Chapter 7: Aftermath

The morning weather was heavy and despondent. A blanket of thick fog clung to the coastline, turning the air cold and damp. Everything was coated in a fine layer of condensation, sapping away any warmth it found. Houses, trees, animals, and people appeared and vanished like ghosts in the vapor. The streetlamps of Seahaven remained lit well past sunrise, floating in the mist like will-o'-the-wisps. The gulls were silent, unwilling to fly in the murk. Only the lulling crash of the waves echoed along the shore. It was as doleful as a graveyard.

Ariel stood with Eric on the beach. She wore a heavy blue cloak to protect her from the cold, but even that could not keep the chill entirely at bay. She wore her favorite blue and black dress underneath, but the bow in her hair was black instead of the usual ocean blue. Eric was dressed in his casual white shirt and black pants, but he had opted for a black sash instead of his red one. The air around them was as depressing as the fog. The tragedy of ten days prior weighed heavily on their minds, as it did for everyone who heard the news.

Ariel glanced at the pavilion. Low tide had exposed the stone pylons underneath, along with their host of barnacles, mussels, and various seaweeds. Scaffolds were raised inside as the damage was slowly being repaired. The party decorations were tucked away deep in the palace for another celebration. Ariel wondered if such a day would ever come again.

Eric pulled a silver watch from his pocket. The hands read a quarter past nine, but the chill in the air made it feel much earlier. Dew was already clinging to the glass watch face despite its brief exposure.

"He's late," said Eric, pocketing the watch. His fingers fidgeted with the chain nervously.

Ariel took Eric's hand away from the chain, interlacing her fingers with his. "He'll be here."

As though on cue the ocean began to churn in front of them. A moment later the familiar golden crown and white beard of King Triton emerged from the water. He rose on a pillar of water, gliding onto the beach to join them. Immediately they noticed the dark circles and lines around his eyes. He looked drained, his shoulders slouching ever so slightly and his eyes less bright. It made him look older than Ariel had ever seen him.

"Ariel. Eric," he said, nodding in acknowledgement to them. He sounded as tired as he looked.

"Hi daddy," said Ariel quietly.

"I came as soon as I could. Your message said it was urgent?"

"It is," said Eric, producing a piece of folded yellow paper from his pocket. "This came from Willard last night."

He handed it to Triton, who began reading the scribbled message. Ariel could see his surprise quickly fade to reluctant resignation and understanding as he read on. She had the same expressions when she read it last night.

Triton handed the paper back to Eric. "So, Strihaven has left the Alliance."

Eric nodded. "Completely. Willard broke all ties with us. The man who delivered that said he's locked himself in his room. No one's seen him since he returned from…"

Ariel looked down at the sand. The memory of the distraught king was painfully clear in her mind. She and Melody stood at the palace door as Willard ranted at Eric in front of the gates, their black clothes as somber as their hearts. Poor Melody had covered her face with a black veil, but even then the tearstains on her dress told plenty. She never stopped trembling. Eric did nothing to stop Willard's venomous ranting, simply letting the man vent till he went hoarse. When Eric revealed there was no body to return Willard exploded. His own guards had to restrain him from attacking Eric as he screamed bloody murder, hurling insults and curses upon him, then Ariel, and then Melody. At that point Melody could bear no more and retreated to her room where she broke down completely. She was not there to hear Willard swear off all ties between their kingdoms. His last words before he left were an oath that his son would get justice one way or the other.

"The man isn't thinking straight," said Triton, handing the letter back to Eric. "But I can't blame him for it. I won't deny there were rough seas between us, but he's still a father. A parent should never have to bury their child."

"He blames us for William's death," said Ariel. "Especially Melody."

"What!?" exclaimed Triton, the trident glowing brighter in his hand.

"It's true," said Eric. "He's convinced William would still be alive if wasn't for Melody."

"You wouldn't believe the things he said," added Ariel. "About us, about the merpeople…about Melody."

Triton's face flushed red with anger. "Melody was nearly killed by the same assassins! So were you! How can he blame her when she was almost a victim herself?"

"Because William died saving her life," said Eric.

The trident's glow waned, as did Triton's anger. "Yes…that he did."

Ariel nodded in solemn agreement. She held a sorrowful gratefulness towards the late prince. Had it not been for William's quick actions, Ariel and Eric would have lost their only child that night. He could not have known what was about to happen, but in that moment his only concern had been Melody's safety. How Ariel wished William came out of that horrible night unharmed. But the sad truth was that because of his sacrifice only Melody emerged alive. Not unharmed, but very much alive.

"Regarding the sharkanians," said Triton. "Have you discovered how they were able to sneak in?"

"It was the violinist and the maid, Martin and Rachel. The real ones," answered Eric. "Apparently they've been courting for some time now. They frequently go to the beach together for their meals."

"They must have been watching them," said Triton. "That's how they got their disguises."

"Martin was playing for Rachel while she danced in the water," said Eric. "Rachel doesn't remember being attacked, but Martin said a shark appeared and dragged her in. When he tried to save her the other one bit him on the leg and knocked him out. He was partly conscious when they took human form, so he caught bits of their convers–."

The call of a seagull interrupted his recounting, followed by a second closer call. The familiar gray and white form of Scuttle came flapping towards them. Something brown and hemispherical was on his head.

