by W. J. May
She gave him a blank stare. “I don’t understand.”
“They’re movies. Movies are like pictures of people that move on a big screen,” Brady horribly tried to explain.
Karis gave a slight laugh. “I know what movies are, I just wasn’t familiar with the ones you mentioned.” She rested a hand on his arm. “Anyway, most of the cultures in one way or another at some point in time on Earth, were taken from our worlds. Each visit has an impact. One traveler might be noticed because of his style or fashion, but then Earth mimics it and it becomes a new trend. In our worlds, things don’t change like that. Since the beginning, we have dressed the same way, talked the same way, our cultures have never really changed.”
Magnus nodded at Karis and then looked at Brady. “That’s true. Earth is highly receptive. Earth seems to adapt to its otherworldly visitors in odd ways. I have to admit, your nineteen-seventies must have been exciting for you. We knew of certain tourists from Cacada that have unusual and farfetched forms of socialism that leaked into your society.
“There are still some cultures that haven’t changed since I’ve been there, but most shift into a different form of each other. We can always tell who’s been visiting for long periods of time when Earth’s society becomes altered.”
“Wow, that makes so much sense, yet it’s so bizarre.” Brady ran his hands through his hair.
Magnus cleared his throat and gestured to his guests. “If we could, I’d like to introduce Azul.”
“I am happy to meet you,” Karis said as she held her hand out for him.
He grasped it, pulled it to his lips, and kissed her fingers lightly. He held her hand there for a moment and looked up with his grey eyes. “We’ve met before, Karis.”
Images flashed through her mind as he touched her. Everything she’d forgotten came back in a steady flow. Her mouth went dry, and she pulled her hand back. Instinctively, she took a step back and settled closer to Brady. “Yes. I’m sorry. I remember now, it’s just been a long time.”
Azul tipped his head. “You forgot about me?”
“More like suppressed my memory of you. It was painful to have reminders on Earth when I had no hope.”
Brady stepped forward and cleared his throat. “I’m Brady.” He held out his hand, and Azul took it with a curt nod of his head, but his gaze never left Karis.
Magnus looked at Brady, and then gestured with his head to the dining hall. “Why don’t you come in here with me and let these two catch up.”
Karis’s eyes widened. She reached out for Brady’s arm. “No, you can stay.”
Azul frowned. “I hoped we could talk.”
“Things are not the same, Azul. My father is gone, and I was banished. The agreement you had with my father is void.”
Brady stiffened. “Wait a minute, what agreement?”
“She didn’t tell you? I’m her betrothed.” Azul gave Brady a smug grin.
Karis’s heart dropped to her stomach. “No, not anymore. We weren’t married before my father died, so I have the right to abolish that agreement, and I do.” She turned to Brady. His face was set in a firm stare toward Azul. “There was nothing between us but an agreement, I swear.”
He turned to her, his face softened. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. “I know.”
Azul glared at Brady. “She deserves a good man. Someone that doesn’t just want to fool around, but one that plans to be with her forever. A man who will love her.”
“She has one,” Brady assured him.
Karis wanted to scream and cry at the same time. Hearing Brady say that made her want to melt, but she wished it were on different terms. She knew he wouldn’t come to that conclusion lightly.
“Come on now, we have more to talk about than this.” Magnus tried to break the tension.
“Indeed.” Azul smiled at Karis. “We’ll have lots of time to talk later.”
Seven more men she didn’t recognize sat around the table. They were already chewing their food and washing it down with the honey water that Alexis so graciously made.
Karis went to the woman. “Thank you so much. It smells wonderful.”
“Of course. I couldn’t have you leaving tonight without a proper meal.”
Leaving? Tonight? Is that why all the men from Shamike are here? Karis fumbled with the hem of her shirttail. “Well, thank you for that.”
She sighed when she saw the only space left open was in between Brady and Azul. She could feel their tension from across the room. This is going to be a long dinner.
Chapter Eleven
“We still aren’t sure where to have you enter, Princess.” Azul reached for another piece of bread. “There are guards set up everywhere, and I don’t have enough men to handle all of them at once.”
She should’ve known he would be the one in charge of the underground army. He was her father’s greatest soldier, but that was a long time ago.
“What about water?” Brady asked as he poured another cup of honey water.
Azul raised a brow. “What about water? We need a place for her to sneak in, not bathe.”
She knew what Brady was thinking. “The Shank Sea,” she whispered to herself.
“What was that?” Azul leaned in closer. Brady tensed as Azul placed his hand over Karis’s.
“The Shank Sea. We can enter in the sea. It’s brilliant.” She moved her hand and smiled at Brady.
Azul cleared his throat. “Yes, brilliant, except for the fact that it’s hundreds of miles in any direction and I have no way of protecting you on the water. It would take us forever by boat to even reach that far.”
Brady nodded as he looked into her eyes. “Brilliant.”
“Did either of you just hear what I said? It’s too far, too dangerous.”
Magnus chuckled. “Azul, my friend, the water is of no concern to them. Coron marked them with the gift of the Syrenae.”
