Into the Deep (15 page)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Stavros meets me in the atrium the next morning. Less people stare as I swim over to greet him and I’m thankful my presence is becoming less of a novelty. Many smile in greeting while others bow. It’s hard not to be constantly distracted by their flamboyant hair and accessories. I’m terribly plain in comparison.

When I stop in front of Stavros, he says, “I’m going to share more of our history. I got the sense yesterday you were hungry for more. Follow me.”

We pass through the atrium into the throne room and he rises to the upper ceilings where the murals are. Up close, the minute details come alive. The one I’m staring at shows a large man with a trident in his grasp I assume is Poseidon. From what I remember, he usually holds a forked weapon. In the picture, he is pointing the spear at the sea where waves are swallowing ships. Human bodies sink into the depths as mer remain to the side, watching.

“Who drew these?” I ask in wonder.

“They are as old as the palace and, unfortunately, the name of the artist has long been forgotten.” He folds his hands behind his back and begins. “As I told you, we are descendants of the sea god, Poseidon. In order to better control the world’s oceans, he created a new creature born of man and fated to forever watch over the seas. The first were actually some of Poseidon’s dozens of children. Over time, we grew in numbers and spread into every corner of the world. As a reward, we were granted the ability to walk on land for a short period each year.”

He moves to the next mural where a group of mer are going about various duties. It shows them “speaking” to fish, harvesting crops, walking out of the water and trading with humans. The detail is phenomenal, almost three dimensional.

“In those days, before man became destructive, mer lived in harmony with humans. They knew about us, respected us, and in turn we helped them. Now we’re nothing more than myth, creatures that drag sailors into the sea and sing them to their death. For centuries, we were at peace.” He frowns and reaches out to touch the picture longingly. “But as with all periods of peace, it came to an end. Groups of mer in each ocean felt they were entitled to rule everyone else. Poseidon didn’t intervene. He left it to us to sort out. Many felt having control over the oceans made them god-like. They craved the power. A great war ensued and it is known as our darkest hour.” His gaze turns to me, beseeching. “You’ve seen it, Zoey. We’re a peaceful people, but if pushed, we fight as hard as any other creature in nature.”

He points to a mural showing the battles. It isn’t only mer fighting. The fish and other marine creatures joined in. The scene is disturbing. Bodies of the dead float everywhere as Poseidon watches from a distance. It’s a tragedy that might occur again if Calandra isn’t stopped. My skin grows cold at the possibility.

“When the war ended, the waters settled and the oceans were separated into their own kingdoms. Since then, it’s been relatively peaceful. Each king has worked feverishly to guarantee the peace lasts. There are those who believe the kingdoms should be united, except how do you choose who will oversee it?”

We’re both quiet for a bit until I find my voice. “All these strange incidents in the ocean lately, they might be leading to another war?”

Fear darkens his face. “I’m certain it is. Many of us will fight to maintain our way of life. I’m afraid strength in numbers doesn’t compare to her determination and wrath. She plans to rule and bring destruction to humans. For so long, I hoped it was a nasty rumor…until recently. I fear I was too lax and that may be my greatest mistake.”

“What changed your mind?”

His jaw tightens. “About a month ago she sent one of her minions to me with a message. She said she would have mercy on my family and my people if I joined her. Of course, I refused. Though, as the situation worsens, I fear some of the kings did not.”

I linger on the reality of Calandra bringing destruction to humans. “How long can the sea levels keep rising?”

“The seas will rise and flood major coastal cities until someone stops her. If it continues, the damage incurred will be catastrophic. If the ports are destroyed, it will end shipping traffic and garbage dumping, even fishing. In her warped mind that justifies it.”

“Humans are stubborn. Doesn’t she realize they will survive and tame the ocean again? They will build new ports and new fleets. It won’t stop.”

His expression is grim. “I fear her ultimate goal may not make that possible.”

I fight to form a word as the implications sink in. “She wants to erase them from the earth?”

All he does is nod, but it’s enough to suck the air out of me.

I grab his arm. “Aren’t you going to do anything?”

My original impressions of Stavros were of his strength and power. Now he looks defeated and my blood runs cold.

