Her family had indeed gotten the message and was now trying to decide what to do. Now you're sure that was all that she said? Triton asked calmly. Yes it was. Melody said. Well, Triton said, we'd better start trying to figure this out. There was something else; Justin said slowly, she didn't sound like she usually does. She seemed almost… distant like when we would contact Melody on land. It was like there was a great barrier that was dividing us from her. You say it was like trying to talk to Melody on land? Triton said as if some fear had overtaken him. Justin looked at his grandfather. His eyes grew wide. What do you mean? Melody asked. What's wrong? Two days ago, Triton began I felt something about Leah change but I wasn't sure what. She was so far away from home it was hard to get a clear understanding of her situation. Then last night I felt her presence leave the ocean completely! Now I think I understand why. Melody's eyes grew large. You don't think that…, Yes I do I think that Leah has been changed by some great metamorphosis and is now able to leave the water freely. Princess Alana's mouth dropped open as the words that were spoken registered in her mind. Leah… my Leah on land? But, Leah's father prince Ryan said, she won't know how to walk or find anything or take care of herself or anything! Leah is a perfectly capable mermaid, Justin said, I'm sure that she can handle herself. Princess Alana burst into tears and Melody went over to try and comfort her. My parents are on the land, she said softly to sooth Alana, they can help us! You're right Melody! Triton said. We can send a message to your father and mother asking for aid in the search. I will go. Melody said. I can tell them exactly what happened and I can get in touch with them faster than anyone else. I don't know…, Triton said reluctantly, I would prefer that all of my grandchildren were in my sight. But I suppose you're right, you may go. Melody smiled and returned to comforting Alana. But you can't go alone. Triton said. I'll go with her! Justin volunteered. Triton was still concerned but he reminded himself that his grandchildren were more than capable. Very well, he said, but you will have a guard to ensure safety! Justin bowed his head in acceptance of the king's order. But there's something in her message that I don't understand, Justin said, who is Murgan and who is the sorcerer? I'm not sure about that one. Triton said slowly, it seems that my family has yet another threat. The sooner we figure out who he is, the sooner we can get Leah back. Wait a second, melody said to herself, Murgan? Sorcerer? But that's impossible! What is impossible Melody? Triton said. Well, she said slowly, I'm not sure but… on land we have a saying that we tell to young ones when they misbehave, Carlotta used to always tell me when I was young: If you are bad Murgan will come and get you! Murgan the sorcerer knows if you're bad! But it couldn't be him! She said. He's just a story! Maybe not, Triton said. All stories have a beginning, or root. Now this Murgan may be a story now but there must have been a real Murgan in the past for the story to have begun. Do you remember anything else about this Murgan? Well…, said Melody, he lives in a fortress in a cliff, the fortress is called Grath? Rash? Grash? GRASH! He lives in a fortress called Grash! Where is the fortress Grash? Justin asked. I…I don't know. Melody said sadly. That was never a part of the story. But I do know that Grash overlooks the sea because pirates often spoke of it on the docks, about a fortress on a cliff I mean, so all we have to do is find the fortress and we find Leah! Leave the searching to the guards' melody, Triton said firmly; I don't want you or any of the others out there unless you have to be. Do you understand me? Yes sir. She said lowering her head in respect but only Justin noticed her cross her fingers behind her back. Very good! Triton said. Now when will you deliver the message? He asked Justin and Melody. My mother will be walking on the beach at dawn tomorrow like she does every day, which will be the best time to reach her. Very well, Triton said, you and Justin leave tomorrow before dawn with an escort to deliver the message. Then come straight back here! Understand? Yes grandfather. They said in unison. Good now get some rest, and inform your cousins who are listening in at the door. Melody swam over to the door and opened it quickly. The eavesdroppers lost their balance and fell all around her. Triton laughed at the antics of his grandchildren as he shooed them away. His smile faded as he turned to the question at hand. Just who was this Murgan and what did he want?
As silent as phantom the small boat sailed towards the now visible shore. They had lost the ship but it could still be back in the distance set for the same course! Leah tried not to think about it as she continued to paddle. Finally they had reached the sandy beach and Terence hauled the boat ashore as Leah held tight to the rope so the boat wouldn't float away. When the boat was on the shore Terence helped Leah out of the boat and onto the shore. Leah felt foolish not being able to walk. Terence took the boat and pulled it further up the shore. When he had dragged it to what seemed to be a safe distance from the water he turned it over so that the bottom of the boat faced the sky. Leah pondered his strange behavior. Why would you turn a boat upside down? She wondered. Then he turned to face her. Well this is as good a place as any! He said almost cheerfully. For what? She asked. To learn to walk! He answered as he helped her to her feet. Now I can see that we haven't mastered standing yet. He said as he tried to help her keep steady on her new legs. Well I'm trying but it seems I – Whoa! She said as she tried to keep steady. I need some practice – Yikes! Here try this! Terence said as he held out his arm. Hold onto my arm while you take a step. She held tightly to his arm and tried to take a step… and fell. He helped her back up again and this time she took one step and caught herself! She was so happy! He shared her joy as she took another step and this time stayed steady! Terence smiled as she laughed aloud at her accomplishment. I did it! I did it! She said triumphantly! Good! He said. Now try it without me holding on to you. Leah wasn't sure she could do it but after a few steps she gained more confidence. Finally she was walking on her own! She turned to face Terence and smiled. Thank you Terence! Thank you for everything! Terence just turned and smiled. Well we've had enough adventure for one day how about some we get some rest? Leah agreed and followed Terence over to the boat. He lifted the side of the boat up and motioned for her to crawl inside. There you go a nice warm shelter! He said. Rest up because tomorrow we have to try to get you back to your family. He started put the boat down. But wait, what about you? She said referring to the fact that she had shelter and he had none. I am going to stay out and keep watch. He said. Well, she said, at least take this to keep you warm. She handed him a bit of canvas that had been in the boat. He smiled at her and thanked her. Goodnight Terence! She said sweetly. Goodnight Leah. He answered. The stars had just appeared and as Terence put down the boat and wrapped himself up in the canvas. He was lost in his own thoughts and soon was fast asleep.