Page 5 of From the Mouths of Sirens

“Did you see any of the missing merchant ships from Aurandel while you searched for your Token?” Saoirse asked as she followed Aurelia from the training arena.

Aurelia’s expression turned dark at the mention of the mysterious disappearances. As captains of the Torqen, she and Sune had been charged with investigating the missing shipments. Even after weeks of searching, they weren't any closerto knowingwhich rumors were true, and which were false

“No,” Aurelia muttered wearily. “Even near the coast, I expected to find something. Wreckage or bodies-anything that could indicate where they’ve gone.” She sighed, pushing her blonde waves away from her face. Her eyes were heavy, dark circles forming under them from sleepless nights. “Aurandel and Tellusun are breathing down our necks, waiting for answers. If we don’t figure out where the ships are disappearing to and who-or what-is behind it soon, I fear tensions might unravel into accusations.”

“What do you think is behind the disappearances?” The rumors had run rampant through the Torqen ranks, each theory more wild than the next. From giant squids surfacing from the deepest parts of the Maeral Sea to whirlpools spontaneously forming right under the ships, she had heard them all.

“If I had to guess, I think Aurandel has something to do with it.”

“Bold of you to suggest. Are you saying that they are sabotaging their own ships in order to frame Elorshin?” It wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. Aurandel had proven themselves corrupt time and time again.

“Possibly,” Aurelia replied. “I have a hard time believing in giant monsters and ancient curses being behind it all. It is more likely Aurandel is employing shoddy craftsmanship and sending their merchant ships off to wreck in the sea so that they can accuse the Mer of interference.”

Saoirse frowned as they entered the barracks. “Do you think this will impact the Revelore Tournament?” The vibrant coral hallways were lit by eternal flames, shadows cast along the walls’ organic ridges and holes.

“Perhaps,” answered Aurelia. “I don’t think it has escalated into anything serious yet, though. In the span of several months, only five ships have gone missing. If the Auran merchants carried goods of higher value and more ships were disappearing, I’m sure it would be a different story. But you know how Aurandel is,” she grimaced. “They take every opportunity to undermine our trustworthiness and use every incident as proof that Elorshin violates their trade agreements,” she scoffed. “As if Aurandel doesn’t drain the life of every other country in Revelore, taking almost all of their earnings and crops for themselves. I’m sure if they gave even a fraction of their tithes to Tellusun, the missing merchant ships wouldn’t be as significant a loss.”

Aurelia sighed, opening the door to her private quarters. Saoirse’s own assigned quarters were across the hall, only a few feet away. Saoirse remembered how the older girl had taken her under her wing when she had begun training, acting as the older sister she never had. They had whispered to each other across the hall on countless occasions, watching each other grow into young women over the last ten years. When Aurelia had been promoted last spring, Saoirse couldn’t have been prouder.

In the torchlight, the shadows under Aurelia’s eyes seemed more gaunt, echoing the intense pressure she was enduring. At just twenty, Aurelia held a vast amount of weight on her shoulders. “We’ll have to continue the investigation after the Tournament,” she continued. “Winning it is our top priority right now. If we win, we could change everything.”

“Whatever happens tonight, I’m glad to be a part of it with you by my side,” Saoirse said softly. “There’s no one else I’d rather compete with. I know that together, we can win.”

“Flattery won’t help you in the arena, you know,” Aurelia teased as she turned into her room, a smile finally cracking the weariness on her face.

* * *

The great amphitheater was filled from end to end with Mer, all dressed in their finest robes and pearls. Hundreds of circular rows sank deep into the sea floor, all trimmed with ceremonial garland and flowers. Huge open lanterns hung in the arches of the amphitheater, the bright blue flames illuminating the spectators below. Tiny lumis squid drifted through the open ceiling, the glowing orbs casting ethereal light throughout the venue.

A horn cut through the whisperings of the crowd, signifying the arrival of the Torqen. Hundreds of Mer twisted around in their seats to face the entrance of the amphitheater, their eyes alight with excitement.

Unease mingled with anticipation as Saoirse moved into formation with the rest of her Torqen regiment. The dark pearl was tucked away in the small purse attached to her belt, silently waiting for its debut into the light. The horns continued to bellow as the Torqen moved into the amphitheater, echoing through the building. Saoirse’s stomach twisted into knots as she followed the row in front of her. As they passed the endless rows of Mer spectators, the onlookers tossed leaves and flower petals at them in euphoric celebration. Children stared at them in awe, their rounded eyes gleaming in the torchlight.

