“He’s not as scary as he looks,” I offered, and Sharlie pushed his head closer into me so I’d continue petting him.
“He’s a very good boy.” Naira swam up the length of his neck, trailing her hand along it. “He doesn’t like humans anymore. All they do is dirty his water and scream in fear when they see him.”
“Can you talk to him?” I asked.
“Yes.”
It was unbelievable. “You have incredible powers, Naira! Do you know that?”
“Not like you,” she said.
Suddenly, Sharlie’s head rose and he looked away from us, his whole body tense and alert.
“Something’s wrong,” Naira said, looking in the same direction. “Someone’s coming.”
The larger scales on Sharlie’s neck rose and he swam forward a few feet, placing himself between us and whatever was making its way toward us. Summoning The Sight, I was able to see what was making him so antsy - it was another merperson.
“We’re not alone.” I said, pulling Naira close. A few seconds later, an arrow flew through the water, barely missing Sharlie and slicing the water where Naira had been.
“He’s hunting Sharlie!” She screamed, struggling to release herself from my grip.
“Naira!” I held onto her arms, turning her to face me. “Let me handle this!”
She nodded, her large, frightened eyes darting from my face to the scene behind me. “Stay here,” I ordered and let go of her.
Despite the danger to himself, Sharlie was obviously not going anywhere. When another arrow was released from the spear gun the stranger held in his hands, I placed myself in its way and held up my hand. The moment it reached me, it disintegrated.
The merman stopped his advance, hovering in the water. He seemed to be considering what to do next. Instead of continuing his attack, he pulled the spear gun onto his shoulder and raised his hands in defeat. Cautiously, he swam to me. I held my ground. Sharlie held his behind me.
“You’re a long way from the ocean,” he called out in an Australian accent. I didn’t answer. When I changed my eyes back to normal, I recognized him immediately. It was the Viking we saw at the restaurant a few days earlier.
“Is this your pet?” He motioned to Sharlie.
I ignored his question. “Are you planning on eating him when you’re finished killing him?”
The Viking laughed. “No! I hunt for sport.”
“Sport? You kill because it makes you feel good? Doesn’t that say a lot about who you are?” I asked.
A few feet in front of me, he crossed his arms and looked me up and down.
“I remember you from the restaurant.”
When I didn’t answer, he looked behind me to Sharlie and Naira.
“Raif said you gave him The Look when he approached your table. You destroyed my arrow by holding up your hand. You seem to have a few powers.”
“Just a few,” I said.
He nodded, offering his hand. “I’m Lars.”
I hesitated. This stranger could be dangerous and I wasn’t about to let anything happen to Naira. I could feel the heat in me rise. “Morgan,” I said and took his hand in mine. Ever so lightly, I let The Fire seep from me. He reacted as if I’d scalded him, pulling his hand back and his mouth dropping open.
“You’re Her, aren’t you?” He said.
“I am,” I said.
“You’re The Link?”
“I am,” I repeated.
“Friggin’ awesome!” His whole demeanor changed; he seemed completely ecstatic to have met me. “You know how long my family’s been preparing for your coming? Forever! I was told that it’d be in my lifetime, but honestly I never believed it!”
“Who exactly are you?” I asked.
“My name’s Lars Fawning. I’m a hunter and I Leap, too. I was told that when The Link was ready, I would find him and join him.”
“A hunter?” I raised an eyebrow. “You’re not a very good shot, Lars.”
He looked embarrassed. “Yeah, well, you can’t win ‘em all.”
Naira touched my elbow. “We need to go home,” she said in a tiny voice. I took her hand in mine.
“You are not allowed to kill Sharlie. Ever.” I ordered and Lars nodded with enthusiasm.
“On my honor, I won’t.”
“Good. Then you can come with us,” I said and Lars grinned in obvious happiness.
“You got it!”
He watched in disgust as Naira kissed Sharlie on the top of his scaly head. After she whispered into his ear, he dove down, disappearing from sight.
“That sure is one ugly creature,” he said, staring after Sharlie.
I felt bad for the mythical beast who’d so quickly became our friend and was willing to lay down his life for me. The comment irritated me. “I think that is a matter of perception,” I stated said and he shrugged.