of arguing, I swam into his space and placed my hand against his smooth face.
Leaning forward, I kissed his hardened lips.
“I’m sorry. I love you, Superman.”
I didn’t give him a chance to react. With a flip of my tail, I swam toward the gates of Neridia.
This time, everyone knew who I was when I entered the city. What did they do? Put up wanted posters of me on every corner? A hush fell over the crowd as every merperson stopped what they were doing and watched me make my way to the center of the city. At one point, an older mermaid with short, curly hair bowed before me. Several more took her lead. Unable to stomach what was happening, I swam to her.
“Please don’t do that.” I said, pulling her out of her bow. Her hazel eyes widened.
“I’m just a person.” My words stuck in my throat. “I mean, I’m just like you.”
“I’m nothing like you,” she said respectfully, averting her eyes to the sea floor.
The entire crowd had bowed their heads in honor and respect to me. It was eerie and though I understood what they were doing, it made me uncomfortable.
I let go of the lady’s hand. These merfolk didn’t know me and I didn’t know them, but we were connected and their reverence was touching. Announcing ‘thank you’ somehow didn’t seem enough to convey how I felt. So I did what I had done to Sharlie all those months ago in the McCall Payette Lake.
Gathering The Love, I pushed it to the max and threw it into the crowd, showering everyone with burgundy and gold light. The array of beautiful faces before me made me think of the gorgeous, colorful rainbows that regularly graced Stanley’s indigo blue skies. The memory of the small gift to my people burned brightly into my mind; this was a moment that would be written into our histories.
“You’re certainly going to win them over if you continue to do that.” Thayde’s voice whispered in my ear. Twisting, I allowed the current to help me face him.
“I want them to know how grateful I am for their loyalty,” I uttered, unsure if what I did was acceptable. “I hope no one sees it as me trying to win their affection!”
A few bubbles escaped Thayde’s mouth as he tried to hide a smile. They floated up his face and popping above his head. “There’s a big difference between sincerity and being disingenuous. I think they know the difference, Morgan.”
His dark eyes searched the dispersing crowd. “I’m not letting you to face the Elders on your own.”
“Why?”
He took my hand in his. “Let’s just say they aren’t the kind old men you read about in fairy tales.” With that, he led me through the giant oval hallway leading into the main part of the largest building in Neridia.
Familiar, tall white columns rose out of the sandy, sea floor. We followed the hallway as it snaked its way deep into the earth. Eventually, it opened into a circular room, the columns joining together to create a circle. Exactly as I remembered, a single row carved from mother of pearl wrapped around the columns and from behind the row, sat the Elders.
The room echoed in silence as we entered the room. Anxiety filled me like water fills a glass. I had no clue what to say, do, or where to go. In response, Thayde released my hand and hovered behind me.
This is your floor. You have the first say. Be strong. I’m here for you. He thought.
Glancing about the room, I took in the twenty men and women sitting before me. Most of them looked over a hundred years old. They waited, not moving a muscle.
“My name is Morgan James,” I began. “I called this meeting because I need your help.”
A murmur rumbled through the room as they voiced their disapproval. I listened closely, realizing they all spoke Sanserian.
“I would not have asked you to meet with me if it weren’t important.” I pressed and their voices rose.
A tall, thin merman with long white hair and a black beard rose. In his hand, he held a trident fashioned from bone. The others stopped speaking when he moved and focused on him. His voice echoed off the walls.
“Ilana nat weat! Isla ratik sanoro.”
The Elders nodded in agreement. He had just announced that I was nothing but
a child. He continued.
“Erenit fara olona sik a ferra. A ferra il nat vara.”
My blood wanted to boil. I held my breath in case I screamed so loud the room shattered. He had just announced that if I was not strong enough to be able to handle problems on my own, I should not be The Link.
“Tali verit nak sela nat vara.” He concluded and I closed my eyes, feeling the water around me vibrate. The elders are not here to help The Link, he said.
