Legend of the Mer II The New Guardian

PROLOGUE

King Titan was the oldest living mer. He had seen over two thousand winters with its ever changing tides. He knew that he would not be long in this world; all his senses told him so. He now looked forward to seeing his Queen Horaios once more.

King Titan also knew it would not be long and his enemies would once again challenge his people. It had been fifteen winters since the last battle of the mer. They were like the deadly Leviathan who raised her head after many winters of slumber; she woke with a ferocious appetite which left destruction in her wake.

It was now time for King Titan to prepare his people, and his grandson Prince Titus, for what he knew was coming ~ the testing for survival of the mer in the new reign of his grandson, and also for the new Guardian.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1 - THE PRENTIS HERITAGE

CHAPTER 2 – THE LIFE OF A MER

CHAPTER 3 – FAMILY REUNION

CHAPTER 4 – THE OTHERS

CHAPTER 5 – ELIZABETH & ROBBIE

CHAPTER 6 – ROSE OF SUMMER

CHAPTER 7 – GUARDING SECRETS

CHAPTER 8 – THE FURY OF A HURRICANE

CHAPTER 9 – MERMAID’S TREASURE HUNT

CHAPTER 10 – BACK TO SCHOOL

CHAPTER 11 – THE LIFE OF A SWIMMER

CHAPTER 12 – MIGRATION

CHAPTER 13 – MAKING OF A KING

CHAPTER 14 – A TIME TO MOURN

CHAPTER 15 – THE WAITING

CHAPTER 16 – THE RESCUE

CHAPTER 17 – AHANU (HE LAUGHS)

CHAPTER 18 – A TIME TO HEAL

CHAPTER 19 – PRINCE TITAN

CHAPTER 20 – STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

CHAPTER 21 – MAKOA’S GIFT

CHAPTER 22 – PROM NIGHT

CHAPTER 23 – COLLEGE BOUND

CHAPTER 24 – A GOOD LIFE

CHAPTER 25 – A TIME TO LOVE

CHAPTER 26 – LEVIATHAN

CHAPTER 27 – COURAGE OF A KING

CHAPTER 28 – KALOKI EASTER

CHAPTER 29 – HOMEWARD BOUND

CHAPTER 30 – SAFE HARBOR WEDDING

EPILOGUE

GLOSSARY

AUTHOR’S NOTE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LEGEND OF THE MER III PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1: THE PRENTIS HERITAGE

Jedediah Prentis could hardly sit still within his seat during the film in his Biology class. He once more began to tap a drum beat with his pencil on top of his desk which quickly got the attention of his teacher (Mr. Blanchard).

Mr. Prentis, I’ve warned you already about tapping your pencil. Mr. Blanchard raised his brows over his black framed glasses.

Jedediah quickly tossed his pencil into his book bag. If you have to show another film, the least you can do is provide an incentive to keep the class from falling asleep; popcorn would’ve been good, Jedediah thought.

It wasn’t like Jedediah needed to see another film on the hatching of brine shrimp. It was everything he could do to not take out his phone and check his updates. He thought, I’m glad my junior year at Safe Harbor School is nearly over. Man I can’t wait!

Jedediah had black hair, blue eyes and a muscular build which was definitely the result of many hours training with the Island Chieftains swim team.

His mother (Rose) was the Physical Education Director for Safe Harbor and also Jedediah and his sister’s swimming instructor. Their school was the only one located on the Island.

Finally the class bell rang and it was time for lunch. Jedediah quickly grabbed up his book bag and headed out the classroom walking through a crowd of students towards his locker.

Hey Jed, catch you on the waves! called one boy as he headed down the hall.

Sure thing, hope to be at ‘em soon! Jedediah gave the boy a hang ten sign.

"Hey Jedediah!" said two teen blonde haired girls as they smiled and waved in passing.

