Ageless Sea

by M. R. Polish

  “You don’t have to, Karis.” Brady placed his hand on her shoulder.

  “It’s okay, really.” She pushed the shoulder of her tunic down low, exposing her bare shoulder and collarbone. Her Syrenae insignia shimmered with a pale pink.

  Azul stared at the symbol that obviously trailed lower than what she showed. “How did this happen?”

  She pulled her shirt back up and fixed it so it wouldn’t fall. “Coron tricked us. He needed us to be as close to Tharious as possible when he showed up. He knew Tharious would be making a portal outside the city of Perditus. He had me searching for the portal, but we needed to swim through the water to reach the other city. He sacrificed giving us the precious gift to capture us, but his plan failed.”

  “I know of no one else who has ever received the gift without being born of a Syrenae.”

  “Well, now you’ve met two.”

  Azul narrowed his eyes at Brady. “You too?”

  Brady stood and opened his robe all the way, letting it fall off his shoulders. His green swirled marking glistened against his skin. “Yes, me too.” He sat back down. “So you see, she won’t be alone in the water, I’ll be there to protect her.”

  Azul’s face tightened. Karis knew he wanted to speak out against Brady, but there was no other logical way for her to enter Shamike without causing an uproar of some sort, or them being captured. “Alright, but you guard her with your life. We haven’t come this far just to lose her to some boy’s foolish pride.”

  She knew Brady well enough to know he boiled over with anger. She could feel it radiate from him. “Now that we have a plan, we should get some rest. If we leave around sundown, we can meet you in the morning, in Shamike. Where exactly do you want to meet?” She hoped she broke up the conversation enough to keep an argument, or worse—an all-out fight—from happening.

  Azul leaned back in his chair, his arm draped over the back. “We should meet in the gardens. No one ever goes there anymore.”

  She knew what he talked about. In her mind, she could see all the vibrant colors of all kinds of exotic flowers. It was the place he would come to meet with her when she was a young teenager. He picked a flower for her each time and was nothing but respectful. He always talked to her about the day when they would be together. She glanced down and played with her napkin. “I know where you mean.”

  “Good. I’ll see you in the morning then, Princess.” He rose, and so did his men. “Magnus, you are a gracious host. Thank you so much for allowing us to meet here.”

  Magnus stood also. “It’s my pleasure.”

  After the men left Brady relaxed in his seat. “Uncle, I am not sure whether you are for me, or against me.”

  “No, you’re my nephew, and I am glad you have Karis. I want your happiness, just as your father would want it.”

  “I really don’t like that guy.” Brady took another long swallow of water.

  “I wish I was going with you. I’d like to see how it works out.”

  Brady snapped his head toward Magnus. “You aren’t coming?”

  “No, I’m needed here. Rais believes that if we all left, there would be no one to protect Aridam from Tharious, but I’ll be here when you return victorious.” His face looked wistful, but he quickly turned his attention to his wife.

  “I’m going to go lay down for a bit.” Karis stood. “Thank you again, Alexis, it was wonderful. Magnus, thank you.” She turned to Brady. “You can stay and talk. You know where I’ll be.”

  Magnus reached out for Alexis. “We’ll let you two talk for a moment. I’ll be right back.”

  Brady took Karis’s hand and pulled her down to his level where he still sat. “I meant it,” he whispered.

  She cocked her head. “Meant what?”

  “What I said to Azul. I’ll protect you.” He stared into her eyes and hesitated for a moment. “I love you.”

  Her stomach flipped and thousands of butterflies released, flapping around inside her. She couldn’t hold back a smile. She was too happy even to try. Everything was so clear at that moment. “I love you too.” She didn’t expect to fall so hard for him, but she did. She would no longer hold back her feelings for him.

