It had turned into a cold evening when Connie and Mack arrived at the Masterson's barn. Evelyn had to stay home and look after George, who was not permitted to enter Society business until it had been proven that he possessed a gift. As they approached the doors Connie sensed the gathering inside; they were amongst the last to enter. As they stepped through, she caught sight of Kira Okona and Windfoal, who were seated beside Dr. Brock and Argot. Argand was there too, and flitted up to Connie as she entered. Connie smiled, greeting her companion dragon, before she took a seat on the hay bale beside Col and Skylark. The pegasus neighed, and she petted his head.
As soon as she was seated, Dr. Brock stood up, and cleared his throat.
"Thank you, everyone, for attending at such short notice," he said. "I apologize, but there is a matter of great importance that must be discussed. As you may well know, Trustee Kira Okona has recently come back from southern Spain, which has been under an assault of floods. We suspected that the renegade weather giants were behind this, however she has news to the contrary. And it deeply concerns us, so if you please, Kira."
Kira nodded and stood up. Connie felt Windfoal enter her mind, urging her to take careful note of what was about to be said.
"As Dr. Brock has informed you, I have returned from a short campaign where we have investigated the freak floods affecting southern Spain," she began. "However, though we suspected the weather giants were involved, it turns out that we have a new threat on the loose. The cause of these disturbances in the tides is the work of none other than a Leviathan."
A gasp of shock ran through the gathering, but Kira held up her hand, asking for silence. Connie was stunned, and Argand flinched as her tail was gripped too tight for her liking.
"Though it should be an occasion to rejoice, that we have found a mythical creature long thought extinct by the Society, the Leviathan has been uncooperative. He may well have been an ally of Kullervo, however in his absence the Leviathan is acting of his own accord. Many parts of Cadiz, Almeria, and Marbella have been badly affected by his tidal attacks, and we are struggling to send aid…"
Connie's mind wandered, thinking about the news. She had come across the heart-breaking story of the demise of the Leviathans, who had been both hunted by whalers and poisoned by toxic waste that had found their way into the oceans. But news of the creature's reappearance also made her tense. There had not been a single companion to Leviathans in living memory; the last one had died almost two hundred years ago. Thus, the reason for Kira's visit to Hescombe was made clear- she needed someone to speak to the creature. And there was no one else qualified but the universal.
"Connie," Col muttered, jabbing the girl in the ribs. "Kira's talking to you."
Connie blinked, before bowing her head to the companion to unicorns.
"Sorry," she said- that word was getting quite used today.
"As I was suggesting, Universal," Kira said, not showing a hint of offence, "since there is not a companion to Leviathans in existence at present, we would like to request that you come with us to speak to the creature. However, obtaining an audience with the Leviathan will be immensely difficult, since he can hide in the ocean depths for many days without air. So it is with my humblest wishes that I ask every companion to sea creatures to also join us."
A few members of the Company of Sea Snakes sat up straighter, amongst them Mack and Jessica. Arran, seated beside her, gave a reserved nod. Mrs. Clamworthy remained silent. Not everyone was as receptive, however.
"You are asking a lot, Kira," spoke Mr. Masterson. "If you take all of our companions to sea creatures, you leave us at risk. What's to stop the weather giants from heading here if they learn of this, and attacking when we're most vulnerable?"
"I have considered that," Kira answered, "but the Trustees and myself feel that a strong force of water creatures, coupled with the universal's ability to bond with the Leviathan, should be enough to tackle this problem swiftly. Spain has suffered many casualties already, but it is not high on the list for international aid. We are thin in numbers, and the Leviathan refuses to call a truce without a mediator of his own. Further, only Hescombe can provide us with a companion to the Kraken, who will undoubtedly be essential in our mission."
Col, who had become very moody, suppressed a snarl as his father gave a toothy grin to his fellow Sea Snakes. Connie noted Col's dark expression, and so leant against him. She felt his tension subside.
"So, are we agreed?" Dr. Brock took up the discussion. There were vigorous nods from members of the Sea Snakes; less enthusiastic ones from the remainder of the party. "And Universal? Will you accept the task of confronting the Leviathan?"
"Of course," Connie nodded, with a newfound confidence. She had to admit that she was itching to be active and try out her practiced skills. After she had spoken, she felt Col shrink away, leaving a cold patch on her arm. "But what about school?"
