King Triton had not only called the cousins but the entire royal family! Melody and Justin looked to each other wondering what this could be about. Everyone was restless about the reason for the meeting but, as protocol demanded, they waited patiently and silently for the King to speak. When everyone was accounted for he began. Now I don't want anyone to be alarmed, he said slowly, but I have decided that for the protection of this family that the elder grandchildren should be escorted to the northern stronghold for their own safety. Immediately as if on cue everyone began talking at once. Finally Triton got them all to quiet down and continued. I understand that the stronghold is usually a last resort but I have very few options before me. Whoever is threatening my family will be brought to justice but in the meantime they seem to be targeting my elder grandchildren. I want them to be protected in a secret and well guarded area. I want you children to be packed and ready to leave in two hours. Only two hours?! Serena cried. Yes Triton replied. Pack light. There will be many things at the fortress so you won't have to bring much with you. Hurry now! Everyone hurried to their rooms to pack. But father, Attina argued after they had gone, the northern fortress is so far away! I know daughter, the king comforted, but the magic shield the ancient kings put in place to protect the people will keep them safe. It's the only way I know that they can be protected. Attina had to agree. It's not the fortress that concerns me, she said under her breath, it's getting there.
Finally everyone was packed and ready to go. The cousins hugged their parents, aunts and uncles and finally their grandfather. Be safe! He whispered to each one as they hugged him. Then they swam out of the golden city with half of the Atlantian guard surrounding them. They were silent as they swam away hoping that their nightmare was almost over. Little did they know it was just beginning.
Leah was having the time of her life! She had just learned how to climb a tree and was now discovering what it felt like to be up in the branches with nothing but leaves between her and the sky. Finally she broke through the canopy of the leaves. Sunlight pored all over her face; she closed her eyes and felt the wind whip her red hair in all different directions. Soon Terence joined her. Beautiful isn't it? He asked looking towards the blanket of trees before them bathed in sunlight. I didn't know that the land could be so beautiful! She said in awe. I wish my mother could see this. A tear came to her eye as she thought about how worried her mother must be. Terence sensed her sadness and wished that he could help her. Leah, he said after a moment, we will find a way to get you back to your family. I promise. Leah smiled; she knew that he would do whatever it took to get her back home. But deep in her heart at that moment she knew part of her didn't want to go. She was about to say something when she saw something closer to shore. Terence it looks like the Pirates are coming into the tree forest as well. Terence looked to where she was pointing and then his face changed. Come on! We have to get out of here! I'll go down first and guide you, he said then stopped for a moment, Leah if this ever gets to a point where we are around other people you must promise me one thing. Of course, she replied solemnly, what is it? Don't tell anyone that you are a mermaid. Leah wondered what the problem was with that but she knew that he knew what was best so she agreed. With some effort they were finally at the base of the tree. Now, Terence said, let's see how much distance we can put between us and the shore full of pirates! Leah smiled and followed him as quickly as her legs could carry her.
The group traveled silently for a while until Cody finally had enough so he struck up a conversation with Melody. So Melody what is it like on the land when the kingdom has a crisis? Do you all have to go to a safe stronghold too? Well not really, Melody replied, we mostly stay in our own lands and sometimes people get trapped in their own castle which can be dangerous. But my grandfather, my human grandfather, took care of that problem for our castle. He dug a series of catacombs or tunnels under it. Now if a threat were to overwhelming for the families of nobility we can escape through them. But thankfully that has never happened to my kingdom. Are we there yet? Pearl asked impatiently for the five thousandth time. NO!!! Shouted an exasperated Sebastian. I don't want to hear dat question again until we get dere' understand? Yes, Coral sighed, but why is it taking so long? Because child, Sebastian said as calmly as he could, we are going to de' northern stronghold because it is FAR AWAY!!! Now if you don't mind I am going to de front of de group to get away from all de questions! And with that he swam as fast as he could to the front mumbling as he went: put me in charge of de children! What did I ever do to deserve dis'?
All of the cousins giggled. Sebastian was always fun to annoy. The remainder of the trip was much happier as they tried to think of ways to annoy Sebastian all the way in the front of the line.
Excellent! Murgan said as he watched the group swimming to the northern frontier. Well dear lady, he said turning to the figure, now who's the best? The best? Ha! So far none of your plans have worked! First the little princess escapes with some slave, then your attempt to capture Melody failed and now the kids are being escorted to the north fortress where they will be under heavy guard! The best? I don't think so!!! The figures voice was becoming shrill. You insult me. Murgan said in a calm but defensive voice. Do you really believe I intended to capture the princess and hold her for ransom? My dear woman I would not sink to such a low crime. You promised me revenge! The voice said in a tone that was getting angrier with every word. And so you shall have it! Murgan said. But I expect you to keep your end of the bargain. Now here is what you must do…
I'll race you to that rock! Cody yelled to all of the cousins. The cousins all swam as fast as they could trying to beat each other. Sebastian was totally unaware that behind him seven merpeople were racing until suddenly he was caught in a currant of bubbles as the group passed him and left him spinning so fast he couldn't tell which way was up! I win! Cody called as he reached the rock. No fair you got a head start! Coral said as she came in second. The rest of the cousins reached the rock about the same time. The guards hurried as fast as they could to keep up with the royal children. Suddenly from behind the rock a black cloud began to rise. Everyone moved back and watched the cloud get bigger. The guards were getting close and they increased speed as they noticed the cloud. Suddenly from inside the cloud a tentacle shot out and grabbed Melody around the waist! She screamed as she was pulled over to the cloud. The cloud separated to reveal a figure that Melody thought she would never see again. The tentacle squeezed her so tight she could barely breathe the name… Morgana!