Silver Tides (Silver Tides Series) (29 page)

“The bit where Owen Ryan says to those two hot girls, ‘Now you two kiss,’” Daniel reminisced trying to sound normal. 

“Classic,” they said unanimously.

“You like zombie flicks?” Charlie asked Daniel, his interest trumping their enemy status.

“Yeah, but Mya’s not much for them, so...”

“She’ll like this one,
Shaun of the Dead
,” Charlie announced.

“Sounds great,” Daniel responded, with more enthusiasm than I’d seen from him in twenty-four hours.

“I can see this is the beginning of a beautiful bro-mance,” I teased, trying to gloss over the underlying tension. Charlie was my friend, and I loved Daniel, them liking each other would make my life and the mission easier. I was going to do everything in my power to bring them together.

“It’s not gay,” Charlie quoted with a goofy smile.

“It’s just guy love between two guys,” Daniel finished the
Scrubs
quote.

Approval washed across Charlie’s face at the realization that they had more in common than he’d ever expected. “We should totally watch
Scrubs
!” Charlie enthused.

“I’ll support that,” I replied, hoping to extricate myself from any more zombie movies.

“After
Shaun of the Dead
,” Charlie winked, playfully. “Now can I go drop some kids in the pool?”

Daniel laughed, his demeanor only slightly strained.

It took me a moment to catch Charlie’s meaning. “Ewwwww Charlie, too much info!”

“Come on,” Daniel said, pulling me out of the bathroom. “Every man needs to be king in his own throne room.”

Charlie’s extended bathroom break gave Daniel and me some time alone. We lay on the king sized bed, our foreheads touching and our legs intertwined as we caught up on what had happened at school in his absence, and how hard it had been for him to try and talk to Cordulla about waving the death sentence for the selkie pups.

“It’s the law,” Daniel said in frustration. “It’s so stoic; but when you return the Heart of the Sea, all that will change. The Heart of the Sea predates current law, so returning it will be like deleting the current laws and reverting to amicable selkie slash merfolk relations. Everything will be improved. Then the finfolk can invent some way for you to live with me in Atlantis and everything will be perfect.”

“Except that our people hate each other,” I reminded him.

“Yes, but we will be king and queen. It will lead to a natural alliance between our people,” Daniel said, optimistically.

Daniel meant his words to reassure me, but they only left more doubt in my mind.

“I don’t think that has ever worked in history. Anyway, I don’t want to leave everything behind,” I told him, unable to meet his eyes. “I still want to live on land as long as I can. I’m still human after all.”

Daniel shook his head, “You are so much more than those fragile little creatures.”

The disdain in his voice for the people that I loved stung.

“I love my friends,” I defended.

“I know you do,” Daniel replied condescendingly, “but can’t you see that we are so much more evolved than them. We are higher on the food chain.”

“What you eat humans now?” I asked in horror.

Daniel threw his head back and laughed. “No, I’m just saying that our culture is more advanced.”

“Seems to me the humans have light,” I retorted.

Daniel’s face hardened. “After we retrieve the Heart of the Sea, we will have light too, and...”

Daniel didn’t get to finish his thought, as Charlie barged in. “OK, I gave you guys time, but I really want to show you
Shaun of the Dead
.”

“Fine,” I smiled, glad for the interruption. The conversation was moving in a direction that would end in a fight. After all we'd been through and had yet to survive, fighting seemed like a waste of energy.

It was funny watching Daniel and Charlie discover how much they had in common. They loved the same movies and had the same offbeat, often offensive sense of humor. When they were watching the scrubs episode with guy love, they bumped fists companionably before remembering they were sworn enemies only getting along for my sake. The underlying tension of our different species remained a backdrop to our time together.

As we watched a vampire movie, Charlie joked, "You must relate to those blood suckers."

Daniel bristled, offended. “It’s better than being a thieving dog,” he shot back.

“Wait a minute,” Charlie said firmly, holding up his hands in surrender. “I was joking, and even if I wasn’t; it’s a fact that merfolk drown humans. It’s been attested to throughout history. So there’s no need to get your back up about it.”

“How would you know?” Daniel challenged, his muscles rippling with desire to put Charlie in his place. I held onto his arm, knowing that if he decided to punch Charlie, there was little I could do.

“Homer’s Odyssey,” Charlie joked again, trying to diffused the situation.

Daniel was incensed by the insult and was unwilling to let it go. “So you’re citing some dead Greek guy?”

Charlie looked at me for help. I said the first thing that popped into my head, “What about the girl who drowned on the beach this summer?”

Daniel looked at me hurt. "Yes, she drowned because of a finman, but he didn’t drown her. There’s an archaic belief among a small faction of finfolk, that the only way to achieve having a soul is by marrying a human…”

"You don't have a soul, you are a living soul," Mum yelled from the next room.

"Thanks Mum," I yelled back sarcastically, "good to know you’re eaves dropping."

"You're welcome honey," she called, sweetly.

