Pretty Fin- Raging Seas

by Smokey Moment

  “Arfusei!” Ziege exclaimed. He knew those eyes anywhere. “I didn’t think we had time to get you,” he said. Arfusei chuckled. Fin was lightning fast in water to his surprise. “The Queen dragged me here. Literally,” he joked. Fin laughed. She did. She hauled him like a sack of goods through the Trojian, at speeds he would not have been able to duplicate. She held onto his hood, and swam as he relaxed to make it easier for her to move through the water.

  “Hello everyone,” she greeted. The men smiled and gave Fin a warm reception. It was great to hear her voice. They had come to know their queen. Fin looked through the crowd. She could barely see their face. But she immediately recognized the man who had saved her.

  “You! What is your name? We have met, I’m sure,” she said. “I am Sifri, Your Highness,” he replied. “You are the one who made the noise so I could get away from that soldier. You saved my life. I am indebted to you. That was a brave thing you did,” she said. The man nodded.

  “You owe me nothing my queen. Basra is my sister. I have seen you many times around the castle. I would have died to save you. So would my wife. My children. If we are to have any kind of future…Then you must survive. We would rather be dead then continue living this way,” he said, as tears filled his eyes. Fin felt his pain. She could hear he was tired. So were the rest of her citizens.

  We’ll I thank you. I thank each and every one of you. Ziege’s words reflect mine. That is the plan. We must take out the top men of this army and their king must die. All the others are weak followers. That is why they continue to disobey what I am sure are strict rules not to consort with you. Yet they continue to eat your food and allow you some freedoms. That is because they feel this is wrong. Deep down, they know this is not right. We do not want them. We want the ones who push for the takeover. Those men who stand firmly with Andreus. Kill them and the others will surrender. Take out leaders when you catch them alone. Be like thieves in the night. You are now soldiers all hours of the day. It is best to move under the darkness. Around corners. When you catch them sleeping under trees. Snatch them like the true enemy they are. I have called you here because I want you to familiarize yourself with this side of the Sabalo. We will have new weapons. New ways to fight. You will be trained so pay close attention. This is our new headquarters. We will meet here. Make fire and mold our weapons here. And we will not stop until we have enough to arm every man here, Fin said.

  She was interrupted by a concerned man in the shadows. “Fire. We will create the fire? How? And where will we get metal? We have none. Panga has none. It won’t work,” the voice said. “Step forward,” Fin commanded. The man appeared from the shadows. “What is your name?” she asked. “I am Tago, Your Highness,” he said. Ziege interjected. “He is the son of Thiesen, Your Highness. One of the early guards for your father. A brave man who died in battle,” he said. Fin stepped to the man. “Your father died protecting my father. And I will die protecting you. I know how to make fire. All we need is wood and stone. And I will get what we need. I will get the metal. How do you think we got the metal the first time. I secured the metal then…and I will secure the metal now. You let me do what I do. I need you to have faith. Doubt will breed fear. Do you understand me soldier,” she said.

  The man stood corrected. He nodded slowly. Something in her confidence gave him assurance. He had never been addressed as such. It was his dream to one day be a hero like his father. This was his chance. “Yes, Queen. And I will defend you with my life,” he replied. Fin touched his arm firmly. His was a face she would need to remember. There were many men who believed in her and whose fathers died for her father. It was important to know them. To be able to rely on them. To show them that they mattered. That their families, mattered.

  Fin finished detailing the plan of attack to her men. She put them in groups then told them to speak with one another and familiarize themselves with each other’s voices. Some things would have to be done in the dark. And faces would be obscured. It was important to recognize voices. It would keep them safe. She walked through the dense crowds, familiarizing herself with voices. Allowing them to sense her presence. Note her scent. It was a way of getting closer in order to bond. Their togetherness helped them before. Fin walked a mile in then turned around. She continued slowly, greeting as many men as she could. Ziege followed behind her. Protecting her from any surprise attack. He couldn’t be certain their enemy was not among them. He doubted it. Mojarro citizens were acquainted with one another. It would be hard for a stranger to blend in. The men announced themselves. Spoke to each other about their fathers. Their families. It seemed they were all from Mojarro. Fin walked to the cliffs edge. Lark stood talking to Arfusei. Their eyes had adjusted to the darkness. They could see one another clearer.

