Cerulean Isle

by G. M. Browning

  “Order him to cease his mischief. You are the only one he listens to. If it does not stop, I will personally build a new jail cell for him.”

  “Be at ease, Waylin. I will talk to him.”

  I left the starboard bow and began my routine main deck walk. The crew greeted me as I passed. The sun was hot, but a frequent breeze blew off the sea, cool and calming. Waylin followed beside me. “Tell me of the people who call that strange land home.”

  “They are a peaceful tribe.”

  “Arawaks, possibly.”

  “No. They are not Arawaks at all. They speak English and have a basic understanding of our customs. Grant and I met with their leader and he wishes for his people and our crew to meet.”

  “Did they propose a time?”

  “Today. We are to venture back to the courtyard with the statues. They call it the Sacred Lagoon. Also, they have asked that we bear no arms while on their land.”

  Waylin’s brow dipped in disapproval. “That request will not sit well with the others.”

  “I understand, but what choice do we have? Remember that they are the people who saved our lives.”

  “I have met and befriended tribes from all over the world. This meeting will be no different.”

  “Well,” I began.

  “Well, what?”

  “Nothing. Come, I must call for a crew meeting and inform our men of what is to come.”

  I sounded the watchmen’s bell, and the crew assembled under the mainmast. Grant stood by me, his left arm in a sling and a smile on his face. Owen stood in front of the crew. The days in the sun had bronzed him and the darkened complexion hid his age even more. Being on the ship and out at sea had rejuvenated him. He looked strong and proud.

  I lifted my hand to call for their attention.

  “My friends,” I began. “Last night, Grant and I met the people of the island.” A speculative and excited murmur rustled through the crowd. “The provisions we found floating in the waters around Destiny are from them. They have invited us to meet on their land and agreed to help us.”

  “Who are they?” shouted one of the crewmates.

  “They are a peaceful tribe. We must meet with their leader and together we will decide the best way to repair our ship.”

  Hammock stepped forward. His face was troubled. “What do they want in return? Nothing is free.”

  “I don’t know what they will ask of us in return, but whatever it is would be within our means, I am sure. One would not borrow from a beggar.” I turned to the crew again. “The only request they have made is that we leave behind all arms. No one is to carry a weapon while on their land.”

  This condition upset the men, who broke into a clamor of protest. Owen stared at me strangely.

  “Is there a problem, Owen?” I asked.

  He smiled slowly. “You tell me, Jacob. I notice that you are not wearing the ruby shell necklace. Did you find the owner?”

  “Yes. I met the tribal woman who lost it and gave it back.”

  “It was no woman you met. Tell me, did you meet the six Keepers? Did you meet the one they call Sydin?”

  “We will talk of these matters later.”

  “Nay!” he yelled. The crew turned their attention on us. “We will talk of it now! You met the Mer of Cerulean Isle. You and Grant went on a private expedition and failed to include me. Damn you.”

  “Owen, please…”

  “I led you to safety and shared my wisdom with you. I bestowed my knowledge of the Mer. I worked for days helping to repair this worthless ship and when the time came to seek out the Water People, you went alone. Why did you leave me out? I’ll tell you all why! Because you still, after all I have done for you, believe me to be recklessly mad. Aye!” He turned to the crew and shouted, “Who is reckless after all? Captain Grant and quartermaster Jacob, they are the ones not worthy of trust. They have admitted that last night they abandoned this ship while we slept. They left us. Need I say more?”

  Waylin stepped forth and loomed over Owen. “You needn’t say more. You need to say less,” he growled. “Defame this crew one more time and you will regret it.”

  Owen spat in Waylin’s face.

  Waylin hauled back and struck him. Owen stumbled back, then moved toward Waylin who struck him again. This time Owen fell. Blood poured from his mouth. Waylin snatched him by the shirt and lifted him to his feet. Owen was disorientated. The crew looked on as Waylin pinned him against the mainmast.

  “You must be proud, Waylin,” mocked Owen. “Striking a man many years out of his prime. Aye, proud indeed.”

  “Silence! You will dishonor us with your madness no longer.”

