Also by Beverley Scherberger
Saving Serena: An undersea tale of love, treachery, and betrayal
The Problem with Men
The Accidental Filmmaker
Watch for more at Beverley Scherberger’s site.
SAVING SERENA
An Undersea Tale of Love, Treachery, and Betrayal
A novella by
BEVERLEY SCHERBERGER
Copyright 2016 by Beverley Scherberger
All rights reserved.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, or events is entirely coincidental.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
AUTHOR’S NOTE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CONNECT WITH BEVERLEY SCHERBERGER
Chapter 1
THE CALM, SUN-DAPPLED WATER surrounding the dive boat suddenly erupted with playful dolphins. The bright, late morning sunlight glinted off their wet bodies and all twelve divers squealed with excited anticipation. Each of us had longed for an opportunity to swim with the intelligent, curious animals, so when the easy-going captain threw up his hands, chuckled at our reaction, and laughingly hollered, “Okay! Go!” we grabbed our fins and leapt back into the water.
The sea closed over my head as I scanned the blue for their sleek, graceful forms, their sonar clicks and whistles seeming to come from all directions. Immediately, though, I knew something was wrong. Kicking fairly hard, I still descended much more rapidly than I should have. I groaned.
As the last diver to climb aboard the boat following our fifty-minute dive this morning, I hadn’t shed all of my gear before the dolphins appeared. In my excitement, I had jumped off the boat still wearing mask, snorkel, and fins—and a ten pound weight belt.
Reluctant to send over a hundred dollars-worth of gear to the bottom of the ocean without trying to resolve the problem, I kicked harder, hoping I could reach the boat and grab the lowest ladder rung without releasing the belt. I gulped air and then sank below the surface, kicking madly toward the boat. Frantic kicks sent me back to the surface where I grabbed a quick breath and sank again. I repeated the process over and over and made slow but steady progress.
I was tiring. The combined effort of holding my breath and kicking forcefully enough to move upward and closer to the boat were taking their toll. I determined to make one last-ditch effort to reach the ladder. Then it was adios to the weight belt.
Okay, I was nearly there. I could see the ladder only a few feet ahead and above me. One powerful kick should get me close enough to grab the bottom rung.
As I lunged upward, one arm raised over my head to reach for the ladder, the boat rose lazily on a large swell and dropped heavily into the trough. Unfortunately, my lunge had positioned me directly below the corner of the stern. The metal rung hit my raised arm sharply, snapping the bone cleanly just below the elbow; the boat’s impact with my skull drove my body deep below the surface.
Sometime later, my eyes sprang open to see endless deep blue water...above, below, and all around. I clawed and kicked and struggled, trying desperately to make my way to the hopelessly distant surface. As my heart beat a wild rhythm and adrenaline surged through my veins, my uncooperative right arm sent piercing daggers of pain up my shoulder.
I spotted sudden movement to the left and whirled to face it. What type of undersea creature might be approaching? A large turtle? An enormous fish? Or something more menacing? My heart continued its wild tempo as my eyes strained to put a definitive shape to the shadow in the distance, my lungs now screaming for air.
Immobile, exerting as little energy as possible while the form drew near, I was both fascinated and mystified as it assumed a definite female shape. It looked like... It couldn’t be... They didn’t really exist, did they? I wracked my brain in an attempt to recall if I’d ever heard of a documented instance of an encounter with a mermaid. Unless I was hallucinating, I was face-to-face with one of these mythical beings: a mermaid with the face and curvaceous torso of a lovely young woman and the muscular tail of a fish. UN-believable!
Reminiscent of Lady Godiva, her mass of long blonde curls drifted lazily around her body, first hiding, then exposing creamy white skin and full, firm breasts. Her narrow waist flared out at the hips where the skin blended seamlessly into blue-grey, overlapping scales that shimmered in the water. They reflected and magnified the muted ambient light like thousands of tiny mirrors.
Slowly, she swam closer. Mesmerized, I studied every detail of this amazingly graceful creature: high cheekbones, a patrician nose, full lips, and wide blue eyes. Her powerful tail slowly curved, unfurled, and curved again, providing stability and maintaining a vertical position in the water. Radiating curiosity, concern, and uncertainty, her face also expressed warmth and kindness.
Cocking her head slightly to the right, she examined me just as intensely as I scrutinized her. She seemed to understand my dire situation and smiled reassuringly.
Cautiously, I smiled back, almost against my will—and in total disbelief. Miraculously, my lungs no longer strained for air and my body relaxed. Breathing normally, I let out a sigh of relief even though I didn’t understand a thing that was happening.
Encouraged by my smile, she floated up and extended her hand. Tentatively, I reached out to gingerly touch her fingers, nearly afraid I grasped for a mirage. At my touch, her smile widened, showing perfect white teeth and her strong fingers clasped mine in friendship. I flinched, shocked to find a tangible hand holding mine.