When her regiment finally arrived at the sloped center of the amphitheater, Saoirse allowed herself to look up at the magnificent throne that commanded the entire venue. She lifted her eyes slowly, scanning the massive staircase that led up to the king’s chair. At the top of the elevated coral throne sat King Angwin, the mighty leader of the Mer. Flecks of gold shone against the deep red coral throne, shimmering like a waterfall of molten metal. The king gazed down at the Torqen proudly, his gold armor gleaming in the blue torchlight. Angwin’s dark curls fell past his shoulders, threaded with strands of silver. His brown skin was warm in the light, glowing with translucent scales tinged with gold. He lifted his trident and swept it across the crowd in a graceful arc, eliciting hushed exclamations from the onlookers. The king brought his trident back down with a muted thump. As he struck the throne, a ripple of sea water shot out across the pavilion and the crowds became silent.

“Welcome, great warriors of Kellam!” King Angwin’s voice boomed across the amphitheater. “You have served us faithfully, and we honor you. The time has come to select our tributes for the Revelore Tournament,” he began. “Over the course of a hundred years, we have kept the tradition of sending three of our strongest warriors to compete in the Tournament.”

Saoirse mouthed the words as he spoke, knowing his speech by heart. Ten years ago, she had heard the same words as a child. She could still vividly remember twisting in her chair and squinting at the Torqen soldiers standing before the throne, her heart racing in her chest.

“This marks the tenth Tournament in our history,” Angwin thundered, causing the crowd to erupt in applause. “I declare that this is the year we will be triumphant!” the king exclaimed, gesturing to the Torqen below. “We will finally possess the Crown and rule over Revelore!” The crowd roared in approval, wildly clapping. “Elders, please rise,” the king ordered.

To the right of the throne, six Mer stood from their chairs. The Elders wore identical dark purple robes that billowed around them as they stood. The six members were the brightest and wisest of all Merfolk, some former warriors and others renowned scholars. The Order of the Elders had been installed during the Great Peace thousands of years ago, charged with protecting the nations of Revelore and preserving the old laws. The High Elder stepped forward, a middle-aged woman with vibrant red hair. She wore a thin gold circlet at her brow, indicating her role as representative of the Elders. Adda Carew, Saoirse recognized as the woman slowly approached the Torqen.

“Warriors,” Adda addressed them, her commanding voice filling the amphitheater. “The Elders of Elorshin have scattered nine items of great value throughout the Maeral Sea, selected by hand from the Vault of Wonders. Only the most worthy among you have the strength and determination to recover these treasures.” She paused as her green eyes swept over the group of soldiers. “However, strength is not the only characteristic required of a tribute. You must also display wit and intelligence in order to decipher our riddles and find the hidden Tokens. Only the most cunning among you are fit to represent our people in the Revelore Tournament.”

Saoirse’s heart pounded and her blood sang in her ears. She had envisioned this moment in her daydreams countless times, and somehow it was still hard to wrap her mind around it all. Her palms were slick with nervous sweat, despite knowing that she had found the most valuable Token among them all.

This was it.

“Warriors,” Adda said with a slow pause, “who among you has collected Tokens? Please step forward.”

Saoirse watched as several soldiers broke from their ranks and swam up to Adda at the foot of the dias. Sune and Aurelia made their way to the front, their armor gleaming in the torchlight. Saoirse took a deep breath and slipped from her row, her hands trembling with anticipation. She took her place next to Aurelia at the end of the row of Torqen soldiers and lifted her chin confidently, forcing herself to appear calm despite the nervous energy now pounding through her chest. She dared to glance at King Angwin above her, noticing the shadow of a frown on his face. She quickly averted her gaze, watching as Adda moved down the line of soldiers, her robes flowing through the water like a cloud of spilled ink.

“Please present your Token,” the High Elder said, stopping before the first soldier. The warrior, a tall Mer named Tormid, handed an emerald encrusted dagger to Adda. She held the Token up to the light, looking for the distinct markings that would prove it was authentic.

“Where did you find this?” Adda asked, still inspecting the dagger.

“In the reefs of Miread, Your Excellence,” Tormid responded proudly.

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