It was a relief that Lark was there. He told Fin he was being hunted. That Andreus had a reward for his capture. Fin was glad he was safe. Part of her wanted to protect him and keep him back while she convinced his men to fight for their land. But Fin knew that was unrealistic. And her fears of something happening to Lark could not overshadow the fact that he was still king. And the morale of his men would falter without him.
Fin smiled at the sound of splashing and laughter. Lark was making quite and impression on her girls. He was swimming in the ocean with them everyday as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Fin gave him that moment. They hadn’t mentioned Madaka in days. She wanted Lark to enjoy himself and be mentally refreshed and strong when he returned home. It seemed Nimah had taken to him the most. She was diving deep in the ocean with him and showing him the local sea life. Isla seemed less inclined to get close to the fish although she loved the water.
“I’m sure everyone’s hungry,” Fin said, as she started her day. She could hear Lance on the phone talking about things at work. Fin glanced out the window. She watched as Lark stood away from the dock and caught Isla when she jumped in. Next Nimah jumped into his arms, and the three of them took a dive down under. Fin was delighted. They were already up and enjoying their day. They were surely famished from all the swimming.
F
in stretched her arms then laid there staring at the ceiling. She eased out of bed wondering where everyone had gone. Her girls were not there to greet her good morning. She furrowed. Isla was in-tune to her. So was Nimah. They could tell when she awakened and would race to see her. But the sound of little feet against the floor was silenced. “Where are they?” she said, as she grabbed her robe and threw it over her nightgown. She walked over to the window and look out. It was possible they were out again for another early morning swim. “Hmm,” Fin said. They weren’t on the patio or dock. And she didn’t see them in the water. Fin was sure they were near unless they left the house altogether.
“Hello,” she called out, as she moved from room to room. It was the weekend. Lance was off. He didn’t mention taking them anywhere. “Helllooo,” she called out again. Fin walked down to Lark’s room but he too was missing. “What is going on,” she said in a low voice, as she made her way to the stairs and walked down to the first floor. Soon she heard laughter. She could see Isla running after Nimah to the end of the dock. Lark and Lance walked together, as they followed the girl down. Fin bit her lip. It was a curious sight to behold. The men looked comfortable. They laughed. Talked. Walked calmly, as if they hadn’t a care in the world. Fin felt like an outsider for the first time.
“Oh my…,” Fin said, at the sight of her husband and Lark walking together. She stared in disbelief. She didn’t realize they had gotten to the point of being able to have conversations. It was a shocking win. Lance was not so easily convinced. He was protective of his family. It seemed an unlikely bond. He didn’t know much about the man who appeared from the abyss. But for Fin it was a welcomed sight. Her and Lance could stop their bickering. He could now relax.
Fin stepped from the window and walked over to the coffee maker. She could smell a pot had been brewed. Lance had introduced what was now her favorite beverage. Dark roast coffee. No cream No sugar. “Mmm,” she voiced, as she enjoyed the smell. Her relaxing calm spirit was soon at odds with the fear of her reality. Andreus was alive. And worse, he had taken over. His influence and power threatened to destroy the vulnerable hidden world. A world worth saving. The people there were generous. Kind. And deserved to live on their own terms, independent of a ruler whose desire was to control it all. His greed, threatening the very thread of their existence.
Madaka wouldn’t be able to withstand the impact of such brutality and violence. Fin saw him. She knew him. She could see the trouble before it began. The reason she refused to marry him. She was not surprised he wanted to take the world by force. He waited for his father to die, in order to do so without guilt or shame. King Orfe would have never allowed such a decision. And now Lark was cast out from his empire. It was ripe for the taking.
Madaka was a world miniscule in comparison to her new home. She estimated that there were one million nermein. The type of devastation Andreus was capable of could dwindled their numbers, hitting the male population much more severely. A devastation that would have an impact on the social structure that was so important to them.