When her eyes darted past me, I let go and twisted fearfully in the water to see what was approaching from behind. Astonished, I discovered another mermaid stopping some distance away, her wavy black hair floating like long spider webs in the water. Light, café au lait skin, small, perky breasts, and a slim, almost boyish physique suggested a much younger age. The scales of her tail glistened a brilliant green at the hips then blended into a burnished copper at the bottom. Shy and seemingly afraid to draw near, she held back, her dark eyes wide with fascination and trepidation—this creature looked like her, yet did not. She hovered about a dozen feet away, gaping at my mask and snorkel and the neon pink Lycra wetskin encasing me from neck to ankle. The fact that I sported two legs instead of a fish-tail seemed cause for concern.
The blonde mermaid coaxed the brunette into swimming closer and motioned for her to take my other hand. I pointed to my broken right arm and vigorously shook my head, “No!” They understood my injury and the brunette darted off, purpose apparent in every flick of her tail.
When she reappeared a short time later with a ten-inch branch of coral and a length of kelp, she overcame her initial fear and helped the blonde splint my arm, using the strong fibers to secure it. Although they handled the limb carefully, I nearly blacked out from the excruciating pain. When my vision cleared, I could see empathy in their eyes. The blonde then floated in front of me and cautiously backed into m
y front. The brunette helped me wrap my good arm around the blonde’s waist, gently sandwiching the broken limb between our bodies.
Using the remaining long piece of kelp, the brunette lashed us together. Once satisfied I was secure, the blonde swam slowly, jostling my arm as little as possible, and I appreciated her consideration.
Amazed at the power in the mermaid’s tail at this slow pace, I could imagine being propelled through the water at astonishing speeds. I wondered at our destination since this had been a most amazing day and I suspected the surprises weren’t over yet.
Chapter 2
WE SAILED OVER sandy bottom, stands of spiky Elkhorn coral, and deep blue water, finally cruising to a halt at the edge of a coral reef. The brunette untied me and I watched the girls glide gracefully down the side of the drop-off to a nearly invisible opening hidden amidst some large boulders and lacy sea fans. Unwilling to be left behind, I followed and saw the young brunette disappear into the fissure. The blonde moved aside, smiled reassuringly, and motioned for me to enter.
Slightly apprehensive, I gently fluttered my fins and floated in through the opening. Narrow at first, the entrance widened as it curved slightly to the right. Once around the corner, the floor dropped away, the ceiling soared high above, and the unbelievable scene took my breath away. We hovered above an enormous cavern inhabited by many mermaids, mermen, and merkids going about apparently normal daily lives. But then, what was normal about any of this? I shook my head in an effort to dispel the hallucination but when I looked again, the image remained.
From this vantage point, I observed many couples and families; mermaids and mermen as different from one another as regular people, but all with those incredible, scaly-yet-beautiful, iridescent fish-tails. I noted that the tails came in a variety of colors: silver, gold, copper, green, blue, pink, and nearly everything in between. The mermaids looked strong and muscular while the mermen seemed slimmer and less physically imposing.
I tore my gaze away from the mesmerizing scene when the blonde motioned for me to follow her. I spotted the young brunette peeking around a nearby stone wall. She smiled shyly as we passed and ducked quickly out of sight. The blonde and I cruised along the wall to the floor of the cavern where an older couple relaxed while others served snacks.
As we neared the couple, I noticed a less casual demeanor in those speaking or interacting with this regal, more elderly pair. Heads bowed slightly when approaching or taking leave. No merkids scampered about. Individuals waited on them with obvious respect and reverence. I suspected this couple was held in high regard and possibly even ruled this underwater society.
The blonde stopped about fifteen feet in front of the pair and bowed her head dutifully. I followed suit, figuring it wouldn’t do to offend the leaders when I so desperately needed their help. The elderly woman greeted my companion with a smile and apparent affection and I realized I could clearly understand them.
“Maia, who do you bring before us? She is quite visibly not one of our own.”
Maia graciously introduced me. “Tinami and Saya, leaders of our sirene, I bring a lost one before you today, injured and in need of help. She is no threat to our people and comes as a friend. I ask for your compassion and wisdom in this matter. I hope to offer this lost one medical attention, food, and temporary lodging.”
At their urging, Maia gave a detailed description of how she had found me drifting, injured and panicky.
Saya then addressed me. “Lost one, what name are you known by?”
As I opened my mouth to reply, this most familiar bit of information eluded me and I realized I couldn’t recall my name.
Panic and confusion must have shown plainly on my face since Saya kindly intervened. “Don’t worry. Often, a blow to the head causes memory lapse and the lump on your forehead indicates that may be the source of your forgetfulness. For now, we’ll call you Serena.”
Raising my hand to my throbbing head, I smiled gratefully and nodded my thanks as she continued her gentle questions.
“How is it you came to these depths? Humans rarely venture this deep.”
I related as many details as I could recall, confirming her suspicion of a blow to the head. Suddenly, I wanted nothing more than a place to lie down, feeling a bit woozy.
Tinami and Saya discussed the situation in low voices.
I caught only a couple phrases: “injuries healed” and “return to the surface.” As I awaited their decision, I felt weak from hunger and the stress of the day, my head and arm both throbbed horribly, and I had no idea how I could possibly return to My Life Before Today.
Finally, the royal couple addressed us. “Maia, take Serena to the vacant cubicle we use for occasional guests. She can stay until her injuries heal.”
