Hearken (Daughters of the Sea Series) Page 5
“And thank God for that!” Willow wiped her brow dramatically.
“Anastasia?” a meek voice trickled from the doorway of the cottage. I’d left the door ajar in an effort to get a breeze flowing. I needed something to calm my nerves. It hadn’t worked.
“Yes?” I turned. A petite girl with light brown hair grazing her shoulders was watching us carefully. Her light yellow sundress blew in the wind as she clasped her hands demurely in front of her.
“It is time.”
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Mere minutes later I was primed to walk out in front of the entire population of Tydes, as well as half the Nerieds. Needless to say my hands, feet and teeth were all shaking with nerves. I held a single card that listed my choices for the five Council positions. Charlotte, the freshman who had apparently won the honor of escorting me down to the Cape where the Declaration of Council was to be held, had not uttered a word the entire duration of our walk. I wanted to hug her for gifting me those precious moments of silence. She only spoke once we reached the outskirts of the crowd.
“You will walk out to the podium whenever you’re ready,” she instructed calmly. “Then simply read off your choices.”
“Thank you.” I nodded to her. She grinned widely, embraced me in a fleeting hug, and melted away into the ocean of people. The short walk to what she had called a podium was lined with Tydes who had thankfully not laid eyes on me yet. From my vantage point, the ‘podium’ was really just a single wooden box that couldn’t have been more than two feet wide and two feet long. The chances of my falling on my face had just increased considerably.
I took a deep breath, ran a finger over the triskelion trace garnishing my left wrist, and smiled as it shimmered blue in the afternoon light. My steps became more steady and strong with each one I took, and news of my arrival quickly spread through the crowd of anxious onlookers. A roar of applause filled the ocean breeze and my heart swelled at their undeniable support. The enthusiastic pulse of the crowd permeated the sand; vibrating with energy and flowing along its surface. It sizzled against my bare feet and gave me the confidence I needed to keep moving.
As I neared the underwhelming wooden box-turned-podium, I lifted the flowing fabric of my dress and ascended the one precipitous step. I twisted around slowly so as not to fall, and sucked in a sharp breath at the sheer number of Tydes that dotted the landscape. Every inch of the wide Cape was taken up by blankets and beach towels that had been laid out the night before; ensuring a good seat for the owners. I knew this because Willow had made sure there was a spot for my three best friends directly up front. She’d laid out a blanket with a note attached that read ‘Touch this blanket and you die.’ Apparently it had done the trick, because their three giddy smiles were trained expectantly on me.
About half of my new Nereid sisters had made an appearance, each lining the surf at my back. They stood in their traditional dresses as well, patiently awaiting my direction. I glanced back at Amphitrite, who winked at me and gave me a smile of encouragement. I then turned forward once more to address the Tydes.
“Good Afternoon,” I began, hoping no one caught the hitch in my voice at the end of ‘afternoon’. I cleared my throat and made an effort to speak more forcefully as I continued. “As you know, this is a very important day for the Order of the Tydes, as well as for me. I will be announcing who I have appointed to be on my Council. I’ve taken a great deal of time in my decisions, and hope you all will embrace the five members as wholly and gracefully as you have me.”
A round of applause following my last word rose from the crowd, and I was momentarily distracted by a cloud of comforting darkness as it wrapped around me and filled me with love. Finn.
“You’re doing amazing,” I heard his soothing voice in my head.
“Stop distracting me!” I sent back playfully, and heard his light chuckle before it was radio silence once more. Afraid I would vocalize our private conversation by accident, I forced myself to concentrate on the task at hand.
“I will read out my choices one by one, calling the names of the appointed members and asking them to join me on…” I glanced down at the wooden box that I currently stood upon and scratched my head, “…the sand.” A light giggle spread through the crowd and I felt myself relax. Taking another deep breath, I held up the note card that listed out my choices and urged my hand to stop shaking so I could read my own handwriting.
