Page 228 of Hidden Depths

His voice grew heavy.

"Your grandfather hoped his secret would die with him."

"But after what happened today..."

"...I knew he'd been wrong."

Thomas walked slowly to the locker.

His weathered hand rested on its lid.

"I've stood watch over this place for years."

"Not because your grandfather asked me to."

He smiled sadly.

"But because he was my friend."

"He saved my life more than once."

"This was the least I could do for him."

Storm felt tears sting her eyes.

"My grandfather taught us to captain Sea Whisper."

Thomas chuckled softly.

"That doesn't surprise me."

"He always said every one of his granddaughters should know the sea."

"He believed knowledge was something no one could ever steal."

I smiled through my tears.

"That sounds like Grandpa."

"It sounds exactly like him."

Thomas looked around at all of us.

At Ben.

At Ivy.

At Calle.

At the others.

Then, finally, at Ward.

"I don't know who you are, son."

Ward gave a respectful nod.

"My name's Ward Allen."