Into the Deep (17 page)

Chapter Thirty

Eventually we arrive at a spot where deep rugged mountains loom out of the floor. Through my distracted, jumbled mind I gawk at the tallest, which almost touches the sky, or so it appears. A series of caves dot the sides.

“Most of the outlying settlements carve their homes out of existing sea caves. It’s a simpler living.”

We swim down from our vantage point to a valley not as deep as I expected, considering the surrounding terrain, and I am mesmerized by the acres of kelp before us. No, there are more than acres. It reaches as far as I can see. Towering green plants reach up to the surface of the sea, hungry for sun. It’s a kelp forest.

I read about them in biology and have seen pictures, but it’s breathtaking to be here in person. One of the largest forests on the planet is located off the coast of California. Mr. Campbell explained that over a hundred thousand tons of kelp is harvested each year from that forest alone, for everything from food to medicine.

We’re at least a hundred feet deep and these organisms stretch from the sea floor all the way up. Light filters down through the large leaves and cast a green glow over the surroundings. It’s an underwater tropical rainforest—thick, lush, and teeming with life.

Fish busily dart in and out of the gigantic plants. Sunlight reflects off their scales before they fade into the twilight of the forest. It’s darker here, near the bottom, the sun being consumed by the kelp. The movement is graceful, the stalks elegantly moving back and forth in a long forgotten, ancient choreography.

“It’s amazing,” I whisper. “What is it for?”

“We use kelp for many things, mostly food and material. Bigger forests also shelter and support a large number of animals, which we also capture for food. Same as a forest on land. Some day, when we are free to linger, you’ll have to swim through them. It’s a unique experience.”

I wish I could now. I remember my first time visiting the Grand Canyon. Mom and I were on vacation the summer I started high school. The beauty of that place drew forth a primitive reaction. I saw how God or nature had shaped and blessed that one inspirational spot. All I could do was stand there in wonder.

This is one of those moments. There are more spectacular places in the world, but in this moment, I cannot visualize any. I wish I could be inside the forest and feel it teeming with energy.

Nerio snaps me out of my reverent thoughts. “This is what we’re here for.”

A couple of mermen rise into view, beaming in our direction.

“Nerio, you crazy cuttlefish! I didn’t realize you’d be visiting.” The older man calls out.

“My family, I apologize in advance,” Nerio says to me from the corner of his mouth. He surges forward and they exchange manly hugs and tussles.

His family! I’m suddenly self-conscious, reaching up to try and straighten the cloud of hair behind me. After a half day of swimming I don’t exactly resemble the princess I’m supposed to be. I float there, fidgeting and hoping they are more accepting of my friendship with Nerio than Desma.

His relatives then notice my presence. Immediately, they put their fists to their chest and bow. Nerio takes my hand and draws me forward. I steady my breathing.

“Zoey, this is my father, Nikolas, and my brother, Damian. They don’t bite and are normally well behaved.”

Damian reaches forward carefully and smacks Nerio on the side of the head. A stern glance from Nikolas has him trying to appear contrite. It gives me a quick moment to examine them. They’re both as attractive as Nerio. Nikolas is an older, weathered version of his son, and Damian resembles a cute emo-rocker. His longish hair sweeps across his forehead and mischief fills his gaze. He can’t be much older than fourteen.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say.

My brain stops working, stealing my words and manners. Having never met a boy’s parents, I’m not sure how to act. Luckily, his family makes it easy.

“What are you two doing up here?” Nikolas asks. “It’s not safe.”

“I’m safe with your son. We’ve been through a lot together.” I nibble on my lower lip. “Nerio’s showing me some of the kingdom. It’s pretty new to me.”

He smiles at his son proudly as Damian jokes, “That’s a shocker, Nerio being nice to a cute mermaid.”

Nerio shoots off after Damian, determined to catch him, and I laugh as they dart in and out of the tall kelp.

“Damian teases, but you are the first mermaid he’s brought home. Desma told us she was being assigned as your handmaiden. I hope that’s working out.”

“She’s been great. I like her a lot.”

The mention of his daughter disarms me. I worry they will have the same cold, overprotective reaction to me, so to change the subject I inquire about the kelp instead. “This forest is amazing. Does your family harvest it?”

Nikolas scans the vegetation. “We’ve been tending this patch for four generations, providing some of the finest kelp and fish for the palace.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Come inside and meet Samara. We’ll let the boys play.” Nikolas points in the direction of the caves. “I can only guess how awkward the adjustment is.”

“To be honest, it hasn’t been awkward at all. The longer I’m here, the more I’m home. I’m myself in this form, if that makes sense.” I continue to fidget, picking at my hair and straightening the shell necklace I slipped on this morning.

