The Order of the Pig Story 5: A Secret Beneath the Waves

Chapter 8 - Meet the King

We made our way to the palace. On a large throne was a merman about 3 times the size of us. On a smaller throne next to him was a mermaid who for some reason was looking quite stressed.

Kelpie: "Everyone, allow me to introduce his most excellent majesty, King Saturn of Subtropolis."

We all bowed.

King Saturn: "Ah. Welcome to our humble city, brave adventures. Forgive me, but I must ask. Which one of you is Petra?"

Petra: "I am, King Saturn."

King Saturn grinned.

King Saturn: "Of course. Well, it's so good to meet all of you."

Thinking that was a little weird, I looked around at the others. Lukas caught my eye. He was giving King Saturn a certain look. It's a look I've seen him do many times before. It means he knows something is up. Part of me wants to think he's just being paranoid but the way King Saturn only asked for Petra was super weird and I trust Lukas. I'm keeping an open mind.

Jesse: "We are honoured to have been invited to this wonderful place."

Olivia: "This place is so beautiful. It's amazing how well this city is put together."

Axel: "We never thought we'd meet real merpeople. You guys are awesome."

King Saturn: "Thank you very much. You're all too kind."

King Saturn looked at Reuben. Kelpie swam up to him. He whispered.

King Saturn: "I presume that is the 'pig' thing."

Kelpie: "Yes, your greatness."

Lukas: "I'm sorry to interrupt, sire, but I have a question."

King Saturn: "Ask away."

Lukas: "Kelpie and a few of the locals outside kept mentioning of something that happened 10 years ago. They said this isn't the first time you've had humans down here. Might I ask what happened?"

King Saturn and the other mermaid's eyes widened.

King Saturn: "Well, I'm sure my daughter here would be glad to tell you what happened."

Princess: "Father, I..."

King Saturn: "Now!"

She swam forward.

Princess: "Around 10 years ago, a human somehow managed to swim down through the Cloud, or as they call it, the Abyss. They found our kingdom. Let's just say, we couldn't let him go back and tell the rest of the humans."

Lukas: "That's terrible."

Olivia: "It must be why all the merfolk were so wary about us."

Axel: "I suppose it would be tough to keep the peace."

King Saturn: "Exactly. The Cloud separates our worlds. It's not easy sometimes. But it's just the way it needs to be."

Jesse: "We will do our best to try and understand your world."

Princess: "We appreciate it."

The mermaid was about to swim back next to her father.

Petra: "Wait! Please! Tell me! What's your name?"

Pearl: "My name is Pearl. I am the princess of Subtropolis."

King Saturn: "That will do, Pearl!"

Pearl: "Yes, father."

She went back to him.

King Saturn: "Now, I believe you were all promised an adventure. However, Petra, I would like you to stay here for a while. Kelpie, be a good lad and show her friends around."

Order of the Pig: "What?!"

Kelpie: "Yes, sire."

Jesse: "Wait, we can't leave without Petra!"

Kelpie: "Oh don't worry. His majesty will take good care of her. She'll catch up."

Petra: "Uhh, don't worry guys. You go have fun. I guess, I'll see you soon."

Lukas swam up to her and hugged her. He whispered.

Lukas: "Be safe, ok. I don't trust these ones."

Petra: "I'll be fine. You go have fun and don't worry about me. I'll catch up soon. I promise."

Kelpie: "This way, young humans!"

I went over to Petra and hugged her. Then I took Lukas' hand and we followed Kelpie out of the palace.

Axel: "Is she going to be ok?"

Petra: "Petra is strong. She'll be alright."

Jesse: "Besides, she shouldn't be far behind"

Olivia: "Sure hope you're right."

Reuben looked back into the throne room at Petra.

Jesse: "Come on, buddy."

Let's hand over the story to Petra for now.