I waited for an objection and when none was voiced, I continued.
“And while we’re on the subject let’s discuss Halfling rights. At the moment, they are granted nothing and treated like second class citizens. This will be no more.”
The mumbling grew louder and I raised my voice.
“No more! They did not choose to be who they are. These laws were put in place centuries ago when this sort of archaic intolerance was acceptable. It’s time to move into the 21st century! From here on, Halflings are to be treated equally.”
Outrage echoed off the walls and I closed my eyes, trying to recall the desperate feelings I experienced when I was treated as a Halfling. Helplessness and humiliation swelled inside me. Holding onto it, I formed my orb and threw it upon everyone in the room. The effect was more than I expected. The arguing immediately stopped, everyone froze and complete silence ensued. A dreadful ringing resounded within my head and I could feel the pounding of a migraine begin. Pushing the rhythmic hammering aside, I continued. “How do you feel? Is it enjoyable? Would you like to be in a constant state of humiliation?” My voice threatened to break. “We are merpeople! We are the most unique and magical species on earth and yet we sink to the vilest nature possible! There are Human children that dream of becoming mermaids. The knowledge of us is one of magic, purity, and innocence and yet we are quite the opposite. Why do we succumb to the lowest base we can? We kill without mercy. We hate without cause. We act without consideration. Truly, we are no different than the vampires we abhor.”
“We have to rise above our basest nature and reach for the best we can possibly offer this world and the species that inhabit it. It is no longer about us – it is about everything because everything affects us. I’m asking the impossible; that we rid ourselves of malice and greed and unkindness to become what we are supposed to be: the most magical species on this planet.”
There was no answer and there was nothing more I could say that would change their minds. I would have to do this on my own.
“I will join you.”
The familiar voice belonged to David. He scanned the room. “I will always follow The Link. I will always do what is right for our species.”
Tammer stepped beside him. “I will follow my daughter. She is the chosen one.”
Hesitation laced the atmosphere and I swallowed bitterness. What was wrong with these people?
A knock at the door turned my attention from the many eyes watching me. Tammer moved to open it and a hooded figure dressed in long robes walked in. When he pulled his hood away, there was a collective gasp. It was Troen.
He had aged greatly, his body thin, nearly collapsing in on itself. In his large, gnarled hand, he held a cane fashioned from the tip of a narwhal’s horn.
“Troen!” I flew into his embrace. “Where have you been?”
“Oh, here and there,” his voice was tired. “Let me get a look at you.” He held me at arm’s length. The creases in his forehead rose as his eyes traced my abdomen. The look of surprise was quickly gone and he smiled.
“You look lovely.”
He knew about the baby. No one would dare say anything contrary to a pregnant lady, no matter what they looked like.
“Why are you here?” I attempted to make my question as welcoming as I could. He looked past me to the heads of the people lining the wall.
“I’ve come to pledge my allegiance to you.” He announced, his voice frail but commanding. “Those who do not will be greatly saddened when this is over.”
My puzzled look prompted him to continue.
“Many of you questioned my decision to choose one as young as Morgan to be The Link. Woe to you who have questioned my authority. It is not for a mere merman to choose – it is the blood that chooses. Those who betray The Link face a life of exile.” His gaze around the room ended on me. “It is not a wise choice.”
A few of the leaders stepped forward, their heads bowed. Troen chuckled to himself.
“If you are not with us, you are against us. That, my friends, is a decision you and your families have to live with for the rest of your life.”
The rest of the doubters stepped forward.
“Good,” Troen nodded, happy, “let’s take the bond.” He stepped in line between David and Tammer.
Not wanting to delay the moment any longer, I centered myself directly in the middle of the group. Holding my palms up in front of me, I searched for the bonding words.
“Bathabis ban barakkta.” The ancient phrase spilled from me, repeating over and over until its rhythm shook the air; the pull from the beat of the words pounding in my mind. The heat from my orb circled me as if I was in an oven and still, I couldn’t stop the phrase from repeating.