Another World

Chapter 17

Salukpulled me with an iron grip behind him. I must confess that I did notreally resist. The fear of Saluk's strength intimidated me too much.I did not really want to mess with him. Determined, he swam in onedirection with me. "Now you will change the magic words so thatwe have a safe hiding place again, as soon as Ursula is done withyou, you are no longer able to do so." He finished his sentencewith a sinister laugh. A shiver ran down my spine. Now a miraclereally had to happen to get out of here. The robbers were in a deepsleep, what about Jasmine and Aladdin, I did not know and Cassim,Genie, Abu and Jago had no idea where I am. I did not think Aladdinhelped me, at least he did not know me. I closed my eyes and letmyself be pulled from Saluk, powerless and completely discouraged. Hedid not seem to mind. "As I realize, you have already resignedyourself to your fate, very well, that makes it a lot easier for me.Think twice before the new magic words, such as my name or somethingin the direction. "Again he gave a laugh. I just felt bad.Although I still remembered that it is quite uninspired to make apassword with his name. Since I can call the magic words also like"One, two and three". All of a sudden saluk slowed down, sowe found ourselves near the cave, so I believed.

Somethingshot past me, in fright I opened my eyes to see what was going on. Atfirst I only saw Saluk's back (or the Evil Manta). I lookedcuriously over his back. Someone had got in our way.
First I sawonly a shadow but then, I could see more and knew immediately who wasthere before us. King Triton! How could that be? He did not knowanything about me, did he? But how? He also seemed a few yearsyounger. His hair was still brown. Immediately I wondered if Ariellewas born and Athena, King Triton's wife, was around here.

Theanswer to my question about how Triton came here came quickly, a crabswam in our direction and shouted "I got help!" said Tom.

Ismiled gratefully to him.

Salukdid not seem very impressed to have the ruler of the ocean in frontof him. Did he even know who Triton is? Out of the corner of my eye,I saw Saluk chuckle. This reaction unsettled me even more.

"Ihave received disturbing news that you are working with Ursula. I cannot allow that, "Triton Saluk said, raising the tridentthreateningly. Saluk lunged at him, unimpressed by Triton's trident.He probably had no idea about Triton's power. The movements Salukmade resembled his attack with which he was able to throw a flash.Inwardly prayed
me, he does not really have to do that.

Confidentof victory sure Saluk stride out, but Trition picked up his trident and smashedSaluk with a spell on the ground. He looked very surprised. In hiseyes I saw that he had underestimated Triton. Saluk quickly got upagain and wanted to face Triton again.

"Theskills Ursula gave you will not help me against my trident, just soyou know."
Trition explained to him and with these words hetore a crater into the ground. Another shot from the tridentenveloped Saluk in a spell that made it impossible for him to move.Triton placed Saluk in the crater, which closed over him at once,except for a small gap through which Saluk's eyes could still beseen. "You will not cause any harm here," Triton announced."NOOOOOOOOOOOOO" shouted Saluk, banging his fist againsthis stone prison. But all his ravages did not help. "I stoleyour powers with your trident, which Ursula gave you."

Nowhe turned to me. "I've heard a lot about you ... thanks to yourfriend, without him I would never had helped you."

Inodded and took Tom in my hands to pet him. "Thank you."Tom just nestled in my hands. "What will you do against Ursulaand Morgana?" I asked Triton.

"I had long suspectedthe two sisters and their mother that they were up against me. Nowthat I have the confirmation, they are banished from Atlantica. "

Ihad no doubt that Triton copes with the sea witches. Exhausted by theexcitement of recent times, I let myself sink to the seabed. Inoticed a hand on my shoulder. Behind me was Queen Athena. She gaveme a cheery smile. "Looks like you've been through a lot."She stroked my cheek and then helped me to my feet. "Athena,what are you doing here, I told you, it can be dangerous, my love."Triton looked reproachfully at her, but Athena laughed only, took meby the hand and swam to him. "I just wanted to make sure thatnothing happened to you," she chuckled and breathed a kiss onhis cheek. Triton blushed slightly. "If you do not mind, I'llbring her back to the surface." Athena continued, looking at me."Let's keep a watch, I mean if your condition is better ..."Triton did not get any further. "I can handle that in mycondition," she said, looking him straight in the eye,consciously or unconsciously stroking her stomach. "It's not thefirst time, but already the seventh," she laughed and pulled meback to the surface, so Triton had no time to speak.