"Hello La-dies!" And what fine ladies you are, Jedediah thought as he waved and grinned while they passed. He continued watching them over his shoulder as they went down the hall giggling.

Hey Jed, did you enjoy the film? called out his friend Robbie Thompson with his Southern accent as he came walking up the hall.

Robbie had red hair and a freckled face with a light complexion. He was thin, tall and not as muscular as Jedediah, but still fit from hours of training on the swim team and from years of competing with Jedediah in just about everything.

"You know I did," Jedediah said with a chuckle.

I knew you’d just love to hear more on brine shrimp; I could barely stay awake durin’ first period. Robbie grinned.

Let’s go; I’m starved. Jedediah threw his book bag into his locker and the two headed to the cafeteria.

~~~

As Jedediah and Robbie took their lunch trays to a nearby table, Jedediah sensed the thoughts of his sister Elizabeth from across the room.

Hey let’s eat with Lizzy, if you don’t mind?

Robbie only grinned and then they two headed over to where she was sitting by herself.

Elizabeth (fourteen) was a freshman and she also had black hair, blue eyes and was somewhat small for her age.

Thought you could use some company. Jedediah smiled to his sister as he sat down beside her.

Robbie also smiled and then he and Jedediah began to eat their burgers.

Yeah, you know I could, Lizzy said out loud smiling and then she spoke to Jedediah in her mind, So, Mr. Blanchard’s getting on you again.

Jedediah spoke back to Lizzy in his mind, Yeah, darn that hearing of yours. So why so down?

They’re doing it again; they just can’t get enough of me, she said in her mind while eating her salad.

You really need to let me take care of those loser brothers.

No Jedediah; you know what dad would say.

I can still keep our secret and thump on those two.

No, it will just draw more attention to us.

We can’t just keep letting them get away with it.

I’m sure I don’t have half the problems Lana had when she went to school here. Lizzy grinned.

Yeah, you’re probably right about that one; being so different does draw attention.

It’s really okay Jed, school is nearly out and then they’ll find someone else to terrorize this summer.

I don’t like it Lizzy; you don’t deserve to be treated that way. They better hope I never see them doing anything; they’ll wish they hadn’t. Jedediah gritted and chewed harder.

How’s things been goin’ Lizzy? asked Robbie while he dipped his french fries into his ketchup.

Lizzy smiled to Jedediah and Robbie and then spoke out loud, Things are great; how about you?

Okay I guess. I’m tryin’ to save up to buy a Jet Ski before summer break.

You know you’re lucky your dad is more open minded than ours, Jedediah said with a half grin.

Yeah your dad is a bit strict, but I guess someone has to care about the planet, Robbie chuckled.

Yeah, at least he got me my electric motorcycle so I shouldn’t be complaining. You know you are so letting me ride it? Jedediah raised his brows as he finished up with his burger and wiped his hands on his napkin.

Yeah, yours is a sweet ride and no complaints from me. Since you let me ride her, I guess I’ll have to let you ride my Jet Ski, but only if you can keep it from your dad; I don’t want him mad at me, Robbie said with a grin as he popped his last french fry into his mouth.

"Hey, you better let me ride it too; you know you’re one of my besties!" Lizzy smiled sweetly with a tilt of her head.

Robbie thought he’d lose his breath with the way she smiled at him. He’d always thought her to be the most beautiful of all the girls at school and he was very glad she considered him to be one of her besties.

You know I can’t refuse you anythin’ when you give me that smile of yours Lizzy; yes you can ride it too. Robbie’s face turned a bright red.

Alright, so now hurry up and buy it! Lizzy smiled and put her napkin on her tray and got up to leave, knowing Robbie hated it when he blushed.

I’ve nearly got the money; just three more weeks of lobsterin’ with my dad and I’ll have enough.

"Sweet!" said Jedediah as he got up.

Then all began to leave the cafeteria.

Jedediah spoke to Lizzy once more in his mind, Take care Sis and let me know if they give you any more trouble.

I will, don’t worry so much. Lizzy smiled as she spoke the words to Jedediah in her mind, and then said out loud to Robbie, See ya later!

You know you will! Robbie smiled to her and then headed to class.

Can’t help it; you’re my little sis and it’s my job to take care of you, Jedediah said in his mind to her with a grin.

Then they each went to class.

