Fish Tails

Chapter Six

K

The outer walls and outline of the castle were the same as the one I saw in my dream, the one about the first mermaid. I spotted the tower where she was trapped, a lonely, forgotten tower in the distance.

I never really saw the inner walls of the castle in my dream but here, it was crowded. Buildings had new additions here and there, all building on top of each other and mermaids swam where ever there was a free spot. Vendors screamed prices and items while the overall crowd ignored them. We swam through these crowded... streets? Whatever they call underwater walk- swimways. And we cut through alleys until we got to a more open area.

It was still packed with people swimming above each other and shoving currency at vendors from every angle. There were fewer buildings though. It gave a clear view of the sky above.

I followed Sondra as she navigated her way through the chaos. I don't know how it's possible since we're underwater but I smelled the food down here, and my stomach growled. Fish and oysters and mussels and crab, lobster, scallops, prawns- all sorts of seafood from all over somehow made it's way here and it was all very delicious-looking. 

I bumped into Mira, who bumped into Sondra. I sheepishly smiled at Mira before looking up- Sondra doubled. 

Two small mermaids with dark skin and frizzy hair appeared in front of me. I blinked but they didn't disappear. As I looked closer, I noticed that one of them had a small dark birthmark on their cheek while the other one didn't- twins, they were twins. 

"What are you doing here, Tyra? I thought you were studying?" Sondra asked the other one. 

"I-I, it was an emergency," she mumbled softly. 

"That doesn't explain anything at all. By the way, where's mother? Oh, guess what- well, I bet you already know but I found the Trive ambassador! Look, she was traveling with Mira, who I also found! She can't speak. The Trive. Not Mira, Mira can speak." Tyra looked at me closely with narrow eyes before looking at Mira. 

"Oh... yes. Of course." She said slowly.

"Well, where's mother? I have fish to sell." Sondra said impatiently, obviously unaware of her sister's behavior. Tyra knew we were lying- but what was she going to do about it? 

"She had to change stalls. Come on," Tyra swam through a small opening which was just big enough to allow me to squeeze through. A small square opened up with a smaller crowd and a nicer setting. Tyra pointed Sondra to the stall before she stopped Mira and I.

"What are you up to, Mira?" She asked sternly.

"What do you mean?" The pink haired mermaid responded with total innocence. 

"What are you doing with a Trive? And one who can't speak at that!" 

"I would be careful with your questions, Tyra. They might offend my very strong friend here,"

The small mermaid's face shook with frustration. "I know you're spreading lies about a Trive ambassador and I know that you won't be able to leave tonight because of the Pod."

Mira tensed and narrowed her eyes. "Tell me what you know." 

"I will if you take me with you."

"Excuse me?"

"I know you've been searching for the sorcerer. I need a wish granted." 

"What are you asking for?"

"It's none of your concern. I go with you and your silent friend or you risk death tonight."

I stood in silence while they spoke intently with one another. Another mermaid accompanying us to this sorcerer? That was dangerous. And Mira didn't like that I was joining her, I doubt she would like Tyra coming along as well. Besides, the more in our party meant the better chance of me finding out. For whatever reason, Mira hasn't ratted me out yet but that doesn't mean I can go around trusting everyone.