by L. M. Brown
“We need to warn King Nereus,” Finn said.
“I agree,” Kyle said. “We’ll go to the city at once.”
“Delwyn may wish to come with you,” Jake said. “Fabian says he has family there.”
Finn nodded. “His parents live there, as well as the Oracles.”
“Cari will be warning her Oracles,” Jake said.
They hurried from the bedroom, Jake explaining as quickly as he could what had happened at the council meeting. They met up with Fabian and Delwyn, also on their way to Medina’s temple.
Jake took a moment to be relieved that whatever powers caused those in his vicinity to become overly amorous seemed to be dampened by the state of emergency.
“You should stay here,” Finn said to Jake when they had opened the portal. “The gods don’t want you there, and you’ve not swum at such depths before.”
“I agree,” Kyle said. “Time isn’t on our side, not when we have an entire city to save.”
Jake agreed. “I’ll stay here with Fabian.”
Fabian grimaced. “Curse my wretched mother for taking away my ability to survive underwater.”
Jake had a feeling the two of them would be spending a lot of time pacing the temple that day.
Chapter Eleven
As soon as they arrived in Atlantis, the three mermen swam their separate ways.
Finn headed straight for the king’s private quarters. It was too early for him to be holding audience. Hardly any merpeople were up and about at this early hour. Even the servants were largely absent. He recalled his father had always been grumpy and irritable first thing in the morning.
Reluctant to disturb the man who had raised him, Finn instead detoured to Justin’s chambers, hoping he and Lucas were early risers.
Luckily for Finn, Lucas was already awake. The guards let him into the chambers without any question.
“Finn, what brings you here so early?” Lucas smiled in greeting. “If you’re looking for Justin, he’s asleep. We had a late night and we’ve just returned. I was about to join him.”
Finn wished he didn’t have to disappoint Lucas, who appeared tired and ready for his sleeping sponge. “You need to wake him, immediately. We have to evacuate the city.”
“What’s happened?”
“There’s no time to explain, at least not more than once. Go fetch Justin, then we need to talk to the king.”
Lucas didn’t question him again. He swam into the adjoining chambers to rouse his lover.
Justin grumbled as he swam into the room. “What can possibly be so urgent?”
Finn didn’t reply as he led them to the king’s chambers.
They found King Nereus already awake, much to Finn’s surprise.
“Finn, what a pleasant surprise. Come have breakfast with me. You too, Justin and Lucas, of course.”
Finn grabbed a piece of fruit, having skipped his own breakfast. “Father, we need to evacuate the city.”
“Is this about the human explorers again?” King Nereus asked. “I have guards hidden all around the perimeter of the sunken city. They have orders to report back immediately if they see any humans in the area. I’ve not had any such reports.”
“It’s not the human explorers,” Finn explained. “The gods are going to raise Atlantis again.”
“Raise?” Justin asked. “You mean literally raise it from the bottom of the ocean?”
“Yes. We have until midnight to get everyone out of the city.”
“But the entire world will see the city if they do that,” Justin pointed out. “Humans have satellites that can see the entire planet from space. I think they’ll notice a bloody great island appearing out of the ocean.”
“That’s what the gods are counting on,” Finn replied. “If humans see Atlantis rise from the sea, the gods think it will increase their powers, because they’ll believe in them again.”
“They’re more likely to put it down to some massive geological disaster,” Justin said.
“It doesn’t matter what they think about the appearance of an island,” Lucas interrupted. “The important thing is that they don’t discover the existence of us merpeople, which means we need to get everyone out of the city as fast as possible.”
“I agree,” King Nereus said. “The question is, where do we move everyone to? The oceans are no longer safe for our people and many will not wish to follow Finn’s example and live on land. We are, first and foremost, creatures of the sea.”
“I think our people should be given a choice,” Justin said. “Finn, how many people can you and your men accommodate in that mansion of yours?”
“I don’t know,” Finn said. “But we’ve room for many.”
“Perhaps the most vulnerable should go to land via Medina’s temple,” Lucas suggested. “The youngsters and the elderly, those who would be in the most danger in the open waters. The rest of us can search for a new home in the seas, and when we’ve found one, the others can join us if they wish to.”
It sounded like a good idea to Finn.
“I’ll summon all the guards to my audience chamber immediately,” King Nereus said. “We have no time to spare.”
* * * *
Kyle found his sister wide awake and swimming far too fast for so early an hour, thanks to his young niece, who was apparently an early riser, unlike the rest of the family.
“It’s rather early for you to be up and about, isn’t it?” Lynna asked with a smile. “How would you like to watch Maurissa while I make us some breakfast?”
“There’s no time for breakfast,” Kyle said. “We need to leave the city at once. I’ve come to take you to England.”
“Not this again.” Lynna turned her back on him and put Maurissa down on her sponge, passing her a shell rattle to play with. “I’m not going to leave the city or my mate.”
“I’m not suggesting you leave Xane. He needs to come too. Everyone needs to leave the city and we only have until midnight to get everyone out.”
