Devrie Spaulding's Blog, page 3

BACKROOMS Part 6

Jenna’s vision faded in and out as the tall, spindly monster carried her. She should have been terrified. She should have fought and ran away. But Jenna found both her strength and will to be gone. Whatever these things had in store for her, she didn’t care anymore.

For a while, all she could hear was the sounds of footsteps as they proceeded to wherever they were going. That changed when water dripped from somewhere close by.  Then that awful chanting picked back up again. It grew louder and louder.

It was clear now she was being taken to the source of those chants. She tried to lift her head and look around but every time she did, her vision blurred. Jenna focused on listening instead. The words didn’t make any sense, though. Finally, one was recognizable. Cthulhu.

She tried to clear her mind. This couldn’t be happening. That beast was made up. He wasn’t real. She remembered all the monsters she had run from and the one carrying her even now. Maybe he was real after all. If he was, what did that mean for her?

The Lovecraft topic wasn’t one she ever learned. She knew the name. Everyone knew the name. She wracked her brain trying to remember anything she could about him. There was something about him sleeping and that if he woke up it would be really bad. Why would these people be chanting to him then?

They turned a corner and Jenna saw she would be getting her answers soon. Her vision chose now to clear up. An enormous cave loomed before her. Torches clung to the walls all around creating enough light to see everything clearly.

In the center, a large pool of black water sat stagnate and still as glass. Figures in red robes circled the water. Their covered arms raised high. Now that she was inside the cave, their voices echoed loudly off the walls. 

The monster paused only briefly before continuing towards the worshipers. It walked around to the right of them and that’s when she saw a platform. It stood maybe four feet high and seven feet long. The surface was some kind of smooth rock. That was where it was taking her.

In an unbelievably delicate manner, the monster placed Jenna on the platform. It slowly backed away and rejoined the hounds who had refused to enter the cave. One worshiper, who’s robes were darker than the others and trimmed in gold, turned to the creature. “Thank you. You may go about your duties.”

Jenna lay limp on the surface with her head turned towards the retreating monsters. She couldn’t understand how these people could be working with such beings. How were these beasts able to understand these humans? She felt her mind start to slip again. She couldn’t let that happen. For some reason, she felt these cultists were more dangerous than the monsters.

The one with the fancy robes slowly walked towards her. His hood covered most of his head, but she could still see his face. He didn’t smile.  His shaven face stayed slack; eyes cold. “Do try to sit up, my dear.”

Jenna did her best but only got propped up on her elbows. She breathed hard. Just that much was almost too much. The man came forward and grabbed her by one arm. He pulled her up to a sitting position. When he was sure she could keep herself upright, he took several steps back. All the while, the others continued to chant.

“My Elder God has called for you and you have come. Each test you have passed. Now you must choose.”

Jenna wasn’t sure her voice would work but she tried anyway. After a few croaking attempts, she finally said, “What do you mean, tests? What choice?”

The man nodded. “Each level, you survived. Most do not. You have proven strong enough. Your mind is still mostly intact.”

She scoffed. “I wouldn’t go that far.”  Looking around for an exit, Jenna finally gave up and asked, “How the hell do I get out of here?”

“It is simple. You make a choice. You can choose to be a witness, or you can choose to find another that will take your place as witness.”

“Stop talking in riddles. A witness to what? I just want to go home.”

“If that is what you wish then you must find another to take your place as witness.”

The man was like a repeating robot. It was infuriating. All Jenna wanted was to leave, to go back to her life. She tried to think of someone she knew who wouldn’t mind witnessing who knew what. It couldn’t be that bad. “How long will my replacement have to be a witness?”

“For all eternity.”

Dread crept into her bones.  “What will be witnessed?” This was the real question that needed answering.

“Cthulhu’s slumber.”

“Wait..What?” Did she hear that right? Watch a monster sleep? What was the catch? Sounded boring.

“You or someone you choose will bare witness to Cthulhu’s slumber for all eternity until he wakes. It is no simple task. You will slowly lose your mind and not remember who or what you are most of the time. At other times, you will know. Again, at other times, you will know all the secrets of the universe only to forget again.” Now he smiled but it was not a friendly one. “Your choice is to be that witness or place that honor upon someone else.”

GOW Part 5

Crawling out of the nice warm shell, Gow shivered. The waters this far from home were always colder. This close to the trench didn’t help either. In response to the shiver, his skin thickened enough to keep him warm.