"Mornin' shweet'art!" Scuttle called down as he began a swooping descent towards the beach.

"Scuttle, wait!" shouted Ariel. "You're coming in too fast!"

The gull started to correct his approach too late. Ariel and Eric cringed as Scuttle hit the beach and went rolling until he stopped right at Eric's feet. Feathers flew everywhere, settling around him like snowfall.

"Did someone get the numbah of that wind?" squawked Scuttle. If a gull could have starfish dancing around his head after a fall, he would have a full dozen.

"Scuttle?" said Triton, eying the eccentric bird curiously. "What brings you here?"

The gull picked himself up and began smoothing his feathers. Ariel noticed that the brown thing on his head was half of a coconut shell that had been modified into a helmet. Where did he even get it from?

"Just finishin' the mornin' patrol of the coast, yer sireness!" he said, giving a stiff salute with the wrong wing and nearly knocking his helmet off. "No suspicious personables, witches, or shark men to report!"

"Ah…yes…" Triton coughed awkwardly. "Em…good work, Scuttle. Nice to see you so…committed."

The bird bowed so low that his beak scraped the sand, his helmet almost falling off before he caught it. "Just doing what I can to help the princess, sires!" He turned to Ariel. "Speakin' o' Melody, how's–oh. Not good, huh?"

Ariel shook her head.

Triton sighed, rubbing his face tiredly. "How is she, though?"

Ariel looked up to where Melody's balcony would be in the fog, the gray hiding it from sight. "All she's done is cry and sleep. She won't come out of her room. She won't bathe. She barely eats. Her friends tried to visit but she won't see anyone. She's…broken."

She felt tears threatening to spill as she remembered the previous night. Ariel had gone to Melody's room and found the door unlocked. Melody was sitting on the edge of her bed holding the present William had given her. The white box wrapped in a bright yellow ribbon was still unopened. She went and sat next to her without a word. She looked so frail and miserable it was hard to believe she was the same person. The moment Ariel put an arm around her Melody broke down in tears. She sobbed uncontrollably in her arms for what seemed like hours until she fell asleep from exhaustion. Every tear pulled at Ariel's heartstrings. She could not remember the last time she hugged her daughter so tightly, wishing that their contact would transfer some of Melody's pain onto herself.

Ariel turned to her father, eyes pleading and desperate. "What do we do, daddy? I can't bear to see her like this. She's in so much pain and I…I don't know how to help her. What can we do? What are we supposed to do?"

Triton looked at his daughter with sad eyes of his own. Ariel's tears started to flow of their own accord, running down her cheeks as she made choked little sobs. Eric wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

"Ariel." Her father's large hand gently lifted her chin to look at him. "I know how you must feel. Both of you. I know you want some way to stop her pain, but there isn't one. No potion or spell can heal a broken heart. Only time can heal those wounds." He brushed a tear from her eye with his thumb. "Do you remember how sad we all were when your mother passed?"

Ariel nodded, wiping her other eye. "I thought we'd never be happy again."

"As did I. But with time we remembered how to smile and laugh, and I'm sure that's what your mother would have wanted. Just as I'm sure that's what William would want for Melody." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "She needs time to grieve. How long that time may be I can't say, but let her have it. For now, be there when she needs you. We'll see her smile again. Just be patient."

Ariel gave a small smile to her father. Even after all these years the comfort of his large hands and wise words reassured her when she felt lost.

Another question rose in Ariel's mind. It was a question she wanted to avoid all morning, but it was one she had to ask. She took a deep breath and steeled herself for whatever answer would come. "Has Urchin returned?"

A worried expression crossed Trident's face. "He returned to Atlantica yesterday afternoon."

Ariel felt her heart beat faster as Eric shifted anxiously. She already had a feeling what he would tell her next, but she was clinging to a small hope she was wrong.

"Morgana is gone," said Triton. "The ice imprisoning her was broken, and Ursula's remains have been taken as well. Even Flotsam and Jetsam's graves were emptied. Also, Undertow somehow escaped from Sandbar Prison the night of the party."

Cold dread washed over Ariel as she stopped breathing. Eric's hand tightened on her shoulder, a worried tremor in his fingers. He was just as scared as she was.

"It gets worse," continued Triton.

"How can it get worse?" asked Eric.

"Because…" Triton paused. He looked troubled.

Ariel started to fidget. She was not used to seeing her father so uneasy. "Daddy? What is it?"

"Someone broke into Morgana and Ursula's lairs," revealed Triton.

Ariel's eyes widened. "Broke in? Someone broke in?"

Triton nodded. "It appears that way."

"But…you emptied them after they were defeated!" Ariel exclaimed. "You sealed them with the trident's magic!"

Triton's hold of the trident tightened. "And someone broke through those seals."

Now Ariel was the one trembling. She always thought the trident's power was as absolute as the sea was vast. Its magic and capabilities were supposed to be unmatched. For anyone or anything to exist that could match the trident's strength was unfathomable. And terrifying.

"And I'm afraid their lairs weren't as barren as I believed," continued Triton. "They had hiding spots everywhere. When I cleared out those dens, I thought I found all their stores. Clearly, I was wrong. Whoever it was, there's no telling what or how much they made off with."