Azul sharply sucked in air, his eyes wide. He turned to Karis. “Show me.”
“You don’t have to, Karis.” Brady placed his hand on her shoulder.
“It’s okay, really.” She pushed the shoulder of her tunic down low, exposing her bare shoulder and collarbone. Her Syrenae insignia shimmered with a pale pink.
Azul stared at the symbol that obviously trailed lower than what she showed. “How did this happen?”
She pulled her shirt back up and fixed it so it wouldn’t fall. “Coron tricked us. He needed us to be as close to Tharious as possible when he showed up. He knew Tharious would be making a portal outside the city of Perditus. He had me searching for the portal, but we needed to swim through the water to reach the other city. He sacrificed giving us the precious gift to capture us, but his plan failed.”
“I know of no one else who has ever received the gift without being born of a Syrenae.”
“Well, now you’ve met two.”
Azul narrowed his eyes at Brady. “You too?”
Brady stood and opened his robe all the way, letting it fall off his shoulders. His green swirled marking glistened against his skin. “Yes, me too.” He sat back down. “So you see, she won’t be alone in the water, I’ll be there to protect her.”
Azul’s face tightened. Karis knew he wanted to speak out against Brady, but there was no other logical way for her to enter Shamike without causing an uproar of some sort, or them being captured. “Alright, but you guard her with your life. We haven’t come this far just to lose her to some boy’s foolish pride.”
She knew Brady well enough to know he boiled over with anger. She could feel it radiate from him. “Now that we have a plan, we should get some rest. If we leave around sundown, we can meet you in the morning, in Shamike. Where exactly do you want to meet?” She hoped she broke up the conversation enough to keep an argument, or worse—an all-out fight—from happening.
Azul leaned back in his chair, his arm draped over the back. “We should meet in the gardens. No one ever goes there anymore.”
She knew wha
t he talked about. In her mind, she could see all the vibrant colors of all kinds of exotic flowers. It was the place he would come to meet with her when she was a young teenager. He picked a flower for her each time and was nothing but respectful. He always talked to her about the day when they would be together. She glanced down and played with her napkin. “I know where you mean.”
“Good. I’ll see you in the morning then, Princess.” He rose, and so did his men. “Magnus, you are a gracious host. Thank you so much for allowing us to meet here.”
Magnus stood also. “It’s my pleasure.”
After the men left Brady relaxed in his seat. “Uncle, I am not sure whether you are for me, or against me.”
“No, you’re my nephew, and I am glad you have Karis. I want your happiness, just as your father would want it.”
“I really don’t like that guy.” Brady took another long swallow of water.
“I wish I was going with you. I’d like to see how it works out.”
Brady snapped his head toward Magnus. “You aren’t coming?”
“No, I’m needed here. Rais believes that if we all left, there would be no one to protect Aridam from Tharious, but I’ll be here when you return victorious.” His face looked wistful, but he quickly turned his attention to his wife.
“I’m going to go lay down for a bit.” Karis stood. “Thank you again, Alexis, it was wonderful. Magnus, thank you.” She turned to Brady. “You can stay and talk. You know where I’ll be.”
Magnus reached out for Alexis. “We’ll let you two talk for a moment. I’ll be right back.”
Brady took Karis’s hand and pulled her down to his level where he still sat. “I meant it,” he whispered.
She cocked her head. “Meant what?”
“What I said to Azul. I’ll protect you.” He stared into her eyes and hesitated for a moment. “I love you.”
Her stomach flipped and thousands of butterflies released, flapping around inside her. She couldn’t hold back a smile. She was too happy even to try. Everything was so clear at that moment. “I love you too.” She didn’t expect to fall so hard for him, but she did. She would no longer hold back her feelings for him.
He reached with his other hand around her neck, pulled her down to his lap, and kissed her. It was deep and powerful. Her body burned as it connected with his on a level only known by them. Everything and everyone became a black void in their minds, long forgotten. Even Magnus and Alexis were beyond comprehension as the world swirled and carried them off. He made his claim on her with three words and a single kiss. She was his.
Brady checked his pouch and made sure their clothes were safely stored away for when they found land. “Here.” He handed her the necklace. “You should wear it as we travel in case something happens.”
Karis closed her fingers around the familiar pendant tightly before pulling the chain over her head. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
“So, as soon as the portal closes we need to change. At the first drop of water.” Karis couldn’t stress her point enough. “Just don’t let go of me.” The deep fear of not being able to change like the first time crept through her mind.
“Never.”
She inhaled quickly trying calm her thrashing heart. “Okay, just like last time, only we are going to concentrate on the portal and the Shank Sea.”
He nodded. “Got it.”
Just like before, she thrust her arms up and silver mixed with sand danced around them. The funnel grew and swirled into the sky.
“Ready?” she hollered.
He gave her hand a tight squeeze.
The bright light flashed, and moisture filled the air. She looked into his eyes and sucked in a breath just in case.
Brady’s tail was formed before the portal shut completely, and to her surprise, so was hers. The funnel crashed down, and they were submerged in water.