Women would clamor for a mate and a new battle would be waged, pitting them against one another. It would be a terrible misfortune. There was already evidence of such fear. Guida had mentioned to Lark, the conversations she’d had with her female help at the castle. The women spoke of feeling the pressure of losing thousands of men to the war. Women who were single and childless. A fear that seemed unfounded given that Eulachon held the largest population.
But worse than the situation in Eulachon was the bleak future of Panga. A war would hurt them most of all. They were hit the hardest during the first war. Despite victory, there were still many pangian men who did not return home. Their community was the smallest. And even though men outnumbered women, they wouldn’t continue to outnumber them, if they lost their lives in war.
Fin looked off. Her mind racing with possibilities. And with every thought, came the realization that it would be better if she went back. Lark was a good man. Strong. Loyal to the people. But he just did not possess the same crafty and calculating way of thinking that she did. He wanted to think it through in a fair and unbiased way. He was a warrior. A fearless fighter. Not a king. She felt her appointment of him to the throne of a country as powerful as Mojarro was unfair. He came to her because of fear. She could see it in his eyes. Lark did better on the front lines of fighting. He didn’t seem good at critical thinking and tough decision making.
The door opened. Fin turned around. Her cup still in her hand. She watched as her children entered with Lance right behind them. Her heart skipped a beat when he closed the door. Lark had not entered with them. Fin took a deep breath.
“Where is he?” she asked, as she watched his eyes dart between hers. “Lance! Where did he go?” she repeated. Lance walked to her. Her reaction was no surprise. “He has returned,” he replied. Fin ran to the door and looked out at the dock. He wouldn’t return without saying goodbye and he wouldn’t leave without a plan. Fin looked around. Panic set in. Lark was gone. A tear came to her eye. Then anger rose up inside her.
“You made him leave! What did you say? He can’t just go back. We hadn’t discussed a plan,” she said, turning around to face her husband. It was the first time Lance had made her angry. He had gone too far. Madaka was in trouble. And Lark wasn’t safe.
“Calm down Fin. He is going back to see if he can get someone named Halacai to set up a meeting,” Lance said. Fin’s eyes widened. That was the worst plan ever. “Nooo!” she said, as she slid the door open and ran out. Lance ran behind her. “Fin!” he shouted, as he chased her to the edge of the dock. Fin turned around. Lance stopped. The look on her face stopped him in his tracks. She looked distraught. Terrified. They stared at one another. Lance could see she couldn’t be stopped.
Fin looked at her children as they stood behind their father. “Did you tell him to do that? That is a terrible plan. You don’t know Andreus. You have no idea what he is capable of. Just because I told you that Madaka is a peaceful and loving world, does not mean that Andreus has a heart. He can’t be reasoned with. It will set him up to be killed,” she said. Lance took another step towards her.
“Fin please! Come back in. We were just trying to find a way to resolve it without you having to go back. He can handle this. He does not need you,” he said, as he calmly stepped towards her. Fin shook her head slowly. She took a step backwards. Her eyes looking deeply into his. Lance could see the sparkle in her eyes fade as her face took on a more serious expression. It was a new look. Something deep inside that radiated outward. His heart skipped a beat. He feared the worst. A single tear rolled down her cheek. Then the mo
ment he feared more than anything.
“You have left me no other choice,” she said, her voice trembling, as she turned and jumped into the water.
“Fin!” Lance shouted as he ran to the end of the dock. His girls followed him down. “Mommy…Mommy,” Isla yelled as Lance grabbed her. Nimah tried running past him. He grabbed her arm and scooped her up. Nimah kicked and screamed out. Lance looked at her in shock. Nimah rarely screamed or made sounds of any kind. He stared at his baby girl. She looked at him with sad eyes that appeared wise and filled with an understanding. “She’ll be back,” he said, looking intensely at her.
