Page 26 of Magic Potions and the Merman's Lure

Chaotic isn’t quite right but it is an apt description. Disturbing would fit far better, however. Still, I wind my fingers with hers and try not to appear bothered. That is until the giant bizarre crab suddenly moves quickly toward us. Every instinct I possess screams in protest and warning, and I can feel my spines rise as a growl stirs deep within me. If I must slay that thing in front of all of these humans and teach them all well about the dangers of the sea, then I will!

Chapter 17

Keri

My gaze slides over to Ro uncertainly as his growl ripples around us and grows louder as it catches in the air until it sounds menacing enough that it could do a Pitbull proud. Is that coming from him? I am guessing that it is. There is something in his expression that isn’t quite right, but I’m not entirely surprised either. Not with the strange way he is looking at some of the decorations and mascots wandering around the festival. That said, I’m more than a little concerned that he is giving a particularly murderous glare to Mr. Landry who volunteers every year to wear the heavy costume of Seaside Sam the Crab and wave one overstuffed claw at guests.

The elderly clerk freezes at the sound and looks around warily in an attempt to locate the threat through the narrow eye window in the costume. The movement is disjointed like something from a horror movie as the costume’s head swivels unnaturally. Ro’s reaction is both understandable and predictable, but I’m still not prepared for the way his expression slowly morphs, growing more murderous as Mr. Landry’s head turns awkwardly in our direction.

The clerk freezes and I don’t blame him. I’m not the focus of Ro’s odd hostility and even I feel frozen in place as an icy sensation fills my veins at the sound and the aggression darkening his face. Whatever is going on, it isn’t good but I’m also fully aware of the fact that I’m not in any danger. There isn’t even a hint of threat toward me. Between me and Mr. Landry, I’m likely the only one between the two of us who is entirely safe. My confidence returns some with that sudden epiphany. He won’t hurt me, but he could hurt Mr. Landry even if I don’t really understand the reason why. Therefore, I need to get Ro out of here and get to the bottom of this. Tightening my hold on the Aquana, I drag him in the opposite direction along the dock several feet away before I feel safe enough to stop and tug Ro down so that I can hiss furiously in his ear.

“What’s wrong with you?”

The look of bewilderment he gives would have been hilarious if he hadn’t just been shooting looks that promised maiming and murder towards a sweet old man. No, I can’t be soft on him if there is even a chance that he will be a danger to others in this town.

“Wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? Do you not see that creature? Your entire festival is inhabited with monsters that stink of human flesh as if they’ve consumed your people for years, and yet you do nothing and stroll about them and approach them without concern for your own safety. For the safety of your young!” he adds in horror. “It would serve everyone’s best interests if you allow me to slay them now and mount their heads over the cooking fires.”

I blink slowly as comprehension dawns. I nearly laugh but catch myself in time to peek over at Mr. Landry. Poor guy. His head is positively turned in our direction now, and I’m pretty sure he is staring at us. Ro certainly has his attention now.

“What?” I choke out mirthfully. “Oh, shit. Ro, no. There are no monsters here. And don’t go around saying stuff like that! You’re going to make Mr. Landry wet himself in that suit and we will never hear the end of it!”

The adorably befuddled male on my arm blinks in confusion, and all hostility flees his face as it’s replaced by this new emotion. “Suit?”

“Yes. Suit.” I sigh and rub my eyes as I work hard to control the laughter trying to break free. “I suppose Aquanas don’t have fun, festive mascots.”

Ro’s brow lowers thoughtfully. “We have the agsal dance for the children, in which we perform under the massive skins for them during our festivals while recounting ancient stories. Is this something like that?” He peers behind him at Mr. Landry’s costume with interest. “Is this some great beast that was vanquished and there are recitations here at this festival celebrating its death?”

I grin in response to the rapid-fire questions. “Not exactly. It’s a seafood festival, and so Seaside Sam here is to celebrate that our harbor is known for its good crabbing. We have other characters as well but Sam over there is our most popular character with the kids. And yeah, each of them kind of have a made-up story that goes with them, but I’m afraid nothing quite as awe inspiring as yours,” I admit.

“Hmm... But it is entertainment for the young ones? That is the main purpose? And your people are doing all of that to entertain?” His tone is speculative, but if I’m not mistaken there is a gleam of appreciation in his eyes.

“Well, I think there are plenty of adults who appreciate it too,” I say as I gesture to a couple getting their photo taken with Sandy Shrimp George.

Ro gives another obvious shudder, but this time there is a hint of a smile on his face as he does so. It clearly still creeps him out, but the new perspective on the matter makes it far easier for him to exist on the same dock as them. It is for this reason alone that I’m able to haul him past the mascots and various decorations boasting their likenesses that provides so well for our community.

He’s positively precious. I find myself enjoying the seafood festival more than I have in years just by experiencing it through his eyes. He gags on the samples of fried food I give him until we move onto the grilled and steamed offerings. His comments on the human tendency to cook things beyond death raises a few eyebrows, but he does everything with such enthusiasm that it’s hard for anyone to be insulted. Especially when he still asks for second helpings. I’ve had plenty of dates on the docks during one festival or another, but I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed one so thoroughly.

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