It was dark that deep under the water, but she was still able to see Brady. Her hair fell out of the tie and floated around her in slow wispy motions. She pointed up. He followed her finger and nodded.
Together, they flipped their tails and swam toward the surface of the sea. Brady was the first to poke his head out of the water. She laughed as she wiped her face with her hands and ran them back to move her hair. “I can’t believe we did it.”
“This is so unbelievable. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought something so incredible could be real. To think mermaids and portals existed.” He chuckled and shook his head.
“Syrenae,” she corrected.
He smirked. “Yeah, well, after being on Earth my whole life I say mermaid.”
“Yes, merman.”
The moon was still out, but the sky was turning a lighter blue, letting them know it wouldn’t be long before the morning sun rose. “I guess we better get going. Azul will be at the gardens waiting for us soon.”
Brady frowned. “You mean he’s waiting for you.”
“Don’t start. You know how I feel about you.”
“I know. I just don’t like how he acts toward you, even knowing you are with someone else.”
“Come on, Mr. Jealous.” She dove back into the water.
Brady’s voice entered her head, “For the record, I am not jealous. I’m just concerned.”
The sea looked much the same as the ocean that surrounded Perditus. They didn’t stop until they got to the shore. They slowly pushed through the water’s surface just enough for their heads to emerge, treading water as they looked around. Bluish, metal docks floated on top of the water. Brady shook his head. “You have a high-tech world, but dress like pirates. Strange.”
She laughed. “I told you we don’t need to change much. Earth is the one that does that.”
“Yes, but it seems strange. I expected shiny outfits and flying hoverboards.”
“I already told you, no hoverboards.” She laughed.
The city was still lit up and looked monstrous against the early morning sky. The skyline itself was enough to make anyone feel small and humble. Tall buildings with spear-like points rose high above, as if they wanted to touch the clouds. Each had lights that gave off a steady glow. Windows covered all floors and beckoned each eye to stare inside and witness the exquisite floor plan.
On the outside of the city, things were much plainer. Near where they bobbed in the water, Karis could make out the tiny humble homes that lined the sea. This was her favorite part of Shamike. She loved the small towns that lined the city, and the people who made up the lower class. They were so real and full of life, and always made her feel accepted. It was those people that she wanted to fight for and keep safe.
Even across the sea in other smaller towns and cities, they always welcomed her with open arms. She swallowed a lump in her throat and turned away. “We better get out of the water before someone sees us.” She looked around to make sure no one was around and jumped up onto the dock.
Her tail disappeared. She tried to fold herself up into a ball while she waited for Brady.
“Here.” He pulled out a set of pants for her from his bag and pulled on his own set.
“It’s a good thing we only change into Syrenae when we want. Can you imagine all the clothes we would ruin?” She giggled as she watched him wring out his vest.
He pulled her to her feet. “I can imagine a lot of things with you.”
“And you say I’m the tease.” She held her hand out. “Can I have my sandals please?”
He opened the bag and pulled out both their sandals. “I assume you know where we’re at, and where we need to go from here to get to the garden?”
“Yes. We’re just south of the palace.” She looked up. All the lights in the castle lit up, making her childhood home the tallest beacon for all in Shamike to behold. She gestured with her head. “That’s it right up there.”
“Holy crap. That thing? That’s where you grew up?” He let out a small whistle. “That’s a huge house. Heck, that’s not even a house, that’s a mansion.”
“You have me now. You know you won’t ever be alone again, right?”
She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying. “I know.” She didn’t want to think of those things. Neither one of them truly knew how the end would turn out.
They walked in silence. Brady was ever watchful as they snuck through the city in back alleyways, staying in the shadows.
Karis wanted to be happy that she was home, but too much changed. It was darker, drabber. A depression had settled over the once-happy place. Her father worked so hard to create a peaceful realm in which to live, but it didn’t seem like the same place she grew up as a Princess.
She felt sick to her stomach. After seeing the gloom in Shamike, she didn’t feel that she had the honor to call herself Princess anymore. She unwillingly let her people down, but she would do what it took to make it right.
“It’s just up ahead,” she whispered as she stopped. They stood outside a home that she knew well.
“What’s wrong?” Brady asked in a hushed voice.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about life a long time ago. This used to be Corina’s home.”
“Corina?”
“She was my best friend.” Karis didn’t want to dig into the emotional memories anymore, so she walked away. She stole one more glance over her shoulder at the house and noticed a light flicker on. She hoped whoever was inside hadn’t seen her.
They reached the outside of the palace grounds, and Karis scooted along the stone wall that served as security.
“Where are we going? I thought we had to go through the gate.”
She raised a finger to her lips. “Shhh. It’s guarded. We have to sneak in the back. There’s a place only myself and a couple other people know about.” She only hoped it was still there.
Low overhanging branches from trees blocked their path. Karis ducked and crawled through with Brady close behind her.
She stopped. “Okay, I might need your help.” She pushed against the stone wall. “Yup, I need your help.” She stood back and held her palm up toward the wall. She still wasn’t strong enough to make it move by herself. Even in her younger years she didn’t have the power to move it and needed Azul to do so for her.