  A bloody hiss of laughter came from Owen as the old pirate looked over at me. “Tell him, Jacob. Tell him, Grant. Tell them all that it was Merfolk you met. Do not lead them into danger.”

  “The Merfolk are not dangerous!” yelled Grant.

  “Then it is true?” asked Hammock. His sheer size demanded an answer.

  A silence fell over the crew. All eyes were on Grant and me. Even Waylin, though he kept Owen pressed against the mast, looked at us, waiting for the truth.

  “I said “Last night we met a tribe of people that have made this strange island their home. They are kind, peaceful, and yes…they are Merfolk. The Water People are real and this is one of their territories. They mean us no harm.”

  “What now, Jacob?” asked Waylin angrily.

  “We go to them,” I replied.

  Grant addressed the crew. “There is nothing to be afraid of. Our enemy is their enemy. They are the ones who brought us the food. They saved our lives. Would a tribe that meant us harm be so generous? Who will go aground on Cerulean Isle without reservation or fear?”

  Konopo was the first to raise his hand, intrigue burning in his black eyes. Owen muttered something but raised his hand. I looked over the crew and watched as the hands started to rise.

  Chapter 41

  Strange Behavior

  While Waylin, Bart, and Grant assisted the crew in preparing all seaworthy rowboats, I made my rounds to ensure that everyone adhered to the no weapons agreement. Owen leaned over the port bow with a rag to his nose and mouth. Every now and then he turned it to help cease the bleeding.

  “Owen.” He did not acknowledge me. “This is the day, Owen, when we meet as allies with the Merfolk of Cerulean Isle. Isn’t this what you’ve desired for so long?”

  Owen removed the stained rag from his face. He was no longer bleeding. He threw it into the water and faced me. “You have much to learn, Jacob. There is still time, however. Leave me alone.”

  He pushed by me and made his way to the rowboats.

  The crew of the sloop Destiny filled all five rowboats. I shared the lead boat with Grant, Waylin, Bartholomew, and Konopo. Owen, still refusing to be near Waylin, shared a boat with the two divers, Hammock, and one of the watchmen. They spoke softly to each other and from time to time, Owen gave us a cold glance.

  Grant stood up and hollered to the rowboats drifting around the hull of the sloop. “We must wait here until our guide arrives. Let this be your last chance to rid yourselves of any arms. If you have so much as a paring knife around your neck, throw it overboard now.” Two men from the third boat tossed small knives into the water. “Now, please be patient and await further orders. No one goes ahead.”

  “Well done,” I said. “Now we wait for Cora Star.”

  “For who?” asked Waylin.

  “The Mermaiden, Cora Star, their lead scout. She said she would be here around noon to bring us to the isle.”

  I felt something wet touch my hand. I turned to find Cora looking back at me. Her shoulders and head dripped with saltwater and her purple eyes sparkled with delight. Her colorful wet hair shone in the sunlight, like the ribbons of a rainbow woven into fine threads. Her skin was lightly bronzed and when her lips formed a smile, my heart melted, and all of the boyhood dreams were rekindled within me.

  “Hello again, Jacob,” she said
, her eyes riveted to mine.

  “Good day, Cora.”

  Her cool hand folded around mine. Her rings of gold and silver glinted almost as bright as her eyes. “Waylin, Bart, Konopo…I’d like to introduce Cora Star.”

  “It is a wonder to meet you all,” she greeted them.

  The men gazed at the stunning female drifting in the water beside our boat. Waylin stared. Bart wore a look of fascination. He blinked a few times and then leaned over to shake her hand. “You are every bit as lovely as Grant and Jacob foretold. I am Bartholomew.”

  Cora heard his name and tried to mouth the word. “Bar… ta’la…mo.”

  “Just call me Bart, my lady.”

  Cora giggled. “Bart.”

  Konopo spoke to Cora. “Awu, Konopo. Amoro Wotoworyi?”

  Cora nodded that she understood his Carib tongue. “It is nice to meet you, Konopo, and yes, I am a Mermaiden, a Wotoworyi, as your people say. We have known elders of your tribe. Your people are great warriors.”