“I yearn to act, daughter. It kills me to sit idly by while she unleashes hell on humankind and on us. For me to organize any kind of rebellion or attack, I must identify where she is and who is a sympathizer. The ocean is a big place, Zoey. Until then, I won’t risk the safety of my people hunting for a shadow.” His jaw clenches. “It seems whatever I decide, I lose.”

How much longer can the Pacific kingdom withstand her onslaught? They are an island surrounded by evil, considering other oceans have probably succumbed. A lump gathers in my throat as I contemplate that all I love, both land and sea, might disappear altogether. I’m so new to this world. I can’t lose it already. And land is where my mother is. I must protect it.

“Can anyone stop her?”

The torture in his eyes shows me the answer, but he says, “I have to believe we can. It’s a hope I cling to, one I have to cling to, for my people’s sake.”

We’re silent for a while, lost in the impossible task. Two mermaids swim past the doors, laughing freely. They distract me from my determination to help. I don’t understand how they can act so nonplussed by what’s happening. I’ve only been in their world for a moment and I’m ready to track down Calandra, to stop her. Why are they not teeming with fear and rage? Or frightened at losing their home?

Turning to him, I ask, “Why don’t the mer of your kingdom appear more concerned? After the merman spoke out at dinner, they acted as if it didn’t happen.”

“Many are in denial. In their opinion, the affairs of the human world are of no consequence.” He speaks passionately. “What they don’t understand is we are all connected, whether we appreciate it or not. I can’t do this on my own and I despise watching them act as if the threat isn’t real. Of course, there are probably more who sympathize with Calandra and her views. They just hide it better.”

“What about those who don’t live in the kingdom?” I’m curious about the mer who choose to live elsewhere, like Nerio’s family.

“Those who settle in the other provinces have observed more. They’re doubly aware of the risk, and in greater danger. They are the voices in my head, begging me to wage an expedition to chase her out of hiding. Living in the palace gives its inhabitants the illusion of being safe. I pray their illusions remain in place, but it’s never that simple. As the state of the ocean begins to affect us, making us ill, many still refuse to accept the danger. I won’t give up. All I can do is fight.”

“What kind of illness?” I’m curious, remembering he’d mentioned it before.

“The warmer water, higher temperatures than we’ve ever had to deal with, is causing our bodies trouble. The instances we’ve seen, they can’t digest food correctly, the skin is drying out and cracking, new and stronger parasites are attacking their scales. It’s one more hardship to add to the others.”

I grip his hand, ignoring the dread settling in my stomach at his admission. “I know I’m new and still learning, but I’ll stand with you.”

He’s torn between honor and horror. “I can’t allow you to do that. You’re not ready for what is coming. I won’t be that selfish.”

My brows furrow. “Are you going to send me away?”

“No, not yet. It’s very honorable of you to offer your assistance, but I want to protect you. I need to.” He kisses my forehead, cutting off my protests. “I must return and address some of the mindless duties that come with this job. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I don’t know whether it’s the fact that I’ve offered my assistance in fighting to save this kingdom or the rich history Stavros shared with me, but I leave the throne room in a bit of a daze. My body trembles, assaulted by worry. The dangers are real now.

As I move through the atrium, I study the mer. Many of them, who would consider themselves the “upper class,” laze about gossiping and laughing. Their ambivalence bothers me. If they don’t care about humans, fine, but what about their own kind?

Lost in my thoughts, I wander into the market. Grateful for a distraction, I move slowly through the displays, feasting on the items up for barter. Most of the space is occupied by various types of food. Practically everything under the sea is edible. I pass containers filled with every variety of fish imaginable, along with shellfish and algae and crabs. And those are just the items I recognize. A vast majority of the offerings are alien to me and, of course, none of it is labeled. It’s no different than the fresh fish market in San Diego, only far more exotic.

It’s a busy area. Lots of mer flit between the vendors, searching for the freshest catch. Many are too busy to notice the princess in their midst, which relaxes me even more. I enjoy being invisible, not having eyes following, calculating, judging.

Other than the food, there are displays of painted turtle shells, similar to those decorating the palace walls. Dried starfish and other creatures I can’t identify lay atop tables, lighter items anchored so they don’t float off. There are also what appear to be ointments and medicines in small bottles and pouches, but I haven’t a clue what they are. I stop to question the seller, but a busty mermaid with no top on elbows me aside. I’ll save the adventure of learning what sorts of sicknesses and ailments they have for another day. I keep my vision averted as I drift to another, quieter area of the market.