His body’s natural ability to change to adapt to any temperature or environment always made him itchy. So, Gow spent the next several ticks of his heartbeat to scratch all over. The simple things in life always made him smile.

Gow refocused on the task at hand. His destination was just over the next rock formation. He had never been to this trench so didn’t really know what to expect. Well, other than a kraken, of course.

Eating some seaweed, he rummaged through his bag. “Where is it?” He knew the item he sought was in there but where? His small fingers finally touched on a hard surface. “There you are.”

He pulled out his item. If anyone saw him do this, they would wonder how it fit into his medium sized bag. The long, white coral and shell sheath was a bit longer than Gow’s arm. Lucky for him, he knew others with magic, and they always owed him favors.

The handle of the sword fit perfectly into Gow’s hands. There was no way he would confront a kraken without his well-used weapon. That would be insane! Who knew what to expect? He sure didn’t.

He strapped the sword to his back and slung is bag over his shoulder. It was time to find out how a kraken fought. It was harder to swim with the sword on, so he hovered over the sandy floor using his webbed fingers to propel him forward.

Using his muscular legs, he pushed up and drifted back down on top of the rock formation. Just ahead was a huge dark hole in the bottom of the Great Waters. No light penetrated past the opening. Somewhere down there is what the king needed.

“No time like the present.” Gow took a deep breath of water and felt it run through his gills. With another hard push, he left the rocks and floated down to the sand. The area was littered with broken shells, rocks, and many items from the Land Walkers. If these were toys, the area would resemble a child’s play space.

Gow knew better. These “toys” were the result of the kraken causing havoc up above. Clearly, there would be no negotiating with it. That was unfortunate.

Gliding over to the edge, he looked down. His sight was better than most with his oversized eyes, but it was still hard to see past a few feet. It didn’t matter. He was going in either way.

Self-preservation was usually his rule. He never accepted a job that would put him in mortal danger. However, this was for his dear friend and king of the Undinia. Not to mention, the king said the artifact would help them win some kind of war that was coming. How could he say no to that?

Without another thought, Gow stepped over the edge. He sunk rapidly. Only able to see so far, he wanted to take this slower. So, when a cliff edge came in to view along the side, he stopped there to look around.

Trinkets and treasures lay on the ledge and more stuck to the sides of the trench. Other, nearby ledges held the same thing.  None of it sparkled like it would higher up. It was way too dark. Instead, they sat alone and abandoned. Hopefully, if he survived this, he could come back and search through them at his leisure.

A loud rumble caused some coins and jewelry to fall off his perch. A deep growl followed. “That must be my new friend.”

There was another ledge a bit lower, so he stepped off again and angled towards it. Something moved fast just beyond his sight. It was large and darker than the surrounding water. Whatever it was, cause the water to shove him hard against the nearest wall. He hit his head and sank to a clif further down than he had planned.

His head ached. Gow closed his eyes to try and lessen the pain. A few calming intakes of water later had it a little bit better. When he opened his eyes, two glowing enormous eyes glared back at him.

BACKROOMS Part 5

Jenna ran. The pounding of blood in her ears was so loud it made it difficult to hear the scratching of claws not far behind her. Searing sharp pain filled her chest from the exertion.

Another decision came into view up ahead. Jenna could go left or right again but not straight. Since she went right last time, she chose left. Now to hope she made it to the turn alive. It was still several yards ahead and whichever beast chased her was gaining.

Coming up to the turn, Jenna went wide hoping to keep from slipping on the damp floor. Just as she could see around the corner, her hands desperately began grasping for the corner to help her stop. As before, a hound waited with its head lowered, jaws dripping saliva. A deep growl reverberated against the rock walls.

She couldn’t help but release a loud scream. It looked exactly like the other hound. Was it the same one or a different one? Jenna dared a glance down the tunnel she had just been in. There was no sound of claws running anymore. Instead, the first hound nearly filled the tunnel a good way back. The tall tree like creature waited behind it. None of them moved.

Jenna took a ragged breath daring to look back and forth. It was definitely a different hound. The beast was smaller but nothing about its size made it less menacing. In fact, it seemed more agitated.  Other than trying to keep both corridors in view, she didn’t dare run.

Apparently, that was not what the monsters wanted. The smaller one stomped one foot repeatedly, digging its talons in the rock. The bigger one stepped forward, extending its tentacles in Jenna’s direction. When she still didn’t move, they both stepped several more times.