“Midnight?”
“Yes, so you see the urgency of the situation?”
“Not really, no. Why must we leave? We’re safe and settled here. It’s our home.”
“The Atlantean gods are going to raise the island from the bottom of the ocean. Any mer still here when they do this will be trapped on land and exposed to the whole of the human world. We must go immediately. Where’s Xane?”
“He’s working the early shift this morning.”
“Go find him. I’ll watch Maurissa while you’re away.”
Lynna still didn’t appear entirely convinced, but she swam out of the chambers, leaving Kyle to spend some quality time with his niece.
An hour later, Kyle was wondering what had happened to his sister to keep her from returning.
Shouts from outside drew Kyle’s attention and he picked up Maurissa and swam toward the cries.
“What’s happening?” a mermaid carrying a net of fruits asked.
“Everyone to the palace audience chamber,” the guards called. “Everyone to the audience chamber immediately.”
Kyle, unlike the rest of the merpeople, knew what was happening, but everyone else appeared confused as they swam through the palace.
He had never seen so many people crammed into the audience chamber at once. He’d had no idea the population of the sunken city was so large.
Not everyone could fit into the room, and mer crowded in the archways and down the corridors. Some swam near the floor, others near the ceiling and many more in the space between, yet still there wasn’t enough room.
The guards were placed strategically around the room and the expressions on their faces told Kyle they had already been briefed by the king.
“My people, we are in grave danger.” King Nereus’ voice echoed throughout the chamber and beyond. “This city, which has been our home for so many years, is no longer safe. I have received word that the Atlantean gods intend to raise this city from the ocean floor this very night.”
A murmur of dissent reverberated through the crowd.
“His Highness, Prince Finn, offers shelter in a safe location on land for those who are most vulnerable. The elderly and the children, together with the nursing mermaids and those heavy with child, are to follow Prince Finn to the place known as England.”
“What of the rest of us?” called a merman in the middle of the room.
“When we’ve judged how much space remains in His Highness’ home, more will be invited to go through the portal to join them, starting with the older children. The rest will need to swim from this place. The cave network to the east is outside of the boundaries of what was once the continent of Atlantis. I suggest those who do not wish to go to land at all gather as many supplies as you can and head there. It will be from there we will begin our journey in search of a new home.”
The crowd began to disperse. Kyle remained in the audience chamber, searching for Lynna’s face among the mermaids. He couldn’t see her.
“You’re not going to land, are you?” an unfamiliar mermaid asked. “Surely the mother of your child should be the one to take her?”
“This is my niece,” Kyle said. “Her mother is who I’m searching for. She seems to have disappeared.”
“Ah. I thought for a moment you intended to go to land. You’ll forgive me, but you look strong enough to take care of yourself in the water.”
“Kyle will be coming to land,” Finn said as he swam up behind the mermaid. “It’s his home, as well as mine, that we’re inviting you to.”
“Oh.” The mermaid flushed. “My apologies, Your Highness. I didn’t realize this merman was a friend of yours.”
“He’s my mate,” Finn said. “One of them, anyway. Kyle, where’s Lynna?”
“I don’t know, I thought she might have come here. She left me to go find Xane more than an hour ago, and I’ve not seen her since.”
Maurissa chose that moment to scream for her mama.
“I was going to suggest I take this little one to England while you go search for Lynna, but now I’m not so sure.” Finn chucked Maurissa under her chin.
“We have plenty of time,” Kyle said. “It’s still early morning. I’m sure Lynna can’t have gone far. I’ll keep hold of Maurissa for the moment and meet you back at home later.”
“If you’re sure?”
“Yes.” Kyle kissed Finn briefly. “I love you, Finn.”
“I love you, too. Be careful and hurry home.”
“I’ll be there by lunchtime.”
Finn swam back and waved to the waiting mermaids and youngsters. “If you’ll follow me, please.”
Kyle watched his lover lead his people through the palace. This is what Finn had been raised for—to be a leader, a ruler and a merman loved by those he protected.
As soon as Finn was out of sight, Maurissa began to squeal again.
“Hush,” Kyle encouraged. “We’ll find your mama soon.”
Deciding the best thing to do was to trace the route Lynna would have taken earlier, Kyle made his way to the palace kitchens. He found them bustling with activity as the staff filled their net bags with everything they could find. Without the gathering fields, they would need all the provisions they could carry in the weeks ahead.
“Have you seen Xane or Lynna?” Kyle asked.
“Xane was here earlier,” one of the mermaids replied. “I’ve not seen him since we were summoned to hear King Nereus, though.”
“Was he in the audience chamber?”
“I don’t know. I can’t remember.”
Kyle growled in frustration. “What of Lynna?”
“I’ve not seen her all day.”
Kyle wondered what had happened. What had kept Lynna from reaching Xane?
“Maybe she’s gone to land?” one of the mermaids suggested.
“She wouldn’t leave for England without her daughter,” Kyle said. “Maurissa means the world to her.”