There I find collections of human items, probably salvaged from shipwrecks. Silverware, old goblets, jewelry, pieces of plastic, and a multitude of other objects are for sale. I wonder, with so many having such ill regards toward humans, if any of this stuff sells. It’s the least busy stall in the market. It’s odd to me that these items are novelties—things like eyeglasses and a toothbrush. Is there a collector somewhere with the relics of my world lining his walls?

All the vendors bow as I pass and I give them modest bows in return. Whenever it happens, my awkwardness returns, yet I manage to keep my head up and shoulders squared.

Suddenly, I wonder how I’d pay if I wanted to make a purchase. Stavros mentioned they have a bartering system, but I have nothing to barter with.

A mermaid, who appears to be the same age as my mom, stops me. She has two younger versions of herself trailing behind her. The young mermaids are probably seven or eight. I’m fascinated by their small, exotic bodies covered in childlike drawings of fish and flowers. They return my stare with curiosity.

“Hello,” she greets. “I’m Alexandra. I wanted to welcome you and applaud how brave you are. Many of us are so happy to have you as our princess. Also, do not be discouraged. Don’t let the negative events unfolding skew your perception of us.”

My cheeks flush and I’m captivated by her soft blue eyes. There’s kindness there and it steals my breath. An older merman with flowing gray hair joins us.

With a fist to his chest, he bows. “I’m Pluto, if there is ever anything you need, princess, I am at your service.”

I remember my manners and say, “Thank you both. I’m trying my best, but it’s nice to know I have your support.”

Pluto leans in closer, lowering his voice. “It’s refreshing to see you here, mingling with the commoners. You won’t see the queen or her daughter here. They consider it beneath them. I don’t trust either of those mermaids.”

Gasping, Alexandra scoots aside, putting distance between them. “You can’t say that!”

He grunts. “I’m still free to speak my mind in this kingdom.” He fixes his stony gray eyes on me. “The king is a great leader. Most of us trust in him without doubt. You take after him.”

“How can you know?” I ask.

“I’ve observed enough of you to see that you’re different from your family. And like she said,” he gestures at Alexandra, “you’re here among us. You’re brave and caring. There are good tidings in your future.”

I’m humbled by these strangers and it brings Galina’s words to light, about them seeing something special in me. Magdalena and Eustacia must be worse than I imagined.

We share a few more words and they depart, the children offering me shy waves as they follow their mother. I’m left in a daze. Can I be what they’re expecting?

A stunning display of hair accessories and jewelry catches my attention. An old, wrinkled man is situated behind a thick slab of concrete he’s using as a counter. His wares are arranged on a layer of dark green pressed algae making them pop and sparkle against their background. He nods in greeting and there’s a friendly twinkle in his eyes. I pause to have a closer look.

I’m drawn to a particular bracelet. It’s made of pink shells about the size of a dime and has a pearly shine to it. Tiny onyx rocks, glossy from being polished on the ocean floor, separate each rosy shell. It steals my breath, begging to be placed on my wrist.

“It would suit you.” I give him a grateful grin and he quietly adds, “I understand how it is for you, feeling lost in this new world you are falling in love with.”

His words knock me mute. Struggling to grasp what he means, I study the lines in his weathered face. Then, it dawns on me. “Are you like me? A half-breed?”

He flinches at my word choice and nods. “My father was mer, same as you. I found out not long after I turned sixteen.”

“It’s a bit of a shock isn’t it?”

“Even more shocking in my day.” He flashes me a smile devoid of teeth. “In the early 1940’s mermaids were the stuff of legend. We hadn’t had books and movies to refer to. I’d barely heard of them and suddenly I was one. From what I’ve learned, you discovered a lot on your own. I was the same.”

I listen to him, enraptured. Finally I’ve found someone who sympathizes with what I’m going through. “How did you end up here?”

“I wasn’t as lucky as you. My father came from the Indian Ocean and met my mother while she was on a mission trip to India. I struck out on my own to search but never found him.” He shrugged his bony shoulders. “Life was hard there, they were pleasant, but treated me as an outsider despite their friendly reputation. Eventually, I left. I loved being mer and hoped to discover ones who were more accepting. Your grandfather met me as a hungry nomad without a home. He invited me here and I made a living for myself. I met a mermaid and started a family. The kingdom has been good to me. I’ll forever be in debt to your family.”