"Arrangements will be made to explain any absence," Dr. Brock stated, "but you should be back before term begins. Are there any other matters?"
There were none, and so the gathering made to depart for the night.
"Wow, Spain!" Jessica exclaimed; she had abandoned her company to sit with Connie, for she was the only one of the same age who was going on the trip. "I've never been abroad- this is going to be so cool! And a real Leviathan- incredible! The Society's said they've been extinct for years."
"Hmph," Col mumbled, sulking. This news had ruined his plans for his days off from training.
"Aw, I'm sorry Col, but I don't think pegasi are suited to swimming in deep water," Arran said. Skylark snorted, sending a cloud of steam in his face.
"Anyway," Connie broke in, feeling sorry for Col, "Dr. Brock did say we'll be back soon. You'll hardly notice we're gone."
"Cheer up, son!" Mack Clamworthy strode towards the group and plonked himself down beside Arran. "Connie's right- we'll be back before you know it. But whoa, a real Leviathan! Certainly isn't something you see everyday, eh? Of course, he'll be no match for the Kraken. We'll put that snake in his place, right Connie?"
Connie heard Col mumble something- it was just as well Mack didn't catch the end of it- before he stood up and slunk out of the barn. Skylark followed him, giving an annoyed flick of his tail as he left.
"Oh, come on, he's had all the adventures before!" Jessica pointed out. "It's about time we Sea Snakes showed what we're made of."
Connie listened as the companions to sea creatures began to discuss travel plans. She was excited about the prospect of going to Spain- but worries about her condition were not far behind. What if something else happened, or if she got worse? Would her universal weapons be enough? Could Kullervo really find out what was behind that strange shadow in time?
Then there was the fact that she would be leaving Col behind. He would get over missing out on the trip, she knew, but she would miss him sorely. The days they could have spent together before school were now gone. And it would be foolish to ask Kira if he could come along- what could a companion to pegasi do if they would be spending their time so far from land?
"Universal, you seem troubled," Argand said, placing her head on Connie's shoulder. Connie sighed, quickly erecting a shield so that the dragon could not pry too far inside her mind.
"Oh, it's a bit sudden, all this," she said, hoping Argand had not eavesdropped on her earlier thoughts. "And it seems a bit strange, that after hundreds of years a Leviathan should turn up out of the blue."
"Perhaps," Argand said, "but maybe, as Kira said, he was under Kullervo's control. With him gone, the creature is free to do as he wishes, and it would not be implausible that he would want to vent anger on those who have made him the last of his kind."
Connie shrugged. Whatever had flushed the Leviathan out of hiding, she would find out soon enough. She couldn't help but take to heart Argand's words. Of course the Leviathan would be steaming; she would have wanted revenge if all of her own species had been wiped out due to human greed and wastefulness. And yet it fell on her shoulders to convince him to stop attacking the Spanish coast. She put a hand to her head. This was like the sirens all over again.
"Connie."
Connie looked up. Kira Okona was standing before her, Windfoal by her side.
"I am sorry to have to call on you for this," she said, "but you are our only method of communication with the Leviathan. In spite of our policy on age when it comes to dangerous Society business, we cannot find an alternative solution at present. We need all the help we can muster."
"It's no trouble," Connie said, slightly ticked that she was still treated as a child. Come on- she had faced, and beaten, Kullervo! She could eat a Leviathan for breakfast. A part of her frowned. Where had that thought come from?
"We are counting on you, Universal," Windfoal said, nuzzling her shoulder. Connie gave a nod.
"I'll do my best."
*****
The next day was a mad rush of packing. Connie was at a loss- there were so many things she wanted to take- but there was only so much room in her suitcase. Getting no-where with picking clothes, Connie gathered her notes from the universal's reading room and jogged downstairs, planning to sort through and take the papers she thought most necessary.
She entered the lounge. Evelyn was sitting on the sofa, George on her lap and guzzling down a bottle of milk. Mack was hunched over his own suitcase, trying to make his own assortment of essentials fit.
"Isn't it going to be expensive to fly you all off to Spain?" Evelyn asked, rocking George as he gave a cough. Connie sat beside her, shuffling through her papers.