Saya then turned to me. “Serena, our doctor will see you immediately and a meal will be delivered to your room shortly. If there’s anything you need, please ask. We don’t have many guests and would like to take this opportunity to offer our complete hospitality.” She directed one of the servants to fetch the doctor. Relieved, I smiled and bowed my head.
As Tinami and Saya turned to each other and began discussing a different topic, Maia and I slipped away. We swam past numerous family homes to an empty cubicle with an interesting-looking bed and small side table made of rock. She pointed and smiled kindly.
“Lie down and get some rest. The doctor will be here soon.” She swam off, leaving me to take her advice.
I eyed the unusual bed and approached it for closer inspection. Comprised of half of a large clam shell, it contained several layers of sea fans atop a deep bed of soft sand. In spite of my situation, it looked inviting.
Lying down slightly eased the throbbing pain and that’s where Maia found me a short while later. She gently woke me to introduce a thin, elderly mermaid with a kind smile named Kalani who’d come to address my broken arm while the doctor dealt with a sick child.
First, Kalani pressed her hand to my forehead like Mom used to do. Satisfied my temperature was normal, she then skillfully pried open an oyster shell and scooped the small, still-wriggling creature out into my hand. At my look of disgust, she smiled sympathetically. “It will help ease the pain as I set your broken arm. It’ll also soothe your stomach and help you sleep. Please, chew it thoroughly and swallow quickly.”
I had no reason not to trust her, so fighting revulsion I popped the little creature into my mouth. Chomping and gnawing on the stringy meat, I nearly gagged at its texture and bitter taste. Thankfully, saliva filled my mouth and helped wash the nasty bitterness off my tongue.
Kalani tenderly examined the contusion on my forehead. “You’ll soon have a really ugly bruise here. The doctor should look at it tomorrow. If you develop a stabbing headache, severe dizziness, or impaired vision tonight, please send someone to fetch either the doctor or myself. Would you like someone to sit with you for a while?”
“I’ll be fine. In fact, I’m feeling drowsy now. After the kind of day I’ve had, I doubt I’ll have any trouble sleeping.”
Convinced the medicinal oyster had taken effect, she deftly set my broken arm with a minimum of fuss or additional pain, finally wrapping it neatly with kelp. Once sure it was exactly right, she smeared a thick, dark, tarry substance over it and said, “This will harden in about fifteen minutes. You need to stay as still as possible until then.” She kindly patted my shoulder, a gentle smile crinkling her eyes at the corners, and left Maia and me alone.
Maia stayed until the cast had hardened. A servant delivered a dinner tray as she was preparing to leave and I groaned inwardly at her parting words, wondering what the meal would consist of. “Please eat your dinner. It will help you regain your strength.” She left and I turned to examine the repast before me.
In spite of a faint, lingering nausea, I gingerly tasted each item, surprised to find everything very flavorful. I savored the taste of lobster with a side salad of, could it be, kelp? I had no idea what spices they used down here on the ocean floor, but my
tongue recognized the familiar tang of salt and pepper, as well as a delicate hint of rosemary and lemon. A small rounded shell containing something resembling a fruit cobbler tempted me to try dessert. A cobbler? Here? I tentatively took a small spoonful and the sweet flavor of unusual berries flooded my mouth. I gobbled the entire bowl, mentally thanking whatever mer-chef had prepared this delectable concoction.
I managed to down every morsel, although eating with my left hand forced me to eat slowly. With a full stomach and Kalani’s sleep aid, I immediately dozed off on my sea-fan-and-sand bed and didn’t wake until morning.
The lump on my head ached and I assumed I had a huge ugly bruise that would remain for quite a while, however, I suffered no further nausea. My arm still throbbed within the awkward cast, but the initial sharp pain of the break had lessened. In spite of the discomfort, I felt energized, couldn’t wait to explore my surroundings and meet some of my neighbors, and hoped Maia would soon appear to show me around.
I impatiently peeked past the rough stone wall of my cubicle and surveyed a hustle-bustle of activity. It took a moment to realize I didn’t see any mermaids, only mermen and merkids. As I pondered where the females might be, the young brunette who had helped Maia rescue me the day before appeared at my side, startling me out of my reverie.
“Good morning, Serena. My name is Kiki.” She carried breakfast on a thin slice of rectangular stone and placed it on the bedside table. Ducking her head shyly, she said softly, “If you feel up to it, after breakfast I can give you a tour.” She blushed and smiled at my eager response.
“Oh, yes, I’d like that!”
Kiki returned shortly after I finished eating the unusual granola ground and shaped into a bar. It seemed like a mixture of grains and nuts with some fruity berries thrown in—similar to the fruit in last night’s cobbler.
She waited while I clumsily donned my fins. I wasn’t accustomed to putting them on with only one hand, but knew I couldn’t swim fast enough without them to keep up with her. We meandered through the enormous cavern, stopping often to chat with inquisitive neighbors. The merkids, especially, were enthralled by my legs and often swam up behind me to touch them with feather-light fingers. When I turned to smile at them, they giggled and darted quickly away, peering out curiously from behind the rock walls.
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