“Did you ever regret choosing this life over your human one?”

Without hesitation, he denies it. “I never once doubted my choice, not even when I was at my lowest. For a while I missed land, my family, but I wasn’t as happy or complete as I am in this form, out there in the water.”

“I feel the same,” I share, flashing him a peaceful smirk. “I can’t fool myself into thinking I’ll make any other choice than this. It doesn’t mean I don’t dwell on the only life I’ve known or my mom and if I truly can leave it behind. The major obstacle making me reconsider is the expectations that come with my decision. Apparently, people are expecting a lot from me.”

“It’s because you’re
special
.” He puts an extra emphasis on “special” and my scalp tingles.

“What are you saying?”

He remains silent and I begin to question his amiable attitude. What if he’s one of Calandra’s spies? As far as I know he’s speaking gibberish.

Finally, he says, “You’ve learned about your power, yes?” I nod. “Then you are familiar with the fact it relies on the amount of royal blood you have. Your family line is the most direct and least diluted dating back to Poseidon. That makes you very strong on its own. Our species is symbiotic with nature. Nature allows our royals to tap into its essence.”

He leans forward, eyes glinting with excitement. “The month in which you were conceived, the Pacific Ocean saw some of its highest tides in ages, the moon at its closest point to earth, and it was the winter equinox, which is perceived as a special time. All these elements combined into one
magical
environment. Nature blessed you. Because of that, you may be the strongest among us.”

“How on earth do you know this?” His intensity is freaking me out. It resembles a fairy tale, one a spy would weave.

“My wife, Angola, studies these things—the stars and the tides and their effects. She’s a potions expert and has a special affinity to nature, yet she’s far from a royal. For years she’s tracked tides and moon patterns. Once she found out about you, a lost royal barely sixteen years old, she tracked it to the correct month, a month that has always stood out to her. She refers to it as the
perfect recipe
, in which nature was capable of bestowing its greatest gifts.”

Jerking at the impact of the implications, I voice my suspicion. “I haven’t been here long but I am positive Stavros or grandmother would have mentioned this. Why are you?”

“Not everyone in the kingdom puts faith into studying the stars, and I can’t say for certain if your family is the same. Many don’t concern themselves with what happens above the surface and take their powers for granted, not giving a second thought to nature’s gift.” He hunches his shoulders a bit. “In the past, some of the important families in the palace have shunned her, called her a lunatic. She was hesitant to even mention it to me. Whether you believe or not, you should have this information.” He pauses, drawing out the moment. “What if you can access a greater power than anyone imagined?”

A tiny part of my gut flutters. I remember Stavros’s surprise when I created the whirlpool so quickly. Is that what he’s talking about?

“If this is true, what sort of power?” I ask hesitantly.

He glances around and says, “I’m not entirely sure. No one is. It happens so rarely, especially with someone from your bloodline. I’m afraid you will be forced to discover it on your own. The most important part is,” he lowers his voice to a light whisper, “it’s the same power Calandra has. A godly gift.”

His words wallop me, leaving me stunned. It’s impossible! Even if I believed him, how do I find out? How can I test these so-called powers? Was it a trick? My blood roars in my ears and I’m aware of twitching my tail about in a nervous tic.

“I hope you understand that sharing this with you came from a righteous place. Do what you wish with this information.” Reaching down, he picks up the bracelet I’d been studying and fastens it on my wrist. I’m frozen, tracking his movement with a wide-eyed stare.

“I realize I overstepped, but you’re no use to us if you’re in the dark. Learn who you are and embrace it. Not all of us are content to keep our heads stuck in the sand. Search out the truth, princess.”

I finger the bracelet, swamped by the emotions running through me. The earnestness in his tone tips my doubt in his favor. His direct gaze doesn’t leave mine and, surprisingly, I trust him. Obviously, I have to figure out if what he told me was true, test it somehow.

Easier said than done.

“Thank you, for everything. I appreciate your honesty.” In a fog, I turn to leave, then realize I didn’t catch his name. I pause and ask, “What’s your name?”

Again, he flashes his toothless smile. “I’m Gerald. One of the more practical names around here, I’m afraid.”

“It’s a perfect name. I’m Zoey.”

“Good luck, Zoey. May the gods be with you.”