  “Thank you. If I had my urapa, it would be yours to command.”

  “What is an urapa?” asked Grant.

  “Bow and arrow,” he answered without taking his eyes off the Mermaiden.

  Cora drifted back to me. “Are you ready to go?”

  “We are ready.”

  “Then let your mooring line over the bow as you did the night before. Command the other boats to do the same. My friends are all here, waiting under the water. They will take the lines, and we will pull you to the isle.”

  “No rowing!” cheered Grant. He looked around and asked, “Cora, is Pearl here?”

  “Yes, Grant,” she replied with a playful smirk. “She is eager to see you again.”

  Grant sat back and winked at Bart. Bart chuckled but regained his etiquette. Cora slipped quietly under the water. I dropped our mooring line over the bow. From beneath the waves, I saw a glitter of purple and gold, then the line became taut. I stood up to address the crew.

  “Let loose your mooring line. Keep one end secured to your bow and toss the other in the water. They have come. They will pull us to the island.”

  The men leaned over the sides of the boats to peer into the water, and tried to catch a glimpse of a cresting fin. With incredible finesse, the Mer towed our rowboats safely around the dangerous stone pilings. In just under five minutes, our journey was over. The Mer let our lines free and our boats drifted into the bay of white sand.

  Destiny’screw took in the fantastical landscape of the island. Some men knelt to touch the powdery sand while others gazed upward at the looming crystal-blue formations. I heard a soft splash and turned to see Cora a few feet from the shore.

  “My friends,” I called to the remaining crew, “there is someone I would like you to meet.”

  Cora heard this and instinctively began to fall under the waterline.

  “Do not be afraid,” I said to her, “please.”

  The rainbow-haired Mermaiden gave me a cautious smile and remained in view. The other crewmates gathered around.

  “Men, I’d like you to have the honor of meeting Cora Star.” I pointed to where she drifted.

  They greeted her, several dropping to a knee to show respect and amiable intent. Cora was put at ease. I motioned for her to come closer. Slowly, and without taking her eyes off the group, she swam to the shore. I walked into the water to meet her halfway. She came close to me, and I took her hand and looked to the others. Like the previous night, her aquatic lower half slid over the wet sand of the shore. The men saw her body and gasped. Their stares made her uncomfortable.

  “Don’t worry,” I whispered, “they need to see what you are to fully understand. It is better that you be the first Mer they see and not one like Manta.”

  “Why is that?”

  I smiled. “Because you are beautiful, and even I remain enchanted.”

  Cora squeezed my hand and her face blushed. “I have never had so many humans look at me. I am nervous.”

  Cora gave the group a shy wave. She was completely out of the ocean with her lower body slightly coiled in the sand. The lapping surf rolled over her rippling violet fin. It swayed and flowed from the water’s touch like a shimmering silk garment.

  “Hello, everyone,” she said softly. “Welcome to Cerulean Isle.”

  The crew gathered around us. The meeting took an awkward turn when Owen stepped forward. “Greetings, Mer,” he said rather smugly.

  Cora looked up at the old seaman and recoiled a little. “Hello,” she said. Her bright purple eyes fell onto his. He quickly looked away, as if trying to foil her attempts to know him better.

  “Cora Star is your name?”

  “Yes. What may I call you?”

  “My name is Owen. I look forward to meeting the rest of your people.”

  Cora did not respond. Owen nodded and stepped away, disappearing in the crowd.

  She pulled me close and spoke softly in my ear. “That man is not good.”

  Chapter 42

  Men and Mer

  You have been to the Sacred Lagoon once before,” Cora said to me. “It is the courtyard with the statues. That is where Lord Sydin waits. Go there. I will be waiting for you as well.”

  Cora moved back into the rolling surf as the water wrapped around her. She waved to the others before disappearing. Her magnificent fin emerged from the waves, sending glittering beads of water into the sky. There was a splash as the fin shattered the surface of the ocean.

  Waylin, Bart, Konopo, and I led the crew into the crystal forest. Grant walked with me and marveled over the blue stone formations and towering reflective crystals. Owen trailed behind.

