The Serpent's Ring (Relics of Mysticus) (21 page)

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do with this,” said Evan, rolling it around his wrist.

“I’m certain the professor will know,” she advised. “If I were you, I would not flaunt it in front of my husband.”

Evan nodded in agreement. He looked down, trying to figure out a safe place to put it. An idea came to him and he removed his shirt. He tore at the bottom of the sleeve and tied the Serpent’s Ring to it. After putting his shirt back on, he tucked it away. For now, it was safely stored under the pit of his arm. Surely, nobody would want to search for it there.

Ran had been watching Evan and now smiled. “You are a clever boy, Evan Jones.”

The clam-o-vator came to a smooth stop. In one efficient movement, the clam pivoted around and opened up. The seal widened, and Evan could see his sister and Lazonia.

“Evan!” Claire and Lazonia both cheered from the room beyond. It didn’t take long for Dunkle and Barfel to leap up and dance on the table. Sigurd trailed behind the girls, smiling proudly. Evan entered the Undersea Hall once again, only this time, as a guest and not an intruder. Just as he walked toward his friends, he realized Ran was still in the clam-o-vator.

“Aren’t you coming?” Evan asked curiously.

“I am afraid there is some unfinished business to which I must attend on the surface,” answered Ran. “Besides, it would be best for you to have a private moment with your friends.”

Evan smiled, and since he couldn’t think of anything else to say, he said, “Thank you.” She returned his smile as the door clamped shut.

Claire and Lazonia came forward and hugged Evan.

“I thought I told you not to do anything stupid!” scolded Claire as she released him.

“What were you thinking trying to confront Aegir all on your own?” chimed Lazonia.

“Perhaps you are a hero after all. Nice job. I cannot wait to hear the details,” Sigurd said appraisingly, at which Claire looked startled.

“What he did was not heroic, it was dangerous. He’s lucky to be alive,” said Claire, narrowing her eyes.

“He is alive, and the world is safe. You underestimate him,” returned Sigurd, and Evan felt his shoulders raise a little higher. Evan’s opinion of this guy shot up exponentially.

Claire didn’t respond. She gritted her teeth as she absorbed Sigurd’s comment, and after a while, she looked at Evan.

“Fine, at least you’re safe,” said Claire, hugging him once more. She then whispered, “If you ever scare me like that again, I’ll pummel you.”

“No problem, Sis. I can honestly say my days of playing hero are over. Better left to guys like Sigurd.”

Lazonia then wrapped her arms around Evan’s waist and nuzzled her nose into his hair. He turned to her and beamed. Lazonia giggled and reached for his hand, leading him over to where the imps were frolicking on top of a table.

“Dunkle, I believe this belongs to you,” said Evan, handing over the Serpent’s Ring.

“If it is all the same to you, I would appreciate it if you could hold onto it for a little longer,” said Dunkle. “You see, it has been a long time since I was able to join in the merrymaking of my fellow imps.”

“But, there are only two imps here,” said Evan, staring over at Barfel.

“For now, yes; however, tomorrow the Undersea Hall will be swarming with imps,” said Dunkle with an ever-growing smile.

Suddenly, a concerned voice filled the entire room, “Lazonia!” It was Ragnar, who was obviously delighted to find her unharmed, but now upset by her disappearance.

“It looks as if I need a moment with my father,” she said and rushed over.

Chapter Twenty-Five

FEAST AND FOLLY

EVAN WATCHED FROM ACROSS THE room, as Lazonia spoke with Ragnar. The merman’s tail had become legs. And although his arms and chest were bare, gold leaf wrapped around his waist and down to his ankles.

More merpeople appeared through the elaborate entranceway, and they eventually filled the room; their newly formed legs were covered with multicolored gems. Music floated through the Undersea Hall. Laughter and cheer erupted from table to table. Lazonia had been successful at calming her upset father, and even though Evan sat far away, he could tell Ragnar’s spirits had lifted.

Sigurd and Claire were across the table from Evan, who was forced to overhear their ridiculous sweetie-talk. Dunkle and Barfel were far more entertaining. They clambered along tabletops, leaping onto the long wooden benches, and then bounding along the floor, the aroma of pine and cedar trailing behind.

All of a sudden, a strange breeze wafted through the Undersea Hall. Mist streamed in from another hallway. Lazonia’s friend, Himinglaeva, emerged from a faint cloud, her body forming from miniscule droplets. The two raced to each other and embraced. Evan knew it had been a long time since either had been friendly to one another. Now, they giggled as if no time had passed.

“Welcome back, old friends,” erupted Aegir, but he was still nowhere in sight.

Those in the Undersea Hall quieted and turned their attention to the center of the room. Water drizzled down from above. In perfect unison, they took the form of Aegir. Although his hair was the same dark black with turquoise-blue streaks from before, his height was now substantially shorter—about eight feet.

“The Undersea Hall has been empty for far too long,” Aegir’s voice reverberated around the entire room. “Let us celebrate our friendship. Enjoy yourselves.”

His speech was brief, and Evan knew there was more to say, but that could wait until tomorrow. He watched Ragnar and Aegir approach each other and felt the warmth emanating from their reunion.

“This is how it should be,” whispered Lazonia from behind Evan.

“I have to admit, while I was on that cliff, Aegir scared me half to death. But now, seeing him in here, I understand him a little better,” said Evan, as he continued to watch Ragnar and Aegir.

“You must be starving,” said Lazonia. “Come on, let’s eat.”

