Pretty Fin- Raging Seas

by Smokey Moment

  It was more than love that drew him to Fin. Their marriage was supposed to open the gates of the kingdom. Their children would be gods. If Halacai was right, then their union would produce a supreme being. It was the reason he was in the Trojian Sea the first day he met her. The reason his father starting bidding for her hand early. And the information was a closely guarded secret that only Halacai knew.

  He was one of the oldest nermeins in Madaka. Halacai kept what he knew a closely guarded secret, until his brother Ahlaham overheard him chanting and speaking in tongues. Ahlaham deciphered what his brother was saying and told King Orfe in exchange for oil, metals and other goods. The chant produced the names of gods and goddesses who were the original creators and occupants of Madaka. The most powerful was Contessa, goddess of the sea. She created Mojarro for herself and Hershiel to live freely. But soon other gods and goddesses fled there to escape condemnation and live free.

  One such god was Andreus’ great great grandfather Hogus. The great great grandson of the god of fire. The reason Eulachon had lava and underground volcanos. Their union would unite fire with water creating a perfect balance that would open the flood gates to their world. The gases would stop spewing. The sea creatures would stop hunting. Life as they knew it would evolve into a heavenly existence where everyone would be as one. And Andreus saw himself as the ruler of the entire world. But Fin was no longer a part of it. And he would take it regardless. It was prophesized that he, the heir and great great grandson of Hogus would reign supreme. Only Hogus’ kin would mate with the great great granddaughter of Sefera. Who was the great granddaughter of Contessa. And that union would inherit the whole.

  “Take her inside. I have built a special enclosure for her in the lower level. Take her there at once,” he ordered. Ithicus stood next to Andreus. He was concerned about Mojarro being without any soldiers. “What about her city? Do you want me to send some of the men?” he asked. Andreus thought, then decided against it. They would only be gone a few days and there was no need to rush. Mojarro was weakened. They had no weapons. They stood no chance at winning a battle. “Let them rest. See their families. After the queen is dead, we will take her body to them and throw her in the middle of the street. I will claim the city and they will have no choice but to accept my rule.”

  L

  ark punched through the acidic brine layer, holding Nimah tightly in his arms. Nimah wasn’t supposed to be there. But returning her could have proven fatal for Fin. Nimah had gotten far, and was already at the trench when he spotted her. There was no turning around. The long swim back to Malibu then back to Madaka would have wasted critical time. He quickly devised a plan to keep her safe by sending her to Panga. Lillia was there. She had helped raise Fin and she would love Nimah the same. Lillia was the only person Lark trusted to care for the baby. And with her safely there with Lillia, he could devote all his attention to saving her mother.

  Lark emerged on the other side then checked her for illness as he continued swimming down the lair. Nimah held on tightly. She trembled a bit, which worried him. “You’re okay. I got you,” he assured. Nimah slowed her breathing. The gases didn’t feel good inside her lungs. Lark continued down the lair. The opening to the other side was coming up. He sped up. The gases were dangerous and Nimah was only a baby. They didn’t bother Fin but that didn’t mean the gases wouldn’t bother her baby. And there was still the gases over the dunes, so he was not out of the woods.

  He swam quickly, telling her to hold her breath. He could feel she had stopped breathing. The baby was smart. She had an innate understanding of the dangers. Nimah was doing great. Lark was proud of her. Fin had told him how she taught the girls to hold their breaths. And how she discovered that Nimah had gills. Lark believed Fin had taught them how to hold their breaths with the specific intention of bringing them to visit Madaka. Holding their breaths could get them through the brine and the gases of the lair. It was what he wanted to believe. He didn’t see any other reason.

  The lair was dark and scary. Nimah tucked her head inside his neck and closed her eyes tight. Lark swam down the lair and out into the dunes. He glanced at Nimah as he held his breath, swimming quickly to reach the surface so she could take in fresh air. Lark could see the surface. Nimah looked up. She instantly lit up. Her happiness made Lark smile. He didn’t want her frightened. She was from a long line of kings and queens. This was her home. She was the princess of its most beautiful land.

