Page 70 of Entangled

“Nay,” she said. “I—I don’t think my father has the kind of power to grant that request.”

“Why not? He’s a god of the sea, isn’t he?” asked Sebastian. “I thought gods could do anything.”

“Yes, but I don’t know if this is a good idea,” she said.

“Nereus can grant the request, but I can’t guarantee he will.” Dee walked up to join them. “Merrow, if Sebastian is willing to risk everything to ask your father for this favor, then you need to let him try.”

“Not if it’s going to get us all killed,” spat Elric. “Oh, you really are stupid, just like the Blackseed boys.” Elric zipped away to the other side of the ship.

“That’s why you asked so many to join us today, wasn’t it?” asked Merrow, figuring out Sebastian’s plan. “You knew you were going to do this and wanted the Blackseeds and the other men and the women with magic here to help if my father should object and attack you.”

“I was only thinking about the safety of everyone on Mura,” Sebastian admitted. “I am a king. I think ahead and take precautions.”

“My lord,” said Hitch. “Perhaps the best precaution is not to call him at all.”

“I agree,” shouted Elric, leaning back and closing his eyes.

“Nay, Sebastian’s right,” said Merrow. “I have to let him try. All right, I will call my father now.”

Sebastian watched nervously as Merrow closed her eyes and summoned her father in her mind. He swore he could hear her, but realized it was only his imagination. After all, he didn’t have this ability. He was only human.

“Sister, what are you doing?” Galene swam over to the side of the ship. Melite was with her.

“We hear you in our minds calling for Father. Is that a good idea?” asked Melite.

“Sebastian wants to talk to him,” explained Merrow. “If we’re going to be married, he can’t keep ignoring Father. It will be all right.”

“If you say so.” Melite didn’t sound at all like she agreed with this plan.

“Something’s happening,” said Hitch, his eyes opening wide. “The sky is darkening and the waters are becoming turbulent.”

“It’s the portal. It’s starting to open.” Sebastian felt his stomach clench. “Nereus is arriving.”

“Take a deep breath and try to stay calm,” Merrow told him. “And please be careful how you speak to my father. He tends to take things the wrong way a lot of times.”

“I can think of more relaxing things to do, believe me.” Frantic thoughts ran through Sebastian’s head. Was this a foolish idea after all? Was he endangering them all? Did he have a death wish? He was starting to wonder what he’d been thinking when he came up with this plan. Still, he was determined to do it for Merrow. He would do whatever he could to make this turn out right in the end, and to ensure his bride-to-be remained happy.

The waves of the sea parted, and all the sea nymphs huddled together. First, Merrow’s brother came through the underwater portal.

“Father is furious that so many of his children went through the portal,” said Nerites as soon as his head popped up from the water. “Everyone needs to get home at once.”

“Not yet,” Sebastian called out, standing tall and proud on the bow of his ship. “I need to speak to Nereus before anyone leaves.”

“Nay. Not you again,” groaned Nerites seeing Sebastian.“This won’t end well,” he warned him as the father of the sea nymphs made his presence known.

First came the prongs of his trident, then his crown upon his head rose from the water. Then the one who was referred to as the Old Man of the Sea lifted up majestically, his serpent-type tail whipping out of the water behind him.

“Why have you summoned me here, Merrow? What is this all about?” bellowed Nereus looking meaner and angrier than last time.

“It was me who summoned you, through Merrow,” Sebastian spoke up, not wanting Merrow to get in trouble.

“I have nothing to say to you, human,” said Nereus, spitting into the sea.

“Father, his name is Sebastian,” Merrow interjected. “Please, listen to what he has to say. It is important.”

“Why should I?” The sea god lifted his trident in the air and lightning bolts shot out of the prongs.

“Please, don’t do that, Your Majesty,” said Sebastian, diving out of the way of a stray bolt. His crew ran to all corners of the ship. “I did not summon you so the gods of Mura could fight you again.”