  He reached with his other hand around her neck, pulled her down to his lap, and kissed her. It was deep and powerful. Her body burned as it connected with his on a level only known by them. Everything and everyone became a black void in their minds, long forgotten. Even Magnus and Alexis were beyond comprehension as the world swirled and carried them off. He made his claim on her with three words and a single kiss. She was his.

  Brady checked his pouch and made sure their clothes were safely stored away for when they found land. “Here.” He handed her the necklace. “You should wear it as we travel in case something happens.”

  Karis closed her fingers around the familiar pendant tightly before pulling the chain over her head. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime.”

  “So, as soon as the portal closes we need to change. At the first drop of water.” Karis couldn’t stress her point enough. “Just don’t let go of me.” The deep fear of not being able to change like the first time crept through her mind.

  “Never.”

  She inhaled quickly trying calm her thrashing heart. “Okay, just like last time, only we are going to concentrate on the portal and the Shank Sea.”

  He nodded. “Got it.”

  Just like before, she thrust her arms up and silver mixed with sand danced around them. The funnel grew and swirled into the sky.

  “Ready?” she hollered.

  He gave her hand a tight squeeze.

  The bright light flashed, and moisture filled the air. She looked into his eyes and sucked in a breath just in case.

  Brady’s tail was formed before the portal shut completely, and to her surprise, so was hers. The funnel crashed down, and they were submerged in water.

  It was dark that deep under the water, but she was still able to see Brady. Her hair fell out of the tie and floated around her in slow wispy motions. She pointed up. He followed her finger and nodded.

  Together, they flipped their tails and swam toward the surface of the sea. Brady was the first to poke his head out of the water. She laughed as she wiped her face with her hands and ran them back to move her hair. “I can’t believe we did it.”

  “This is so unbelievable. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought something so incredible could be real. To think mermaids and portals existed.” He chuckled and shook his head.

  “Syrenae,” she corrected.

  He smirked. “Yeah, well, after being on Earth my whole life I say mermaid.”

  “Yes, merman.”

  The moon was still out, but the sky was turning a lighter blue, letting them know it wouldn’t be long before the morning sun rose. “I guess we better get going. Azul will be at the gardens waiting for us soon.”

  Brady frowned. “You mean he’s waiting for you.”

  “Don’t start. You know how I feel about you.”

  “I know. I just don’t like how he acts toward you, even knowing you are with someone else.”

  “Come on, Mr. Jealous.” She dove back into the water.

  Brady’s voice entered her head, “For the record, I am not jealous. I’m just concerned.”

  The sea looked much the same as the ocean that surrounded Perditus. They didn’t stop until they got to the shore. They slowly pushed through the water’s surface just enough for their heads to emerge, treading water as they looked around. Bluish, metal docks floated on top of the water. Brady shook his head. “You have a high-tech world, but dress like pirates. Strange.”

  She laughed. “I told you we don’t need to change much. Earth is the one that does that.”

  “Yes, but it seems strange. I expected shiny outfits and flying hoverboards.”

  “I already told you, no hoverboards.” She laughed.

  The city was still lit up and looked monstrous against the early morning sky. The skyline itself was enou
gh to make anyone feel small and humble. Tall buildings with spear-like points rose high above, as if they wanted to touch the clouds. Each had lights that gave off a steady glow. Windows covered all floors and beckoned each eye to stare inside and witness the exquisite floor plan.

  On the outside of the city, things were much plainer. Near where they bobbed in the water, Karis could make out the tiny humble homes that lined the sea. This was her favorite part of Shamike. She loved the small towns that lined the city, and the people who made up the lower class. They were so real and full of life, and always made her feel accepted. It was those people that she wanted to fight for and keep safe.

  Even across the sea in other smaller towns and cities, they always welcomed her with open arms. She swallowed a lump in her throat and turned away. “We better get out of the water before someone sees us.” She looked around to make sure no one was around and jumped up onto the dock.

  Her tail disappeared. She tried to fold herself up into a ball while she waited for Brady.

