The Lure of the Lorelei
He dreamt this day would come. Being in Hazel's arms. Feeling loved and wanted, and most of all, being chosen over his elder brother. Him, Aidan, not Adair, had caught the heart of the town's most beautiful maiden. The water caresses his feet as the mermaid caresses his face. "Come and join me. Live with me forever," she whispers. "Of course, forever," he stammers back, still in awe of this enticing sight. He doesn't notice that she slowly drags him deeper into the water.
They boys are devastated and arguing about what to do. "How can it be Milah?" Rumple asks to no one in particular. "It's Rose, you idiot," Phelan snaps back. Both Aengus and Talieshin are amazed that the other two boys don't see the creature for what it is, a dangerous siren. "How can you not see?" Aengus shouts frustratedly, "and they always say I'm the stupid one!" "Do you think this will help?" Talieshin remembers his flute, although he cannot phantom how it could be of any use. "Music? At a time like this! Are you out of your mind?"
Despite the other boys' scorn, Talieshin begins to play on the flute. Nothing happens. Aidan is being pulled under water. The boys are moaning, shouting and rowing as fast as they can to the place where they saw him go under. As he is racking his mind to remember what his grandfather said regarding the flute, he unconsciously begins to play the Silent Siren Song.
Aidan is appalled. He is suddenly in the arms of some beautiful but dangerous woman with tail. How is this possible? He is also feeling rather breathless. Aidan starts to fight. He claws at her eyes with his fingers; his legs kick her tail. The woman is saying soothing words but he is no longer spellbound by them. As he manages to poke her eye, she releases him for a moment. He is able to reach the surface before her and gasps for air like a new born baby. Seconds later, the siren surfaces as well.
"Look, look! There he is!" Phelan spots Aidan first. The boys are pretty close by, but their relief only lasts a few seconds. The mermaid is grabbing Aidan again, but this time her façade is broken. The boys stare at her, as she chuckles, and dives again. "Wait, wait," Rumple shouts, "can't we make a deal?"
Aidan feels his limps become weaker. Dizziness takes over and his last coherent thought is of his village, his family. Will he never see them again? As he almost loses consciousness, he doesn't notice the upward pull. The siren takes him to the surface, but doesn't let go of her prey. He inhales the stinging, cool air again, but is enchained by strong, almost tentacle-like, arms. "What can you do for me?" The mermaid taunts them. "You have nothing to offer…"
Meanwhile, the original search party has decided to go home. There is nothing more for them to do. If the others are willing to sacrifice themselves to the mysterious monster of the lake, so be it. The next turn in the river should take them in the right direction again. Some of the men feel a bit guilty, but others are glad they are on the journey home. High above the river, a few miles ahead, a Griffin flies, sharply peering at the river underneath and stretching its claws. Even the slightest movement catches his eyes and his mighty wings take him fast to any spot.
"Speak, stupid boys!" The siren demands. "What can you offer me, in return for this?" She scrutinizes the boy in her arms, and adds: "Not that he is that special, a bit on the small side." The boys glance hopefully at each other, when she continues: "He will do fine though." "Is there something you want?" Talieshin says in a small voice, surprising everyone including himself by answering her question. "Well, five boys is better than one," she laughs peevishly. Aengus, frustrated, loses his temper and thunders: "Don't mock us! Tell us what you want!"