Loch lifted his hand and nodded to them. “Enough.”
“Who is willing to spar with me?” Adrastia inquired.
The mermen looked at each other, trying their best to remain respectful and yet found it difficult to withhold their laughter. It was an absurd notion that a princess would ask to spar.
“I’ll pick, then,” Adrastia began. “You there.” She pointed at a merman with electric green hair. His tail was black, white and had accents of the same green as his hair.
“Your Highness, do you think it is—”
“I think it is unwise to quarrel with me on the matter. Hand me the trident.” Adrastia motioned to the other soldier, who gaped at her. He handed over the trident and Adrastia tested it in her grasp. She spun to look at Loch, arching her brows.
“By all means, have fun.” Loch could have ended it there and told them to ease their arguments, that Adrastia was a decorated soldier in her own right, but where was the fun in that? Moving his hand beneath his chin, he kept a smile at bay and watched the spar ensue.
The mermaid motioned for the soldier to begin, his bone sword held across his torso before he used one powerful stroke of his tail to send him through the water. Adrastia waited for the right time, lifting the trident, and caught the blade in the tines.
Where the soldier was stronger and quite obviously a skilled swimmer, he was foolishly spending more energy, while Adrastia used conservative strikes. Each one strategically used to test the soldier’s strength and weakness.
Twisting the trident, Adrastia gave it a yank which pulled the sword from the disoriented mer’s grasp. “Never underestimate your opponent,” she said, bending in half as she picked up the sword. “Mermaid or not. It doesn’t matter. You’re foolish to think only mermen are capable of fighting and beating your tail.”
Loch snorted. Clearly they were, but that was Selith—all tradition and very little progression. As a whole, the kingdom did not do well with change, and he couldn’t say he was much different.
“Beg your pardon, Your Highness.” The electric green merman bowed at the waist, wincing not in physical pain but the blow to his ego.
“Again,” she said out loud.
Pink frills aside, Adrastia looked the part of a warrior as she continued her assault on the soldiers. The trident swept through the water, catching the blades, and when she was approached from behind, the butt of the weapon jabbed the would-be assailant in the gut.
She was a flurry of movements, creating a whirlpool of excitement around her, and yet she shouted instructions to the soldiers, too. So as she battled them she taught them as well.
By the time it was settled all of them were panting heavily—all of them except Loch.
“That will be enough,” Loch said and waved for them to disperse. As much as he’d rather tread the water and watch, there were things to attend to. Although he doubted Ruari had returned with any news he had other aspects to deal with, such as the general of the army. It was a blessing that Adrastia was here—she could help.
Once inside the palace, Adrastia sighed. “I’m disappointed you didn’t join,” Adrastia teased as she looked to Loch.
“And steal the spotlight? Never.” He swam by her side and shook his head as she chuckled. “Soon, when my time isn’t spent.” His blue gaze grew distant, shuttering any emotions that may have filtered to the surface. Loch’s days were currently spent planning the inevitable battle and possible demise of his people.
“Your alliances wouldn’t let you falter; they’ve been waiting for you, Loch. Send word to them and let them know. It’s not a sign of weakness to need aid.” She darted past him, flicking her tail to create bubbles which popped against Loch’s face. “I will see you in a little while.”
A frown marred his face as he watched her speed off. She was right—the alliances needed to know, and although they knew what had occurred a month ago, they had to know the current situation. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he muttered a curse and swam off to his study.
A stone shelf against the wall in the study held several conch shells that were waiting to be used as messages. A few moments ticked by before Kai entered the room expectantly. Only one that held magic could enchant a shell—Loch was without magic entirely.
Dutifully, Kai swam up to the shelf and took a conch from the row of them. He hummed a song and drew a sigil in the water; the conch in his grasp began to glow and hum with energy.
“Speak when ready, sire.”
The message was short: Selith is in dire need of assistance as the Kraken is rising again. This time we aim to kill him. Any and all aid is appreciated.