“Completely,” he says as we enter the cave.

Nerio was right about the cave dwellings being sparse. I assume the sleeping quarters are in one of the smaller rooms jutting off the main area. Even being sparse, the space is comfortable. The view from the mouth of the cave is spectacular, overlooking the heart of the forest. I’d spend hours here, just watching.

I try to imagine Nerio as a young mer boy, growing up in a happy, warm, and raucous home. It’s no wonder he’s such a great guy.

A woman enters from the rear, a mirror image of her daughter. If she is surprised to have a guest in the middle of the day she doesn’t show it. Instead, she smiles and extends a slim hand.

“Welcome, who are you?” As soon as she poses the question she must realize who I am and a blush creeps across her face. “I’m sorry, forgive me. I didn’t see you clearly, princess.”

When she bows, I move forward and grasp her hand, startled at being recognized again. “Please, don’t worry about it. I’m still not used to it myself. Thank you.”

“Zoey came with Nerio,” Nikolas announces with an odd tone to his voice, probably because he doesn’t approve of me either. Figures.

Surprise blooms as her two sons literally tumble into the cave, a tangle of arms and fins.

“You’re turning into a slow, old tortoise,” Damian shouts.

Nerio hugs his mother and kisses her on the cheek. The affection in her eyes announces that he’s the favorite son as she asks, “Are you two hungry? We have some fresh clams.”

I remember my manners. “Let me help.”

Samara nods and I follow her into a smaller room. A flat rock about waist height has clams spread across the top and she goes over and begins preparing them.

“Here,” she offers me a sharp rock edge, “you can use this to slice them once you remove the shells.”

I move beside her. We work in silence for a minute or two before she speaks. “How long have you known
my son
?”

I’m startled by the directness of her question and the emphasis she puts on the words “my son.” I clear my throat and answer, “Only a few days. Galina ordered him to bring me to the palace. He’s been great as far as adapting to this world. In fact, he saved my life.”

Distress pops into her features, but she must be used to him being in danger because of what he does. “He’s always been brave and adventurous. That’s why he joined the guard instead of staying here and working with Nikolas.”

“I predict he’ll return home eventually. He’s not too fond of the palace.”

“Oh, I’m sure of it. We’re thankful he at least has an ally there.”

“You mean Desma?” I ask, keeping my gaze averted.

Samara’s voice lights up. “I hate having two of my children far from me, but I accept the need to spread out and experience new things. She’s your handmaiden, right?”

“Yes, she’s been wonderful and I really hope we become friends. She was quick to warn me about my friendship with her brother, though.” I hear the bitterness in my words, which causes heat to creep into my cheeks. I didn’t mean to sound as if I was speaking ill of her daughter.

To my surprise, Nerio’s mom laughs. “She’s been protective of her brothers as the eldest sibling for as long as I can remember. Desma is not afraid to speak her mind. She meant no harm.” She pauses. “And have you since got to know my son better?”

The inquiry startles me and I concentrate on my task. A loud round of laughter drifts in from the front room. I really like Samara. She reminds me of my mom, so I want to be honest with her and pray she’ll respect me for it.

“I won’t lie to you and deny I’m attracted to him. All I can do is promise you, and your daughter, that I’ll try not to hurt your son. He is important to me, but he’s a friend, first and foremost, one of the few I have down here. If events in the kingdom and the oceans escalate, I have to know who I can trust. That’s my priority.”

She studies me for a while, then flashes a dimple she shares with her daughter. “You’re outspoken and honest. I recognize what he sees in you. His feelings are evident in his face. Sometimes matters of the heart don’t follow logic or plans. All we’re left to do is hold on to our beliefs and hope it’s for the appropriate reasons. He will fight without question, but unfortunately, I understand my son. He won’t be the consort of a princess, or a queen. Please be careful with his heart.”

I don’t have a chance to digest her words. She gives me the platter of clams I sliced and directs me out to the front.

Chapter Thirty-One

The mermen gather at a low table as we bring over the platters of clams, which are passed around. While we eat, the conversation I had with Samara tickles the edges my mind, particularly the part about him not caring to be a consort. I see the truth in her warning. Was it another strike against me, in addition to being part human, in his eyes? I force what she said aside and focus on being myself or, at the very least, charming.

From what I learned of the mer in the palace, they are social creatures, but out here the families are spread out, closer knit. Of course, this sort of living does have a charm to it. Curious about the settlement, I ask, “Are you the only ones who tend the forest?”

“There are a few other families close by who assist with this particular kelp farm. We enjoy it here. It’s peaceful.”

