The Tides' Revenge

Chapter 8: Language of the Tides

After we finished the ritual, Vellamo begins to gather the stones that have now fallen to the cave floor, so I begin to help her gather them up. After we finish picking the stones off the floor, Vellamo swims over to where she keeps her stones, but instead of putting them back where she got them, she places them into a small hole in the cave wall, full of glowing coral.

"Why are you putting those stones in there instead of where you normally keep your stones?"

Vellamo finishes arranging the stones into the position she wants them, and finally turns to me and says, "That is where the stones will begin their power rejuvenation period. After each usage, a stone's power is severely depleted and could take years to regain its power without the proper surroundings. This glowing coral emanates a certain magic that rejuvenates the stone's power, whether it be obsidian or topaz."

As I watch Vellamo finish cleaning the cave floor, I think back to the chants she was saying during the ritual. They sounded otherworldly when she said them, but the language sounded oddly familiar, though I understood none of what she said.

"What language were you speaking during the ritual? And what exactly did those chants mean?"

"The language of the Tides', which is what I was speaking during the ritual, is Latin. The Tides' respond to our prayers with the use of that language. Throughout history, others have tried speaking different languages to address the Tides', and while few got responses, Latin seems to be the tongue that the Tides' prefer and respond to the most. As for the chants, I will explain what they mean in the order that I spoke them."

Vellamo holds one finger up and states, "First, is 'Emundatione autem quod anima et quod domum' which translates to 'Cleansing of the soul and home'. This is the chant is said at the beginning so that the Tides' will begin to listen and start to recognize what you are asking for."

She holds up another finger as she says, "Second, is "Magno Latina, Interragabo vos et ego in iudiciis et in purificationem et anima mea hodie' which translates into 'Great Tides, I ask you cleanse my home and soul of the trials of today'. This chant is said second because you must never demand of the Tides, you must always ask, and if they are willing, they will grant your request."

She holds up her third finger, but before she can continue, I interrupt and ask, "Would the Tides ever deny my request?"

"Good question, child. Throughout history, there have been times when merfolk broke the rituals and traditions that allow us to gain power from the Tides and by doing that, they angered the Tides. After you've done this, the Tides will refuse to answer any prayers or requests that these merfolk ask of them. No matter how much cleansing and groveling they did, the Tides had turned from them."

"So, what is it that they did to anger the Tides?"

Vellamo smiles and says to me, "You are a curious little fish, aren't you, child? That is a lesson for another time, when you have gotten farther into your training. Now back to the translations."

"Third, is 'Latina magnanime, et clamorem meum exaudi orationes hercle' which translates into 'Oh great Tides, hear my cry and answer my prayers'. This is said so that the Tides will realize that your stones are ready to receive their power and be their vessel in granting your request."

She holds up and fourth finger and begins again.

"Lastly, is 'Tibi gratias ago tibi tantam Latina' which translates into 'Thank you, great Tides'. This is always said at the end of every ritual to thank the Tides for fulfilling your request and answering your prayers."

As I think over the translations, I begin to wonder how Vellamo knew the translations. I open my mouth and ask, "How do you know the translations? Do you speak Latin fluently?"

"During your two cycles of training, with both the Light and Dark, you will study Latin. Every merfolk is fluent in Latin by the time it comes for the Choosing. When you go to study the Light Tides' magic, you will begin to study Latin. So, until then, be patient. Now, come along, it is about time we lay down to rest for the evening, child."

As I swim into the room that Vellamo has let me use, I can't help thinking about how much fun training will be tomorrow. Learning the way of the Tides has been on my mind since my transformation and I cannot wait until I master the way of the Tides. My last thought before I fell into a deep slumber was the immense interest that Tides have held in my mind since I came to the sea.