Ocean Song

The Deal

"I will let you live, and as long as you are useful to me--I will let you continue living.  Of course, that isn't the only incentive.  I will teach you what I know.  Under my tutelage, you can be powerful.  I need for you to be my eyes and ears on the surface, Merle.  I also need for you to gather surface dweller's souls.  I think you can manage that.  So, what do you say sweetie?  Pretty please."  Ursala started to swim around Merle slowly.  Her words hit Merle deeply.  Merle doesn't know who she is, and it seems that Ursala knows more about her.  Even though she doesn't fully understand the ramification of the deal, Merle feels like the only reasonable option at this moment is to accept the deal proposed by Ursala.  I get to be powerful...  I have to learn to be more powerful.  I have to do this.  But, what does she mean by gather surface dwellers' souls?  Merle thought back to the horrific scene where the surface dwellers were harvesting the shells. I'm just chattel to them.  If I would have been there at the time I was supposed to be, I would be good as dead.

"I will accept only if you add a condition to the deal.  You won't harm me or cause harm to me by your command for at least a decade." Merle responded.  Those words halted Ursala and caused a spark of interest within her eyes.  Merle was shocked with her own response.  Where did those words come from?

"Hmmm, what a clever little fish.  You aren't empty headed as I originally given you credit for.  Throughout the entire decade of protection, you will be faithful and honest to me.  The moment you break that our deal is off.  Do you take the deal and vow yourself to me?" Ursala's words almost sounded like an enchantment.

"I do, and I vow myself to you." Merle held her breath after saying those words.  She was expecting something to happen.  Nothing happened.  But she was wrong.  Ursala started to laugh.  Som and Sam began to circle around Merle as if their intent was to create a vortex around her.  Merle started feeling dizzy.  Everything was spinning around her.  She's slowly feeling herself lose consciousness again.

"Sleep, sweetie.  I have such big plans for you.  You will do well in feeding my appetite. I can already feel it. If you please, sleep now.  The future feels bright."  Merle tried to fight whatever spell came upon her to cause her to feel gravely lethargic.  She couldn't fight it, and deep sleep was upon her.  Just before she finally closed her eyes entirely, she was able to catch a good look of the glowing lights in Ursula's cavern.  

Inside the orbs where uncanny representations of her people crying out for help.