"Did you find out anything about this 'Master' or who the 'us' Morgana referred to is?" asked Eric, working to keep his voice even. "Or if there's a connection between them and all these disappearances?"

Triton shook his head. "There's nothing."

"But there has to be!" said Ariel. "Morgana said they have people everywhere! How can there be nothing to tell us–?"

"Ariel, you don't understand," interrupted Triton. Something in Triton's voice made Ariel hold her tongue. Was she imagining things, or did her father sound afraid? "There is nothing to tie these events together. No suspicious persons, no patterns, no trails, no money changing hands, no rumors. There's no evidence for any sort of group orchestrating all this. The only proof we have is Morgana's word. And I'm guessing by that expression you found the same, Eric?"

Eric nodded regretfully. "Grimsby and I went through each report from the past year, and now they're going back to before Ariel and I met. We sent letters to Gerrod and Ben asking them to look for the same. We followed every coin that's changed hands and incident or suspicious report in Seahaven. I even had them look at the pettier crimes like pickpockets and tavern scuffles."

"I didn't know about any of this," said Ariel. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I wanted to tell you both," said Eric.

"But did you find anything?" asked Triton.

Eric released Ariel, turning so he could look at her and Triton. "It's the same. There's no evidence of anything. Whoever Morgana and Ursula are working with now, they're not just good at covering their tracks. They don't leave any to begin with. They're…like ghosts."

"What are you saying?" said Ariel nervously.

"I think what he's saying," interjected Triton. "Is that we are dealing with an enemy that, for all intents and purposes, we know nothing about."

Ariel swallowed nervously. She was genuinely shaking now. Could that really be? Had Morgana and Ursula caused all these incidents? How long had they been hiding in the shadows? And more worryingly, whom were they hiding with?

As frightened as Ariel was of Ursula and Morgana's magical powers, it was their cunning and tenacity that frightened her more. They were both skilled in trickery and deception. Ariel knew firsthand how easily it came to them. Ursula's garden of "poor unfortunate souls" was a testament to that ability. Morgana turned Melody's rediscovery of her necklace into a near-seamless plan for oceanic domination. Ariel did not want to think about what they could achieve if they worked together. All they would need is one slip up, one mishap, or one overlooked detail, and they could start a chain of events that would spell ruin for them all.

To make matters worse, Morgana said it was this Master individual who brought her back to life. Death was supposed to be beyond magic's reach. What sort of monster was strong enough to raise Morgana and Ursula from the dead? Her stomach tied itself in knots just thinking about it.

"So what happens now?" asked Scuttle.

The group jumped at hearing Scuttle speak. They had forgotten he was there.

"Oh...right..." Eric gave his head a shake as though to put his thoughts back in order. "For now, I've sent patrols across Seahaven and posted guards in the town and marina. They're looking for anyone and anything out of the ordinary. Grimsby is setting up a pass-code system in the palace to make sure an imposter can't sneak in again, and I've doubled the guard as well. I'll be sending our navy on patrols within the next week. Glowerhaven and Vorhaven intend to keep their parts of the contract, so we should start receiving aid from them within the month. I'll be reaching out to our other allies as well. Hopefully Corona and Arendelle will be able to offer some assistance."

"What about Sängril?" asked Ariel. "Has anyone tried asking them for help?"

"You mean that kingdom in the northern Howling Woods?" asked Eric. "Not worth it. That place has no ruler or government to speak of. It's been a hotbed for thieves, bandits, and criminals for decades. There's a reason we don't have any relations with them." He turned to his father-in-law. "What about you, Triton?"

"Much the same as you," answered the sea king as he stroked his beard. "We're searching every inch of the ocean. Sebastian is organizing new recruits while Urchin interviews the palace staff. I'm also organizing a special battalion with the sole purpose of hunting down Ursula and Morgana. They're all experienced in dealing with magic. If those two are out there, we will find them."

"What about Melody?" asked Ariel. "This is all well and good, but we heard what Morgana said. She wants revenge. Melody's in more danger than the rest of us. She's sure to make another attempt on her life."

"Which is why I want you both to go to Atlantica," said Eric.

Ariel spun on her husband, shock written all over her face. "What? But Eric–!"

"You'll be safer in Atlantica than here on land," he said before she could question him. "I can't protect you from witches the way the trident can. You'll both be safer in the sea."

"I understand your thoughts on this, Eric," said Triton. "But I would recommend the opposite. I want them to stay out of the ocean."

Ariel was astounded to say the least. Had she heard correctly? King Triton, ruler of the seven seas and wielder of the trident, was telling her to stay out of the water, the place he never wanted her to leave in the first place? "What? But why? Atlantica's probably the safest place in the world right now! Not that I'm eager to jump back in the water, but why wouldn't you want us to go there?"

Triton sighed sadly. "I can't protect you or Melody."

Ariel stared dumbstruck at her father. "What?"

"I'm old, Ariel. I've seen more than sixty summers now." Triton held the trident before him, the weapon glowing softly. "The trident keeps me strong, but my strength is not what it used to be. Truth be told, I'm not sure how much longer the trident will be able to help me. In another twenty seasons I'll likely have to pass the crown to your sister."

