Waterkeeper's Wake
Chapter six
A Great Team
Kai took the silver hand-shackles out of Sirena’s hand and examined them. The craftsmanship was exceptional. They appeared to be in relatively new condition and next to the keyhole was engraved a coat of arms depicting a simple shield supported on either side by a lion and a sea serpent.
“I recognize this mark,” Kai exclaimed, running his thumb over the engraving, “It’s the King’s emblem!”
Sirena’s brow furrowed. “That doesn’t make any sense Kai. King Cadassi is sworn to protect the lands and peoples of the realm, why would he be involved with the disappearance of my family?”
Kai sat back at the edge of the cave’s freshwater pool where Sirena continued to bob gently, fixing him with an imploring stare. He ran a hand through his hair as he tried to make sense of everything that had happened in the last few days. The Great River had been poisoned, killing fish and vegetation all along its banks, leaving everyone who depended on Her desperate for drinking water and sustenance. Mysteriously, the Waterkeeper had yet to make an appearance and set things right. And now, Kai was faced with yet another complexity – a mermaid whose family seemed to have been kidnapped by someone from the King’s guard. Kai leaned down and took a long drink of clean water and then splashed some into his face.
“Well, Kai?” Sirena prodded, “What are we going to do?”
Kai felt lost. “I don’t know Sirena. I never expected any of this. When I left my village I thought finding the Waterkeeper would be easy – but the farther I travel, the more confusing all of this gets. Maybe I should head back, get my father to help…I’m not sure anymore.”
Sirena reached out of the water and gripped Kai’s hand tightly. “Kai, if you go back now you’ll only waste precious time! Think about it. The more time you spend traveling back to your people – the longer the Great River will remain fouled, and who knows where my family, or the Waterkeeper might be by then?”
“But I’m just a child!” Kai exploded. “Maybe I was wrong in thinking that I was old enough to take on such a task. I should have left this to a grown-up to take care of.”
“Listen to me Kai,” Sirena soothed, “Your Noni and the people of your village trusted you enough to set out on your own – they believe in you, and so do I. Besides, it’s not like you have to do this on your own anymore – I’m coming with you.”
“How is that possible Sirena?” Kai challenged, “You’re a mermaid, and I’m traveling by land.”
Sirena giggled as she let go of Kai’s hand and pulled herself out of the water until she was resting on the ground a few feet from where Kai was sitting. Kai looked on doubtfully as Sirena brushed the water from the iridescent, green scales of her tail. She continued to massage her tail, while humming a series of high-pitched notes. Kai was astonished to see that Sirena’s scales seemed to be lifting, knitting themselves together, and smoothing out into what
appeared to be a pale green fabric, which Sirena gently coaxed into the folds of a simple skirt. Beneath the skirt her tail magically separated into two pale muscular legs! Sirena carefully stood up and took a few ginger steps towards Kai, then stumbled a bit
“Whoa! Careful!” Kai blurted as he leapt forward and caught Sirena around the waist.
Sirena leaned on Kai’s shoulder and gave him a shy smile. “I’m a little out of practice, but it won’t be long before I can outrun you, I’ll bet,” she challenged. “All mermaids can leave the water, if they need to. I can’t think of a better reason to than what we’re facing now Kai. So – what’s the plan?”
“Well – here’s what I’m thinking,” Kai ventured, “I still don’t believe that King Cadassi, or any of his men would have anything to do with kidnapping your family. But – at the moment, these hand-shackles are the only clue we have to follow.”
Sirena nodded her agreement. “I was also thinking Kai, that the King may be just the person to help us find the Waterkeeper. At the very least, he’ll be able to offer us some support and resources. The Great River is everyone’s concern.”
“To the King’s Court then!” Kai exclaimed.
“To the King’s Court!” Sirena echoed. “I think we’re going to make a good team.”
