Forever(59)

CHAPTER ELEVEN




CIVIL WAR



“So, today we head into battle.” Kenneth scanned the horizon, shielding his eyes.

“You state the obvious.” I answered and ran my hand along the ocean water edging the steps to Tammer’s home. A bright colored fish darted to my hand, brushed its back along my palm and dove away.

“You have the element of surprise on your side.”

I looked across the near placid waves. Beneath the calm waters, an entire army waited my orders.

“You do not seem happy that you will defeat Herra. We will win this world war.” He added.

“This is not world war. All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers.” I said, quoting Francois Fenelon.

Kenneth clicked his tongue.

“Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head,” he said, my ears pricking as I recognized the phrase.

“Euripides.” I answered.

“I thought we were beginning a quoting match,” he chuckled.

“Not at all,” I sighed deeply. “I just don’t want there to be death.”

“There is always death in war.”

A whinny interrupted us as Tammer released all five of his Andalusian horses. Each of them trotted their way around the pool to the steps. The smallest one, Ren, stopped and nudged me with her nose as the others dropped into the water, morphing into pilot whales. Their fins cut through the water as they made their way to join Kenneth’s army.

I rubbed my lips against Ren’s soft muzzle and kissed her. Her warm, horsey breath reminded me of a simpler time.

“Be careful, little Ren.” I patted her shoulder and she followed after her brothers and sisters.

“It’s a good day for a war,” Lars’ cheerful voice cut through the silence. “It will feel good killing something that can actually fight back.”

I rolled my eyes. Trust Lars to find the humor in any situation. I turned to look at him and couldn’t help but smirk. Dressed to the nines in medieval armor, he strutted toward the ocean as if he were actually able to swim in the iron.

“What?” He asked as he passed me.

“You don’t think you’re actually going to be able to swim with all that on, do you?”

“No, but it made you smile.” He began to pull the armor off.

Smiling wasn’t something I’d even thought about in the few days since losing Thayde. Life had become too complicated.

Kenneth snorted after Lars. “Are you sure you’re going to be able to Leap all of us to the trench?” He asked, his voice growing serious.

“I’ve never tried it with this many people,” I said, “but it can be done.”

“Okay.” Kenneth walked down the steps and disappeared under the waves.

It was just me now, standing on the edge of the sea. Everyone else waited below for me. How was I going to do this? I prayed.

I don’t know how I’m going to do this, but I know I can with you. Please protect my brother and sisters from harm. Let us win this without too many casualties on either side. Help me get to Herra so I can end this. Help me make Thayde remember. Be with me, please.

And then I walked into the water. Rows of merpeople waited for me as far as the eye could see. Aletheia, Tiesa, Mom, Ezen, Gavran – everyone was there. Everyone but Thayde. I pushed him from my mind. Thinking about him now would just make me weak.

Drawing my power to me, I pushed it to its limits and when I phased, a white light exploded, raining down upon the thousands that waited for my orders. I controlled The Voice to reach everyone so they would be able to hear me.

“Thank you for being here. Thank you for your love and support.”

Kenneth looked appalled at my use of the word ‘love’.

“We will Leap to the Mariana Trench. The power I bestowed upon you will protect you up to three times before it will no longer work. Please, do not do anything rash. Protect each other. Care for each other as you would your own family. I only need to get to Herra to end this. The mermaids protecting her are feral. You know this makes them highly unstable. Use it to your advantage, but remember they are capable of anything.”

A low muffle emitted from the left side of the army and a few mermen raised their weapons as a large mass swiftly swam toward them.

“Stop!” I cried, holding up my hand, forcing them to hold back. Another deep sound called to me as the giant monster nudged the edge of the border.

I could hardly believe my eyes. “Sharlie!” Swimming to him, I wrapped my arms around his scaly neck. He growled, pushing his head against me. “You shouldn’t be here.” I said, releasing my embrace.

He cocked his head and held his ground. He was Naira’s pet and he was going to help in any way he could.