“Thank you, Kai. Please send those out immediately.” Draping himself across one of the chairs, Loch closed his eyes and dreamt of an easier time—when he was only a guppy and the only care he had was protecting Ruari.
“As you wish, sir.” Kai dismissed himself with the conchs floating behind him.
There was silence but for a moment and then a voice called out, “You don’t get to see a school of conch every day.”
Loch’s eyes popped open as he looked at his brother. “How did it go, Ruari?”
“…better than expected. You had several Galathea members ready to move from the kingdom altogether—I smoothed things over when I said you were not banning magic altogether but only the public practice of it.” Ruari’s lips pressed together as he leaned against the doorway.
“That isn’t true,” he ground out, then sighed. “Will they aid us?” Loch wasn’t fond of how desperate he sounded at the moment.
“The more distant covens haven’t reached out, but those closer will aid us.” Ruari’s eyes cast downward. “I’m not here for long. We need to vote on who becomes the coven leader—even if only for a brief time.”
Loch’s jaw clenched. He warred with warning his brother against it. Although there would be no persuading a coven to cease their practicing, he supposed. They wouldn’t be public about it and would continue on. This whole thing was a mess.
“I just wanted you to know.”
“Thank you, Ruari. I’ll be meeting with the general soon and discussing our timeline. How much longer do you think until he’s fully unbound?”
Chewing on his bottom lip, Ruari shrugged a shoulder. “It is difficult to say—a day—a few days? It will not be long if his magic is strong enough to snake out of the crevice.”
The entire army couldn’t camp out at the crevice, but a few of them could, yet Loch didn’t want to spare a single soldier unless he had to. “Can you feel it when he shifts?”
“Yes, it’s a strange feeling, but I can.”
“Strong enough to alert us when he’s loose?” Loch pressed.
Running a hand through his hair, Ruari nodded his head. “Yes.”
Considering this, Loch weighed his options out. This would benefit them and ensure they lost fewer men. “Please let me know if you feel anything,” he implored, his gaze searching Ruari’s. He had seen the marks on his throat and witnessed what that wretched Kraken was capable of.
Not again and not this time. That damnable creature would be obliterated to the depths this time.
That evening, Loch’s body yearned for sleep. He felt each limb relax, waiting for the inevitable interruption, but it didn’t come. He fell into a light slumber.
“Your Highness!” Shouts filled the corridor outside his room.
Sleep would have to wait. “What in the depths,” he murmured and shoved his blanket off of his form. Swimming from his bed he hurriedly threw open the door only to meet the gaze of a panic-stricken guard.
“It’s your brother…” the guard’s voice trailed off as soldiers filled the corridor. He peered over his shoulder and down the hall.
Loch brushed by the guard and swam toward the commotion. Adrenaline ran through his veins, overtaking whatever grogginess had been there. He didn’t need to hear what had happened; all he needed to know was that Ruari was involved. Was he safe? Did someone discover him dead?
As he swam around the corner, bloodstained water came into view and it added more urgency to Loch’s movements. Once again, he shoved guards out of the way.
“Ruari!” Blood streamed from his brother’s mouth and nose, purple marks covered his neck and it brought back images from the day of the meeting.
“H…he…” a raspy voice emitted from Ruari, so unlike his gentle teasing tone.
“Don’t. Just nod your head—the bindings are gone?” Loch bent in half so he could lower himself to the floor. “Damn that monster to oblivion. Ruari, rest and I’ll deal with this.”
A grunt came from Ruari as he sat up, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head. “No,” he said in a rough voice. “I’m coming.” He swiped at the hands trying to pin him down and pushed himself up.
By now more mer flooded into the corridor, including Adrastia. She furrowed her brows and made her way toward Loch. “What can I do?”
In truth, Loch wanted nothing more than to shelter his future bride and yet he knew he couldn’t. “See what responses we’ve received and send the conchs to those who are nearby. Today is the day.” He swiped a hand down his face and helped his brother up. “Who did you choose to lead the coven?”