Ariel looked on her father with sad eyes. "Daddy…"

"I'm also a king," Triton continued. "And as rulers yourselves, you and Eric understand I have a duty to protect everyone in Atlantica. As much as I want to wholly devote myself to protecting our family, I can't make the safety of our people a second priority. They have their own families and friends relying on me for protection. And don't forget, the ocean is as much Ursula and Morgana's home as it is ours, not to mention this whale-killing beast still on the loose. If those witches are in the sea, I have no doubt they would find a way to get to you and Melody in Atlantica."

Triton shook his head. "No, you will be safer on land than in the sea. I don't think you or Melody should stray far into the ocean either. Not unless it's absolutely necessary. In fact…" He turned to Eric. "With your permission, I want to send my daughters and their families to stay with you. It would put my mind at ease to know they're somewhere the witches can't get to them."

Ariel wanted to argue back, but she knew in her heart that her father was right. He adored Melody. She was his first grandchild–possibly his favorite–and he always had a soft spot for her. He would risk his own life before endangering hers. If he thought the sea was more dangerous than the land, he would not bring her into it. Nor would he ask Ariel to take her sisters in unless he was certain they would be safer on land.

Still, Ariel hated the idea of being separated from her beloved ocean again. The sea was as much a part of her and Melody as the land was. It would be like leaving a part of themselves in the waves.

"Your daughters are more than welcome here, Triton. But that still leaves us with how to protect Melody from Morgana," said Eric, his brow furrowed in frustration. "I trust our soldiers with my life, but you saw that sharkanian. He looked just like a normal human, and whatever spell was on him resisted the power of the trident. And the soldiers have other duties and their own families to protect as well. We're already spreading them thin as is."

"Can we put the sea wall back up?" suggested Ariel, although she already had doubts chipping away at the foundation of that idea.

Triton shook his head. "That didn't stop Morgana last time."

"Or Melody," added Eric.

"Could you send her somewhere outside the kingdom?" suggested Triton.

"No!" exclaimed Ariel loudly, making Eric and Triton flinch. Her voice held panic and fear in it. The thought of being separated from Melody terrified her even more than the sea witches. "Morgana said they have agents everywhere! They could find her again! What if she ran into another assassin? What if she was attacked? I couldn't bear to spend every day wondering if she was safe or if...if…!"

Tears started to well in her eyes again as the scenarios wheeled in her mind, her breathing becoming faster and shallow. Eric wrapped his arms around Ariel and held her close. "I promise we won't send her away, Ariel. We'll keep her here with us."

He planted a kiss on her forehead and held her tight to his chest, gently stroking her hair as she calmed down. She glanced to her father, eyes pleading for a solution from his years of experience. He looked sincere in wanting to give her one, but he had none to offer in their darkening situation.

"What about a bodyguard?" said Scuttle.

Everyone looked down at the seagull as he once again reminded the trio of his presence.

"A…what?" asked Ariel.

"A bodyguard," repeated Scuttle. "You know, someone who stays with Melody an' keeps her safe at all times. Someone who knows his way round a sticky situation! A real hero type! Don't you have that big festival thingy comin' up with that sword-swingin' shindig? I bet you'd find a real good one there! Top notch stuff!"

Ariel looked at Scuttle as though he had sprouted a third wing. She was about to rebuke him when she started to truly process what he said. It was as though a switch had been flipped inside her. In one moment, her mind went from borderline despair to having a flame of hope light up inside her.

In all the madness since Melody's birthday, Ariel completely forgot about the Seahaven Festival. It was a massive event held every two years. People from across the Alliance came. Food, drink, crafts, music, dancing, and games were never in short supply. Nor was merriment, laughter, camaraderie, or good will towards a fellow. Travelers told stories to entranced crowds of lands far away, while entertainers put on shows of acrobatics, plays, and illusions so spectacular they could be mistaken for real magic. Contests ranging from archery to livestock to dancing were abundant. Ariel managed to catch the tail end of it when she first came onto land. It mesmerized her beyond words–not that she could have spoken since she traded her voice for legs.

By far the biggest attraction was the Tournament of Champions. It was a five-part tournament that attracted warriors from far and wide. The participants competed against each other in preliminary contests of skill such as archery, fencing, and feats of strength. Knights, soldiers, instructors, and wanderers from far and wide would come to pit their skills against each other. The sixteen all-around best were eligible to compete in the champion's round in the Royal Arena, before the royal family and throngs of ecstatic spectators. The competitors would fight each other to the fullest in paired matches until only one remained–with non-lethal means, of course. The final victor was given a generous prize along with the glory and honor of being named champion.

Ariel had always thought the tournament brutish with all the men fighting each other. No shortage of them would end up in hospital with harsh injuries. Now it held a new spark of hope for her.

Scuttle shuffled bashfully under Ariel's gaze. "What? I got somethin' on my beak?"

Ariel knelt down to her feathered friend. "Scuttle, you're…a genius!"

"I am?" said Scuttle amazedly.

"He is?" said Triton and Eric with even more amazement.

Ariel could understand their bafflement. There were many words to describe Scuttle. Clumsy, doltish, eccentric, and confused were a few good ones. Genius what not one that came to mind frequently. Or ever, for that matter.

"Bear with me!" said Ariel, her voice becoming more animated as she explained. "We can't send Melody to Atlantica or somewhere else! But the soldiers are busy protecting the people or looking for Morgana and Ursula, so we can't pull them away! Why not find someone whose sole job would be to protect her? Surely there are knights who'd be willing to guard her! And the Seahaven Festival is in less than six weeks! That means the Tournament of Champions, too, so…!"

