Chapter 42: Odo the Hero

"I'm about to face the final Cursed Vault," Claire said in response to Jacob's question.

Jacob's eyes widened. "Oh, you've found it?"

"Yes, I believe it's at the bottom of the Black Lake," Claire answered. "When I went down there not too long ago, I was attacked by a member of the Merpeople. But since then, I've smoothed things over with them and their Queen has agreed to show me where the final Cursed Vault is in exchange for some items I've agreed to give her."

"Sounds like you've been pretty busy, Pip," Jacob remarked. "And it does align with some rumors I've heard about 'R' knowing where the final Cursed Vault is."

"What about Rakepick?"

"Hardly anyone has seen her in public lately."

"Also, there's a 'R' mole in Hogwarts but I don't know who it is."

"Then perhaps the mole told 'R' the same thing you found out."

"If that's true, then you should join me and my friends on our trip to the final Cursed Vault."

For a moment, Jacob pondered. Then he said, "Well, I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to find Rakepick, assuming she tries to get into the final Cursed Vault as well. Plus, she can't hurt you when she's trying to outrun me. But are you sure I'm needed, given how capable you've become as a Witch?"

"Jacob, there's always strength in numbers. That's what makes 'R' powerful, and why I created the Circle of Khanna. You're just as valuable now as you were before I started attending Hogwarts."

"Hmm, you do make a compelling case. Okay, I'll help, then."

"Perfect!" Cried Merula's voice.

Surprised, Claire looked back and saw Merula, Ben, and Barnaby walking towards her from the trees along the Lakeshore.

"What are you guys doing here?" Claire asked.

"It's time for us to enter the Black Lake," Merula insisted.

"The lyre's been fixed by Kirley, according to Jae," Ben added. "So we have everything we need for the Merqueen."

Claire looked at the three with a puzzled expression. "Where are the items?"

"Jae used the Shrinking Charm to make them pocket-sized," Ben said, patting one of his robe pockets. "We can reverse the Shrinking Charm once we get to the Merpeople."

"And I'll be watching the lake," Barnaby abruptly said. "So if anyone from 'R' comes along, I'll be ready for them."

"I guess everything's in place now," Jacob observed, and turned to Claire. "You ready, Pip?"

"Course I am," Claire smiled.

Next, Claire and Barnaby shared an intimate kiss much to Merula's annoyance and Jacob's surprise. Then Claire, Ben, Merula, and Jacob cast the Bubble-Head Charm on themselves before plunging into the Black Lake while their voices were muffled by the spheres of air over their mouths.

"So is that guy your…boyfriend?" Jacob asked Claire as they swam down further.

"It's a long story," Claire said with an embarrassed look on her face. "His name's Barnaby Lee, and I've gone on a few dates with him."

Jacob paused. "Does Mum know?"

"Can we discuss Krystal's boyfriend later?" Merula interrupted. "We need to concentrate on this mission first."

"Right, thanks for reminding me," Jacob replied.

While Merula turned away to hide her blushing face, Claire led the others down to the same underwater ruins where she met the Merqueen. Not only was the Merqueen present, but so was her entourage of other Merpeople. Upon seeing Claire's companions, the Merpeople raised their tridents in a threatening manner.

"Your Royal Highness," Claire said, bowing to the Merqueen. "I have returned with the three tribute items you requested, and please don't feel threatened by my companions. They are my friends, and here to help as well."

The Merqueen waved towards her entourage, and they lowered their tridents. After that, Claire reached into Ben's robe pocket and took out the miniaturized items. She laid these items on a nearby stone table, and recited 'Engorgio' which made the items life-sized. Indeed, the bronze lyre's strings were repaired while the silver comb shimmered in the water along with Alanza's necklace that was inlaid with white jewels and pearls.

"I hope these are suitable replacements for the items you previously had," Claire said.

While the Merqueen inspected the items carefully, a smile crept across her face.

Jacob leaned close to Claire. "I think she likes them."

"Kye! Kyee-kya!" The Merqueen nodded repeatedly.

"Can she show us where the Cursed Vault is now?" Merula asked.

Hearing that, Claire gave Merula a stern look. "That's not polite, you know."

"But we don't have any time to waste," Merula argued.

"Merula does have a point," Ben agreed.

Shaking her head, Claire addressed the Merqueen. "So, your Royal Highness, if you're satisfied with the items…will you please show us where the Cursed Vault is?"

In response, the Merqueen waved her webbed hand toward the lyre.

"What's this about?" Merula wondered.

"Maybe she wants us to play a song?" Jacob guessed.

"Kye! Kye!" The Merqueen nodded several times to affirm Jacob's guess.

Groaning, Merula said, "We don't have time to entertain some fish!"

"But it might be our only chance," Ben pointed out. "Plus, you're in the Frog Choir, Merula. So if anyone's qualified to sing it would be you."

This made Merula glance at everyone. When her eyes fell on Jacob, she sighed. "All right, I'll sing if it'll get us to the Cursed Vault. What song should be played, though?"

Claire thought for a moment. "What about 'Odo the Hero'?"

Flinching, Merula responded, "Doesn't that seem like a bad omen?"

"It seems appropriate to me, to sing a song about a hero who dies at the end of a noble quest," Jacob said. "Though I hope we don't meet Odo's fate."

Nodding in agreement, Ben picked up the lyre. He plucked a few of the strings in a rhythmic pattern, while Merula took a deep breath and sang:

And Odo the Hero, they bore him back home

To the place that he'd known as a lad.

They laid him to rest with his hate inside out

And his wand snapped in two, which was sad.

While Merula continued this somber but melodic song with Claire and Jacob doing backup vocals, the Merpeople swayed back and forth in rhythm. Even the Merqueen lulled her head from side-to-side, closing her eyes in the process. Then after "Odo the Hero" was done, the Merqueen clapped happily while the Merpeople cheered.

To be continued…