He glanced down at Isla. She stared out at the ocean as if it were the last time she would see her mother. Clouds began to form. Lance looked to the sky. It was the quickest cloud formation he had ever seen. The ocean became fierce. Huge waves began crashing into the rocks. Lance watched as the water rocked violently. He looked at Isla. Her eyes were closed. She was upset. Her memory was long. She flashed back to the time she found Fin on the dock. Cold and half alive, Isla had to communicate with her mother through her mind in order to get her the help she needed. Isla closed her eyes. She called out to Fin telepathically;
Mommy! Where are you going? Why did you leave, she asked.
Oh baby! I’m sorry. I must go to Madaka. They need my help. You stay there with daddy. Everything will be alright. I promise. I can hear you. I can feel your sadness. Oh Issie! Don’t you worry. I will return. You, Nimah and daddy mean everything to me. You are my heart. My big girl. You take care of Nimah. She is emotional. She is much more sensitive than you. She needs your love and guidance. Keep her feeling safe. And don’t tell daddy we spoke. He will try to get you to reach out to me every second and I won’t be able to do what I must. Do you understand? Fin said.
Yes, mommy. I love you. Hurry back, Isla said.
I will. I love you Issie!
Soon the ocean calmed. The family stood as if waiting for her to change her mind and come back. Lance stared out into the vast horizon unaware of the conversation between his telepathic daughter and her mother. His emotions were a wreck. He liked Lark. Their morning-long conversation about people in power and how to best handle them seem like a winning plan. And he hoped he hadn’t brought him into harm’s way. Lark needed to protect Fin’s life now.
The jealousy he originally felt was replaced by the respect and admiration for a solid man with strong values. A man he saw as his equal. Their traits were similar. Their desire for a good home life with a wife and children were the same. But the life he wanted to protect was now up in flames, brought on by a good deed and a man to man talk with Lark. And his actions had caused his wife to panic and flee. Headed back to an unknown situation that could prove dangerous.
Lance was frozen. Unable to move. He hoped Fin would return. But the waves never softened. The ocean had swallowed her, refusing to release her from what seemed like a powerful grip. And Lance was beginning to hate the ocean. The ocean seemed to be playing terrible mind games with him. It gave him the gift of Fin but took her away. As if a string were connected, allowing the possessor to snatch her back at any moment.
“Let’s go have a snack. You hungry?” he asked Nimah. She twiddled her hair and shook her head yes. “What about you Issie. You hungry?” he asked, looking down at her. Her silent contempt was powerful.
He touched the top of her head. He felt bad for her. This was the second time Fin was taken from her. He couldn’t imagine how his baby girl felt. “Come on Issie. I got berries,” he said. She looked up at her towering father. She gave a smile. The gesture was emotional and Lance wasn’t ready to be comforted by a four year old. He was the parent. The protector. Their rock. He was supposed to comfort her. Not the other way around. But he appreciated it. He needed that smile. He was holding onto his sanity and strength with every fiber of his being. His only solace was Fin’s words. She promised to return. And he would hold her to it.
“You better return Fin. I’m counting on it,” he mumbled. Lance walked back to the house. His pain too great to process at that moment. It needed to take a back seat. He had the girls on his own. Two this time. He needed to quickly get himself together.
A Return Home
T
he waters of the Trojian Sea seemed calmed. It was ironic, given the fact that a war was about to be waged. Fin swam close to the bottom. She was comfortable in the greatest and most mysterious sea in Madaka. Bioluminescent sea life swam close to her. It felt great to be back home. The water seemed to soothe her skin. Its clarity and mineral content did wonders for her lungs. Fin felt an instant relief. Her body felt rejuvenated. It was a feeling she hadn’t felt. Something she didn’t know was even missing until that moment.
Fin swam around hoping to zero in on Lark. It was easy to get lost in the moment. But she was there on a more serious note. “Lark!” she shouted. She tried to reach him telepathically but got no answer. Fin made her way to her castle and scaled the steep cliff. A climb she had made hundreds of times before. But this was different. She had to stay hidden. Madaka was dark. The moss and algae lit the way. The ground and mountains came alive under the night sky. Fin was in awe at the beauty of her world. The world on the other side didn’t hold the same beauty. It was a gift from the gods. Madaka was special.