“The first member of the Council to be appointed is the Chamberlain. The Chamberlain will be responsible for the financial duties related to the Order, as well as any personal financial decisions that need to be made. For the role of Chamberlain, I have chosen…”
Before I could continue, a stunned murmur erupted from the throngs of Tydes before me and several people up front gasped, including Willow. Her eyes were locked on something behind me. My heart began to pound as I turned to see what the interruption was. I pulled in a sharp breath when I noticed the Nereids lined up behind me watching the sand beneath them curiously. Tendrils of water began to snake their way up the beach; engulfing the bottom of their white dresses. Everyone silently followed the sea water with their eyes as it crossed the line between wet sand and dry, winding towards the small box I was standing on. The individual streams converged around the box, creating a small pool that encircled me completely.
With paralyzing fascination, I forgot to breathe as the sea water began to writhe and boil at my bare feet. It slowly crept higher, eventually engulfing the wooden box and the hem of my dress. Assuming the boiling sea water was all a part of the show, the throngs of Tydes erupted into cheers and applause at what they were witnessing. I fought to remain unfazed as bubbles and brine undulated around my feet and legs. A cool energy permeated the bottom of my feet, and I instantly breathed easier when I felt it climb up my legs, over my mid-section and directly into my soul. The delicate melody of the ocean’s song caressed my ears and I welcomed the sea’s energy as it infused into my own essence.
As I lifted the paper once again, I noticed the lace wrapped around both of my hands had transformed into clear blue water; the aquamarine stones sending prisms of light across my skin. It was as if the sea had made a conscious decision to take control of the ceremony, along with my body, and I was left with no choice but to allow it to do so. The wide-eyed faces of shock coming from Willow, Carmen and Phoebe assured me that whatever the ocean was doing, it was truly magnificent. The beautiful song continued as I spoke without actually deciding to do so.
“For the role of Chamberlain,” I heard a crisp, authoritative voice - my voice - announce. “I have appointed Carmen Alvarez.”
My heart skipped a beat and I blinked several times at the actual name I had written on the paper beside Chamberlain. The names didn’t match! What was happening? A hush settled over the crowd and I saw Carmen’s eyes widen until they were one blink away from popping out of her head. Willow gave her a light push and Phoebe appeared to swallow. It looked as if she hadn’t managed to take a breath in the last five minutes. Her face was bright red and her mouth hung open.
A wobbly Carmen made her way up to stand in front of the podium. She eyed the boiling water warily and took several steps forward to remain out of its reach. Before I could figure out how this was happening, my voice decided to speak again. I tried to focus on what I was saying.
“The second member of the Council to be appointed is the Sage,” my dignified and hijacked voice continued. “She will be responsible for providing wisdom and direction. For the role of Sage, I have appointed Thalia, Neried of sea flowers.” I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that her name actually matched the one I’d written earlier on the card. I leaned back to observe a beaming Thalia stride out of the line of Nereids and make her way towards the podium. Despite her white traditional dress, the hints of breathtaking color provided by the multitude of flowers in her hair gave her an ethereal presence that seemed to create a rainbow all on its own. She’d made an immense impression on me that day in Cyprus when she
’d Chosen me; she oozed of wisdom and certainty, but was gentle in her words. Standing before me now with the same vivid kaleidoscope eyes, she bowed her head to me and took her place beside a still-dazed and confused Carmen.
“The third member of the Council to be appointed is the Queen. The Queen will be my advisor on all matters of politics, as well as being responsible for executing all decisions.” I said a silent prayer as my voice continued to speak of its own volition. “For the role of Queen, I have appointed Amphitrite, Nereid of good harborage.” Another match! Three more to go. Amphitrite all but skipped her way to the podium and smiled lovingly at Thalia as she took her place.
“The fourth member of the Council to be appointed is the Page. The Page will be responsible for all civic duties and appearances for the Leader.” I mentally shook my head at how ridiculous I sounded speaking of myself in third person. “For the role of Page, I have appointed Phoebe Gray.” I saw Carmen clap a hand over her mouth as Phoebe slowly strode towards the podium. Happy tears glistened in her eyes, but the hint of fear in her sparkling green eyes was unmistakable. The least I could do was thank the sea for choosing my best friends. I told myself it could have been much worse. Unfortunately, as I was about to find out, I was right - it could be worse. Much worse.