  “Here.” He pulled out a set of pants for her from his bag and pulled on his own set.

  “It’s a good thing we only change into Syrenae when we want. Can you imagine all the clothes we would ruin?” She giggled as she watched him wring out his vest.

  He pulled her to her feet. “I can imagine a lot of things with you.”

  “And you say I’m the tease.” She held her hand out. “Can I have my sandals please?”

  He opened the bag and pulled out both their sandals. “I assume you know where we’re at, and where we need to go from here to get to the garden?”

  “Yes. We’re just south of the palace.” She looked up. All the lights in the castle lit up, making her childhood home the tallest beacon for all in Shamike to behold. She gestured with her head. “That’s it right up there.”

  “Holy crap. That thing? That’s where you grew up?” He let out a small whistle. “That’s a huge house. Heck, that’s not even a house, that’s a mansion.”

  “Yes, it’s quite large.” She took off toward the road. “But growing up I didn’t know anything else. I guess maybe that’s why it was a big deal to be banished to a remote island with absolutely no one around.”

  “You have me now. You know you won’t ever be alone again, right?”

  She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying. “I know.” She didn’t want to think of those things. Neither one of them truly knew how the end would turn out.

  They walked in silence. Brady was ever watchful as they snuck through the city in back alleyways, staying in the shadows.

  Karis wanted to be happy that she was home, but too much changed. It was darker, drabber. A depression had settled over the once-happy place. Her father worked so hard to create a peaceful realm in which to live, but it didn’t seem like the same place she grew up as a Princess.

  She felt sick to her stomach. After seeing the gloom in Shamike, she didn’t feel that she had the honor to call herself Princess anymore. She unwillingly let her people down, but she would do what it took to make it right.

  “It’s just up ahead,” she whispered as she stopped. They stood outside a home that she knew well.

  “What’s wrong?” Brady asked in a hushed voice.

  “Nothing. I was just thinking about life a long time ago. This used to be Corina’s home.”

  “Corina?”

  “She was my best friend.” Karis didn’t want to dig into the emotional memories anymore, so she walked away. She stole one more glance over her shoulder at the house and noticed a light flicker on. She hoped whoever was inside hadn’t seen her.

  They reached the outside of the palace grounds, and Karis scooted along the stone wall that served as security.

  “Where are we going? I thought we had to go through the gate.”

  She raised a finger to her lips. “Shhh. It’s guarded. We have to sneak in the back. There’s a place only myself and a couple other people know about.” She only hoped it was still there.

  Low overhanging branches from trees blocked their path. Karis ducked and crawled through with Brady close behind her.

  She stopped. “Okay, I might need your help.” She pushed against the stone wall. “Yup, I need your help.” She stood back and held her palm up toward the wall. She still wasn’t strong enough to make it move by herself. Even in her younger years she didn’t have the power to move it and needed Azul to do so for her.

  Brady took her hand and the wall began to move. He watched as she concentrated on moving it. “Is there nothing you can’t do?”

  She smiled. “I can’t bait a hook.”

  He raised a brow. “Huh?”

  “That’s why I fished with a basket. I can’t bait a hook.”

  He chuckled. “You know, I did wonder about that.”

  The wall moved enough for both of them to crawl through. On the other side it was open and maintained. Wide, willow-type tree branches danced in the slight breeze. Orange and yellow flowers that looked like twinkling stars followed a well-preserved path.

  “The garden?”

  She nodded and looked around carefully. “Yes, Azul should be here somewhere.”

  “Princess, I’m so glad you came.” The voice was one Karis knew. She couldn’t see who spoke, but it didn’t matter because it didn’t change who was there.

  She froze in her tracks, afraid to turn around. Her hold on Brady’s hand alerted him to danger. She whispered Tharious’s name into Brady’s mind.

  He tensed up and nervously glanced around.