  The mild waves rippled as Lark burst through the surface. He held Nimah up and she took in a breath of air. “You alright?” he asked. Nimah smiled. Something she rarely did. She looked around in awe, staring at the sparkling mountains and beautiful blue sky. She hit the water. The glistening gold surface intrigued her. It was nothing like Mailbu and the surrounding ocean. In this world, everything held a unique beauty. The colors were vibrant. Bright blue water with gold shimmer. Mountains with green and blue moss and covered with shiny red and green jewels. A perfect blue sky. It was an oasis.

  “We have to get you safe. You understand?” he asked. Nimah nodded. Lark smiled. It was rare to get a response from her. He flipped her on his back then instructed her to hold her breath until he told her to breathe. They were still close to the dunes. Their position over top of it was still dangerous. He dove back under the water. Lark stayed close to the surface to keep out of the way of concrum. He watched the waters below, as he swam quickly to the Sabalo Mountain.

  Soon, he descended deeper and told Nimah she could breathe. He stayed closer to the top, as he forged ahead. They still had many miles to go. Lark swam fast. He would get there in a half hour. Nimah looked around. Fish began following them. She chuckled as the small yellow tailed fish struggled to keep up with Lark. Soon other fish followed behind them. Lark kept his eyes on the waters in front and underneath him unaware that she had dozens of fish trailing them.

  As Lark neared the cliff he glanced over at the shore. It was eerily quiet. There were no soldiers keeping watch and no citizens scrounging for scraps. Lark found it hard to believe. Perhaps the men were in the city. His mind raced and anxiety mounted, as he scaled the rock to the hidden meeting spot on the opposite side of the Sabalo. He made it onto the edge and pulled himself up onto the land. He Held Nimah, watching as she looked around. She was thrilled. Madaka was the mysterious place in the book. The story read to her by Isla. It was the magical place where mermaids lived. She was delighted to be there, blissfully unaware of the dangers that her city was facing. Lark worried.

  Men approached Lark. “The soldiers are gone. This is not good. He plans to kill her while they look on. They have left because this is a victory for them all,” he said. His heart sank. He had no more time. It was now or never.

  “Lark!” Ziege said, as he emerged from the crowd. Arfusei, Darr and several of the other men ran up. “Whose child?” Arfusei asked curiously. She was the splitting image of Fin and the men were intrigued. Lark smiled. “This is Fin’s baby. Princess Nimah,” he said boastfully. The men looked on adoringly. The baby was their princess. The child of their hero.

  “I need to get her to Lillia. We must protect her. She can’t stay here,” Lark said. Arfusei agreed. “Why did you bring her?” Darr asked. “I didn’t. She fled her home and made it all the way here, in search of Fin,” he said. Darr narrowed his eyes. “Where is home?” he asked. Lark looked at him then changed the subject. He couldn’t say. Fin swore him to secrecy.

  The men looked at Nimah. She smiled a huge smile, then wiggled to get free. Lark put her down and the men watched as she looked around. “Careful Princess,” Ziege said admiringly, watching over her and following her around as she explored the area. Nimah found gems that she found interesting. She filled her small hands with emeralds and yellow diamonds and began throwing them like rocks. Ziege noticed one of the stones was the rare yellow diamond. He picked it up and inspected it then put it in his pocket. He had tons of emeralds. But he had no yellow diamonds. It was a keeper.

  Lark turned hi
s attention back to the men. “The guards are gone and so that means we have no time. We may be too late. We must go now! Round up all the men,” Lark commanded. He looked at Arfusei. “Can you take the princess to Lillia?” he asked. “Yes I will. It would be an honor,” Arfusei said proudly. Lark touched his shoulder and nodded. The men understood that they were standing in the presence of greatness. And her safety was of utmost importance. But they had no idea of how great an importance.