Daniel continued as though he hadn’t been interrupted, “The finman had met the girl on land and they'd fallen in love. He returned to Atlantis to get enough money for them to be together. But when he tried to get back on shore the selkies had closed off the hole. She must have seen his head beyond the waves. As he tried to find a way to shore, she swam out to him and got caught in a rip. When he found out she had died, he took his own life.”

“That's terrible,” I whispered, squeezing Daniel’s hand.

“That's how most merfolk unions end,” Charlie said thoughtlessly.

Seeing my crestfallen face, he added, "Lucky Daniel’s a switcher."

I smiled weakly, uncomforted.

“The point is, we are not mindless killers,” Daniel concluded, giving Charlie a warning look.

“For the record,” Charlie added, significantly. “Selkies are not thieves, of artifacts or women. Celeste went willingly, and none of us would steal anything.”

Charlie was telling Daniel that he was not a threat to our relationship; I appreciated the gesture, even if I didn’t think it was necessary.

“Next movie is my pick,” I interrupted, with a wicked grin. “I just can’t choose,
10 Things I hate about you
or
Clueless
”

The boys both groaned.

“I don’t think I’ve heard of either of those,” Daniel said pained.

“You’re lucky,” Charlie said in mock agony, “at least you don’t know what you’re in for.”

I did my best maniacal laugh, distracting the boys from the near-miss argument. I was relieved that no one had deliberately killed that girl.

The movie marathon got us to China. I had hoped to get out in Hong Kong and explore the airport, but the stop was so brief there was no time. Refueling, a pilot change and a visit from customs took an hour before we were back on our way. The sun was setting as we all began to feel the effects of a ten-hour flight.

Mum and Sophia took the bed, while Dr. Conneely and Charlie took a couch each in the dinning room and living room. Daniel let me take the couch in the theatre while he swiveled his chair around to lie beside me. We held hands over the small gap. I fell asleep with visions of Daniel's enigmatic smile and blue eyes dancing through my mind. Having him close gave me the best sleep I'd had since he'd left, which was fortunate with the day ahead of us. We had to find the Heart of the Sea or Daniel would never hold my hand again.

cornwall

We landed in Newquay, the main airport in Cornwall; it looked more like a fancy bus station than an airport. With its glass-domed roof and open areas Newquay airport felt light and airy compared to the compact rabbit’s warren airports I was used to.

The two hire cars were awaiting our arrival at the curb, like two shiny matchbox cars straight out of the packet. I watched other tiny cars whiz by, enjoying the crisp morning air.

Daniel and Charlie repacked the cars twice to accommodate our meager luggage, a sign that compact car in the United Kingdom was synonymous with only big enough for your makeup compact. Sophia drove one car and Mum drove the other as we wound our way through the Cornish countryside. I was struck by the feeling that Cornwall was an upsized seaside village.

Compared to Australia, it was a small landmass, but finding an unknown artifact, gem or thing in Cornwall was an overwhelming thought. Daniel’s life depended on me deciphering what and where the Heart of the Sea was. I had no idea where to start; fortunately, Dr. Conneely had a plan. I assuaged my fears with that small hope, as I watched the stunning countryside flash by.

Daniel held my hand lightly, his long muscled frame scrunched up in the back seat beside me. Charlie sat in the front seat next to Sophia, listening to her plan our time in Porthcurno like a family holiday.

My eyes were tantalized by more shades of green and turquoise than I could ever imagine existed. Ancient buildings sang of histories untold, and castles demanding knights and dragons dotted the landscape, reminding me I was far from home.

I texted Jaimie to let her know I was sick and too contagious for visitors for a few days. I hated lying to her, but trying to explain an impromptu trip to Cornwall would have been harder.

It took just over an hour to drive to Porthcurno Beach near Saint Levan. It was the kind of place I imagined while reading
Sense and Sensibility,
quaint and uncomplicated with endless gumption and magic hiding in every shadow.

Just before the noon sun peeked through the clouds, we let ourselves into the Wolf Rock Porthcurno Holiday Apartment, with its magical garden and glowing fire. Despite it being spring, the chill in the air cut through my thickest winter clothes, making the fire a welcome delight.

“Let’s just stay here,” Sophia said, warming her hands over the fire.

“That would be great, but we have some things to find first,” Mum replied meaningfully.

“Can we start by finding food,” Charlie complained, his stomach demanding satisfaction through a loud gurgle.

“There’s a pub down the road,” Sophia agreed, pulling herself from the fireside, “the Cable Station Inn.”

I was surprised by how organized the Essos were when they traveled. On the few road trips I’d taken with my family we stopped at fast-food outlets and hoped to procure spontaneous accommodation. Sophia’s approach gelled with me, knowing all the best places to eat and sleep, was something I was most grateful for.

We abandoned the cars and walked down the windy street. Except for the ancient buildings it was much like home, cold and beautiful in equal measure. I wondered if they sweltered in summer like we did---I didn’t think so.