  “Are you looking for someone?” Tharious asked as he walked around from behind one of the trees. He wore a long dark overcoat and black pants. His shirt underneath was a dark red, and he let his disheveled, light-brown hair fall in a sweep across his eyes. It wasn’t much longer than his brow line, giving him a young, boyish appearance.

  Brady stepped forward and held his arm out in front of Karis.

  Tharious snapped his fingers and three guards came out from hiding, but it was who they carried that caught Karis’s attention.

  “When he was caught sneaking into the garden every night after you were banished, I had him watched. Then for the first time in almost a hundred years, he didn’t come last night.” Tharious stopped and bent over to smell a rose. “Then I thought, why would he all of a sudden stop coming to the one place that made him think of you? He was so loyal to you.” He looked at Brady then back at Karis. “I guess you haven’t been as faithful though, have you. Does he know? Did you already break his heart?”

  “Let him go, Tharious.” Karis fought the urge to run over and grab Azul, but she knew she was no match for their strength.

  Tharious held his hand up. “Oh no, I’m not finished. You see, when he didn’t show last night I knew that the only reason he’d not come, was to be with you. He found out that you were alive, well, and close to Shamike. I knew if he came back, then it would mean you would be coming as well.” He chuckled. “I didn’t have to go anywhere to kill you. You came all by yourself.”

  “Why, Tharious?”

  “You know why. I never stood a chance to ascend the throne with your father and you in the way. I worked hard for your father to recognize me, but he turned me away.”

  An odd vibration from her pendant hummed against Karis’s skin. Tarine. Marin must have Tarine. She reached up to touch it as it burned her throat.

  “Aw, is that the famous necklace that has Tarine trapped with evil spirits?”

  She moved her hand back down. “Leave him alone, he didn’t do anything to you.”

  Tharious ripped the necklace off her neck. He moved so quickly that she never even saw a blur. Only one other person she knew had that same power. Brady might have a chance if something happened to her.

  In a flash, Brady tackled Tharious to the ground. Speed for speed, power for power, they struggled. Tharious was never known for having extraordinary powers like the rest of the royals. Just one more reason he was treated differently, but now Karis was gra
teful.

  She took the moment to help Azul. His head hung low, and his body drooped as if he was unconscious. The three guards looked at each other, then to her. One guard dropped Azul’s legs and ran away.

  “You know, one of the things I learned since leaving is that I can bestow or take powers away from individuals.” She wasn’t sure she could take them away, but it was worth it to say if they believed her.

  One guard lifted his hand and a kinetic pulse reverberated out from him and threw her back. She quickly jumped back to her feet even though her whole body ached and felt like she was on fire from the initial slam of his power. She threw up a protection field and hoped she was strong enough to keep herself safe from another kinetic pulse.

  She raised her hand at them. A slight tingle started in her palm and ran up her arm. One guard dropped to the ground holding his stomach. The other dropped Azul and backed up. “I mean no harm.”

  Her legs quivered, but she stood her ground. She let her hand fall to her side, but the guard still clenched over in pain. She wasn’t sure what happened since she had directed her energy more toward the other guard.

  Spinning around, she saw Magnus with his hand out. She ran to him. “You came.”

  “I had to. There’s an army coming. I couldn’t let my nephew and his princess die.”

  She tipped her head to the side. She wasn’t sure why he was so certain he could stop their deaths, but was grateful all the same.

  Brady, she twirled around. He was still in a scuffle on the ground with Tharious. He rolled over, sat on top of Tharious and threw punches. Each one made Karis cringe. They were full of force, but she knew he was trained to make each hit count.

  In a flash of movement, Tharious scooted out from under Brady and ran off. Karis frowned. Why would he leave? She ran over to Brady, who looked just as confused about his departure.

  He stood up and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Blood smeared on his skin. Karis was relieved it was only a small cut. “It’ll heal soon.” She placed her hand over the wound and felt the heat of her healing power.

  “You know, the last time you healed me you dang near knocked down a whole island,” Brady teased.