~~~

After school, Jedediah sat on his motorcycle waiting for Lizzy. It was a gift to Jedediah from his parents last year when he turned sixteen. It was red and black and was Jedediah’s pride and joy.

His little brother William (six) loved it too, but their mom usually drove him to school with her.

Jedediah was glad Safe Harbor Island cared about their environment and encouraged its citizens to do the same; even tourists were encouraged to drive the electric golf carts.

He started her up.

Lizzy walked up with Robbie, Hey, you go on Jedediah; Robbie’s gonna walk me home.

Okay; I see how it is, Jedediah chuckled and then revved up and sped off down the road. He knew Robbie had always had a thing for his sister; he just felt she was a little young and hoped Robbie would take things slow.

Jedediah thought, Lizzy’s starting to like Robbie more than just a friend; how can I not know when none of us can even have a private thought?

~~~

After Jedediah got home he walked through the back door of the red and white Keeper’s house where he lived and flung his book bag down on the nearby wooden bench.

His father (Cole) was the lighthouse Keeper for Safe Harbor Island and all of the Prentis family was the keeper of some pretty big secrets.

Jedediah walked over to the fridge and took out the milk and began drinking right out of the container.

If your mom catches you doing that, you know what she’ll do, his father Cole laughed as he also came in through the back door.

Yeah, yeah, I know; want a glass?

Sure, your mom made that chocolate cake last night, if we hurry we might just finish before she and Willy get home from school, Cole chuckled.

Jedediah grabbed two glasses from the cabinet and he and his father sat down at the kitchen table and began to swap stories about their day as they ate their cake.

~~~

Lizzy couldn’t believe how sweet Robbie was; he even carried her book bag.

It was such a beautiful day, the seagulls were flying overhead and the sun was bright and warm; Lizzy couldn’t help but to stop and take off her shoes as she and Robbie walked down the sandy footpath which led to her house.

I knew it wouldn’t be long and those shoes would be comin’ off, Robbie teased.

Yep, it’s the first really warm day and I just can’t resist. She smiled up at him.

I can’t wait to be able to surf without freezin’. I don’t know how you and Jed do it without a wetsuit.

"Yeah, we do love the water. Jedediah’s been surfing the North end, besides you know I’m part mermaid." Lizzy tried to hold her hair out of her eyes as a breeze picked up.

Robbie couldn’t help but want to touch her hair, but he shoved his free hand in his jean pocket instead. There were so many things he wanted to say to Lizzy, but never seemed to get up the nerve.

Yeah, that’s what you always tell me. I guess I’m startin’ to believe it. Robbie smiled down at Lizzy. He couldn’t help but walk a little closer to her.

Oh Robbie, how I wish I could tell you the truth about our family, thought Lizzy; she nearly took his arm as they continued walking down the path.

Someone came up from behind them and pushed Lizzy and she fell to the ground.

Another grabbed her book bag out of Robbie’s hand as he bent down to help her up.

"So little Lizzy’s got herself a boyfriend!" said the teen boy who had shoved her as the other taunted Robbie with her bag.

They were both of stocky build with light brown hair and Elizabeth and Robbie knew them well.

Come on Billy, do you and your brother have nothin’ better to do? Robbie’s face was becoming red with anger.

Billy and Bo Baldwin were known trouble makers and Robbie was furious that Lizzy had become their latest victim.

Lizzy dusted the sand off of her clothes.

Why do you care Thompson? said Bo as he swung Lizzy’s book bag back and forth.

"Because you two have no right to do that to anybody, especially Lizzy!"