“Zinnia.”
Something about that notion unsettled Loch—he had seen her siphon magic from another, which Loch knew wasn’t entirely dark but it was something the Kraken could do and once he tapped into a person’s magic… He grimaced and eyed Ruari. A small trail of blood still ran into the water.
“Very well, call to her and gather the coven.”
Much like before, everything happened in a flurry. Loch commanded his staff with precision and by the end of his orders he felt dizzy. Conchs had been sent, Selith’s army was preparing for battle, the Galathea coven and Tonga would be there. Whether or not the supporting covens would also join was unknown—none had expected the bindings to break loose after only a month.
Loch was not exempt from battle. While some may have thought their soon-to-be-king should have remained behind he was not going to hide, especially not since Adrastia would be out in the open water fighting. So, alone in his private quarters save for his servants, war armor was draped across his person.
First the vivid blue sea serpent armor was pulled over his head, the collar was adorned with what appeared to be silver seashells, but they were engraved bone to protect his neck. Vambraces in the same armor covered his arms and lastly a helm in the shape of a dragon’s skull was placed over his head. The very same sword his father had held last month glinted in the lighting as it was handed to him.
“It is time,” he stated.
In his lifetime, Loch hadn’t seen war. He had witnessed the battle at the crevice, but he had been spared the worst of it. This time he’d be amongst his men in the thick of it.
Father would know what to say to his men. He’d address them regally, instilling hope and ferocity in them, but Loch wasn’t his father; he wasn’t even Ruari. His eyes searched the water. What could he say to them? He grit his teeth and schooled his features.
“Today we finally lay this wretched beast to waste. The Kraken has taken what belongs to us, our security, our king, our elders, and we will not stand for this. It will be a difficult battle, but you do your kingdom and your ruler proud. Fight with all your heart. For Selith!”
A collective chant went out amongst the men as they raised their chosen weapons into the water. Adrenaline and tension nearly tangible in the water, they all looked as if they were ready to launch into action at any moment.
Beside Loch, Adrastia reached her hand out to take his. “For Selith,” she said quietly. “You look remarkable, Your Highness.” The backs of her hands were studded with sharp pieces of bone. Loch wasn’t the only royal dressed for war. Adrastia wore a similar armor to Loch’s. It wasn’t as elaborate, given that it had belonged to one of the soldiers, but it still gave her a fierce appearance.
“Are you certain I cannot convince you to stay behind?” Loch was concerned about having Ruari and Adrastia in the open water—would they distract him with worry?
Placing her hand against his chest, she walked her fingers up until she poked under his chin. “I am quite certain there is nothing you could do or say to stop me. I will fight by your side.”
Loch sighed heavily, hoping that at least some tension would ease with it, but there was no relief found. “It’s time to go.” Moving toward his awaiting mount, Loch pulled himself up and Adrastia did the same with her hippocampus.
The energy was nauseating and at the same time there was a thrill that rang through him. The very idea that the Kraken would finally meet his end was an intoxicating notion.
“We ride.” A simple statement, but one that caused the army to swell with roars once again. Loch’s gaze darted around the crowd—Ruari was nowhere to be found and he wondered if he was staying behind to rest.
“He’s not here. He told me in passing that he was with Zinnia.”
“Just as well.” Idly, Loch wondered if Ruari would be able to sing and if that was the wicked beast’s intention earlier. Clucking to his mount, the water horse pulled himself through the current and rapidly built up speed as they all progressed toward the crevice.
Halfway to the crevice, dread began to creep into Loch’s veins. Doubts blackened whatever hope had been brewing in his mind, and there was an eerie calm to the water. Not one single squid scuttled around, no fish darting to and fro—nothing. It was as if the life had been sucked from the water entirely, which, when he thought about it, was quite possible.
Movement from the corner of his eye brought his attention toward a rock formation. Above it familiar faces swam. Ruari, Zinnia, Jager and an assortment of other mer. It wasn’t just the Galathea Coven, of that he was certain. No, this was a collection of several covens.
