Savia's Heart [Sequel to Bastian's Song] [HIATUS]

[ 10 ]

[ Lachlan ]

Nereus had been built like a flower; beautiful and open to the world for the visitors of the other clans to pay their respect. Anthemusa was built like the tip of a shattered spear, sharp and sprawled everywhere. Pale coral caught the light of the sun, bright in the shallower water of the coastal ocean, and sent it back to Lachlan's eyes so that he had to squint to see. He shivered with the cold now, and held his arms close to his body in a vain effort to keep them warm.

Militum stopped and pointed ahead of them to the looming cliff in the center of the city. "The Siren's palace."

Lachlan briefly thought how odd it was to ask the question now that they were almost upon Anthemusa, but he nodded. "Melodia has told me some tales of them. Lyre and Viola are still Sirens, I think, and she mentioned that Ashiko took over for her when she left?"

Militum's back straightened, which seemed like it should be impossible. "Correct. Viola is the one we will likely parley with. She has been the strongest of the Sirens for over two hundred years."

"Then we'll get her to agree to our terms." Lachlan took a deep breath and exhaled a soft song. Heat flared through his body, warm and relaxing. He shook his tail and lifted his chin. "Let's go, Militum."

Together, they swam toward the city of the Undine clan. It didn't take long for a patrol of mermaids to find them and offer to escort them to the palace in a way that felt more like a threat than a desire to help. Lachlan accepted their offer graciously.

They passed the curious faces of many merfolk, though most chose to stay inside their coral homes and peek around doors and through windows. Their stares followed Lachlan and Militum right up to the palace entrance.

There were no walls around the palace nor any sign of a guard. The palace contrasted sharply with the deep browns of the cliff it was set in. Lachlan looked up, toward the surface that was so close in proximity, and he wondered about the land above the Siren's palace.

Without the guards moving to announce them, the doors to the palace opened, and out of them came a slim mermaid with pale blonde hair pinned up by pearls. Her light blue eyes and slightly rounded cheeks gave her a youthful, sweet look. She smiled at them.

"Well, look who has come to visit." She clasped her hands in front of herself. "I am Lyre of the Sirens. Welcome to Anthemusa."

Lachlan relaxed at the friendly greeting, and returned her smile. "I am Lachlan, Jewel to Triton Bastian. With me is Militum, my personal escort. I come with orders from Nereus."

Lyre's smile remained on her face, but it no longer reached her eyes. The very tip of her tail twitched. "Then you must come inside and have some refreshments. This way." She turned and swam at a leisurely pace into the dark opening.

Militum shifted closer to Lachlan, but very obviously stayed behind him. Lachlan took the hint and swam forward. As he went, he cleared his mind of all but his objectives. He must secure the offering for the Sun's augur, and he must make sure they were given free reign to pass through the Undine waters no matter what they might take with them.

It hadn't escaped his notice that Lyre had not saluted him, or bowed to him. In Anthemusa, the mermaids ruled all, and the mermen were not as cherished as they were in other clans. There was no doubt in his mind that the Sirens would relinquish as little authority as they could get away with. Militum's warnings draped over him.

If they discover our deceit, they will bind us and throw us to the viperfish.

The dark entryway led to an opulently decorated hall of gold and coral. Jewels winked at Lachlan as he swam straight down the corridor, following Lyre's blue feathered-tail. Eventually, she led them into a large chamber that centered around three thrones set in a semi-circle.