บท 19: The Mermaid Chase (3)

Along the seaside, I was sitting on a rock with my tail resting on the surface. Looking at the black velvet sky filled with twinkling stars, the cold breeze blew in the calm night. Surrounded by the silver grains, the moon was there- shining brightly among them all. Her beauty is irresistible. And I was captivated.

The night was so lovely that I couldn't resist singing. Yeah, I was going to sing that song. It was a song that has been embedded in my memory since I was born. Gentle, lovely song yet mysterious. I closed my eyes and let out my voice.

Moon in the evening sky,

Shining brightly, shaped like a smile

Don't cry, my baby, don't cry

Mommy and daddy were here for you

So, close your eyes, my daughter

And the moon will wash away your nightmare

'Cause you are the daughter of the moon

The song ended. As I stopped singing, I opened my eyes.

"Having fun?" A voice of a man asked. I turned around to see who it was; it was Papa. He climbed up the rock where I was sitting and sat beside me.

"A nice song is suited to a pleasant evening. Don't you agree, Papa?"

"If only you were the one who was going to sing," Papa answered, laughing.

We spend our time watching the calm sea and night sky. The place was quiet, and the stars looked so close. Just for a second, it was like the two of us in our little world- me and Papa. I like it. But, if Max, Aunt Fio, Uncle Albert, and Sir Ian were here, the moment would be lovelier.

One again, I stared at the sky, and the moon caught my attention. It was noticeably larger than it had been the day before. Aha, so tomorrow is the day.

"Tomorrow will be a full moon," I said out loud. Oops, I was only thinking about it, but I accidentally blurted it out.

"You know what to do tomorrow," Papa said sternly, his gaze fixed on me like a predator on its prey. He was warning me that if I forget those things, I would be punished. Papa can be frightening at times like this. Argh, I can see why Max shuddered in front of Papa when they first met.

"Yes, I recalled everything, Papa," I said. "First, don't wander around. Second, never get near humans at all costs. And lastly, stay at home." See?! How do you like that, Papa? Nothing ever escapes my mind. Your daughter remembered it all.

Papa stroked my head and said, "Good." Afterward, while I was in mermaid form, he carried me in his arms. We must be going to the cave right now. Well, it almost passed my bedtime. No wonder I kept on yawning earlier. I rested my head on Papa's chest. I could hear his breathing as I leaned. It was relaxing, almost like a lullaby that made me sleepy. "Brielle, always remember it all."

"Mmm," I replied. I don't have the energy to say anything else. I was too tired.

"Full moon is our weakness. So, let's be careful. Always be safe, Brielle. I don't want to lose you again."

"Mmm..." Even though I didn't understand his last words, I just agreed. My head felt drowsy, and my mind was tired. I need to sleep.

***

Midnight at Square Theater

The slave trading was running smoothly for tomorrow's auction. Slaves, who lined up, were chained while being transported secretly inside the Square Theater. On the other side, wagons containing the clothes and jewelry, along with illegal magic weapons were upon inspection by the aide of Viscount Hoffman.

While everybody was busy organizing the upcoming event, a man approached Lord Johannes. "My Lord, there is someone who wants to speak with you."

"How impudent! Can't you see that I'm busy organizing the goods?! Your Excellency, Viscount Hoffman, commanded that everything should be done before the event happens," Lord Johannes scolded, clenching his jaw to his irritation.

The man bowed his head to the ground, frightened to be punished, "Forgive me, My Lord! The man named Elias ordered me to relay this message. Please have mercy!"

" Ohoho...At last, Elias! Bring him to me quickly." The name Elias changed the mood of the aide in just a second. It was the moment he had been anticipating- the highlight of the event. From bowing on the ground, the man immediately stood up like his life was on the line, and called Elias, who was waiting outside the area.

Clomp, Clomp, Clomp.

The sound of the man's heavy boots, walking nearer, drew the attention of the aide. The man lowered his head with one hand on his abdomen and paid his respect to Johannes. "Nice to see you again, Lord Johannes."

"Reserve the greetings later. Let's get back to our business," said Johannes. "Did. you bring the product? It's best if I can see it now so I can label its price."

"Well, I'm sorry. But I can't present it right now."

"Elias" The atmosphere became heavy. "Tomorrow is His Excellency's auction. Are you implying that you are withdrawing? You must know what will happen if you break our deal." Beyond those words was a threat. A warning that costs his life if there is a chance that he fails. Elias knew that this deal was a double-edged sword.

"You're mistaken, My lord. I'm not breaking our deal. I will personally deliver the product tomorrow, before the auction starts," Elias promised.

"Very well, then. But is that valuable? How can I assure that it will not lead to disappointment?"

"Well, I'm confident with it. Trust me, My Lord," Elias declared. "However, this humble servant wanted to request one thing."

"State it."

"Please help me to hide. The Imperial Guards were looking for me. I didn't know their motive, but I want to be safe."

"Okay. I'll give a magic stone to conceal your appearance and voice-altering potion. Make sure to accomplish your job right in time. Also, your pay will depend on the quality of the item."

"Thank you, My Lord. I'll never forget your generosity." Elias paid his respect once again. After acquiring the magic stone and potion, he left the Square Theater silently to not attract attention, especially to the Imperial guards roaming around the capital.

Down in the dark alley, where nobody goes, Elias laughed wickedly like a man drowning in madness. He couldn't stop smiling. "So, how should I capture this young mermaid of mine? This should be fun!"

Elias headed off excitedly to execute his plan. The plan that will start a storm and unlock the deepest secrets- THE MERMAID CHASE.