Wait. Her hand was moist. No pearls littered the rock around Savion.
Shouts, curses, and water sloshing sounded behind her. A pistol fired. The chime of a blade rang in the wind. Fire crackled, and wood creaked and sizzled as it fell into the sea. But she would not take her eyes off Savion. A wave crashed over her, nearly pushing her from him, and she drew up her legs for a better grip.
Legs.
She had transformed into a human. But how could that be? She’d been in the water. She took Savion’s hand in hers. True, he had died for her, but it was past ephemeral redemption. Oh, what did it matter? She cared not whether she was human or mermaid or a sea slug. She just wanted Savion back.
“Savion.” She kissed his hand and drenched it with her tears. “Savion, please come back to me.”
Petrok, Nuto, and three others from Savion’s crew sloshed toward her. Haddeus dropped before his captain and took his pulse. His baleful groan filled the air.
“What have you done?” Agony screamed in Petrok’s voice. “You’ve killed him!” He fell beside his captain while Nuto merely stood there, horrified.
“He died saving me.” Perdita wept, her words coming out muffled and hollow.
Petrok’s face reddened. Tears filled his eyes. He shoved her aside and enlisted the others to help carry Savion to the beach. Perdita trudged after them, barely able to move for the guilt and sorrow weighing her down.
They laid their master gently on the sand. Hona came running up the beach and fell on his captain and wailed, his cries stabbing Perdita’s heart. The others kneeled around him weeping, moaning, staring in shock at the man they had all loved. How long they all sat there, Perdita couldn’t say. Long enough for the wind to blow the clouds away, long enough for the sun to make an appearance before it sank listless and dull toward the horizon as if it, too, mourned the loss of a great man.
Wind blew Savion’s hair into his face, and she gently brushed it away.
“We should go.” Petrok finally said, his voice empty.
The words crushed her.
“Where?” Hona asked.
“Home. We will take him to his home.”
The men nodded and each rose to their feet.
Perdita’s heart turned to stone. She tried to stand, but her legs kept folding beneath her. Nuto assisted her up. Her insides collapsed, knowing she’d never see Savion again, never hear his voice, see him smile, see the light and wisdom and care in his eyes.
“Come along.” Petrok motioned for her to join them.
She stepped back. “I can’t.”
“Listen, I know I was angry—am angry—with you. But Savion would want us to look out after you.”
Hona gripped her arm. “Do come with us, Perdita.”
But she couldn’t. She’d done enough damage. These men hated her and for good reason. In truth, she hated herself. “Nay. Please go. I’ll be all right here.”
It would seem Petrok had no fight left within him for he simply nodded. She watched as Savion’s men reverently carried him to a boat and rowed him to the Scepter. She watched as they gently lifted him up the ladder and hoisted him over the railing.
She watched until she saw him no more.
But her now-human body would be a constant reminder of his love. The one true love who had been willing to die for her.
Chapter 30
Seven months later
Perdita balanced her boots on the foredeck of the Victory as the ship crested a wave and then crashed down the other side. Spray came sweeping aft, cooling her skin and depositing liquid diamonds on her waistcoat and breeches. Above her, sails filled to near bursting while a sky spanned the sea in a bowl of star-twinkling black.
“Where to, Captain?” Her first mate, Jard, slid beside her and scanned the horizon.
She gripped the amulet—Savion’s amulet—hanging around her neck. It began to heat as it always did when she was needed on an important mission—just as she and her crew had done yesterday in Renok. Rescuing a town from an incoming tsunami hadn’t been the hard part. ’Twas fighting off the influx of Natas’s forces who’d been waiting to infiltrate after the damage was done. But she’d chosen her crew well. Strong, brave men who were more than willing to serve a female captain as long as they got to fight Natas’s hordes and extend the kingdom for King Abbas.
Then again, she’d learned from the best.
Her first mate shifted his stance, awaiting her answer. But although the amulet warmed, no direction came from within. There was the usual peace and, oddly, a bit of rising excitement. But no guidance. “I don’t know,” she answered. “Keep heading east. We shall see what awaits us there.”
He touched his hat with the tip of his finger and sped off.
A golden glow rose on the horizon, announcing a new day—a new day of adventure and purpose, a new day that would take her to places she’d never been, to help others she’d never met. Grunts and groans brought her around to see her crew emerging from hatches, rubbing their eyes, and shuffling to their daily duties. She faced forward again and smiled, still not believing that a once-cursed mermaid was captain of a ship full of warriors! Warriors who fought on the side of good.
She gripped the hilt of the cutlass at her side. Thus far, they had done much good as they scoured the Ancient Seas, following where the amulet led. They set captives free, healed the sick, fed the hungry and thirsty, brought hope to the hopeless, sheltered the homeless, comforted the despondent, and defeated Natas’s hordes wherever they found them.
’Twas all so incredible, this grand adventure she was on, and one she did not deserve.
After Savion died, she had wallowed in self-pity and despair for more than a month, not eating, barely drinking, and longing for a death that would soon come now that she was mortal. But Savion called to her on the wind, in the crash of the waves, the beauty of the sunset. She would not allow his death to be for naught. She would not. She would follow in his footsteps, do the good that he had done. Pick up the mission where he left off.