  “I have to go. I must reach Panga and speak with King Nephrus. Then I am off to Piratchu from there,” she said to Lark. Arfusei bowed then stepped away to give them privacy. Ziege turned and walked away to begin his own personal talks with the small groups of men. Fin stared at Lark. He reminded her of Lance. They had many physical similarities, which drew her to Lance initially. But he wasn’t Lance. And she had to be careful not to give him any ideas. She could still see he loved her. She could also see he wanted her to stay in Madaka. But she wasn’t. She was there on a mission. Nothing more.

  “You are not travelling alone. I will accompany you,” he said, looking intensely in her eyes. “No! Stay here. Help Ziege and Arfusei prepare the men. Was is about a mental state as well as a physical one. They need to be on one accord,” she said. Lark furrowed. He had never heard that word before. Nermeins had human language but some words were still foreign. “What is accord?” he asked. Fin smiled. “It just means as one,” she replied. Lark smiled. He thought that’s what it meant but he wanted to be sure. Fin talked like Lance. Something he picked up from his in-depth conversations he’d had with him. Lance was smart. He learned a lot from him in a short time. He hoped to learn more. Lance would make a great king. He reminded her of her father Zander.

  “The Trojian is dangerous at night. The concrum hunt at this time. They come to the surface when its dark,” he said. Fin nodded. “Yeah, I know. I know that animal. How they swim. They can’t catch me. And I have a gift that I discovered. I’ll tell you more about it later. I will be fine,” she said, as she turned from him and leaped into the water. The long drop down seemed endless. Fin could see the glistening of the water’s surface. She closed her eyes as she entered into the depths of her favorite sea. She had been in it all her life. No one knew it better. Not even Lark. This was her second home. She had no fear of the dangerous concrum. She knew how to avoid them. She knew how to speak their language. And her mission was too important to be swayed by a sea creature. Fin swam quickly, headed to Panga. Her first stop, on a mission to take back her city.

  L

  illia waited at the designated sea shore for Arfusei’s return. He had told Fin she would be standing near the edge closest to a huge forest. Fin peeked up from the water then directed herself towards the trees. As she got closer, she could see a woman sitting on a large boulder. She emerged from the water, splashing the waves with her legs as she made her way to shore. Lillia stood up. She narrowed her eyes. She could see it was a woman walking her way. “No…It couldn’t be,” she mumbled as Fin drew closer. “Your Highness? Is that you?” she said, the night sky and glowing moss on the surrounding trees, lighting the area. “Lillia!” Fin exclaimed, as she ran to har.

  The women were filled with emotion as they held each other in a warm embrace. They hadn’t seen one another in some time. Lillia cried tears of joy, then abruptly stopped as her face took on a more serious look. “What’s wrong? Please don’t say something happened to Arfusei,” she said, her voice trembling. “No, Lillia. No! He is fine. I just left him. I came here to speak with the king. We are ready! But we need supplies. We need food. We have gathered in secrecy. We don’t have much time. They need to return home before the soldiers notice them missing. B
ut we can’t do this alone. I have never been to the king’s castle. Can you take me there?” she asked. “Now?” Lillia replied. It was late. Surely the king was asleep.

  “Yes! This cannot wait. He will wake for me. He will want to know. This concerns him as well,” she said. Lillia nodded in agreeance. “Oh Fin!” she said, as she hugged her again. Fin closed her eyes. Lillia was like a mother to her. She was there when Aterra wasn’t. Always with kind words and a warm smile. “Follow me. He lives on the north end of the city,” she said.

