GOW Part 6

“Why are you here?” The deep booming voice shook the water.

Gow had his sword out and ready. “The king sent me. We need something from you that could save the Great Waters.”

“He is no king of mine.” The eyes drew closer.

“I understand that. He is my king and a kind one. He only wishes to help save everyone. Will you help us. I do not wish to fight you, but I must help him.” Gow raised his sword higher. The lights of the kraken’s eyes nearly blinded him, but he stayed steady.

The kraken laughed long and hard. “Puny tad pole. You could not fight me and win. I admire your dedication, however.” The giant face drew back a little. “Why should I help? Nothing can harm me.”

“We all have something that can harm us. There is always something bigger or stronger. You could squash me, this is true. But I could fight and win anything twice my size, maybe larger.”

“There is nothing larger than me. No one can defeat me. I am Kraken.”

Gow was stumped on this one. He didn’t really know of any creature larger than a Kraken. The giant had called his bluff. How would he convince this one to give up a piece of his horde? They were much like dragons. Krakens loved shiny things, magical items, rare finds. An idea came to him. “I know not what this enemy is or why the king of the mighty Undinia would fear them. What if they are a swarm? A giant swarm of things. Sure, you can defeat any foe but what about a million little ones attacking at once? You cannot stop them all.”  

The giant eyes blinked several times. “You speak true, little tad pole. What would you have of me?”

Sheathing his sword, Gow bowed low. “Thank you, great Kraken. The artifact the king requires is something I am not familiar with. Something to repel the enemy that comes.”

A bubble instantly formed around Gow. “Descend with me. This shield will protect you from deep water pressures.” An enormous hand reached out in front of Gow. He knew not to hesitate when something this large gave an invitation, so he stepped aboard.

The pair rapidly lowered deeper and deeper. It seemed like forever. He couldn’t see anything. Not the cliff face or even the Kraken holding him. This trench must truly reach the middle of their world.

As if to answer his thoughts, they fell through what seemed to be the edge of water but from the bottom. They didn’t fall far. The Kraken was huge, and he landed quickly on a sandy shore. An immense forest rose behind them with another Great Water in front. Birds sang and flew in the air. Everything was alight with an unseen source.

Gow took a deep breath of the new air. Lucky for him, being an amphibian, he could breathe both water and air. This atmosphere was alight with magic.

“Where are we?” Gow’s eyes were larger than they ever had been. It was absolutely gorgeous.

“This is my home. Welcome.” He removed the bubble around Gow but kept him in the palm of his hand. “I shall take you to where I keep my treasures.”

Gow watched as they traversed through the forest. Animals of unknown kinds scurried out of the way. A mountain came into view. In the side, a Kraken sized cave could be seen. When they entered, it was just as bright inside as it was outside.

Before his eyes, piled as high as the cave, was the most treasure Gow had ever seen. It sparkled and glowed with magic. He feared that some of the items would be way too dangerous to ever leave their new home. He could feel so much power in that mound. It took his breath away.

‘How did you come by all of this?” Gow was now being lowered to the ground. When he stepped off, the Kraken stood with pride.

“I have been alive ever since this world was created. I have seen much and discovered many wonderful or horrible things. I keep them here for safety.”

“I can feel the magic. It is not all good.” He took a step forward but didn’t get any closer. “What do you suggest would help with the king’s problem?”

“Allow me into your mind. I will be able to see your conversation with him and his thoughts, as well, at the time.” The Kraken closed his glowing eyes.

Gow relaxed and closed his eyes. He knew it wouldn’t hurt him but being relaxed would make things easier for his new friend. In his mind, his conversation with the king replayed. Then, an image formed. It was glowing ice blue. A sphere of some kind held within a silver cage.

They both opened their eyes at the same time. The Kraken nodded his mighty head. “I know this artifact.” He began to walk around a corner but halted. “Please do not touch anything. Many of these items will kill such as you in a single moment.”

Gow laughed. “You don’t need to tell me twice on that one, friend.”

The Kraken did not move. He let out a sigh. “Friend. I have not had a friend in millennia.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Do you really count me as such?”

“Of course, I do. Why wouldn’t I?” It confused Gow that the Kraken would ask that but then he thought of how isolated and alone he must be. He walked over to the giant and place his tiny hand on one ankle. “Would it please you for me to come visit from time to time? I could bring you more treasures I come across.”

The Kraken’s eyes shined. “I would very much enjoy that.” He stepped around the corner and disappeared. Moments later, the Kraken was back. Dangling from a silver chain was the artifact.