  Nimah was called there. Summoned by the gods. Her travels there were watched over. She was guided by their power. Whales and sharks followed her along the way in unison. Swordfish, barracuda and other powerful fish joined in. Nimah had took note of her company. The fish had picked up her signals and were there as her protectors. Her grandmother of many generations back lit the way. Nimah could see through the waters as if looking through air out at a vast land. Fin had no idea of the powers her youngest possessed. There was a lot her mother did not understand about her. Her small stature and youth only masked the fact that she was a goddess of the sea. With powers more potent than any other.

  Arfusei picked up Nimah. She smiled at him, as she clutched the jewels she found, tightly in her hand. “I must take you where you will be safe,” he said. Nimah laid her head on his shoulder. She was exhausted from her long swim. It was past her nap time and she could barely keep her eyes open. Arfusei was proud to be responsible for her. He took the responsibility serious. He walked to the edge and leaped into the water then held her firmly as he swam towards Panga. He looked back. He could see Lark, Darr and Ziege. He turned and continued on as the men began preparing for battle.

  “We have collected the swords and spears and carried them to the shore. The men can get them as they enter the water. Many of the citizens are scrambling to help. Women stand at the shores prepared to hand them to the soldiers as they pass. The city stands with us. They are not afraid. Even the women. They said they would rather die, than not live free. We are ready,” Ziege said.

  “Let’s go!” Lark shouted, his voice carrying through the area between the Sabalo and Ayu mountains. The men cheered as they held their fists in the air. Lark looked at Ziege. The men were ready. Charged. This was their moment.

  His strong body muscular and lean. His arms and legs were powerful. The water reached his waist. He kicked off and began to swim. Hundreds of men hit the water behind him. Their legs tearing through the waves as their wraps weakened. The special fabric, specially designed to loosen when wet, gave way to their strong and powerful tails. Lark led the way. He looked straight. His face emotionless. His eyes glaring into the distance. He was coming for Fin and many would die. And he was prepared to die first. He was aware of the hate Andreus harbored for him. And if the worst should happen, he hoped Ziege or Arfusei could take over. He had hinted at the possibility and what they should do if he perished during the battle. Both were uncomfortable with the conversation. They wanted Lark to remain king. And Ziege swam at his side hoping to ensure he would live to continue his reign. Darr was from Panga and had yet to return because of his belief that Lark was a spiritual being. A power. Perhaps a god. His men had already prepared their soldiers for what may be their last day. They were to protect Lark at all cost. They would not have a repeat as with King Zander. He could not die.

  The men grabbed spears from the women as they each walked into the water. They swam out into the abyss as the women looked on. They picked up speed once they got further out. They swam in rows of forty and extended down. The men at the bottom were responsible for keeping watch for predatory fish. But none had been spotted. Lark looked around. The water was clear and not a single fish could be seen. He looked at Ziege.

  “Where are all the fish,” he said. Ziege shrugged his shoulders. It was impossible but they had no time to wonder. The men forged ahead, focused on their plight. Focused on the fight. But Lark could not dismiss it. He now had a new fear. Something was lurking. Something powerful. The Palimora Sea was filled with aquatic life. Even more than the Trojian. He looked at Ziege again. The men gave each other looks. They were thinking the same thing.

  “There was a disturbance. Voices behind him shouting out. Lark looked back. He didn’t want to stop. If he stopped then so would the men. “What is it?” he yelled out. “It is Arfusei. There…” the soldier pointed. Lark panicked. He should be in the Trojian Sea with Nimah. Lark stopped. His men stopped swimming and waited. Lark could see Arfusei rushing towards him. The look on his face telling.

  “No!” Lark shouted. “She twisted from my arms and swam away. Back towards the Sabalo. She is fast. I could not catch her. She is quicker than anything I have ever seen. She made it to the shore then hurried and entered the Palimora. She is here somewhere. I cannot find her,” he said. Lark thought. It made sense why the fish were missing. He remembered their absence in the waters on the other side of the world. He’d noticed it when he was desperately looking for her in the Pacific Ocean. And it was happening again.