  “We are here to see King Nephrus,” Lillia said, as Fin stood behind her. “And who is this?” the guard asked. He remembered Lillia from her visit with the king but Fin’s was a new face. She looked familiar but he couldn’t place her. He was sure he had seen her before. This is my assistant. She has come with news from Mojarro. Please tell the king we are here. He would want to see us. He awaits word from Mojarro.” The guard frowned. He turned and held the door open as another guard stepped entered. “Follow me,” he said.

  Fin could see another soldier approaching in the distance. It was Darr. Panga’s top lieutenant and right-hand man to King Nephrus. A man she had a lot of respect for. He formed an unbreakable bond with her men and she was forever grateful. It was he, who led a legion of his men to Mojarro. He was the face of the pangian soldiers.

  “The king rests. This is late for a visit,” he said, as he approached. Fin let Lillia do the talking. She wasn’t ready to reveal herself yet. But she was sure he would remember her. She walked with him and her men through the city of Mojarro towards the Palimora Sea. And she wished them luck as they left her on the shores to do battle. She was too pregnant to fight. And he and Lark refused to let her follow along.

  Darr got closer. Fin looked away. He stared intensely at her then turned his attention to Lillia. “What is this about?” he asked. Lillia spoke directly to him. “We wish to see King Nephrus. We have information he will want to know. He asked that I return when I received new information concerning the city of Mojarro and I do,” she said. Darr looked back at Fin. She looked at him. He paused then stepped to the side. “This way,” he pointed as one of his guards led the way. He walked behind the women, staring at the back of Fin’s head. She could feel him watching her. The tension was thick. She trusted him. But it was important that she remain unseen. Panga would be invaded if Andreus knew she was there. Darr stayed close behind her. Fin looked to the side, pretending to admire the castle’s décor. She hoped Darr wouldn’t reveal who she was. Not in front of the guards. Men who could have been compromised. Fin trusted no one. She did, however, still trust Darr. And she hoped he was as smart as she believed him to be. He appeared clever like Ziege. Fin waited.

  The women were escorted through the halls to a large room with several thrones and a large decorated table. It looked like a room used for dining. Remnants of a meal were still scattered on several plates. Fin looked around. The castle was one of the most remarkably built castles in all the land. Panga had the best material for such a castle. The large stone and wood residence was uniquely decorated and filled with well-built wood furnishings. Panga had many trees. It was their strong suit. Wood that Mojarro traded handsomely for. Panga had also provided Fin’s land with seeds for planting, allowing them to also create thriving vegetation for beauty and for consumption. Even the floors of the castle were unique. Instead of stone, the king’s floors were made of wooden floor boards.

  “Madam Lillia,” the king said. as he entered. Lillia and Fin bowed. King Nephrus’ eyes popped. He was shocked to see Fin before him. “Leave us,” he ordered his guards. He waited for them to close the door. “Your Highness,” he said, as he walked up to Fin. She gave a gracious smile. He was still a friend to Mojarro. He had not folded. He had not surrendered. Fin was proud of him. He had much to fear. But he was like her father in many ways. Willing to die for his beliefs and unable to be bought.

  “Yes. It is me Your Highness,” she replied. Reaching out and shaking his hand. “I’ve come here because I need your help. And I also need to move through your land and get to Piratchu. I must speak with Queen Rasbora as well,” she said. King Nephrus bowed. “What do you need?” he asked. Fin looked at Lillia. The women were overjoyed. “I need supplies. Food. Wood. And your men,” she said.

  The King turned slowly. It was a big request. He walked to his window and looked out. He could give her three of the four things she requested. He wanted Madaka to be at peace. But he couldn’t spare his men. Not again. Many of them didn’t come back. His army was half the size it used to be.

  “I am sorry Queen. I will give you food. Wood. Whatever metal we can round up. I will have my men deliver it to you. But I cannot send men into battle. I lost too many the first time. We are a much smaller land. We cannot lose more men. That could mean the end of us. Families would disappear. Less children would be born. Women will marry cousins and possibly their own siblings out of desperation. And then we will be damned. I can’t,” he said, his eyes appearing to be wracked with guilt. Fin sighed. It was a devastating blow. “Then I’ll take whatever you have to offer,” she reluctantly said. King Nephrus had a hard time looking in her eyes. He wanted to help. It was important that she won. Madaka depended on it. “Have you ever met my son. Prince Osiris,” he asked. “No. I haven’t,” she said. Fin was ready to go. There was no time to socialize. But she could see he wanted them to meet. And she gave a little of her time to oblige him. He was still generous. She appreciated any food and metal he could get to her. Metal she was sure came from Piratchu. Panga didn’t have a rich source of metal. But whatever they had, would help.

