My Dear Reader, Mermaid legends exist in most cultures all over the world. Some of these legends are not unlike cautionary morality plays. Many of these myths are romantic, beautiful, fantastical things. This story is neither of those. Based on the legends from Orkney and Norway, this tale (tail, ha!) is of a darker kind. More danger, less dinglehoppers. Still, for all this, it is- I insist- a love story. I hope you enjoy it! Yours with gratitude, Lily