She finally took the hint. Turning in the only direction she could, Jenna ran. The monsters howled and continued their pursuit. Something wasn’t right about this, but Jenna didn’t have time to really think about it. Now she had three beasts chasing her.

This route did not appear to turn for as far as Jenna could see which wasn’t much considering the lack of light. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could run. Her lungs hurt and a sharp pain formed at her side. The continued sounds of claws on rock and snuffling kept her going.

The darkness ahead dipped a little to the right. Jenna thought it could be another break off point but wasn’t sure. Motion just beyond that spot had her hoping it was. She ran closer and what she saw had her mind slipping like it did with the blobs. Her vision began to swim, and her legs buckled beneath her. She came to a skidding halt producing scrapes all along her arms.

There wasn’t a form to it. Something blocked the passageway but moved in small amounts. Long ropes extended and retracted to the side walls and ceiling. Short human like legs held the entire mass up off the ground a few inches. But in the middle was mind breaking.  A head swam in circles within the black oil colored mass. It tried to form facial features, but they were all wrong. A gaping, lipless mouth opened wide in a silent scream.

It was too much. Jenna’s mind snapped. She knew she should get up and run away but her will to do so was gone. Let the beasts descend and tear her apart. Let whatever this was do its worst. At this point she didn’t believe she would feel any of it. She lay there, bleeding from her many scrapes.

Again, the monsters stopped chasing only to stand and stare at her. The hounds shifted their dripping heads from side to side. The tall spindly one came from behind, stepping between them to come forward. Its horns kept scraping the side and ceiling of their tunnel. Jenna slowly turned her head to watch it approach.

The faceless creature bent down towards Jenna. Long wooden arms slid under her neck and legs. When it touched her, Jenna’s mind went further into madness as if the contact made it all more real. As it lifted her, she slipped into blackness.  

Upcoming Book Release: MAGIC’S HUNT

My next book, Magic’s Hunt, is just about ready for publishing. Putting the final touches on some maps and then it’s a go. I am so excited! Here is the cover:

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SUPERNATURAL SISTERS: The Eight Shadows of the Moon

Read the second book in the series of Kat and Pepper.

https://a.co/d/jiBmRio

Kat and Pepper survived the last Alpha’s attempt to take their lives, but just barely. They thought the threat was over. Everyone couldn’t have been more wrong. A new search begins for yet another piece of the puzzle. Staying one step ahead of their new foe seems impossible as they fight for survival.

Supernatural Sisters: The Eight Rays of the Moon

Here is the link to Amazon for my very first book!

https://a.co/d/fiIVtCt

Kat and Pepper never thought monsters were real. That doesn’t stop the monsters from seeking them out.

Two orphans, victims of the system, have only each other to depend on. That is, until they are viciously attacked by something nightmarish. But a mysterious group of supernatural hunters materialize in their greatest time of need, dragging them into a new world with unimaginable threats. Alphas of each faction have started sending out scouts to look for something, something that will tip the balance in their favor against all humanity. Unfortunately, they have set their malicious gaze on the sisters as a key factor to an ancient ritual. The only thing Kat, Pepper, and the hunters don’t know is why. When they finally find out, everything they have ever believed to be true is shattered.

With the help of a mixed mutant demon seeking asylum and a Cat Café filled with Vampires, a Siren, and others, not to mention the Creator, the hunters finally discover what the Alphas are looking for in Old Town. So now, as they prepare for battle, Kat and Pepper have choices to make. How do they accept the heritage they now know runs through their veins? Do they join the hunters or go out on their own? Can they learn to depend on others in order to survive?

BACKROOMS Part Four

Tendrils grasped at Jenna’s ankles and wrists. She pulled hard to free herself. Every time one would let go, two more grabbed hold. She was almost to the tunnel’s opening. Terror was the only thing driving her, but would she make it?

Both legs were now completely covered in black slimy tentacles. Something sharp pierced her flesh from each one. Jenna went to reach one arm towards the tunnel, but it quickly became trapped as well. Her other arm snapped up and out. Just her fingertips made it past the opening. A cool breeze tickled the ends. Her heart sank with despair. There was no way she would get the rest of her into the open space.

Just as the cool air licked at her fingers, the globs’ appendages twitched hard. They continued to spasm, retracting whatever teeth or claws they had grasped her with. Their convulsions vibrated Jenna’s whole body. Her teeth began to chatter. One by one, feelers snapped back to its host’s body.