  Cause for Concern

  “Daddy!” Isla said, as she shook Lance. Nimah stood next to her looking at her sleeping father. It was 9:00 a.m. Lance usually slept until noon on the weekends. His office was closed and he had nowhere to be. He was up all night, drowning his sorrows in liquor as he watched the waves of the Pacific Ocean. He hoped the water would part like the red sea and return his beautiful and headstrong wife to him. Isla could hear another knock at the door. Nimah became more stressed. “It’s okay Nimah. Daddy will make them go away,” she said. “Daddy!” Isla called out. Her small voice carrying more sound. She needed him. The men at the door looked serious. It was a frightening encounter for a five year old and two year old to answer the door and look into the eyes of three towering men and a woman.

  Isla shook Lance. He jolted awake. “Huh…What’s wrong?” he said, as he wiped his eyes and kicked the covers off of his legs. He hoped the girls were there to say their mother was back. Month’s had passed since she had left. Both Nimah and Isla had birthdays that she missed. And Lance had to celebrate them without her. Fin was missing milestones that she should not have. Isla was staying in water for hours without the need to emerge. And Nimah had learned how to turn her legs into a tail. They were changing rapidly and Lance couldn’t keep up. He was trying to keep them from the water with no success. They seemed to have a need to be in it as Fin did. Lance even tried putting a pool indoors. And Isla and Nimah loved the pool room. But they still continued to seek the ocean. Lance gave up. It was his life. His girls were mermaids.

  Lance got out of bed and picked Nimah up. Isla was calm and mature. Always secure as long as her parents were near. But Nimah was a different matter. Lance kissed her cheek but she still seemed bothered. She bit her nails and fidgeted with her hands. A sign she was stressed. “What’s wrong baby?” he said. Isla looked at her little sister. “The men at the door scared her. They have black glasses on. Like bad men,” she said. Lance put Nimah down and walked quickly to his front door. “Stay here,” he said, as he walked through the foyer and to the door. He could see the silhouette of several people. A slight panic came over him.

  “May I help you?” he said, as he cracked his door slightly. Lance was a private man. He didn’t appreciate the intrusion no matter what the nature of their visit was. Unless someone had died, it was unwelcomed. The woman stepped forward. He recognized her fro
m the Aquarium of the Pacific. She stood confident. Poised. As though she had official business with him. Lance glared. They would have to leave. He had enough going on. Whatever happened at their aquatic facility was not on him and his family.

  “Look! I told you my wife has nothing to say to you. That incident happened over six months ago. Why are you at my front door?” he asked. The woman gave him direct eye contact. The men stood quiet as if waiting their turn. It was odd behavior. They all wore glasses. Like hit men attempting to conceal their identity.

  “I’m sorry. But this is now official government business. I hope you remember me. We met at the aquarium. I am Dr. Sophia Dowell. This is Dr. Victor Lastra with the Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs. This gentleman here is Matthew Beers with the Office of Marine Conservation. And this is Dr. Emanuel Gardner. A specialist with the NOAA. We need to speak with you. It is important. It will just take a minute of your time,” she said. Lance looked at everyone. He stepped onto his porch then looked back inside his home. Isla and Nimah stood holding hands. Lance gave a smile to relieve the tension in their faces. “Make this fast, ok. My children are terrified, once again, might I add. You people... Keep this up and I just may change my mind and sue. This is not cool,” he said. The woman sighed. “We will. We just have a few questions,” she said. “No! No questions. This is not an interview. Whatever you have to say…Say it. Otherwise leave,” he said.