"We could hire the champion as Melody's guardian!" finished Eric, Ariel's excitement infecting him. However, his growing enthusiasm was curbed when his expression turned into a worried frown. "But what if Morgana sends another of her assassins to the tournament? How can we be sure the champion won't be another disguised sharkanian, or that he'd actually protect Melody if things get dangerous?"

Ariel's hope fell as she considered Eric's counter argument. She had not considered that. It would be easy enough to find a good guardian at the festival, but they had no way of knowing if he would be loyal or not, let alone an agent of Morgana's. They had no means of ensuring their choice would not betray or abandon Melody to the enemy.

"I believe I have an answer to that," said Triton. "When my grandfather was a young merman Atlantica was not as peaceful as it is now. The soldiers of Atlantica had special crystals they used for interrogations and to root out spies. You held one as you spoke and it would reveal if you were honest or not. After things became peaceful there was no more use for them, so my grandfather gave one of them to me as a gift. I used to sneak out with them to play truth or dare with my friends. In fact, that's how Ariel's mother and I fell in love."

A nostalgic daze clouded Triton's eyes as he remembered that fateful night.

Ariel arched an eyebrow in curiosity. "You and mom fell in love over a game of truth or dare?"

Triton snapped out of his trip down memory lane. "Erm…another time, perhaps. Anyway, I'm sure they're in the royal treasury somewhere. Come to think of it, Urchin would be grateful to have those."

"Are they foolproof?" asked Eric.

"I would bet the trident on it," assured Triton. "They are completely infallible. Ursula tried to cheat them when I was deciding on her banishment. We all know how that ended."

"This could work," said Eric, a tone of excitement returning to his voice as he spoke. "This could really work! Melody would definitely be safer with someone watching over her! And the best swordsmen in the land will be coming to the tournament! I don't know about fighting sea witches, but against assassins at least...!" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and then gave a decisive nod. "We'll do it! I'll have the prize money raised to see if we can attract more competitors! And I'll make a few changes to the preliminaries to sort out the very best! I'll take care of it right away!"

He took off towards the palace, but then stopped and rushed back to Ariel. He scooped her into his arms and planted a deep kiss on her lips, making her head spin with delight. His kiss always had that effect on her. "Ariel, you are truly magnificent!"

He righted her back onto her feet before turning to Triton and giving a hasty bow and then ran back to the palace, leaving a spellbound Ariel and confused Triton and Scuttle standing on the shore.

"Let me know when you want to bring my sisters-in-law here!" Eric called back to them as he went.

"Is he always like that when he gets excited?" asked Triton.

Ariel touched her lips absentmindedly, still enraptured by the kiss. When had she last felt that enthusiasm from him, or seen that boyish energy in his eye? Her heart was still fluttering in her chest. "Did you say something, daddy?"

Triton chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes."

The fog began to thin, letting the sun's warmth slip through. A beam of sunlight broke through the gray veil, illuminating the merman, seagull, and woman in a ray of warmth. Ariel shielded her eyes as she looked up. The fog was burning off, revealing the bright, blue, endless sky above them. There were still dangers out there that they would eventually have to face, but for this one moment she felt that there was a ray of hope for them amidst the new threats.


If you were to climb the highest tower of Seahaven's palace, you would behold a majestic sight. To the north was the renowned Seahaven marina, filled with ships of all shapes and sizes and brimming with activity and the calls of seagulls. Beyond it was oak woodlands that extended to the horizon and eventually Glowerhaven, encircling the entirety of Seahaven. To the south lay long winding roads through even more forests, reaching all the way to Strihaven. To the west was the endless ocean, stretching to the edge of sight and beyond.

Perhaps the most majestic sight was the view to the east. The orchard of cherry trees lining the road to the castle was in full bloom, creating a blanket of white and pink blossoms that swayed in the breeze like waves on the sea. Beyond them rose the town of Seahaven itself, its white walls and terra cotta roofs matching those of the palace. The people appeared no bigger than ants as they moved about, the cobblestone streets like small trails worn into a patchwork of houses and fields. The sounds of life were a faint buzz that thrummed with energy and happiness. Further out were fields golden with wheat and others green with grass for livestock. Gentle breezes made the grasses ripple and sway with the fluidity of a pool, as though the land had taken on the aspects of the nearby ocean.

Encircling all this was the Emerald Woods. A dense canopy of oaks, maples, and ash created a blanket of green that covered the rolling hills. Several dirt roads snaked through the forest, a handful of horse-drawn carriages visible along them by the dust they kicked up. Multiple estates of the nobility were nestled among the trees. Beyond the woods the hills began to rise, the vibrant green of the Emerald Woods transitioning to the darker shades of tall pines, firs, and redwoods. This was the edge of the Howling Forest, a wild and mysterious place few went into. The forest climbed farther still until it reached the base of the White Iron Mountains, the labyrinth of dark snow-capped peaks just reaching over the top of the horizon. Clouds could be seen over the mountains as a distant blizzard dispersed, its pent-up fury spent over the eastern boundary of the western world.

