I opened my eyes. Neridia. I had to go to Neridia and call the council of elders together. They were my last resort. They could also advise me as to what I should do with the problem brewing with Herra and Akin.
Uncrossing my legs, I scanned the surface of the sea. Tammer, I have to go to Neridia. Can I take one of the horses with me?
His answer was instantaneous. Take Yanix – he has the most experience. Speak to him in Sanserian and tell him you need him to accompany you. He’ll stay with you as long as he can.
How do I do that?
You’ll know how when you see him.
That didn’t exactly fill me with confidence. Standing, I dusted off my butt and sent a message to Thayde.
Thayde, I have to go to Neridia. Will you go with me?
His message took a minute to get back to me. Of course I will! Give me a few to get back.
Where are you?
Miami.
What are you doing there?
I’ll explain later.
It didn’t take me long to reach the barn and all five of Tammer’s Andalusian horses poked their heads over the fence. They stood tall and strong, snorting away. They knew something was up.
Here goes nothing, I thought.
“Yanix,” I hesitated and his ears pricked forward waiting for me to finish. I thought about what I wanted to say. Can you please go with me to Neridia?
“Irida salen nact Neridia?”
This is too easy!
Yanix pawed the ground with his hoof, shaking his massive head, making his long black mane tumble over his face.
“I hope that wasn’t a no,” I mumbled, reaching for the gate. What was I supposed to do, just let him out? I thought about asking Tammer, but decided against it. He was consumed with his grief along with Mom. Interrupting them to ask a stupid question I could handle on my own was ludicrous.
Pulling the lever back on the gate, I slid into the paddock, and closed it behind me. The tiny white horse, Ren, muscled her way past her brothers and pushed her nose into my chest.
“Well hello!” I rubbed her face with my hands and kissed her nose. In response, she dipped her petite head down low as if to help me with her halter.
“I can’t take you this time,” I said and she impatiently pawed the ground. “Maybe next time, okay?”
Her sister, Willow, nickered softly and nuzzled the edge of my shirt. “What are you doing?” I asked. Her mouth made a hollow, cupping sound as her lips tried to grasp the corner of the fabric. I stuck my finger in the edge of her mouth and tickled her tongue making her yawn. A longing for the ranch in Idaho washed over me and homesickness tugged at my heart.
I’m here, Morgan. Thayde’s thoughts interrupted my time with the horses.
Yanix shuffled closer to me, waiting. He was so impressive in comparison to his brothers and sisters, I couldn’t help but reach forward and run my hand the length of his muscled neck. His big brown eyes focused on me as I stroked his velvet coat. When I spoke to him in Sanserian, he held his breath.
“I have to meet with the council. Thayde will be with me. I know you take care of Tammer. Will you take care of us?”
The horse actually nodded.
“Thank you, Yanix.” Not sure what else to do, I patted his neck once more and moved to the gate. The other horses stepped aside, making way for him and Yanix followed. Holding the gate wide enough for him to pass, he walked carefully through and stopped as I closed it.
Clearly, I had no clue where to go from there. Yanix looked back at me as I hesitated. His look said it all: what are we waiting for?
“What now?” I asked in English and he practically rolled his eyes. When he moved forward, I trotted alongside him to keep up, placing my hand on his shoulder. He guided me through the grounds back to the pool where his shod hooves clomped loudly on the smooth marble.
You’re taking one of the horses? Thayde thought.
I feel better with more numbers.
If that’s the case, you’re going to be very happy with me.
I looked past Yanix to Thayde, bobbing up and down in the turbulent water. Beside him a woman with bright red hair was waving both arms. My heart leapt in surprise as I recognized my best friend, Tiesa. Ezen, her fiancé, surfaced next to her and raised a hand.
Yanix paused, waiting for me to open the gate leading down into the water. When I pulled it aside, the massive horse calmly descended the steps and fell into the sea as if he’d done it all his life. He swam to the small group and waited. Tiesa squealed in delight.
“I can’t believe he’s coming with us!” She shouted. “It’s so cool!”
I couldn’t help but grin. Tiesa’s joy had always been infectious. Even during the darkest of times, she made me feel happy. I stripped down to my bikini and plunged into the waves, phasing underwater. Twisting in the warm bubbles, I looked up through the light. It was strange to see Yanix treading water with merpeople. I’d never seen a horse swim from this angle before. Yanix was elegant, his long legs pumped through the current. Curiosity got the better of me and I hovered in the water, waiting to watch him phase into a pilot whale.