GOW Part Two
Soft humming found its way into Gow’s dreams. They were great dreams of riches and jewels. The humming didn’t belong, and he knew what it was. The glow fish were waking him for a new day.
Gow shook himself awake. He stretched and scratched his green sides with all six fingers. Day? Night? Who knew what it was above the Great Waters. Land Walkers lived such strict lives. Gow Had a schedule to keep but it was his to determine. If he chose to sleep a long time, then he did, but not now.
He had a long journey ahead of him, so he jumped up and swam to his chest. Before he left, the glow fish needed to be fed. He gave them a little more than usual just in case he had to be gone longer than normal. They could go weeks without food, but he refused to do that. Gow packed some seaweed for himself and a few other items that might come in handy.
Today was a special day. The king himself had called for him. Gow would be traveling to Amadahy, the main Undinia city. It is where the royal family lived. If he was being summoned to Amadahy then it had to be important.
An item on one of his shelves sparkled from the corner of his eye. Placing a hand to his forehead, he went over to it. “How could I forget?” He quickly grabbed the necklace meant for Princess Nami’s birthday.
Gow looked around at his home then up to the glow fish. “Ok, guys. No parties. You know how to open the chest if I am gone too long. Don’t play dumb. I’ve seen you sneak treats when you think I’m asleep.” With that said, he turned to the opening of his cave and held out the small rock.
Once again, out of his cave, Gow surveyed his surroundings to make sure no one was there. He may be paranoid, but his diligence had paid off way too many times for him to stop now.
Knowing his home was safe, he swam away and towards Amadahy. It would take him almost a full moon cycle to get there. It didn’t bother him. They always found a place for him to sleep, and he wasn’t picky. Anywhere safe would do. For some reason they liked to put him in a fancy room with fancy things he never needed. Such is the life of royalty.
His mind wondered as he swam. All the adventures he had been on looking for items, trinkets, treasures, and even other beings living in the Great Waters. His life was never dull even though sometimes he wished it was. Hopefully, in the near future, he could relax and live a life of luxury. Well, luxury of his own standards. Just him and his glow fish being left alone.
A large school of fish nearly ran into him but quickly diverted their path. “Hey! Watch it! I’m swimmin’ here!” Gow watched the school zip along until they were out of sight. Doing this almost caused him to run smack into a giant whale shark. “Oh, I am terribly sorry sir.” The whale shark noddled his immense head and went along his way.
Off in the distance, a flourish of yellow and black fins twisted and twirled. A long eel like body formed figure eights. It was the most beautiful thing Gow had ever seen. Even more beautiful than any jewel ever made. It finally registered with him what he was seeing. It was one of the great god fish. They were rumors and myths but here was one right before his eyes. The question was why?
Gow cautiously swam closer and closer. He glanced around to see if any others could see what he was witnessing. Maybe he had eaten bad seaweed. No one else could be seen. The god fish stopped their elaborate dance. They faced Gow, lowering a gorgeous head ten times his size full of fins and streamers the same yellow and black as the rest of his body. Bright purple eyes glowed with an intelligence none could fathom.
His heartbeat quickened causing the water around him to thrum. If there were predators in the water anywhere close, they would surely come and eat him. The god fish lowered their head and gazed into his round eyes causing him to calm.
Should he bow? Should he not look into their eyes? What was the protocol here, anyway?
A soft feminine laugh filled his mind. ‘Do not bow or look away, my little Gow.”
He nervously glanced around to see who had talked to him. The one before him hadn’t moved a single muscle of their mouth. The voice was in his head though. He had heard that they could do this but didn’t believe it. Now he did.
He lifted his chin. “Great Fish. You are more beautiful than the rumors have said. Why is it that you grace me with your presence?”
“Thank you, Gow. Your compliment humbles me. I have an important message to give you. Things are changing in the Great Waters. War is coming. A race long forgotten has reemerged. Everyone is in danger, and you shall play an important roll in all things.”
“No, no, no, no. You must have the wrong Gow. I am a searcher. I do not involve myself in such important things. I live a simple life.”
“Are you saying I am wrong?” A smile played at the corners of the god fish’s mouth.
“Oh, no. Not at all, but maybe just…. mistaken?”
‘You have not always been a searcher, have you? You were once a warrior. You must return to your past.”
“I cannot. Those days are long gone. It has been centuries. I prefer the quiet life. It is better for all.”
The god fish sighed. “As you wish. For now, please relay a message to the king for me. Please warn him of what I said. He must prepare.”
“That, I can do. I am sorry to disappoint you.” Gow lowered his head in shame. He could not go back to violence. He had that part removed from him by a shaman. There was no going back. Was there?