What’cha gonna do about it? said Billy angrily and then spit on the ground.

Two more boys came up from behind and joined in; they began to circle around both Robbie and Lizzy.

Its okay Robbie, they’re not worth it. Lizzy tried to take Robbie’s hand and lead him away.

Robbie stood his ground. He wasn’t going anywhere; at least not until he got back that book bag.

~~~

Jedediah and Cole were finishing up their cake at the kitchen table. So Dad, when do you think Lana and the rest of the family will get here?

They should’ve been here by now, but no telling these days, I imagine Lana has talked them into stopping for some food somewhere along the way, most likely Puerto Rico; that’s one of her favorite stops. You know how she feels about cooked pig, Cole chuckled.

Yeah, I can see that. Jedediah grinned.

Jedediah and Cole looked seriously at one another as they began to sense the emotions of Lizzy.

They quickly got up from their chairs, knocking them over and ran out the back door just in time to see her coming up the footpath helping Robbie.

He was leaning on her shoulder while also carrying her book bag. He looked as though he had been in quite a scuffle with a bruised swollen eye and a busted lip.

Its okay, I’ll live, said Robbie with wounded pride.

Who was it Robbie? asked Cole sternly.

It was those Baldwin brothers and their friends; they were harassin’ us as we were tryin’ to walk down the path, he said, spitting some blood out onto the ground.

I told you Dad, somebody’s gotta stop ‘em; they’re out of control! yelled Jedediah with clinched fists.

Hold on now Son; I’ll see if I can go and talk to their dad Jake. He used to be a level headed sort, maybe he’ll listen to what I have to say.

Cole then sent his thoughts to Lizzy and asked how she was holding up.

I’m okay Dad, its just Robbie I’m concerned for; you shouldn’t have done it Robbie. I’m so sorry they’ve hurt you like that and it’s all my fault, cried Lizzy as her tears ran down her cheeks.

Now Lizzy, you know if anyone’s to blame, it’s them. We can’t go around lettin’ people treat us like that; you of all people don’t deserve that, Robbie said sadly and then he smiled with a wink and winced from the pain in his eye.

I’m sorry they hurt you Robbie and you too Lizzy. I wish you’d ridden home with me; better yet, I wish I’d been the one walking with you when those losers started up. I’d have stopped ‘em! said Jedediah through gritted teeth.

Cole placed his hands on Jedediah’s shoulders, looked into his eyes and said, Son, calm down, you know how upset you get and right now you need to clear your head. If I can’t convince them to stop, then we’ll have to see what else we can do about it. I mean what I say Son.

Alright Dad; I know you do. I’m just not sure how much longer I can hold back what’s coming to ‘em. Jedediah grinned.

Cole went to the house and held open the back door, Okay Robbie, let’s get you in here and see about fixin’ you up.

Yes Sir.

Jedediah helped Robbie while Lizzy went in ahead and got the first-aid kit for her father.

Cole was very knowledgeable when it came to doctoring people, animals, and any others who needed his help throughout the years (especially the mer).

After Cole had looked him over he said, You might want to see a Dr. Robbie; I think you’ve cracked a rib or two. Boy you sure took a beating.

I’m good Sir; you should see the other guys. Robbie grinned and winked to Lizzy once more and again winced from the pain.

You really were my hero Robbie. I wish you hadn’t done it; but again, thanks. Lizzy smiled brightly.

You’re welcome. Robbie smiled back with his busted lip.

Rose and Willy walked through the back door and Rose said, Oh my! What happened?

Hello Honey, come and have a cup of coffee and I’ll fill you in, said Cole as he pulled out a chair for her at the kitchen table.

Jedediah was still filled with anger and decided to head up the stairs to his bedroom to let himself cool down.

He walked over to his nightstand and picked up his ear buds and plugged them into his phone cranking up his Kutless tunes as loud as he could. Then he flung himself down onto his bed.

It’s so hard to have the strength to deal with those losers, but then be told not to do anything about it! Jedediah thought.

Robbie didn’t know the family secrets; although Jedediah did suspect from time to time he might.