It was through the Emerald Woods the traveler was walking, accompanied by a trio of the most unusual sort. Long gone were the ice and frost that caked it in the White Iron Mountains. Its boots now trod maple leaves and fallen twigs instead of thick snow. Its sword hung from a new elk leather belt. Once again its pack was largely vacant, which was opportune here at the end of its journey.

Leading the traveler through the woods was a pair of supposedly extinct male dire wolves. Both were far larger than even the largest gray wolf, their shoulders reaching clear up to the traveler's chest. Their thick fur was mottled with grays, blacks, and whites, lending the perfect camouflage for life in the mountain forests. Their large paws were silent as they trotted. Their triangular ears shifted as they listened, clear golden eyes watching as their keen noses detected smells even a bloodhound could miss. Their teeth were exposed as they panted, canines as long as a man's finger.

Walking beside the traveler was an elk, but not the natural sort. It stood taller than the traveler, its spotless white fur as brilliant as snow. Its antlers were a tangle of living wood adorned with moss, lichens, and fungi. Leaves and small flowers continually grew and died from the branches. Its neck, legs, and body were made of woven vines. Grass grew across it in place of fur. Most telling of all were its glowing green eyes, as clear and brilliant as the brightest of gems. Birds perched along its back and in its antlers, feeling no threat from the magical creature escorting the mysterious human. Plants grew, blossomed, and died beneath its feet with each step of its hooves, compelled to fulfill their cycle by the presence of the being.

The traveler owed a great debt to Kodama, the self-titled guardian of the forests and mountains of the western kingdoms. Though their meeting had been less than amicable, he had been its savior from the storm. He sheltered the traveler from the cold and fed it for two days in his lair deep within the mountains, threatening pain of death if the traveler ever divulged its location. Considering this being was nature-incarnate and able to halt an entire blizzard with just a howl, the traveler was quick to agree.

As the traveler warmed, rested, and fed, it told Kodama what it was willing to of its history. In return Kodama divulged what information he had of the humans in these lands, though it took the traveler some effort to interpret his archaic speech. Once the storm had loosed the worst of its wrath Kodama offered to guide the traveler to Seahaven, which it gladly accepted along with goods it could barter.

The guides Kodama nominated were the dire wolves leading them. They proved amicable companions to the traveler, knowing the fastest routes away from roads and sources of water others might overlook. At night they would hunt, bringing back rabbits, grouse, and even young deer for it to prepare. At daily intervals they would stop and howl, letting any who heard know of their intent to pass through.

The past six days had seen the wolves lead the traveler through breathtaking country. There were deep valleys carved by glaciers where waterfalls cascaded thousands of feet down sheer rock faces. Eerie plateaus of never-melting ice and odd-shaped rocks like the surface of a distant world. Dense forests where enormous redwoods, sequoias, firs, and mountain ash rose hundreds of feet into the air, their branches so thick no light could penetrate. And stands of blackened trees left by fires, the green undergrowth taking hold as the forest rose once more from the ash. On this morning Kodama had appeared out of a tree in his current form, wishing to see the traveler to Seahaven in person.

The wolves stopped as an abrupt edge to the forest came into view.

"Is this it?" asked the traveler.

"Indeed. Thy journey has reached its end. Or perhaps its begininning," said Kodama, his form speaking without moving his mouth. "This marks the start of man's domain, though not the end of mine."

The traveler walked past the wolves, weaving around the trees as it approached the edge. They followed cautiously, keeping behind the thick oak trunks as Kodama walked directly through them, his body phasing in and out of the wood as though it were mist. As the traveler jumped into an oak they stopped, remaining concealed within the forest. Branch by branch the traveler climbed up the twisting limbs of the tree. It continued up until its head broke through the canopy, granting it a view of its destination.

And what a view it was.

Expansive green pastures behind wooden fences rolled out before it. Horses, sheep, and cattle were grazing on the young grass, occasionally swatting their tails or throwing their heads at a pesky insect. Several farmhouses dotted the landscape, their tenants out tending to daily chores. A wagon drove down a winding dirt road towards the clustered red and white buildings of a town, passing a hay cart traveling the opposite way. Smoke from chimneys was visible as gray threads against a sapphire blue sky, and the people were dark dots moving about. Looming over all this was the palace, its red roofed towers and white walls standing majestic against the disappearing morning fog. Seagulls were circling overhead, their calls faint on the air.

"Whoa…" The traveler lifted its goggles off, wanting to make sure the dark lenses had not fooled its eyes.

"Thou finds it impressive?"

The traveler startled at Kodama's voice coming from beside it as a bull elk's antlered head formed out of the oak's leafy branches.

"Impressive? This is incredible!" said the traveler as it put its goggles back on.

