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…”