"'Spose," Mack shrugged, stuffing a bright blue shirt and a snorkel into the suitcase. "But not all of us are going. Mum said she's too old, so she's staying. Horace and that Moss girl will be coming- Kira wants as many selkie companions as she can get, since they're good at finding things in the sea. Oh, and Andre, the companion to mermaids, he's coming as well. So it's just the five of us…"
Connie stopped listening; something had stirred in her mind. Trying to appear relaxed, she reclined on the sofa and shut her eyes, retreating into the depths of her self. Soon she was once again on her island, surrounded by silver water. For a moment she was relieved- there was no sign of the shadow- but no sooner had she thought this than a dark blob appeared on the horizon, a little larger than before.
"He is an elusive one," Kullervo murmured, and Connie shared his irritation. "I have discovered that it is the essence of a mythical creature, and yet it is not behaving as it should. It is trying to interfere with your source of power."
Connie was not pleased by Kullervo's report.
"I will continue to look into it," Kullervo answered her unspoken demand. "But you must take care. He is growing stronger- you must exercise your universal weapons with caution. One careless move could crush your spirit for good, and me along with it."
"Yeah, yeah," Connie sighed, dismissing his presence. "Just find a way to get rid of this thing, and fast."
She opened her eyes again, and found her notes in a jumble on the floor. Irked, she bent down to gather them up.
"Connie, you look tired," Evelyn said, handing George over to Mack and helping her pick up the papers. "I'll sort out your packing. Leave your things outside your room. Have a good night's sleep." Connie's reply was silenced by a huge yawn. Yes, she was feeling a bit drained- and she had a long journey tomorrow.
"Thanks," she said, getting up and stretching. Biding the others good night, she trudged up to her room. Moonlight was spilling in through her window, casting a bright stripe on the sheets. The contrast of light and shadow made Connie frown, reminded of the mark in her own starlit ocean, so she closed her curtains.
Just what on Earth was trying to invade her?
*****
Connie was awoken by a loud clatter from downstairs. Rubbing her eyes, she then rolled out of bed, yawning. Her red suitcase had been placed near her door, pre-packed with clothes and other essentials. Her notes were gathered in a folder, which lay on top. Connie smiled- Evelyn was not known for her organizational skills, it must have taken her most the night to sort that out.
A shout from the kitchen prompted her to get dressed. Before long she was wandering down the stairs, suitcase and folder in hand. She was surprised to find Col there, and dropped her luggage.
"Why can't I come?!" Col snapped. "Gran isn't going, I can go in her place!"
"Col, don't be such a child!" Mack growled. "This isn't a holiday- this is Society business. Those floods have done enough damage to our fellow members on that side of the world- the Trustees won't want to endanger anyone else unnecessarily."
"But Jessica's younger than me, and she's going!" argued Col. "I can help. If the Leviathan attacks Connie or traps her she'll need a quick getaway…"
"Taken care of," Mack said, thumping his chest with a fist. "Even your pegasus can't match the speed of the Kraken's tentacles. If Connie falls into trouble, she's covered. And if you're caught on open water, how will Skylark be able to make it back to land before he drops from exhaustion?"
"But…" Col struggled for words, his argument falling to pieces. Connie felt terrible for him- even half-wanting him to find a loophole so he could come along. But this was madness- she could not let Col put himself in danger for her sake, not again.
She entered the room, and saw Col's hopeful gaze.
"Connie, tell him I'll be useful," he begged. Connie hesitated.
"Col, it's really considerate of you to think of my safety," she began, her heart wrenching as she knew he would not like her response, "but I'm going to have plenty of protection from the others. This is one mission you're going to have to sit out." Her words were like knives, slicing into Col's resolve. "Look, it's bad enough everyone else has to face danger on my behalf. You're already braved so much for me- I don't want to see you hurt because of me."
Col clenched his fists, but said nothing. He was defeated from all angles.
"Fine," he muttered, sinking down onto a kitchen chair. Connie hated seeing him look so dejected. It's for your own good, she reasoned. I won't let the Leviathan use you against me.
"Well, now that's sorted, how about some breakfast?" Mack strode to the toaster, stuffing several slices of bread into the narrow slots. "We'll be taking the car, so be ready by noon. It's a long drive to Heathrow."