War of the Ocean

Chapter 19

To Soren, it had been a long time since Tristien had visited him in his cell. He didn't even attempt to keep track of time anymore, instead he just let time be for it was oddly peaceful that way. He lay belly-up on the floor of his cell, staring up at the ceiling and letting his mind wander. Around him was nothing but calm and quiet, putting him an almost trance-like state. He breathed, he blinked and his mind drifted through the water around him. He saw without seeing and thought without thinking, he was merely existing.

Until something banged against his cell door, bringing him back into the world. He pushed himself up off the floor and turned to face the whatever it was that had disturbed him. When he did, he came face to face with Tristien. It wasn't really Tristien, he reminded himself as he stared into angry sapphire eyes. What had gotten the creature so riled up? He didn't have much time to ponder over it before the creature banged on the cell door again, hitting the bars with the heels of its palms.

'She got away,' it growled, ceasing to hit the bars and instead closing its hands around them so tight its knuckles turned white. 'She got away and it's all your fault!' Soren shrank back, confusion written across his face. What was the creature talking about? Had something happened to Arelena? His mind raced with the terrible things that could have happened to his beloved princess on her quest to save her kingdom. But then he realised that the creature was mad because she'd gotten away. Did that mean she was safe and sound amongst the humans?

'Why are you telling me this?' The silver-haired merman asked, straightening up and folding his arms across his broad, bare chest. He had found courage within this small piece of news, the strength he needed to stand up to the creature. 'Why even come here again? Or do you just come swimming to me when you want to complain?' It was bold, but Soren had nothing to lose, not anymore.

The creature narrowed its eyes, staring him down as it wondered whether or not to strike the insolent merman. 'My sister has reached the humans,' it said. 'I know you put this silly idea in her head, told her that she could "save" her people. But you know that this kingdom doesn't need saving because I'm here and I'm the one keeping them all safe from what lurks beyond our borders. I'm sure you knew exactly what I'm talking about, having spent time in the Dark Waters yourself. Luckily for my darling sister, I know just how to get her back before she can get herself into trouble.'

'What do you mean?' He asked, brows knitting together. How could he creature reach his princess while she was on land? No being had the power to reach both lands at once, meaning if the creature went onto the land, he would have to forfeit the sea, at least for a little while. No matter how quickly he was gone for, it would give the creatures of the sea enough time to rebel against their King and reclaim their home. However, the look the creature was giving him at that moment suggested that it had found a way to defy everything, to drag Arelena back without leaving his throne.

The creature's lips twitched into a smirk, eyes glittering with pure evil. 'Why, I've found a way to bring my darling sister home of course,' it told him. 'You see, I have allies on the surface, powerful allies who can help me out. They know exactly where she is and have the means to be able to return her to the sea, where she belongs. In fact, I believe they are putting their retrieval plan into action while we speak. Soon, your princess will be by my side once more and never will she think of leaving the palace ever again. Your little scheme has failed, old friend.'

No, it couldn't have. The creature couldn't possibly know humans, couldn't possibly have allies amongst them. They may be stupid beings but they would put be that stupid, would they? 'What makes you believe that? What if I still have a trick or two I'm just waiting to put into action?' He had left his mask up, not daring to reveal how he was crumbling beneath the facade.

The creature threw its head back and let out a laugh. Soren waited patiently until it finally looked back at him. 'As if I'd believe that,' it chuckled. 'You have no cards left to play, Soren. I know that for a fact.' It was true, he couldn't deny it. The creature was right, it always was. Just like Tristien had always been.

It's not him, Soren, it's not him.

He kept his face blank as he continued to stare the creature in the eye. 'What do you want then? If I have nothing left, doesn't that mean I have nothing to offer you?' He waited for the reply, tail moving back and forth in a hypnotic rhythm, like a pendulum. The creature was silent for a moment, studying him carefully. Neither moved or spoke for a good thirty seconds, the only sound was the swishing of their tails in the water.

'No,' the creature answered at last. 'You are still of great use to me because it is yourself that you can offer me. Come, join me again, old friend. We can be a team once more, we can be who we planned to be when we were young. After all, every king needs someone to stand by their side.' The offer was a dangerous one, it could destroy Soren if he accepted. Not only that, but it would mean he would be betraying his princess, the one person who had all of his loyalty. So he shook his head.

'I will play no part in what is to come,' he stated.

Another cruel smile graced the creature's lips. 'I'm afraid it's already too late for that,' it admitted. With a flick of its tail, the creature was gone.