How could she do any less after he had given his life for her?
The sun peered above the horizon in an arc of gold, spreading ribbons over the sea in every color of the rainbow.
Perdita squinted against its brilliance and closed her eyes, allowing its warmth to wash away the chill of night.
“A sail! A sail!” one of her top men yelled from above. “Straight off the bow.”
Plucking the telescope from her belt, Perdita focused it toward the sun. Out of the brilliant glow, the stark outline of masts and sails appeared, growing larger and larger.
Jard and Aiden appeared beside her. “Who is she?”
Perdita shook her head, trying to focus on the ensign flapping from her mainmast. “I don’t know.” She lowered the scope. “Ready the guns just in case, Mr. Aiden.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“She’s coming fast!” Her first mate whistled. “It’s like she’s flying over the water.”
Indeed, she was. Yet Perdita felt no fear, no trepidation. She curled fingers around the amulet, felt its warmth, saw its glow, but still naught but excitement burned within her.
The Victory lurched to starboard. Wood creaked and blocks rattled as sails snapped above. Creamy foam bubbled over the bow onto the deck. Balancing, Perdita raised the scope again. A stiff breeze gripped the ensign of the oncoming ship and flattened it for a moment. The flash of a lion with a scepter in its hand crossed her vision.
The Scepter! Her heart leapt. She shifted the glass to the deck. A bush of dark curly hair flopped in the breeze. Petrok? She adjusted the scope for a clearer view. It was Petrok! And Hona stood beside him.
“She signals for a parlay, Captain,” Jard said.
“Signal her back that we are happy to comply!” Perdita laughed and leapt down the foredeck ladder onto the main deck. “Lay aloft and furl tops and mains! Tack aweather! Bring us alongside our guests.”
Her crew scrambled to do her bidding, some leaping into the ratlines, others retrieving s
lack lines as sails were lowered. Soon the two ships slowed and heaved-to just yards apart. Lines were tossed, and both crews tugged until the ships thudded together.
Perdita could hardly contain herself. She leapt onto the bulwarks and flew over the railing of the Scepter, landing on the deck with a firm thud. This was Savion’s ship. His presence was still so strong, she could feel him, sense him, as if he still walked her decks. It did her heart good. It also did her good to see his crew.
Without waiting for permission, she flew into Petrok’s arms, not caring if he was still angry. Thankfully, he embraced her as if he were meeting an old friend. Elated, she withdrew and hugged Hona and Nuto and several others of the crew—all who seemed happy to see her.
Petrok smiled. “Perdita, you look well.”
“I am more than well. I am changed. I am doing Savion’s work now.”
At the mention of his name she expected sorrow to claim Petrok’s expression, but he only smiled wider, his eyes twinkling as if he knew a grand secret.
“You should join me!” She nearly burst with the idea. “The Scepter and the Victory, side by side, defeating Natas together! Won’t that be wonderful?”
“We will do that,” Hona said, snapping hair from his face. “Soon. But first there is something else you must do.”
Dread crept through Perdita. Despite their smiles—or mayhap because of them—she wondered if they intended to punish her for past sins. Make her walk the plank, keelhaul her, tie her to the mast, flog her, or mayhap all. She certainly deserved it. And more. She stepped forward, heart in her throat. “I’ll do whatever you require to atone for—”
“For what?” A voice interrupted Perdita from the companionway. It flowed past her ears like the dulcet tones of a cello. She knew that voice. But it couldn’t be.
Light hair appeared, then his glorious face, and then the fullness of him as he walked toward her in his tan breeches and white open shirt with his sun-kissed hair blowing behind him. She blinked. Nay! Savion was dead. This was just a vision, a dream conjured by her longing, her need for him.
She kept staring, taking in all the details she remembered, knowing that soon he would fade away or transform into one of the Scepter’s sailors.
But he didn’t. He stopped before her, gazing at her with those piercing gold eyes of his that always spoke more than words could say. Now they were saying love, hope, joy, peace … all the things she wanted her heart to embrace, but feared to because she didn’t deserve them.
“It’s me, Perdita. Never fear.” He brought her hand to his for a kiss.
She stumbled backward, and he put an arm around her waist.
“You’re alive? But … how? I saw you die.” Blood rushed from her head. His kiss, his touch— they felt so real.
“You best get her some water before she faints,” Savion said to Hona as he led her to sit atop a barrel. “My crew brought me home, where my father healed me. He has power over death.”
“Home?” Perdita rubbed her temples.
“Nevaeh.”
She gaped at him. Now she knew she was dreaming. “No one knows how to get to Nevaeh.”
“I know the way.” He smiled and glanced over his crew. “Besides, my father is the king.”
Breath fled her lungs, and she gripped the edges of the barrel. “You are the son of King Abbas? You are the prince of Nevaeh?”
“I am.”
Perdita dropped to her knees, her mind whirling with all the horrible things she’d done to this man—the prince! She’d used him, lied to him. Zost! She’d tried to seduce him! More than once she’d tried to get him killed.