The whitewashed pub came into view with its tidy tile roof and colorful signs with strange word combinations. Despite its traditional facade, inside it was well-lit and filled with light wooden furniture and leprechaun-green trim covered the bar. The scent of beer, hot food, and misspent youth permeated the room.

“Welcome!” boomed the bartender. “You’re visiting?”

“Yes,” Mum took the lead, “and we’d love some food.”

“Then you’ve come to the right place,” he cheered, his voice too big for the pub, but the perfect size to make us feel at home. “Where ye from?”

“Australia,” Sophia replied proudly.

“Me favorite kind of folk, ye know ‘ow to drink a beer,” he smiled widely.

“We’re all teetotalers, I’m afraid,” Mum disagreed.

“That be a shame,” he said solemnly. “It’s the best ale in Cornwall.”

“I can’t say no to that,” Sophia said seriously. “I’ll drink for everyone.”

“A lass after my own heart.” He smiled, clapping her on the back fondly and retreating to the bar. It was strange seeing prim and proper Sophia in such a rustic place, but she blended in surprisingly well.

We sat in silence, each of us engaged in the menu as much as in our own thoughts.

Daniel and I held hands, our fingers intertwined, neither of us able to discuss the consequences of failing our mission. The only topic more taboo than not retrieving the Heart of the Sea was whether Daniel and I could even have a future together. I couldn’t live under the sea, or on Seal Rock. I was land bound. The only way Daniel and I could be together was for Daniel to abandon Atlantis. I knew that he couldn’t do that long term.

We were doomed, and so I decided to enjoy every moment I could with him, because I didn’t know how long we had. Our reunion was bittersweet. I smiled weakly at Daniel as he studied his menu. I committed every detail to memory, his roman nose, the way his curls fell across his forehead and the way he chewed the inside of his cheek when he was deliberating. I hoped that I would have him for a long time, but logic suggested otherwise.

"Me name's Jory," the bear of a bartender introduced, placing a pint of beer before Sophia. "What can I feed ye?"

"I'll have the star gazy pie," Charlie jumped in, ravenous.

I read the description of the fish pie that Charlie had ordered, wrinkling my nose in disgust.

"Me too," Daniel agreed. I almost laughed at how similar they were, but decided not to draw attention to it, instead, hoping they would find more reasons to like each other than not to.

"Do you have anything vegetarian?" Mum asked politely.

Jory grimaced. "Is lamb vegetarian?"

Mum looked torn till Jory broke out with booming laughter. "You should ‘ave seen your face! Of course we've got vegetarian; try the Herb Pasty—it's a fancy vegetable pasty."

"Perfect." Mum smiled, relieved.

"I'll have the Licky Pasty," Dr. Conneely ordered. "That's a delicious vegetarian leek pie for next time."

"The two lasses who could be sisters?" Jory charmed.

"I'll have a Cornish pasty," I said, choosing the most boring dish on the menu. Considering that Cornwall was the birthplace of pasties, I could have been more adventurous, but it would do the job.

"I'll try the Cornish Under Roast." Sophia blushed at Jory's flirting.

After our friendly barman had retreated to the kitchen Daniel fixed Sophia with a disapproving look. "You're not seriously going to drink all that?"

Sophia took a big swig of the beer. "I most certainly am.”

"That's 568 mills of beer," Charlie said analytically.

"Thanks, professor!" I rolled my eyes.

He gave me a lopsided grin, “Professor Lubeck, works for me.”

“Dag,” I mock insulted, to which he responded with a beer nut in my hair.

“Children,” Daniel warned, putting an end to the hijinx. My face burnt with embarrassment, we were on a mission to save Daniel. I really had to focus more.

"How is it?" Mum asked Sophia, drawing the attention away from Charlie and me.

Sophia handed the beer to her for a taste, Mum sipped it gingerly, she was not a big drinker.

"It's malty, huh?" Sophia smiled, her eyes scanning the pub.

Mum nodded. "I'm not much for beer, but that's a smooth drop."

"You sound like a beer commercial," Daniel teased.

I laughed. Mum and Sophia were both sophisticated beautiful women, they were a far cry from the busty bimbos that usually sold beer. But if beer didn’t make me vomit, I would have bought it from them; they were too cute.

The food swept out of the kitchen with a fragrance fit for the gods. The pasties were spectacular; the pastry was more dense and earthy than the puff pastry I'd known growing up. The chips were cut as thick as a broom handle and had the most tantalizing texture. I could imagine getting very rotund with such hearty fare.

With the ribbing and generally pleasant ambiance, it was easy to forget that in a few short days, five people would be executed unnecessarily. That truth prompted me to address Dr. Conneely.

"So where do we go after lunch?" I asked, trying to sound like I was organized. Jaimie was constantly on my back about faking it till you make it. I didn’t know if it would serve me in retrieving the Heart of the Sea, but it was my only tool.

"We need to visit someone I haven't seen in a while," he replied cryptically.

"That would be..." Charlie prompted his caramel eyes full of mischief.

"My sister," Dr. Conneely replied ominously
.