It’s so hard to keep so much hidden and also not be able to hide anything at all from my family! We are such freaks; not only can we swim better than any human, but also read each others thoughts, all the while not letting anyone know about any of it.

Jedediah thought about his family’s history. Long ago one of the Prentis ancestors (of which Jedediah was named after) married a merwalker; she was half human and half mermaid which blended the two lines.

The descendants inherited the gift of hearing each others thoughts. Jedediah guessed it was some sort of sonar like the whales use to speak to one another which allowed the mer to communicate in such a way.

Both of his parents were descended from that line also.

No one would believe his half-sister Lana was also a merwalker. His father had been married to a mermaid and she was killed when Lana was only three. He later married Rose and they had three more children.

Lana had gills and webbed fingers and toes, she also had the white hair, skin, and silver eyes of the mer. She chose to marry one of the mermen (Prince Titus) and was able to live with him beneath the Ocean.

They had a daughter and son which were really Jedediah’s niece and nephew, but he considered them his cousins because of their closeness in age. They lived in an underwater city near Safe Harbor Island during the summer months and migrated to the South Pacific in the fall where they lived through the winter months.

As if that wasn’t strange enough, Jedediah learned (at the age of fourteen) he also had the Prentis Heritage; it was much more than just reading each others thoughts.

He and his father had one of their many arguments and Jedediah ran up the stairs to his room and slammed his bedroom door; it came completely off its hinges. When his father came up the stairs to inspect the damage, he had a wide grin on his face and then sat down with Jedediah on his bed and proceeded to tell him of the unusual strength the male heirs also inherited within the Prentis line.

Even Lana had never realized how very strong her father was when she lived with him. He always chose to row his boat rather than use a motorized one.

He said less was more when it came to using fuel powered boats; he only used them in extreme conditions. He was quite a conservationist when it came to protecting the Ocean and the home of those he loved.

Even with the inherited strength, Jedediah and his father was still no match for a mer in the water.

Unfortunately, Lizzy had always been small for her age and there were some who found it fun to pick on her about it. Lizzy didn’t inherit the strength of the mer; she inherited some of their swimming ability, increased hearing, but mostly their slower growth genes.

Jedediah’s father constantly cautioned the family not to reveal the secret of the mer.

How strange it was to be part of a family that lived beneath the Sea. It wouldn’t be long now and the mer would be returning. Jedediah knew his brother-in-law Prince Titus well enough to know that if he ever found out about the way those Baldwin brothers had treated Lizzy; heaven help them if they’re ever in the water.

Jedediah grinned at the thought of it.

~~~~~

CHAPTER 2: THE LIFE OF A MER

The city of San Juan in Puerto Rico was a hustle and bustle with the usual crowd of tourists gathering for the Saborea festival.

Lana loved the many rainbow colored buildings along the cobble stone streets. There were also flower merchants pushing their carts and women dressed in colorful skirts danced to a Latin beat.

The sounds and smells of San Juan were permeating the air as Lana searched out her favorite Cafe. She couldn’t resist a quick stop for some fried plantains, pork and rice.

It had become one of her favorite places along her journey back to Safe Harbor each spring. She knew it was the best time to visit San Juan, with so many people coming from different cultures, she and her family would blend in well.

Her brother-in-law Micah had driven his yacht to San Juan along with his brother Andrew and son Maiele (thirteen). Micah’s daughter Talei (eighteen) had also joined them.

The Fijian brothers were large muscular men with dark skin and black curly hair and they each wore their colorful swim shorts and T-shirts.

Maiele was also dark skinned and wore a black T-shirt with his favorite band Skillet on the front. He had on black and white swim shorts and a black and white bandana tied upon his head.

Talei wore a bikini with red and white