Ruari swam close enough that as he spoke, Loch could hear him. “The others pooled their way here to speed up their arrival.”
Pooling, from what Loch understood, was when a mer created a whirlpool but instead of remaining in one spot the mer could control it and therefore create a drilling motion through the water. It quickened their journey, and the stronger their magic, the faster they could go.
With a flick of the hand Loch motioned for the army to move forward. The seafloor seemed to quake and it had grown black. Dark sinews snaked across the rocks and coral, seemingly leeching the life from it. Horror made Loch’s heart pound, but he pressed forward and kept his eyes scanning the area.
A tremor caused a new rift in the seascape, a thunderous crack sounding as it zig-zagged its way toward the approaching army. It wasn’t meant to be an attack, at least Loch didn’t think so. If it was, it would have struck them. Grimacing, they continued until there was no denying what was in the distance.
Black tendrils floated in the water. The Kraken’s serpentine head cocked to the side, his brow bones shifting as he assessed the cavalry. A grating noise erupted in the water, sounding much like a chuckle and yet wholly unnatural.
“I see you received my messages.” The Kraken pulled himself free of the hole, his clawed fingers scraping against rock and creating a sound worthy of teeth gnashing. “I have you now… I’ve only just begun, Your Highness,” he said mockingly. Sweeping his massive hand-like appendage to the side, he bowed.
“If that’s what you call slaughtering more innocent merfolk, then yes, Kriegen, I have received your messages and today will be your last day.”
Another grating laugh escaped the sea monster. “You’re all talk, little pufferfish.” The Kraken stood to his full height, flexing his limbs which had grown stiff from lack of use. “And I’m done with words.”
Loch’s eyes darted toward the side. Ruari and the two covens were beginning their spells. He could hear Jager coaching them as they built wards around themselves and began to work on the ones that extended to the army. Jealousy had never occurred to Loch, but times like this he felt utterly useless.
The general shouted ord
ers and the soldiers obeyed. Some of them were frozen and clearly on the verge of inking themselves.
Adrastia had been right, was right—what were swords against magic? Nothing, Loch thought miserably.
Magic was everything to the Kraken though and he wasted no time weaving a black orb of energy. He sent it hurtling toward the awaiting soldiers, who for the most part were fortunate to move out of the way. Some were not so fortunate. The Kraken wasn’t satisfied being stationary—he had been for far too long, and began to move. His hands reached out and the tentacles that grew from his forearms lashed out like feelers, trying to snare an unfortunate mer.
One nearly did, but Loch sprang from his mount and unsheathed his sword. Raising the weapon above his head he slashed down in a powerful movement. Initially the blade sunk into the sinewy flesh, but then the hide seemed to harden—as if it were growing scales. It was impossible and yet it was happening before his eyes.
Quickly, Loch yanked the sword out and searched the immediate area. The Kraken was rounding on him, which was good; he could serve as a distraction and let the witches work their magic on him. A curse rang out across the way, and Loch’s eyes snapped toward Ruari, who held his hand out.
The Kraken would not to be fooled this time and he wouldn’t hesitate before lashing out. He had been bound twice now—had spent centuries locked away—this time it would be the end for one of them.
Either the mer or the Kraken would die today.
Loch darted beneath one of the tentacles slapping down. He recalled his father’s body being obliterated by one, and yet there was a more pressing matter at hand—his brother. “You fool!” he cried out just as Ruari began to form a barrier around the Kraken. It wasn’t going to last for very long.
Soldiers behind Loch began to assault the monster to no end, but Loch pressed on toward his brother and dipped beneath the muscled tendrils. When he made it to Ruari’s side he was puffing heavily. “He isn’t playing games this time.”
“No he isn’t,” Jager bit out. “The swords and tridents will do nothing, and our magic—” His words were cut off as the sea floor shifted and opened up. For a split second they gaped at the abyss beneath them.
Secrets of Galathea Volume 1 Page 13