In all his fourteen years, Evan had never eaten food like this: dulse-cakes with lemon hollandaise sauce, roasted wakame, bladderwack bisque. He even tried the kombu Rockefeller (not served over fish). Each delicacy was unbelievable! And the best part was that each time he finished his plate, more elaborate seafare appeared.

Somewhat camouflaged by their transparent skin, Evan barely noticed the inconspicuous squidlike men as they removed the empty plates and replaced them with new platters of food. Evan watched as one of the squid men approached him. He had unsettling eyes bulging out from the sides of his spade-shaped head. Squid Man lifted another empty plate with ease by using one of his tentacles, and in one solid movement, used another roving arm to set down five drinks. Evan had to admit, these servers where incredibly efficient.

“This room’s only purpose is to host celebrations,” explained Lazonia. “It has been that way for thousands of years.”

“I’m not used to seeing food being served by squid men. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with it. It’s just … different,” said Evan, shoving another stuffed sea-grape leaf into his mouth.

Although activity in the room was constant, Evan couldn’t stop watching Aegir. If the sea god wasn’t seated at the round table, he was busy greeting his guests. His boisterous laughter was louder than anything else. For the most part, Ran was at his side. All traces of loneliness had faded from her eyes. And when she peered over at Evan, she smiled brightly. She whispered into Aegir’s ear and now he too was staring at Evan.

Amidst the celebrations, the sea god and his wife stood up from their chairs, and with mighty steps, walked over to Evan. He didn’t realize it, but he had slouched down so low, he was almost under the table.

“Evan, what are you doing?” said Lazonia, lifting his arm. “You said it yourself, Aegir is not so bad.”

“That was when he was across the room!” said Evan anxiously. “Why are they coming over here?”

“Do you really have to ask? Now, do not be rude. Sit up and calm down.”

Evan tried to sit straight and forced the corners of his lips to turn up. What would Evan say to the sea god?

“It would seem I was mildly harsh in my sentence for mankind,” said Aegir. “Our daughter may have been behind this mess, but I can assure you mankind has done his share of damage to my oceans.”

Evan spoke not a word. He held himself frozen like a statue, realizing this would be a terrible time for sarcasm. Aegir and Ran sat down, and Aegir folded his hands, placing them on the table. The god’s demeanor was casual, as if he and Evan were old friends.

Aegir sighed before saying, “Young man, you stood your ground. It was exceptionally brave of you to battle against a god.”

“Thanks,” said Evan, looking toward his feet.

“Evan, please look up,” said Ran. “What my husband is trying to say is you have aided in giving mankind another chance. You have done well. If it had not been for your determination, we might never have known the truth about Dufa.”

“What now?” asked Evan. “What will you do to her?”

“There is little I can do, until I find her,” stated Aegir, shrugging his shoulders.

“But, what if she tries to blame mankind for something else?”

“Dufa will be dealt with,” said Ran. “I can assure you of that.”

“Well, that isn’t very reassuring,” said Evan.

“Mankind will live to see another day,” said Aegir. “That will have to suffice.”

“Oh, and you should retire soon. You have had a busy day, and tomorrow the real banquet begins. Many more will arrive,” said Ran.

Evan peered around the grand hall. The long rectangular tables were already filled with merpeople.

“Does this room stretch?” he wondered aloud.

“You will see, the Undersea Hall is able to accommodate its guests,” said Ran, rising from the table. Before leaving she added, “You will be glad to hear that Dr. Irving and Vor will be here in the morning. Now, rest well.”

As if on cue, Himinglaeva arrived. Jubilantly, she danced across the floor. “Are you ready?” she asked, sounding much like the rush of a wave.

“For what?” Evan questioned.

“I am playing hostess and will show you to your room,” she answered gracefully and twirled. “It would appear your imps are enjoying themselves.”

“Yes, they like to party, even when they aren’t at a party,” said Evan, watching Dunkle and Barfel hop from place to place.

“They are restless and seem to have energy to spare,” said Himinglaeva, studying the imps. “They may stay. As for the four of you, please follow me.”

“I guess we don’t have a choice here,” Claire whispered to Evan as they were led away from the celebration.

Himinglaeva moved much like a wave rolls over the ocean’s surface. Lazonia joined her friend, and the two proceeded to gossip about the latest mishaps that had just occurred in the Undersea Hall.

They entered a long, cavelike corridor. Immediately, the live-eel wall sconces sizzled and sparkled with electric light. Tiny crabs and other creatures dashed in and out of holes. Pits were everywhere—along the wall, the floor, and the ceiling. Evan watched the buglike crustaceans scurry around.

“Yuck. I hope our room doesn’t come with live sea creatures,” said Evan, still shivering.

Lazonia laughed and said, “Your room will come equipped with a hammock, making it a little more difficult for crabs to visit you in your sleep.”

The group reached Evan’s room, and as the others waited in the hallway, Lazonia led him inside.

“See you tomorrow,” said Lazonia, squeezing him tight.

“Are you sure this place is safe?” whispered Evan.

“See you tomorrow … my hero,” she said and pulled away.

He sighed and then walked into the strange room. The first thing he noticed was that it smelled like sea salt. The walls and floor looked like the inside of a shell, pearlescent and polished. Whereas most of the room’s surface was light in color and smooth, the far corner was drastically different—it was colorful, looking much like living coral. Water trickled down in that area, creating a basin at the bottom, and shells were embedded in the floor.

There were no windows and no television. There was nothing for Evan to do but sleep. Wearily, he rinsed his body in the pooling water and then climbed onto the golden hammock. The room slowly faded from dim light to a mild darkness. A soft breeze circulated, and the hammock swayed, cradling Evan into a delicious slumber.

Chapter Twenty-Six