Calling this place incredible was a substantial understatement. If Seahaven was paradise, then the east beyond the desert was surely the first eight rings of the Pit. It was a ruin compared to the picturesque town that lay before the traveler. Years of brutal conflict between kingdoms, families, warlords, and gangs had left the eastern lands as scarred as its people. As one war ended another began, continuing a vicious cycle of destruction. Only royal elites and powerful mages could hope to enjoy such productive lands. These they guarded for their sole use, leaving the masses to the drained and war-torn remnants and slaying any who dared to trespass. Livestock were as emaciated and hungry as their owners. Cowering slaves and indentured servants tended the fields, stung by their overseer's whip if they slowed for any reason. Towns were havens for the poor, the desperate, and the ever-watchful criminal, who enjoyed a dangerously long leash as the rulers secluded themselves away among their wealth. It was almost impossible to enter a kingdom and not find a gang of bandits or garrison of troops taking advantage of the villagers, sometimes for themselves and other times for someone of power. The eastern forests were disappearing at an alarming rate from logging and war, replaced by miles of gray stumps and dead twisted skeletons. Rivers were poisoned with waste or choked with mud when the rains came. The sky was rarely blue, more often tinged green or burned red with the smoke of fires and fumes of war machines. There were scant few places as untouched by the blood-soaked hands of blind greed and violent conquest as what lay before the traveler's eyes.

The traveler ducked into the tree, swinging and darting between the branches as it descended. At the last branch it leapt off, landing in a crouch on the forest floor. The wolves had moved to the edge of the forest while it surveyed from the tree. Their eyes and ears were trained on a pair of young horses as they playfully bolted across their pasture.

"I wouldn't," said the traveler, picking up on their intention. "Wolves hunting horses won't end well."

"Indeed it would not," said Kodama as he walked to the traveler's side. "The keeper of those steeds would lose many hours with nothing to show in attempting to dole out his human justice on these two."

"Uh…he'd never catch them?"

"In thy simpler tongue, yes." Kodama stomped a hoof twice. The wolves lowered their ears submissively and trotted back to sit at the traveler's sides. It scratched their heads affectionately, the wolves panting as they enjoyed the attention.

"So, I guess this is where we part," said the traveler.

"That it is," said Kodama.

The wolves whined pleadingly as they licked the traveler's hands, like children begging their parent to stay at home.

The traveler shook its head. "Sorry, but I'm staying."

More whining and pleading looks. One of the wolves pawed at the traveler's leg.

"And you can't stay either," it added. "You're wolves, not dogs. Last thing you or I need is a bunch of angry villagers with missing sheep. Or horses."

The wolves looked away, as though trying to say they had no idea what the traveler could be referring to.

The traveler chuckled and petted their heads. "I'll try to visit. I promise. Now back to the forest with you two before someone sees."

The wolves bowed their heads in farewell and then ran into the forest. Their paws tread over the loose litter with hardly a sound. The traveler watched them go until they disappeared into the trees like ghosts, then turned its attention to Kodama.

"Thanks for your help," the traveler said. "I owe you a few big favors."

"Tis a small retribution for my treatment of thee in the snows," said Kodama. "But I shall endeavor to keep thy offers in mind."

"Before you go, I've got another favor to ask."

The elk's ears perked. "Oh? What favor dost thou have in mind?"

The traveler untied the sword from its belt and held it out. "I want you to hold onto this for me."

Kodama's eyes brightened slightly. "Thou would not retain thy blade?"

The traveler shook its head. "I've had to use this more than I ever wanted to. I'm done swinging swords and casting spells. And Seahaven doesn't look or sound like somewhere I'll have to. Just consider it a promise I'll pay you back some day."

"Very well. If that is thy wish, I shall honor it." Kodama angled his head down, hooking his antlers around the sword. Green shoots grew out and wrapped around the scabbard and hilt, securing it among the branches.

"Though I stand by the peacefulness of these humans," said Kodama as he raised his head. "Thou would be unwise to walk among any unarmed."

The traveler snorted, smirking under its shemagh. "I'm hardly defenseless, you know."

"Unquestionably. But even the most nonviolent humans retain their race's capacity for trouble. It will do thee no benefit to be bereaved of a weapon. And one befitting thy skills."

Kodama's eyes glowed bright. Three of his antlers' points twisted together, spiraling tightly towards the traveler. It stepped back as the branches continued to grow and entwine. A pulse of light flashed in Kodama's eyes. The separate branches melded with each other, turning the wood dark. It compressed down, groaning and creaking as it was forced to condense beyond natural limitations. The rough burs and imperfections disappeared, leaving it impeccably smooth. Velvet appeared and then peeled of, shifting and twining itself around the end to form a hilt.

"Hold out thy hand," commanded Kodama.

The traveler did so, and Kodama lowered the hilt into its palm. The branch tapered off and split from his antlers, the magical power still working to give the timber form. The traveler watched as a rounded edge appeared, feeling the shifting of the wooden sinews slow as the magic neared completion.

In the traveler's hand was a straight bokken, a wooden counterpart to its own sword. The dark ebony wood held a natural gloss no carpenter could hope to achieve. The angled point ended in a blunted tip, capable of a painful stab but not a killing skewer. Lacing of thin but rough hide that could match the finest sharkskin was wrapped around the hilt, providing ample grip for the traveler's hands.

"Thy new weapon," said Kodama as the traveler gave it a few swings. "A sword in form but absent its more lethal functions. A stronger or harder timber thou will not find within or outside my realm, nor a mortal blade capable of tarnishing it. Only thine own blade may hope to mark this weapon."

The traveler swung the bokken in an upward chop before spinning around and slashing down, stopping just shy of the ground. It turned and swung up, causing leaves to shift with the air it cut.

"I take it thou approves?" said Kodama, watching the traveler test its new weapon.

"It's perfect!" said the traveler. "It feels just like the sword!"

"Then it will serve thee well."