I searched his mind, pushing myself unseen through the wall he built decades ago to keep others out. His name was Xerin. At two hundred and thirteen years old, he was not the oldest, but he was the most outgoing and outspoken Elder. His power was the ability to transform bones – he could change into anything with a skeleton or cartilage. Overly emotional at times, I wondered why he was an Elder at all until digging deeper – he had recently replaced his grandfather.
The silence in the room was my cue to answer and instead of English, I opted for Sanserian.
“You were chosen to be Elders for your wisdom and your life experience. If you sit on this wisdom and choose not to share it with the younger generation, your wisdom will die with you. I have asked for your help because I respect you. Your selfish decision has made me question your loyalty to merpeople as well as to The Link. Xerin states that I am a child,” I directed my gaze in his direction. “In comparison to his age, that is true. However, if you are comparing memories, it is he who is the child.” Xerin’s nostril’s flared in anger. “As far as my strength is concerned, if he wishes to test it, he is more than welcome.”
I pulled The Look from within me and stared him down. The mixture of fear and dread splayed across his face was more than enough to convince me that he wanted no part in any challenge.
“If there is anyone else who would like to challenge me, come forward now.”
No one rose to accept the challenge. I stared down each of the Elders as I continued. “You have forgotten what a privilege it is to be an Elder. You are here to guide our race and to assist and support The Link in the decisions they make. How dare you decide that I shouldn’t be The Link simply because I have asked you to do your job. If you truly feel it is not your place to help, then by all means, allow me to relieve you of your position.”
Several of the elders cried out in disapproval. I pointed to Xerin. “You, are the first to go.”
His jaw fell open in outrage and he looked around at the others who shrank away as if he had a contagious disease.
“You cannot do this!” He cried.
“I just did,” I announced.
Whirling on the others who had so eagerly agreed with him, I singled them out. “You, you and you may accompany him.”
The two mermen and one mermaid rose in unison without a word.
Morgan, are you sure you want to do this? Thayde was clearly alarmed. You’re getting rid of four of them!
I don’t need any betrayers, Thayde.
They’ve served for hundreds of years.
And they’ve become sloppy and arrogant, I replied.
The four deposed merpeople made their way to the exit behind me, their eyes planted on the floor. I read their minds as they passed. Regret and anger filled them – all of them but Xerin. He trembled with an insane rage that impaired his judgment. More than anything, he wanted to transform into a great white shark and rip me into shreds.
“Don’t even try it,” I warned him as he passed. “It’s the best way to lose your powers.”
His deep green eyes narrowed in retaliation and with two flicks of his tail, he was gone.
What happened to you forgiving? Thayde asked and I turned to him, my mouth open in surprise.
“Never mind,” Thayde held up his hands.
Can we talk about this later? I’m a little busy at the moment, Thayde.
Sure.
Facing the diminished group, I sighed. “You know of Limus Dartmoth.” They nodded in unison. “Then you’re aware I cleared him of his powers and his memories. I was sure he was the one who initiated the attacks against Thayde and me. I was wrong. It was his daughter.” The Elders looked uneasy. “He taught her well and all their dealings and promises have paid off. Herra is very powerful.”
“What do you want of us?” A mermaid with a dull, yellow tail who reminded me of the lady on the Aunt Jemima bottles in the Winn Dixie stores rose from her seat. “It has been centuries since The Link has asked for our help.”
“There is going to be a war – one that will kill many of our kind.” I watched their stern faces. None spoke as I continued. “This war will be one unlike any we have seen in a long, long time. If we are to win, we need to involve the entire race of merpeople, not just my family.”
A stirring of voices echoed throughout the hall as the elders all began to argue at once.
“You’re The Link!”
“Why would you involve everyone?”
“You could end this easily!”
I raised my hands, asking for silence. “I cannot just end this. There is a lesson for everyone to learn here. I can’t just sweep in and clean it all up. Herra is playing on a different level than we’ve ever seen. She’s already using Genif’s to control Humans and merpeople.”