Jenna nearly fell when the last one let go but seeing all the mini blobs waiting for her along the floor helped to keep her standing. They rotated slowly around her feet but didn’t touch her. The giant one behind her continued to grow.

Without hesitation, Jenna jumped over the circling creatures. Her right foot landed on the other side of the tunnel’s entrance. She tumbled the rest of the way. She lay there with her heart pound so hard inside her chest that Jenna knew it would break free at any moment. Air stung her throat as she rasped each breath through dry, cracked lips. All around her was rock. There wasn’t any carpeting or squared walls anymore. Jenna was back inside a cave.

Thumping drew her attention away from the relief she temporarily felt. Jenna sat up and looked back from where she came. The little globs were throwing themselves at the opening to her tunnel but hitting an invisible wall. Others behind them swirled in place clearly agitated. The giant one dropped to the floor, zoomed to the tunnel, and hit the same wall. Small rocks and dust flittered to the ground from the impact.

After its second attempt, it slowly backed up and disassembled into all the multitude of tiny blobs that had previously combined with it. All of them scooted back to their original spaces, settling into the motionlessness they had been before. Before Jenna’s eyes, even their color resorted back to match the walls and floor.

Seconds ticked in rhythm to Jenna’s heartbeat. As she began to realize those monsters weren’t going to come for her, she stood and slowed her breathing. Her hands still shook but that didn’t seem to be something that would change anytime soon.

Remembering the spikes or whatever they used to puncture her legs, Jenna rubbed her hand down one side of her jeans. When her hand came up bloody, she nearly fainted. Getting medical help didn’t seem like a possibility and neither did finding a way to clean each wound. All she could do was to continue on. Hopefully, the cuts were small enough to close on their own.

She turned away and slowly marched down the tunnel. It veered left and right with no rhyme or reason. Not that any of this made sense. A part of her wanted to stop, lay down and hope to die where she was. At least then it would be on her own terms, not being torn apart from creatures of nightmare.

It felt like forever, but Jenna finally came to a four-way juncture. Each choice was filled with darkness. She could only see about three feet in any direction. Continuing in the same direction seemed the logical choice. She took at step forward and stopped.

The darkness before her moved. The shadows shifted and swirled. Something long and thin stepped into the light. It stood like a human but that was the end of the similarity. Horns scraped the rocky ceiling on a head with no face. The emancipated body seemed to be made of wood with arms that stretched to the floor.

The thing just stood there, supported on tall twig like legs, with its featureless face and head slowly swaying to the left and right. Jenna stayed as still as she could. Maybe without eyes, it couldn’t see her. Maybe it responded to sound like the blobs she just survived.

Gradually turning her eyes and head to the right, she surveyed that choice. Running was definitely going to be needed but she had to be sure it was in the right area. She then turned to check the path to her left. After a minute of dissecting that region, the shadows moved again.

This time, whatever it was stayed close to the ground. More tentacles came into view, but a cylindrical head followed. These weren’t black like the blobs but a deep red and blue. More of this beast began to emerge. It walked on all fours and hunched in the back like a hyena. There was no fur covering its body, however. More tentacles writhed down the back and some kind of substance dripped off the monster’s body. It slowly took one stalking step after the next with its head down low.

That left one option. Jenna looked back to the right. Nothing seemed to be blocking her path in that direction. If there was, there would be nowhere for her to run. This might be the end. It was strange, but she felt a tinge of relief to that notion.

Human nature, of course, wouldn’t let her give up. She took off as fast as she could down the right-side tunnel.

GOW Part Four

The king knew Gow didn’t like the formalities held at court so, instead, Gow met him in his chambers for breakfast. They chatted about non-important things mostly.  The queen joined them, and they all laughed together. When it was time for Gow to head out, the king escorted him to the gates. They were followed by his normal guards, of course.

In front of the guards, they could not hug their goodbyes. They had been friends for so long, it hurt Gow’s heart to leave. The missions came first. One day, he would be able to spend much more time with his old friend. With a wave, Gow swam off in the direction of his new target.

Hundreds of kelp fields glowed off in the distance as Gow passed out of Amadahy’s boarders. The Great Waters could feel so serene at times. Then there were other times that it was the most violent environments ever. It didn’t matter what was happening up above in Kaer Aes, down here it was a different world.

