Chapter Twenty Seven
Attina rested her fin on the bow of a shipwreck. She was the farthest from Atlantica or Tirulia she had ever swum before. The trident rested on her lap as she nibbled on some wild kelp.
This is the type of thing Ariel was always up too, she thought to herself. Ariel had always been so adventurous. Curious. Fascinated with anything that laid outside her bedroom window. As soon as their father had relented and eased up on all the restrictions he placed on his daughters, Ariel dashed off to explore. The young princess would return, her face glowing from a huge grin as she would recount her adventure of the day.
Some adventures Ariel had were harmless enough. Other times, she had clearly been in danger. Either by almost being lunch to a huge fish or getting too close to humans. Between King Triton and Attina's scolding's and threats of keeping the youngest inside, Ariel shared less and less of how she spent her day. Attina thought it was a sign of Ariel maturing.
How wrong they had been.
Ariel never stopped her explorations. She simply found a grotto to hide her human treasures. If she needed explanations or wanted to discuss what the items were for, Ariel went to Archimedes. And then, when the old merman went on an exploration of his own, Ariel turned to Scuttle.
"Adventures. I don't get what the fuss is all about." Attina chewed another strand of kelp. The flavor was bland; it needed seasoning. Back at the palace, there were cooks who knew how to prepare food. All she had to do was ring a bell and a platter of her favorite treats would arrive in front of her. And her bed. Her comfy bed. It was doubtful Attina would find Saleen before the next sunset.
If Attina managed to find Saleen at all.
Perhaps, Attina thought to herself, I should have stayed and said 'hello' to my other sisters before I left. I don't know when I'll return.
But time was crucial. Saleen had hidden away for centuries; Attina needed to chase after her immediately while the trail was hot. Except, once she began swimming, Attina realized she had no idea what the trail would look like.
After exhausting herself, Attina came to rest on the shipwreck she was now sitting on. To get some rest and nourishment. And to think.
"The trident! How could I be so stupid!"
Don't be so hard on yourself, a small voice replied. You are new to this adventuring, after all.
The words were comforting, but since she was alone, Attina wasn't completely comforted.
Please, Attina willed into the trident. Show me where Saleen is.
To her delight, the trident glowed. The shimmer faded but grew brighter as Attina turned to her right. Now Attina had the idea. The trident glowed brighter if she swam in the right direction.
Renewed with hope, Attina held the trident in front of her and swam quickly forward.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Attina swam as fast as she could, using the trident as her compass. She had to take a few breaks to catch her breath and to nibble on wild kelp, but Attina made sure to keep them all at a minimum. Finally, Attina was rewarded.
The trident had led her to a deep gorge. The light from the sun did not reach here. Instead, a fiery glow was emitted from a volcano. There was debris nearby, pulsing with red threads. It was among the debris where Attina saw Saleen. Or at least the one she thought was Saleen from Sebastian's description.
"Saleen!" Attina shouted as she swam closer.
The Elemental stopped her work of analyzing the volcanic rocks and gave her full attention to Attina.
"The one and only. And who are you?"
"I am Attina; first daughter of King Triton, ruler of Atlantica. And I seek an audience with you."
"Hmmm." Attina felt Saleen's assessing gaze. "And how exactly did you come across that?"
"The trident returned to the throne room after your spell took effect."
"And how were you not affected?"
"I was not on the land. I remained in Atlantica."
Saleen smiled and nodded in approval, pleased with the answer.
"I am here to plead with you to…"
"Oh, no!" Saleen wailed. "Not another 'take it back' plea. And you were so interesting. Escaping my little trick, sneaking up on me, wielding the trident...but you're just like every other merfolk on the sidelines when someone crossed me."
"He's my father." Attina couldn't think of anything else to say. The sentence was spoken softly, but the spirit behind the words showed resolve.
Saleen floated in front of her, tapping her chin with a finger. Attina used the little strength she had left to stay floating.
"You're right. Happy to help a sister." Saleen grinned. "I'll hear you out. Once you prove you're worthy of the trident, that is."
"What?"
"After what happened the last time, I think there should be more caution on who wields it. Wouldn't you agree? So, before I grant you an audience, you will prove yourself worthy."
Attina did not want to be here performing for an ancient deity like a dolphin. She wanted to be back at the palace having a proper meal followed by a proper sleep.
For father, the voice whispered again. For all of Atlantica.
Attina gripped the trident tightly in her hands. She squared her shoulders and lifted her head high.
"What must I do?"