A Ripple In The Ocean

Chapter 13- The mermaid kingdom

I adjusted my old cloak and gently pulled the torn hood over my head. The ends of it just swept passed my tail fin. The black material floated around in the water, like a strange dark fire.

I looked out across the calm water, to the small island in the middle of nowhere, to the man that now sat by the dying fire. The slow rhythm of his chest told me that he was already asleep.
The moon was half way through it's phase. Taking one last look at it, I slipped under there surface again. Leaving nothing but a ripple.

I had been to the mermaid kingdom once or twice before. Though I wasn't exactly welcomed there, I was more on the hated side. I never really got why but I guess It's like it always is dark verses light.

The sun had risen already once I had arrived at the outskirts. The sunlight broke through the clear water casting colour on the capital city.
Unfortunately the thing was the castle was kept under under very tight security and well I can understand why.
I passed shops and hotels.
My whole body ached from the long swim here but it was worth it.
Mers were already going about their business. Their colourful scales gleaming in the sunlight.
One mermaid had whispered something to her friends and glanced back at me.
I'd given her a shadowy smile and swam past… only to bump into someone else.

I stiffened as their belongings toppled out of the bag they were holding.

"I'm so sorry" I mumbled.
We both rushed to pick their stuff up.

"No-no don't worry." They said and brushed their sky blue hair out of their eyes.

Once we had quickly cleared every up placed their belongings back into their bag. "Thank y-" they cut themselves off as they saw the black scales that crept up my hands.

I pulled my hand back into the folds of the cloak.

A taller male placed a webbed hand on the Mer's shoulder, "Oi! You!" He hissed.

I quickly backed away, letting myself become smaller.

"Why are you talking to my seashell" he growled and stepped after me.

They shyly looked up at him, swishing their pastel tail twice. "Babe it's nothing."

My heart jumped when he grabbed my hood but I allowed myself to calm. "Please, it was accident" I replied cooly.

The merman looked to the other mer and back at me. He grunted and swam off with his partner.

~

I walked over to the rocky outcrop in the morning to find a small woven seaweed basket full of fish and seaweed. There must be enough food for a week in here.
I picked it up and began to walk back to my camp.
Something shiny inside caught my attention. Setting the basket down, I began to inspect the food.

A small cigar box looked up at me, I faintly remember it being the one from the captains draw. Cautiously I opened it up… inside in near rows, were dry biscuits and a seashell necklace laying. 
How did Ceto find these?
The thought of him triggered a longing feeling that tugged at my heart.

The shell hanging from the thread was a mute gold with a soft blue inside.
With a smile, I ran my thumb over the bumpy surface before tying it around my head.
I let out a sigh and led back against the tree trunk letting the afternoon sun soak into my skin.
Maybe being stuck on this island wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

~

The castle was more guarded compared last time, which wasn't surprising.
I hid in some tall greenery beside the back entrance and tried to piece together a plan.
All the towers and walls were guarded. The guards were dressed in their light metal armour; Though it looked more decorative than functional.
Each guard held a range of weapons...nothing unusual; spears, water-adapted crossbows, swords and the occasional trident.
I'm surprised that there isn't more tridents but then again that was my thing.

I waited until the rotation was about to happen before making my move.
Careful to stay in the shadowy areas I snuck up to the wall.
One guard shouted something to his partner and motioned my way.

I cursed under my breath and pushed myself against the cold, seaweed-slick wall of the castle. I sucked in a breath as they passed overhead.
Nothing.
Due to a stroke of luck or some god above they didn't spot me.

I swam up to the unprotected balcony they were guarding.
Hooking a claw under the door, I smoothly opened the door and slipped inside.

The room was clean and polished. Ornaments were neatly arranged on shelves. The only part that seemed out of place was the crumpled sheets of the bed.
Off tune singing came from the bathroom. I cringed slightly at the sound, mermaids could sing just not up to the standard of a siren.

Quickly I made my way out of the room and into the hall beyond.

The guards that stood by the door were knocked out before they could even turn around.

I quickly made my way through the maze of hallways and corridors.
I stopped as I saw the room that held it and slipped behind a pillar. Outside there was four guards and inside there will probably be a hundred more.
I just needed to get in and out, nothing fancy.
I needed a distraction.
I looked hopefully back down the corridor I had just come from.

"Hey"

The shout echoed off the walls and stopped me in my tracks.
A guard was headed my direction.

I exhaled a string of curses.

I really didn't want to hurt anyone… Oh well.

___________
Note:

There will probably be a second half to this, Sorry about that.
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