Getting to this great trench was going to take a while. His thoughts drifted back to his glow fish. He was relieved they knew how to care for themselves since it looked like he was going to be gone longer than usual. Most people took their glow fish for granted but Gow knew how intelligent they could be when properly cared for.

A sharp nip brought him back to the present. Gow stopped swimming and looked down at one of his webbed feet. A young crab had taken it upon himself to snip at him. Gow lowered down to the soft floor. “Now, young one, that was rude. Where is your mother?”

The little crab fiddled with his small front claws. The back ones tapped nervously in the sand. Tiny bubbles floated from his mouth.

Gow looked around and finally saw a much larger crab come skuttling sideways from behind a considerable coral formation. She made a b-line straight to the smaller one Gow had confronted. The mother struck the young one on the back of his shell while producing countless more bubbles but no sound. When the little one pointed one claw at Gow, the mother struck him again. She pointed toward the coral and the little one slowly crawled that way with his front claws dragging behind him.

The mother crab then looked to Gow. She placed one large claw just under her mouth and slightly bowed to him.

“It is fine. He is young. You are a good mother to teach him the way you do.” Gow reciprocated the hand gesture.

She emitted a few more bubbles and then went off in the same direction as her son. Gow smiled to himself. The raising of children was never part of his life plan, but he sure could respect those who made that choice.

When the mother was well hidden behind their coral home, Gow continued on. Another tide cycle later, Gow stopped for a meal. If the king hadn’t given him more rations, the ones he left home with would never have lasted. The king always gave him free reign with the kelp fields but there was no need at this point.

He watched the multitude of fish swimming around. Schools swarmed here and there while singular sizable fish drifted alone. This was one of the peaceful moments Gow cherished.

Several meals and tides passed as Gow swam. His energy was draining and knew he should try to sleep. The closer he got to the trench; the less likely sleep would happen. It would be too dangerous.

Gow looked around for a safe place to rest. This would be difficult. He needed to hide so any predator that came by wouldn’t snatch him up.  Most of the best rocks and shells were spoken for by any number of other inhabitants.

A hefty broken shell lay on its side causing Gow to stop. He glided over to it and lightly knocked on the outer surface. “Hello? Is anyone home?” There was no answer. He tried again with the same result.

Exhaustion tugged at his mind. He had never been awake this long before. He could usually go a couple of tides but never this many. He had no choice but to venture into the shell and hope he wasn’t bothering anyone.

As luck would have it, no one was there. It looked to have been vacated for a while. That was strange. Even in its broken state, it would be a fine home. Gow wasn’t going to look a seahorse in the mouth, though. He quickly made himself comfortable and tried to sleep. When he woke, he knew this peacefulness would end. The trench and the kraken awaited him.

BACKROOMS PART THREE

Again, the monster didn’t pursue her into the next room. It was a relief but didn’t make sense. Nothing about this place made sense. Jenna’s thought felt like liquid running through her hands, unable to catch more than a few fleeting moments.

She let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes. Rest is what she really needed, but with how the past events have gone, Jenna didn’t believe she would get any. As if to prove that point, soft shuffling sounds finally reached her ears.

Slowly, Jenna opened her eyes. She regretted doing it. All over the walls, ceiling and floor were small to medium globs of some kind. They had originally blended in with the colors but now each one started turning deep black. They flowed like thick oil over the surface they clung to, not moving in any single direction. Long, rope like appendages formed from their mass and receded back just as quickly. Small sightless eyes popped open and closed all over.

The multitude nearly had a scream bubble up from Jenna’s throat, but she covered her mouth. They didn’t seem interested in her at the moment. If they decided to come for her all at once, there was nothing she would be able to do. One thing was for sure, however. She needed to get out of there.

Jenna was not a dancer or graceful ballerina so stepping between the closely spaced creatures would be quite a challenge. She lifted one leg producing a ruffling sound from her jeans. Instantly, all the creatures reacted.  They swiveled and stirred in her direction at a snail’s pace. The appendages reached ahead of them looking for whatever cause the sound.

She slowly lowered her leg and stayed quiet. Her hands covered her mouth just to make sure a single sound didn’t escape. As she predicted, the monsters settled down and returned to meandering around. Their slimy ropes became one with their bodies, yet again.