  “What do you want me to do?” he asked. “Stay back. Continue looking for her. And be careful. Something is going on with the fish,” he said. Arfusei looked around. He had already had a strange encounter. “This is odd. The fish in the Trojian followed us. I was terrified when I saw that even the concrum were swimming along with us,” he said. “You swam with concrum,” Lark said, shocked that the massive terrifying beast did not attack.

  “Yes! One swam at my side. Close to us. Nimah reached out and touched it. It was the most spectacular thing I have ever witnessed. I had never laid eyes on the concrum. It was miraculous. There were a lot of them. All different fish swimming together like soldiers,” he said. Lark looked off.

  “Let’s find her. We have to find her!” Ziege interjected. “No! Arfusei will,” Lark said. “Take a few of the men. Search for her. Do not give up and try to join the battle. Stay back until you locate her,” he said, looking Arfusei fiercely in the eyes. “I will find her!” he said.

  11

  Flesh & Blood

  A

  ndreus threw water in Fin’s face. She bolted awake then jumped up from the hard floor. Her back and neck were stiff. She had been out for several days. She looked him in the eyes. The dark dungeon lit by hemini plants and blue moss gave a glimpse into the eyes of a monster.

  She glared intensely at him. He stared back. “Are you happy now? Will you leave Mojarro be?” she said. Andreus scoffed. “No. I need Lark. If you can deliver him to me, then yes…I will leave Mojarro,” he said.

  Fin snarled. She didn’t believe a word of it. “You will see him. And it will be the last face you see,” she said. “You sound like your father,” Andreus teased.

  “I am worst than him. He wanted to make a truce. He came to plead with you to stand down and turn back. But you killed him instead. There is no truce. I do not wish to work anything out with you. You killed my father and you killed my unborn child. And for that, one of must die,” she said. Andreus furrowed. “You blame me for the loss of your child. No one told you to enter the water. What pregnant woman enters into a war zone. It was foolish. And you will die before I,” he said. Fin smirked.

  “On with it then,” she said.

  Andreus stared intensely at her. He was still bitter that they were not destined to be united. She would never have him. Never allow him to possess her.

  A sound came from behind Andreus. He looked back. Little Zion had made his way down the into the lower level of the castle. He held onto the wall, taking small steps on the wide, manmade stairs. Fin looked curiously at the baby. She felt sorry for the child. His father was a bastard. A demon seed. The child would never be reared properly. He would one day rule as his father did. With a sore heart and an envious spirit.

  Andreus looked at Zion then back at Fin. He stared intensely at her. His face showed an expression Fin found perplexing. And if he was going to kill her then the taunting her beforehand was unnecessary.

  “Andreus! Is the baby down there with you,” a woman’s voice said. Fin
looked. The top of the ramp wasn’t visible from where she was being held. “Yes! I have him. He’s fine,” Andreus shouted out. Zion walked over to Andreus. His small legs trying to balance him on the steep decline down. He reached the bottom then walked up to the bars. The baby looked up at Fin. She stared at the child. It was an uncomfortableness that she couldn’t explain on the heels of the fear of dying.

  Andreus glanced down at him. Fin hated every fiber of his being. She wished she could witness his death. She was sure she would die. It would be her fate. If she died, then her ancestors wanted her. Her faith was strong although she lacked the details of her family’s past. Her mother and father didn’t tell her much about her heritage. She was still unaware that her ancestors were descendants from a goddess and a demigod. That all the dynasty’s in power were direct descendants of gods. But she was from the creators. She was the reigning queen. She remembered Queen Rasbora’s words. And a calm came over her.

  “Do what you will. My future does not lie in your hands. I am the heir to all of Madaka. I always felt it. I was always different. Always looked different. It is why you wish to possess me. But you will never have me. You will only know this life. And you will never have true power because your death was spoken to me,” she said. Fin looked at the child then back at Andreus.

  “I feel sorry for that child. He has your blood. He will be raised by you. What a shame. A future dictator. His only salvation will be your untimely demise,” she said. Andreus sneered. “You don’t recognize him?” he said.