“The fifth member of the Council to be appointed is the Warrior. The Warrior will be responsible for all security measures and protection for the Leader.” Somehow I had the feeling my choice of Warrior would not be up to the sea’s standards. I had chosen one of the strongest and most athletic Tydes at Lorelei. Although I didn’t know him, I had a feeling he could protect me if need be. As I had feared, the sea had other ideas. “For the role of Warrior, I have appointed Olivia Campbell.”
Chapter 6
Stasia
Olivia!? Willow’s mouth dropped to the sand, but the sole whoop I heard from the crowd was none other than Olivia’s spastic cheer. She jogged up to the podium with assuredness and beamed up at me from where she stood below. She mouthed the words ‘Good choice” with a wink, before taking her spot with a high chin next to a clearly shocked Phoebe. Anger surged through my being as I decided this had gone on long enough. This was supposed to be MY choice! And having Olivia as a member of my Council was anything but what I wanted. What could she protect me from? The occasional rogue spider? A bad hair day? I fought with my own jaw muscles and voice box to prevent them from participating in this treachery, but my voice pressed on gamely as if nothing was amiss.
“The sixth and final member of the Council to be appointed is the Apothecary.” I held my breath once more as I watched Willow’s hopeful face. As a healer, she had been my one and only choice as Apothecary. “The Apothecary will be responsible for the physical well-being of the Leader. For the role of Apothecary, I have appointed Avery Downs.” Avery Downs? Who the hell was Avery Downs? A surprised scream sounded from the crowd and a striking girl with long, honey hair and crystal sapphire eyes emerged. I could only stand there in my silent prison and hope that she was at least a descendant of Laneira’s like Willow. She took her place next to Olivia with overflowing joy.
Tears of disappointment spilled onto Willow’s cheeks and she lowered her eyes to the ground in sadness. Anguish gripped my heart, but once again I was helpless to do anything but stand there and listen to myself babble.
“Please give the new Council members your support and love in their new appointments.” As the crowd exploded in applause, the sound of their cheers became garbled and warped as if someone had slowed down the audio to my life. The churning water dancing around my ankles slid off the sides of the box and retreated back into the ocean. The aching emptiness left in its wake crippled my soul, and I teetered backwards onto the sand below.
“I’ve got her,” a muffled voice informed the other muffled voices swirling around in my head. “She just needs some air.” And food. I needed some food.
“Stasia?” another voice overpowered the others. “Wake up honey, you’re alright.” Her melodic voice tickled my ear drums and cooled me from the inside out. But I disagreed with the ‘you’re alright’ part. If I was so alright, why couldn’t I open my eyes?
“May I?” A magical, deep voice suddenly came down from heaven and I felt the warmth of his darkness fill the gaping hole in me that the ocean had so carelessly left behind.
I vaguely remembered the water lapping at my legs while he carried me toward the crashing waves. Once enveloped in the healing arms of the ocean, a penetrating silence blanketed my mind and filled me with love. The fading light of the sunset filtered through the surface above and onto my bare skin. Completely immersed and floating on a cloud of warm, loving arms, I lazily moved my hands back and forth to the rhythm of the ocean’s cadence that only a select few could feel.
“You sure know how to make an exit,” Finn’s soft voice whispered in my ear; sending a chill down the length of my body. I allowed an amused smile to spread across my lips and pressed my head further into his chest. The thumping of his beating heart filled my ears, while the continuous movement of water around our bodies gave me a sense of safety and security. I took a deep breath of water and enjoyed the feel of his closeness and the power of his muscles as they swam with me in his arms.
“All part of my master plan,” I muttered. “You always gotta keep ‘em wondering…”
“…if you’re narcoleptic?” he joked, and the solidness of his chest rose and fell as he laughed at his own joke. I felt the rush of water against my skin slow as we came to a stop. “Alright, drama queen, we’re here.”