Panic rose in her chest. A moments thought was to simply run as fast as she could to see if they would catch her. That thought was instantly crushed when witnessing two of them merging into one as they moved. A second later they split apart again. How was she going to get out of this one?

Raising her leg, but keeping it lower than before, she was able to lightly step in between two creatures. Her movement was soundless and didn’t cause a reaction from her enemy. Another silent move later and she was hopeful for an escape.

Sweat formed on her brow.  It began its trek down her face landing on her shirt. Jenna couldn’t tell that it made any noise, but the creatures started to stir again, only slower this time.  She had to hurry. She continued to take more steps towards the closest hallway.

The monsters covering the ground didn’t seem to notice her presence but the ones on the ceiling grew more agitated. As they bumped into each other, they combined their mass. Directly in her path, grew a huge blob of swirling and groping ropes hanging down from the ceiling as the whole of its body also expanded.

Jenna rushed her steps even more now. She was almost to the hallway, but that monstrosity was blocking her. There had to be a way around it. As she drew nearer, her vision swam. Concentration became harder and harder. What was she doing? Where was she going?

When she closed her eyes, her mind caught up. Hysterical laughter tried to burst from her mouth. Instead, Jenna bit down on her lip causing mind clearing pain. She had to keep her gaze away from what hung before her. That was the only way.

Keeping her eyes to the floor and focusing only on the smaller creatures, she stepped ahead and to the right. Sweat continued to drip from her face. Each drip showed a ripple effect with the beast’s extremities. One slender strand reached out and nearly grabbed her. Jenna recoiled. Her mind tried to fizzle out again, but she held her focus.

Every attempt to pass was met with more black cables of slime being propelled towards her. In a brief moment of absolute clarity, she had an idea. If she could throw something in the opposite direction, it should buy her enough time to get away. What could she throw?  There was no telling what she would face next if this worked so she needed her shoes. The rest of her clothes were simple, shirt, pants, and underthings. The only viable option was her shirt.

Jenna quickly pulled her shirt over her head. Wadding it up in a ball, she threw it as far as she could. It made a soft plop sound when it landed on a group of creatures. The giant mass in front of her moved at lightening speed towards where her shirt lay. The smaller creatures extended their appendages to inspect what lay on top of them. All around her, the things zoomed in the same direction.

There wasn’t a moment to waste. She ran. It didn’t matter anymore if she made noise. The monsters behind her began screeching. They had discovered her deception.

GOW Part Three

Gow thought about what the Great Fish had told him. He was not one to normally shy away from anything but all he wanted was a simple life. In the past he fought alongside the Undinia in many wars.  He never went on land, though. Those wars seemed unfair to the Land Walkers.

Amadahy came in to view several meters away. Its towering battlements scattered the landscape. For someone who did not understand the ways of the Great Waters, it would not make sense. There was no need for walls when you could swim.

The keep was place in the middle of all the towers. It took on an inverted “U” shape. Living quarters for the royals were placed to the right. In the center was where they gathered for parties, welcoming guests, or anything else related to day-to-day duties of the king. On the right was where all the soldiers lived. It was plush in comparison to Lank Walkers. The Undinia knew how to keep their battle fierce men and woman happy.

Everything sparkled from light emanating off nearby kelp farming and countless sconces, lamps, and other lights illuminated from the same kind of glow fish Gow had at home. Each building was covered in impenetrable pearl shelling giving it even more of a glow. It was the most glorious sight Gow had ever seen. No matter how many times he came here, it still amazed him.

Of course, Gow played a major part in acquiring much of the items the kind and queen used for their city. Not to mention their jewelry. Gow was proud of his work.

He approached the first battlement. Slots could be seen in many places all the way to the top where soldiers patrolled. One jumped down from his position and swam to Gow. He stood at attention when he reached the little frog type man. “Greeting, Gow. It has been made know you have been called to duty for the king, yet again.” The soldier snapped one arm to his chest with a tight fist. “Welcome. Your usual accommodations have been set for you.”

Then with a slight gleam in his eye but still at attention, the soldier continued. “Did you bring it?”

Gow smiled wide. “Yes, I did. I always bring what is asked for, my friend. I hope your wife enjoys it.” He brought down his side bag and rummaged through it. Eventually, Gow pulled out a package wrapped in shark skin. It was hefty but small. He handed it over to the guard.

“Much appreciated. I hope this appeases her.” He opened the package slightly to reveal a box full of exotic crab meat.