  With the help of Konopo’s memory of the terrain, we arrived at the Sacred Lagoon. The statues of the sea turtle, dolphin, and shark stood proud along the far wall. Endless jewels and gold pieces littered the sand. Waylin reminded the crew to leave it alone.

  We sat along the edge of the pool. Once all were settled, the water began to tremble. The Mer arrived one by one and took their places in the designated stone thrones that rested in the water. The first to arrive was Cora Star. With a graceful thrust of her lower half, she leapt from the water and into her throne.

  Cora’s brother, Driften, broke from the water and took the throne beside his sister. Driften studied the crowd of seafarers, adjusted the turtle shell bracers on his arms, and then wrung the water from his gold and blue striped hair.

  Grant gasped as though startled by something. Instead of sitting at the edge of the pool, legs folded like everyone else, he had his feet dangling in the water. A flowing mass of pink swirled in the water near his feet. Pearl tugged on Grant’s legs playfully and slowly emerged. Her thick pink locks clung to her face and neck. With her hands on his knees, she lifted herself up and out of the water. Grant took hold of her and helped the Mermaiden onto his lap.

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “It is so very nice to see you again, Grant of Rosewing.”

  “And you as well, Pearl of…uh…the ocean.” He cleared his throat. “How are you?”

  “Lonely,” she whispered, her mouth nearly touching his.

  “Pearl!” Cora called to her. “Take your place at once.”

  Pearl slid off Grant’s lap. She took her throne but did so with teasing movements. Cora glared at her.

  Pearl lost the attention of the group when the water erupted and sprayed us all. The hulking Merlord named Manta hovered in the middle of the pool and studied the surrounding seamen. His muscular barnacle-laden chest heaved as if he had traveled a great distance in little time. Water dripped from his mossy green beard and matted hair. His presence and challenging posture made the men uneasy. Some recoiled from the edge of the pool.

  I lifted my hand to greet him. He saw me and nodded. The pool seemed small with him in it. He took his place with the others, sitting beside Pearl.

  “Anu-yah, Cora,” said Manta. “Anu-yah, Driften.”

  “Anu-yah, Manta,” replied Driften.

  Gr
ant nudged me. “I guess that means ‘hello.’”

  Pearl reached over to Manta and caressed his shoulder. “Anu-yah, Manta. Nee alu-ay. Woe be nah essa oh?”

  “What is she saying to him?” whispered Grant.

  “I don’t know.”

  Manta responded in English, “Have respect for our guests and use their words. And no, I have not been avoiding you. I have been very busy. That is all, I assure you.”

  I chuckled. “Looks like you’re not the only one Pearl is interested in.”

  “What’s he got that I don’t?”

  “Do you really want to talk about this?”

  “No.”

  “Good. Now be quiet.”

  Lord Sydin emerged from the water. His gold breastplate gleamed, and his long wet hair looked like black ink spilling over his shoulders. He regarded Grant and I with a friendly nod and then panned the group of seamen. I looked at the crew and saw Owen standing with Hammock, Smirks, and Miley. The two divers looked anxious, while Owen’s face was void of expression. What is wrong with him? I wondered.

  “My name is Lord Sydin. I would like to extend kind greetings to you all. Welcome to Cerulean Isle.” He opened his arms and raised them over his head. The Mer cheered behind him. Sydin lowered his arms and smiled. “This meeting of man and Mer is a great honor for us. Forget your fears and doubts.

  “We live by six virtues that are not unknown to mankind. Peace, balance, wisdom, family, strength and pride. Take these now as blessings and understand that we who dwell in the sea are not different than those who dwell on the land, at least not in the heart and mind.

  “Your ill fortune has been a challenge for you all. We are sympathetic to your troubles. However, now you are our guests, and I hope that I may also call you allies.”

  Waylin stood up. If he was the least bit apprehensive, he did not show it. “Lord Sydin, thank you for the aid that your people so selflessly brought to us.”

  “You are welcome. Please, you need not address me formally. Sydin will do. I am not a lord among your people.”