I hate to bring the atmosphere down, but the whale’s prophecy, if that’s what it actually was, mentioned struggles ahead. If anyone has news of Calandra and her movements, it’ll be those living outside the palace.

“Can I ask you a serious question?” I address both Nikolas and Samara.

“Of course,” Nikolas answers.

“What have you heard about Calandra and her possible association with the queen?” I wince inwardly at not softening the inquiry.

Everyone except Nerio stares intently at the table, though he, too, looks shocked. It’s a dangerous subject. For all I know they sympathize with the merwitch, but we need to figure out what she’s up to. Somebody has to force the tricky questions and take risks in order to figure out what’s going on. As the silence drags on, I regret my decision.

Nerio clears his throat and says, “You can talk to her. Trust her, I do.”

I mouth “thank you” to him and catch Samara watching him with worry. Then she turns her gaze to Nikolas and they communicate silently.

“Calandra’s gaining power,” Damian blurts out. Noticing his mom’s sharp glare, he adds, “Well, that’s what we hear. No use denying it. Someone should know.”

Nikolas sighs. “She is gathering forces, both animal and mer. Some say she may already have alliances with the Southern and Indian Oceans. Pacific is the largest and richest. It’s a prize she desires, desperately. She’s killing anyone who stands against her.”

I’m beginning to regret my inquiry. This is more than I expected. I shouldn’t be the one hearing this.

“We’ve witnessed strange sights lately,” Samara adds. “Branded sharks accompanied by foreign mer. They’re venturing into our territory and if they were on legitimate missions then why the secrecy? Mer are disappearing from their homes. For what purpose, we can’t figure out, other than genocide. Far to the west, on the border with the Indian kingdom, a settlement was attacked and is now being used as a staging area.”

“It’s been weeks since we’ve seen a single shark that hasn’t been with a mer.” Damian pipes up. “They’re being controlled and have no free will anymore. I’ve heard of terrifying creatures, long thought extinct, who have been summoned to her.”

“That’s all conjecture,” Nikolas argues. “No one can say for certain. What we do know is that Calandra is here, in the Pacific. There’s darkness settling over the sea, that moment when a wave is still energy, before it crashes and dissipates into the shore.”

I shiver at the possibility she could be that close, watching our every movement. “Out here you have the opportunity to observe more. Is there anything else you can tell us?”

“Our kind is growing ill. The warmer waters and the lack of sun in certain areas wreak havoc on the bodies. I’ve spotted mermen and mermaids whose tails have been bleached of color. Others are covered in oozing sores. It is affecting their breathing and new parasites are feeding on them. There’s a royal nearby, not very strong, but he’s been healing those he can. And it’s only getting worse.”

It’s amazing. Away from the palace the reality of the threat against our kingdom is real. These families deal with it every single day. They don’t ignore it, as many in the palace do. Stavros should be hearing this from reliable sources, not me. Can he trust where his information comes from when it’s possible he’s surrounded by spies? Why hasn’t he heard this? Or maybe he has.

“On a positive note, a lot of us are preparing and willing to fight for King Stavros when needed,” Nikolas finishes.

“What preparations?” Nerio leans forward and asks.

“We trust in our king and are ready to act at a moment’s notice.” He cuts his earnest stare to me. “In the history of your country they battled for independence from England. That war was won with the help of local militias—farmers, blacksmiths, family men. Consider us the king’s militia. We’ve trained in combat, hopefully in secret, and know what is at stake. We’ll give everything we have to keep our ocean out of Calandra’s clutches.”

His impassioned statement moves me. I glance at Nerio, fascinated by his fierce expression, as if he’s seeing his father in a new light. Still, I am curious about Magdalena. “But what news of the queen?”

He peers at me until I start to squirm. “The queen’s native ocean is under Calandra’s control. What do you think? And to say that out loud, with no proof, could be considered an act of treason.”

“You can trust me, Nikolas. I swear.”

“Many of the sharks passing by have been accompanied by mermen from her ocean. It’s easy to draw conclusions after that. The conditions on the surface are deteriorating at a frightening speed. I truly hope, if the king plans to act he do it soon. Many innocent humans will die if nothing is done to stop Calandra and whoever else is aiding her. The time for action is now.”

Samara adds, “We’re worried about those he keeps closest to him and what he’s being told. Share with him what we’ve shared with you. He will listen to you. You’re not tainted by politics yet.”

“The problem,” Damien chimes in, “is finding a way to match our enemy. Her powers are too strong.”

Hopefully that’s an area I can help with. If I’m destined to go up against her, then I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.