"Hopefully it won't have to," said the traveler as it thrust the bokken through its belt. "But thanks for the consideration."

"Before I take my leave," said Kodama, stepping towards the traveler. "I would give thee words to abide by."

"What is it?" asked the traveler.

"I speak of the medicine prepared for thee."

The traveler stiffened, hands clenching reflexively. It could feel the medicine in question inside its pack, the bundle pressing against the small of its back. Medicine for a very specific purpose.

"Thou may return for more when thy stock is empty," continued Kodama. "And I shall give fairly in exchange for the branches of yonder cherry trees. Thou need only enter the forest and I shalt know, and guide thee to my grove. But I give them with this caution, and I heed thee to keep these words close in mind."

Kodama stepped forward again, seeming to loom over the traveler with a presence he did not have before. The air around the guardian felt heavy, as though the traveler was standing under a waterfall. He lowered his head to the traveler's face, his eyes glowing brighter as the traveler took an intimidated step back. "Thou must not depend on it. Thy medicine will alleviate the pain of thy illness, but not its root. It will never serve as a cure unto thee, and the longer thou use it the more its potency shall wane. The relief thou seekest will not come from medicine or magic. Wounds upon the mind and heart must be healed by them. Dost thou understand…or dost thou intend to turn thy new weapon to splinters?"

The traveler realized it had been holding the bokken's hilt in a death grip. It quickly relaxed its hand.

"I understand," it said, not entirely sure it did.

"I pray so." Kodama stepped back, his overwhelming air diminishing. "Fare thee well, youngling. May the seasons be ever favorable upon thy path."

With that Kodama turned and trotted off into the forest, his hooves making not a sound against the loose leaves and twigs of the forest floor. The traveler watched him go till he went behind a tree and vanished, returned to his home in the wilds.

The traveler held up its hand, opening and closing it as though it were only recently attached. It stared at the skin of is palm, eyes looking over every callus and speck of dirt. These hands had done much. But they had also taken much. Far too much.


"Wait!" pleaded the man as he cowered in the corner. "Just wait a moment!"

The traveler advanced on the man. The air around its sword shimmered and wavered as the hideout was consumed in flames, bathing the traveler in fiery luminescence. Blood and oil were flecked over its body, remnants of the path it cut to reach its prey.

"You don't have to do this!" said the man, pushing himself upright against the wall.

The traveler said nothing, continuing to approach with silent cold eyes behind its goggles.

Beads of sweat ran down the man's face. "Hold on! We can work something out! Seriously! If you'll just–!"

Suddenly a small pistol thrust out the sleeve of the man's jacket. The mechanical device placed the firearm into his palm as he pointed it at the traveler's face. The fear on his face was replaced with fury, suddenly empowered by the weapon in his hand.

"Die!" he shouted, wrapping his finger around the trigger.

The traveler swung its sword without hesitation. The man collapsed to the floor screaming, clutching at his smoking wrist. The gun went off as it struck the floor, flinging the bullet harmlessly away.

"My hand!" the man exclaimed, clutching his arm to himself. "You cut off my hand!"

"If you think that's bad…" The traveler drew its sword back and then swung at the man's neck.


The traveler clenched its hand tight, pushing the unwelcome memory into the recesses of its mind. Adjusting the bokken and its pack the traveler stepped out of the forest, making its way for the road.

The violence of the eastern kingdoms was behind it now, thousands of miles away if not further. There it was hated and feared, hunted and reviled for the crime of existing. More importantly, back there it was dead. Another lost soul among the departed. No one was looking for it. No one sane, at least. And no one would risk crossing the Devil's Steppe to find it. Not that anyone could cross such an inhospitable land.

Here was different. Though its past still haunted it, there was a sense of hope and optimism the traveler had not felt in a long time. This kingdom held the rare promise of a second chance. An opportunity to start over where no one knew whom it was. Here it could be anyone and anything it wanted. No crazed witches or warlocks after its secrets. No generals or warlords trying to force it into the ranks of their armies. No religious zealots or angry mobs determined to erase it and all like it from the world. This was the start of a new life. A better life than the one it left behind. A life where it could do something right for once.

Perhaps a life as promising as the one it lost.

"All right, Seahaven…" said the traveler out loud as it stepped onto the road. "What've you got in store for me?"


Unbeknownst to the traveler, the raven was watching it. He perched atop an oak, four burning eyes following the traveler as it walked towards the town. A horse drawn cart approached it, the driver tipping his hat and wishing it a good morning as it passed. The traveler watched as it rolled away, as though confused by the greeting. It gave a late wave before it continued walking, clearly unused to such pleasant behaviors.

The raven allowed himself a knowing smirk. "Quite a shift for you, isn't it?"

The traveler continued down the road, unable to hear the raven's question.

The raven looked to the palace and the sea beyond, his smile fading. "You could not have come at a better time."


A/N: All paths lead to Seahaven. Two worlds a world apart are meeting. Only time will tell what the results will be, but no doubt what is to come shall be something never witnessed in Seahaven before.

Thanks to all of you who read, favorite, and/or follow my story. Knowing that you enjoy it so much encourages me to keep writing. As always, your comments/thoughts are appreciated and welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own "The Little Mermaid," Disney, or any of its associated characters and intellectual property. Everything else, however, is mine =)