Finally she did just that, when it was the last thing she wanted.
Would he now sentence her to death and worse—send her to some horrible dungeon? Trembling, she bowed her head. “My lord and my king.”
“And you, Perdita, are my princess. Rise.” He took her hand and helped her to her feet. Baffled, she stared at him. Princess? This couldn’t be happening. Dreams didn’t come true for women like her. She rubbed her eyes, trying to settle her whirling thoughts and emotions.
But when she focused on him again, he smiled and gently kissed her cheek, his eyes sparkling with delight. “I believe you owe me a wedding.”
Epilogue
If you combined all the fables and stories and descriptions of Nevaeh and then enhanced them a hundredfold, it would never come close to how glorious it truly was. Everywhere Perdita turned, there was a new delight to discover. A melodious song. Food that sent her taste buds into ecstasy. A waterfall, lake, forest, canyon, or field of flowers that surpassed those in Erden a thousand times over. Colors she’d never seen before bursting vibrantly as though they were alive. Palatial buildings constructed entirely of gemstones that climbed upward toward a sky that was the most luminous blue she’d ever seen.
And best of all there was peace. The peace she had always longed for. There was love. The love that she’d always yearned for. Companionship. Every person in Nevaeh was kind and generous and good. She felt loved—and cherished. They all welcomed her as if she were royalty.
Now on her second evening there, as she stood before the altar in a massive cathedral, she realized she would truly become royalty. She would be a princess in a land she had never thought to see, let alone inhabit—and rule over.
She wore a shimmering white gown that flowed behind her in a magnificent train that stretched for yards. Silver embroidery adorned the lace at her neckline, sleeves, and hem. Tiny pearls were embedded in every inch of the silken fabric, making her shimmer in the candlelight.
A flock of gleeful women had curled her long hair, then entwined it with threads of rubies and diamonds, allowing it to flow down her back to her waist.
Savion stood beside her, more handsome than she’d ever seen him in his white doublet trimmed in gold braid covering a black cambric shirt. A purple cape hung from his shoulders to his knees, where white breeches retreated into golden boots. His jaw was strong, his hair slicked back, his eyes alight with love. He turned toward her and touched one of the pearls on her dress and smiled. He had told her that each one represented a tear she had shed in Erden. None had gone unnoticed and none had been wasted, for they now adorned her wedding gown.
Before her, a golden altar rose, and beyond it, a stained-glass window reached for the sky. A rainbow of colors arched across the glass with a single white dove above it. Beneath the window, Guardians of Nevaeh, decked in white and gold, stood in formation in full armor—the creatures of light she’d seen protecting Savion in Erden.
Behind Perdita, thousands upon thousands of joyful people filled the massive church, dressed in shimmering gowns and suits, their excited murmurs echoing like chimes in the domed ceiling.
More candles than Perdita could count flickered from golden lamp stands standing on either side of the altar and from sconces lining the walls. Sweet incense filled the room.
Savion’s father appeared before them. Upon her arrival, King Abbas had welcomed her into his family with open arms and brought her into his home for a grand party. It had only taken Perdita two days in his presence to realize he was the wisest, kindest man she’d ever met. Now, he smiled at her, his eyes twinkling.
Vows were spoken. Promises made. And when Savion kissed her, the crowd cheered and music swirled through the room. As was the custom in Nevaeh, the wedding feast lasted for seven days, filled with more merriment, joy, laughter, and delicacies than Perdita thought possible.
When all the festivities were concluded and the guests had gone home, Perdita and Savion retreated to their wedding lair, where they spent three glorious days alone. Now, they sat on the balcony overlooking a lake that was so pure and clear, it looked like glass. Wind blew the fragrance of sweet flowers over them.
Perdita leaned her head on Savion’s shoulder. “It’s so beautiful and peaceful here. I never want to leave Nevaeh.”
“I know, my love. I feel the same.” He stroked her hair. “But we have work to do. There a
re still many people in Erden suffering under the hand of Natas’s rule. We must go back and destroy Natas forever. We must set things right—the way my father intended. It is our destiny.”
She smiled. “Of course. You are right. How can I enjoy my happiness when so many suffer?”
He kissed her forehead. “Soon all suffering will end.”
She gazed up at him. “And I will be by your side forever.”
“Forever and ever and ever.” He leaned over and kissed her.
And so the adventure begins …
♥♥♥
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:17
If you would like to know more about the deeper meaning behind Tears of the Sea and why I wrote the story, please click on the following: Why I Wrote Tears of the Sea
Best-selling author MaryLu Tyndall dreamed of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. With more than fourteen books published, she makes no excuses for the deep spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and several stray cats on the California coast.
If you enjoyed this book, one of the nicest ways to say “thank you” to an author and enable them to continue writing is to leave a favorable review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Itunes, IBooks, and/or your favorite book site. I would appreciate it if you would take a moment to do so. Thanks so much!
Comments? Questions? I love hearing from my readers, so feel free to contact me via my website: http://www.marylutyndall.com or email me at [email protected]
Tears of the Sea Page 22