“Fin,” a familiar voice called out. Fin looked toward the trees of the forest near the castle. It was Lark. He exited and ran to her. “What are you doing here?” he said. “Why do you think. I had to come,” she replied. Lark grabbed her hand. “Come with me,” he said, as he ran for cover behind the dense trees. The sparse moss covering the ground around them, gave off a faint light. Lark had pulled up a lot of the moss and tossed it in the ocean. He needed the area to be darker. It worked. The area was barely lit. It was bright enough to see Fin’s eyes. And he could see she was concerned.
“Lark! You cannot talk to Andreus. He cannot be reasoned with. If you talk to him, he will kill you. If you try to turn yourself in to him, he will kill you. If you bow down and let him claim victory, and promise to never return, he will still kill you. I couldn’t live with myself if anything ever happened to you,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I know. I thought of it the entire way here. I must come up with another plan. Lance meant well. But I know Andreus will kill me. I am his biggest threat. I think he knows about Guida and I. And he may blame me for what happened with you?” Lark said, looking into Fin’s eyes. He wondered if he was. And Fin decided to answer that burning question so he could have closure and move on.
“You were the reason,” she said. Lark’s eyes pierced hers. Even in darkness she could see he was touched by the revelation. It was bittersweet but much too late. The words and one night of passion was all he would ever have of her. They never spoke about that night. A night Lark believed she gave him out of a desperation. To forget her life back in Malibu after she believed she was too badly injured and incapable of swimming home. It was the greatest night of his life. It was more than a stolen moment for him. Finn did love him first. And he would remember her words forever.
“I was?” he asked. Fin nodded. “Yes…But then I ran away. And I ended up there. With Lance. And I fell in love with him. But no matter what, I must stand with you now. We must go to war. Our men must be willing to fight. Maybe on land this time. There is a way to throw a knife and severely injure someone. They do not know that nor will they have time to master it. I will show you and you can train our men. But we need to fashion metal into knives shaped like stars. Then no matter what side hits, it will strike. And for those fighting in water, tell them to stick the knife on the side of their enemy. In the gills. It will disable them,” she said. Lark smiled. He knew Fin was brilliant.
“Where did you learn that?” he asked in a whisper soft voice, looking around to make sure their location had not been compromised. “Lance taught me a long time ago. We talked a lot about physical battles. There’s a lot of violence in that world. It’s not about numbers, it’s about skill.
And weapons,” she replied.
Lark was overwhelmed. Part of him was glad she was there. The advice she had just given was a solid plan to defeat the adversary. But he wished she would have given him the information back at her home. Her presence in Madaka gave him something else to worry about. Lark stared at Fin. He was hopelessly in love. But he promised Lance he would contain his feelings in order to save her life.
He flashed back to the conversation they had. Lance revealed he was aware of her love for him. In that moment Lark opened up. He gave Lance their history. Lance was shocked at what he had to say. It confirmed that he was not Fin’s first love. A revelation that humbled him. Then he asked the burning question. He wanted to know if they had ever been intimate. Lark’s admission that they’d been together once, hit Lance hard. He needed a moment. He stated he wasn’t surprised. That he could see it in her eyes. And in that moment, he asked Lark to leave and never return. He then said something that blew Lark away. Words that hit him in the heart. He said that his love for her would kill her, because she would never be at peace until he was. And she would continue to put herself in harm’s way for him.
It was then, that Lark leaped back in the water and left without saying goodbye. He believed he needed to release her to Lance. Lark didn’t believe she loved him more than Lance. But he did see how she would feel the need to help with Mojarro. She had, after all, left the city to him. And love for the city, not him, would cause her to return. He had watched over Fin her whole life. He was the reason she got back home. Lark found her floating and carried her to Lance because he knew how much she loved him. Lark told Lance that their love story changed a world. That Fin came back to Madaka and showed them her newly acquired love language. Lance was overwhelmed at the idea that he had changed an entire civilization.
Pretty Fin- Raging Seas Page 12