“I don’t mean she’d have gone to England, I meant the birthing island.”
“Birthing?” Kyle gaped at mermaid. “Lynna’s with child?”
“Yes, didn’t you know?”
“No. She never mentioned it. Why wouldn’t she tell me?”
The mermaid gave him a sympathetic glance. “Lynna, like many of our women, lost her last babe. She isn’t due for a few more weeks, but sometimes that’s how it happens.”
Suddenly his sister’s weight gain took on new meaning. “Where’s the birthing island?”
“It’s about the same distance as the mating islands, but in the opposite direction. It’s smaller, but has many mossy clearings, which are much more comfortable for those mermaids who choose to give birth on land rather than in the water. If she’s there, you should find her easily.”
Kyle nodded and began to swim away.
“Wait! You’re not taking Maurissa there, are you?”
“Well, I can’t exactly leave her on her own,” Kyle pointed out.
“Take her to the nursery,” the mermaid suggested. “My sister is watching over our own youngsters in there while we’re packing supplies. She’ll be happy to mind Maurissa while you go search for Lynna.”
“I thought all the youngsters had gone with Finn?”
“His Highness has taken the very young first. Those who remain are over five years and are still here. Maurissa will be much better off in the nursery than seeing her mother in pain.”
Kyle agreed, and after thanking the mermaid for her assistance, he detoured to the nursery, where he left Maurissa then swam for the birthing island as fast as he could.
* * * *
Jake guided the refugees through the house while Fabian remained in the temple to greet the new arrivals.
He wasn’t sure even this place would be big enough to accommodate everyone who was about to descend on them. He gave another silent thank you to Caspian for gifting him with the language of the merpeople. He didn’t know how he would have managed without the ability. It was hard enough trying to explain basic functions of the bathroom with it. Apparently there was no word in the language of the mer for a toilet.
As he returned to the temple, he ran into Finn.
“Hi, baby, how’s it going?” Jake pulled Finn into his arms and hugged him tight. “Is Kyle with you?”
“He’s tracking down Lynna. I’m going to go back shortly for the next group. What time is it?”
Jake checked his watch. “Just after ten.”
“It’s mid-morning already?” Finn sighed. “This is taking longer than I thought it would.”
“Is there going to be enough time to get everyone out of the city?”
“I hope so.”
They hurried back to the temple, and after tossing another rose from the garden into the offering basin, Finn disappeared through the portal again.
“Not everyone is going to make it through,” Fabian said. “There are too many mer to bring here.”
Jake had no idea what the population of Atlantis was, but he trusted Fabian had a fair idea of the numbers. He had watched over the city for centuries.
“Is Delwyn back yet?” Jake asked.
Fabian shook his head. “No.”
“I’m sure he’s okay,” Jake reassured him. “Those who have arrived seem to be pregnant mermaids and youngsters.”
“The most vulnerable,” Fabian said. “I hope he and his parents don’t leave it too long before they come through the portal. I won’t survive without him.”
Jake patted Fabian’s arm. “I’m sure he’ll be here long before midnight.”
“If he isn’t, there’s nothing I can do about it,” Fabian replied.
“Let’s not start worrying yet.”
The portal glowed, a sign that someone was about to come through. They cut their conversation short as the second group of evacuees began to arrive.
* * * *
Kyle found the island without any difficulty. As small as it was, he still couldn’t have missed it.
He swam to the beach
and dragged himself onto the sands as quickly as he could. As soon as he had his legs, he ran into the trees.
“Lynna? Are you here?”
The sound of a baby crying came from somewhere to his left. Kyle picked up his pace and followed the sound.
“Lynna?”
“Kyle? Is that you?”
“Yes, Lynna, hold on. I’m coming.”
Kyle stumbled through the foliage, tripping on roots and scratching himself on brambles.
Lynna was on the ground with a newborn babe in her arms. The tiny young merbaby was the smallest child Kyle had ever seen in his life.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kyle asked.
“Superstition,” Lynna replied with a sheepish grin. “They say the curse that prevents the mermaids from delivering healthy children isn’t as strong if the mermaid doesn’t tell anyone she’s with child.”
“The mermaid who told me where to find you knew,” Kyle said.
“Because she figured it out for herself, no doubt. I wanted you to say something. You must have seen my weight gain since we last saw each other.”
“Well, yes, I noticed, but I thought it was fat.”
“Fat!” Lynna glared at him. “You thought I got fat?”
“I would expect you to tell me if you were with child.”
“But the curse…”
“I don’t believe in such things.”
Lynna gave him a wide-eyed look of disbelief.
“Very well, I might believe in curses, but if there is a curse, I doubt it can be changed by keeping secrets from those you love. Did you tell Xane?”
“He figured it out for himself,” Lynna said.
“Where is he now?”
“I’m not sure. The pains started before I found him, and I came here alone.”
“We should go back to the city. He’s probably searching for you and Maurissa.”
“Wait a moment. Kyle, where is Maurissa?”