“Where’s here?” I questioned him groggily. I glanced around for any clue as to our whereabouts, but the slightly murky water, schools of silver fish, and pockets of jellyfish could be anywhere on Earth. It was the four towering concrete pillars covered with algae and barnacles that gave away our location. They shot up from the sea floor below and continued skyward toward the surface. Their colossal size and stability made a fitting home for an assortment of barnacles, oysters and sea sponges.
“This is a new angle I haven’t seen before,” I marveled. High above, I could just see the shadowy bottom of the Sons’ light station located twenty miles off the coast of Bald Head island.
“There’s been a recent addition below the ocean’s surface.” He winked as we swam closer. I noticed a structure suspended in front of us, supported on all sides by those very same pillars. It appeared much more modern than the light station, with its sleek windows that covered every side except one. A single silver tube connected it to the bottom of the light station above, but as far as I could see that was the only way in and the only way out. Surprising me, Finn swam up to one corner and pressed his hand to a smooth, unsuspecting panel; prompting a door to slide open.
“Welcome to my new place.” He swept his arm out chivalrously and allowed me to enter first.
“It’s um…cozy,” I forced out, as we stood in a space the size of a small closet and just as dark. A gurgling noise was the next thing I noticed as the water slowly filtered back into the sea somehow. Without the barrier of water, the sizzling inferno radiating from his dripping wet body called out to me and I wanted nothing more than to touch him.
“What’s the password?” he implored casually. I could almost hear the smirk he was holding back as we stood together in the tiny, pitch black locker.
“Let me in?” I speculated with resolution and switched my weight from one leg to the other. I was alarmingly close to losing any control I had when he wrapped his hand around my waist. My thoughts blurred together and the thought of his wet body against mine almost did me in.
“Close,” he answered calmly. “Try again.”
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Finn Morrison,” I warned him with a playful elbow jab to the area where his ribcage should have been. I felt my elbow hit flesh, but was caught off guard when two strong hands grabbed my arms with certainty and pushed me up against the wall.
“I’m counting on it,” he threatened into my neck
. The chill of the metal wall on my skin and the warmth of his breath raised goose bumps as I felt his body press against mine; stealing my breath away and lighting a fire inside me.
“Try again,” he demanded once more in a hushed whisper. His mouth was now so close to mine, I felt his lips move as he spoke. His breath came in short spurts as he waited for my answer. Instead, I leaned forward only slightly; my mouth demanding his. The cool taste of the sea merged with the sweltering heat of desire, sparking a fire in that small dark passageway that could rival the sun. Every part of me eagerly gave in to him as he leaned all of his weight against me and slid a hand behind my neck, pulling my lips closer. Ice cold drops of water slid down our hair and faces, settling onto our skin with a crackle. With the fleeting caress of his tongue followed by one lasting kiss, he pulled back slowly. I licked my lips before the taste of him faded with his absence, and felt a shudder run down the length of his body.
“Did I guess right?” I asked with a cunning smile he couldn’t see. He cleared his throat and hesitated several seconds to gather himself before speaking.
“You nailed it.” His voice came out husky and deep. I heard a click and another door slid open; leading to the interior. The woodsy smell of leather and musk assaulted my senses as I looked around at his new place. It was one of the most magnificent things I’d ever seen, with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls and sleek, contemporary furniture complemented perfectly by pieces of art that must have been generations old.
“Oh, Finn!” I couldn’t help but stare in awe. “It’s unbelievable!”
“I thought you might like it,” he mused, and strode into the compact kitchen. I stepped into what appeared to be his office and wandered up to the glass wall overlooking the depths of the ocean. The water beyond reached to me with a cooling energy that had trouble penetrating through the thick glass. I chuckled as I felt its frustration at not being able to actually touch me. A school of shiny fish darted sharply to the left in unison as a menacing shadow descended from above. I stood, rooted to the floor as a majestic form cut through the water with the calculating precision of a centuries-old predator.