An explosion of arguing followed my statement.
“That’s impossible!”
“One can only do that with the use of the dark powers and that’s been banned!”
“Clearly, she does not care for our laws or our traditions.” I interrupted and wracked my brain as to how to ask my next question. “I’m asking you to send word to the heads of the families that I want to meet with them to ask for their participation in this war. Herra is using all the feral merpeople of the seas to fight. All of them.”
A collective gasp filled the room.
“It would be suicide.” A deep voice resounded over the silence and a merman with short dark hair and hazel eyes swam forward. Black banded tattoos wrapped themselves around his strong arms and his orange tail was a striking contrast to any of the merpeople’s tails I’d seen since being a mermaid.
“My name is Kenneth,” he introduced himself, extending his hand to me. Despite his fatalistic comment, I liked him.
“Why do you say it would be suicide?” I asked.
“Feral merpeople are unpredictable and dangerous. They kill without regard to themselves or others. In short, they are barbaric. They fight as if they have lost their minds. You can’t predict what they’re going to do. They’re almost psychotic.” He crossed his arms in thought. “But, we could use that to our advantage. They act, they don’t think. That could be helpful.”
“Have you seen war before?”
A slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and he nodded. “Once or twice,”
“And what’s your power?”
“You mean you haven’t read my mind yet?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Would you like me too?”
“No. I am telekinetic. There aren’t many of us who can do it.”
I thought back to opening and slamming my bedroom door shut on Thayde.
Kenneth smiled. “Of course, I’m sure you can.”
He cleared his throat when I didn’t answer and began to swim back to his place with the others.
“Kenneth,” I called and he turned. “I’d like to speak with you at a later date, if I may.”
“It’d be an honor.”
Thayde, he knows more than he’s letting on.
I know.
“I have one other problem. My sister is dying. We all know that The Link has never had a sibling before. I know the talk is that she won’t live past her fifteenth birthday. She is not yet five and her aging has more than doubled the normal rate. In limbo, she’s twenty five. She’ll be dead in a few days.” My throat tightened as if I’d drank a shot of whiskey. “Can I save her?”
Their silence offered no comfort. No one looked me in the eye.
“I take it the answer is no, then?”
Again, no
answer. My heart hung heavier than before and I looked to Thayde who attempted a smile, but it was useless. He looked how I felt.
“Then I will leave you with this order: send word that a war is coming and I expect everyone to make the choice whether to fight or at least help some way. I want them to meet at the Riddick House at noon in two days.”
A huge breath of air escaped my lungs. Life was quickly becoming extremely complicated.
“I will leave you now,” I said.
“Just a moment, if you please!” Aunt Jemima spoke up. “We have heard that you took it upon yourself to interfere in the life and death situation of your husband.”
The shift in topic threw me for a loop, making me take a step back. “Excuse me?” I asked, nearly too stunned to speak.
“It is against our laws to interfere with the dying. I’m sure you are aware with that. Your mother did the same thing with Tammer, many years ago. She was banished from Florida for it.”
My icy stare made her squirm. “What is your point?”
“Your family seems to believe it is above the law because you are The Link. I assure you, it is not. Your mother returned to Florida and she is still supposed to be banished.”
“Skip to the point.” I ordered. Thayde’s warm hand slipped into mine.
Calm down, Morgan.
“You and your mother have violated the very laws you are striving to keep in place. You must atone for your actions.”
“What more must my mother go through to satisfy your anger?” My voice reminded me of Herra’s.
“It is not my anger you are atoning for, but the law.”
“Then the law needs to be changed. In fact, I intend to change a great many of our laws, starting with how Halflings are treated.”
“What?” Astonishment rang through the great hallway.
“The prejudice against Halflings is appalling. It is my intent to change the laws so they have equal rights.”
Aunt Jemima looked as if I’d poured Gatorade over her head. “They don’t have powers.”
“They are treated as second class citizens – something that was abolished by the Civil Rights Act in human laws in the 60’s.”
Forever Page 8