“When are the little ones due?” Gow smiled happily.

“By the next full moon’s tide, thankfully.” The guard chuckled. “You should be off. The king is kind but impatient.” From afar, anyone watching would take their body language as all seriousness and business. However, these two had known each other for quite some time. Gow made sure to bring his friend something nice every time he came.

Gow nodded and swam towards the entrance way to the king’s Royal Court. There would be more ceremony and routines, but Gow also had known this king for an extraordinarily long time. He even fought next to him in many wars. After court, they usually drank and talked about days long gone.

He made it to the chamber doors guarded by two of the largest soldiers Amadahy had. He was not sure how they made such large suits of armor for these two. The tailors probably hated it every time they flexed their muscles. Gow barely reached their kneecaps.

Even though Gow was no where near large enough to demand respect from these two giants, but he still stood as tall as he could while swimming closer.  He needn’t have worried. As soon as he was close enough, the pair bowed low and opened the doors wide for him to enter. “Thank you, good sirs.”

They nodded in response. As soon as he passed into the large, elaborate chamber, they slowly shut the doors behind him.  Inside was crowded with numerous Undinia dressed in all the finest and latest fashions. Women had long, tight fish scale dresses complete with elbow length gloves. Their hair was always exceptionally long but done up in tight braids and buns. Men looked very posh in their leggings and tunics. Many had fins from the rarest fish in the Great Waters.

For Gow, it showed their cruelty. Those rare fish should be honored and respected, not cut up and sewn onto clothing. One male had fins covering most of his tunic and boots. Gow really hoped he was eaten by a shark.

From the far end, a soldier clapped his hands loudly. “Your Royal Highness. Mr. Gow has arrived.”

The king stood up to look for Gow. As soon as he glimpsed him, he erratically waved the little guy over. This display had many of the Undinia cupping their webbed hands to their mouth and already large eyes growing wider. Several whispered amongst themselves.

Gow paid them no attention. He smiled to the king and swam over. Etiquette stated that Gow should have walked on the floor, but he didn’t care. Clearly, neither did the king.

“Welcome, Gow. There is much to discuss. Shall we retire to my chambers?” He waved his hand over to a door leading off to a side room. He lightly touched his wife’s hand. “Shall we, my dear?”

The queen lifted her head to meet her husband’s eyes. There was gratitude written all over her face. “Yes, please.”

The king went to straighten his pale blue tunic just as the queen rose from her throne and did the same to her matching simple fish scale dress. Both refused to wear the gaudy fins and fancy décor others chose. They felt the same as Gow in that regard.

The three waited as the same guard as before clapped his hands. Everyone stopped what they were doing. “The king and queen shall retire for the evening. Please continue until you feel you should as well.”

When he was finished, all three walked regally towards the door.  Another guard opened it and then secured them behind it when they were through. Now in the safety of their chambers, the king and queen found chairs and plopped down into them.

“Thank you for saving me from that horrid affair, my love.” The queen started taking off her shoes. “If I received one more judgmental stair, I believe I would have gone mad.”

“Anything for you. I believe it was one of the worst so far.” He turned to Gow. “Now on to more important topics.” He bent low to embrace his long-time friend. “It is good to see you, Gow.”

Gow returned the hug. “You as well, Alon. Always good be here.” Gow went to the queen and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You are looking lovely, Anahita. As always.”

“You are always too kind, Gow.” Anahita stood and went to a door leading into the bedroom. “I will go in here and let you boys talk shop.”

Alon turned to Gow again. “I guess we should talk about why I asked you to come.” He waved to the seat his wife had just vacated. “Please take a seat.”

Before Alon started, a servant came with alcoholic drinks in glass tubes. A straw type drinking device extended from it so they wouldn’t lose any liquid to the water around them. When they were alone again, the king started over.

“So, there has been rumors of a new race coming and claiming war on all Great Water inhabitants. I need you to find an artifact for me that will help repel them.”

Gow scratched his smooth chin. The words of the God Fish rang in his mind.  “A new race, you say. War? Who would dare go against the Undinia?”

The king shook his head. “I know not. But this artifact will help. I hope. It is said to have last been seen in the great trench where they say a kraken lives. I am not sure if that rumor is true.”

As if possible, Gow’s eyes grew even wider. “A kraken?” He was the one to shake his head this time. “Of course, there would be a kraken. Because who doesn’t love a good fight with one of those…”