Philip hauled Micheal from the ocean and John raced out to help him. They dragged him safe from the water and behind the walls they'd spent all day building. David followed and immediately began to care for the wicked bruises circling the youngest sailor's neck.
Patrick had to grab Anne around her middle to keep her from lunging into the waves to join the battle waging just out of sight.
"Come on," he said in her ears as she writhed in his arms and begged to be let go. "There is nothing you can do. This is Syrena's battle, sister or not. Come with me."
Anne suddenly whipped herself around to meet his eyes. "Would you come with me?"
"So tell me, Syrena," Conduirt spat the name as she wrestled for control of the dagger. "How did you come to be a gold-fin. Don't tell me you were water-born. I've watched you long enough."
"I died," her opponent hissed in reply. "And Philip would have too had I not saved him. I gave him a second chance like I was given one."
Conduirt laughed and it nearly cost her the grip on the weapon.
Syrena snarled. "You're not so invincible. Do you know where your name comes from? Land." She smirked as Conduirt's face twitched with anger. "Where does all this hate come from, I wonder?"
"They kill our sisters!"
"They become our sisters!"
"Anywhere," responded Patrick.
"Even if it meant giving up everything you've known before?"
"Yes, Anne. I love you. And Lord, this time has been far too short, but if you agree we can sail back to my home and get married."
Anne smiled brightly then. "No need to sail. The Captain of the Flying Dutchman is happy to help us."
With that, she kissed him.
"God calls us to love our enemies, to forgive. Not to be foolish but to be like Him. How can this hate help you? The monster has turned on its master and look at you: nearly a murderer."
Conduirt laughed at Syrena's words as they waged war in the sea. "I am a murderer already, little one."
"Then may God forgive you. Just ask for His help and repent."
"I need no forgiveness!"
With an angry cry, she ripped the dagger from Syrena's hold.