Back to Eric's point of view! Sorry, I like to tell stories from everyone's POV. Well, not much dialogue here, but tension fills the air. (dramatic music sting) Happy reading! ~Miss Peabody~

Eric began rounding up several guards to take command of watching over the seashore and the castle. He looked at his watch as he began pulling several boats to shore. It was almost 6:00. Dinner was about to be served. Making his way to the dining hall, he bumped into Grimsby.

"Have you taken a look at the sky yet? " Grimsby asked.

"Of course." said Eric. "And I remember the rhyme."

His father, who had taught Eric everything he knew about sailing, also taught him several sailing superstitions. They ranged from the word "drown" being a cursed word to the bad luck of having a widow aboard. But the sky rhyme was one said many times, by Eric's father, his crew, and even himself.

"Red sky at morning, sailor's warning." he recited. "Red sky at night, sailor's delight."

Eric knew what Grimsby was trying to do. The sky was red at the moment, so, everything would be fine, according to the rhyme. But, it was just a superstition and he couldn't help but feel as if the sky was lying. Still, he had to be strong for his family.

Grimsby smiled. "Your father was always better at cheering you up than me."

Eric laughed and kept walking with Grimsby toward the dining hall. Melody and Ariel had already taken their usual places, with Melody on his left and Ariel on his right. Grimsby took his place near the end of the table, Eric sat in his place, and everyone waited in silence for the food to be brought. Carlotta then strutted into the hall pulling a cart of plates. She remained her perky self and placed each plate in front of everyone.

Eric smiled as he knew she would tell of what was being served, like she always he did. But as she began speaking, Eric tuned her out and began looking around the table. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who was distracted. Melody was busy looking out the windows, and Ariel was looking down at her plate.

"Thank you, Carlotta." said Grimsby, awakening everyone. "Now let's dig in."

Carlotta then left them to the meal, which was a little quiet and almost normal. Grimsby droned on about palace matters, and Eric began to tease Melody about the merman she liked.

"Mom!" exclaimed Melody as Eric began laughing of the name he had given her, "Mel-Mel."

It was strange to even think of his daughter liking some boy. But, Eric supposed he was suffering from what all fathers go through. And that is, forgetting how grown up a daughter can be. Ariel was rather quiet, which was a little unusual. Not to mention, through the entire dinner, her hands kept rubbing her temples. Her headache was probably still in full swing.

"I think Mel-Mel's a sweet nickname." she spoke finally after taking a drink. Then, her eyes widened.

"Ariel, what is it?"

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"I just feel like something bad is happening." Ariel answered somberly.

Eric looked out the windows and knew at once what his wife was sensing.

"My word." Grimsby exclaimed, as he noticed it too.

Several waves were rolling in, very high and close to the palace. And because the dining hall was on the bottom floor, this could mean trouble. Leaving his seat, Eric ran to the windows.

"How did we not notice this?" he asked in bewilderment.

"Maybe because it just happened?" answered Melody.

Several guards came in the hall, all of them soaked with water. Everyone at the table quickly got out of their seats.

"The water's rising!" one of them shouted.

"Alright." said Eric. He had to move everyone out of the palace and to higher ground. "Let's-"

But before he could finish, water came rushing into the dining hall crashing the windows. Everyone was swept away in the mass of ocean, glass, and furniture.