Legend of the Mer III Song of Sirens

DEDICATION

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE - RETURN TO SAFE HARBOR

CHAPTER TWO - LIVING A DREAM

CHAPTER THREE - CALL OF THE MERMAIDS

CHAPTER FOUR - THE OLD ONE

CHAPTER FIVE - GATHERING OF THE CLAN

CHAPTER SIX - FACING FEARS

CHAPTER SEVEN - FINDING LIZZY

CHAPTER EIGHT - SOUTH PACIFIC BOUND

CHAPTER NINE - TROUBLED WATERS

CHAPTER TEN - DROP ANCHOR

CHAPTER ELEVEN - MER ISLAND

CHAPTER TWELVE - INTRUDERS

CHAPTER THIRTEEN - AGRIOS

CHAPTER FOURTEEN - THE HALF-MER

CHAPTER FIFTEEN - HALLOWEEN ON THE BONNIE ROSE

CHAPTER SIXTEEN - SIRENS SONG OF DEATH

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - FAITH & ULYSSES

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - CHOICES

CHAPTER NINETEEN - KALOKI CHRISTMAS EVE

CHAPTER TWENTY - CAVE DIVING MER STYLE

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - LOVE REKINDLED

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - REFOCUS

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - GRACE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - CORAL REEF ISLAND

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE - SHOPPING IN RIO

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX - DEADLY WATERS

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN - SAFE HARBOR REUNION

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT - WEDDING BELLS

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE - THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTER

EPILOGUE

GLOSSARY

AUTHOR’S NOTE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LEGEND OF THE MER PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

It had been five years since the New Guardian had accepted his post. Jedediah loved living the life of a Mer with his mermaid wife Seturus and their son Jireh.

King Titus and Queen Lana had become accustomed to their new roles and ruled the Mer with love and compassion. They tried to honor all the ways of King Titan and his memory.

Although Lizzy and Robbie had been engaged more than five years, they had not married.

After Robbie completed his schooling last year, he was hired on as assistant swim coach for the college.

Lizzy was to graduate next week with a Master’s in Elementary Education, but she had felt a longing she couldn’t explain or understand for some time, which had nothing to do with Robbie.

She was now broken and more than ever needed to go home and spend time with those she loved….

CHAPTER ONE

RETURN TO SAFE HARBOR

As Lizzy drove her small silver SUV closer her heart raced with anticipation of coming home to the little island again.

She kept her windows down and sunroof open to allow the Sea breeze to blow through her shoulder-length black silky hair.

She smelled the salt in the air and heard the Seagulls cry a few miles back; it was music to her soul.

Now she pulled into the line-up for the next Safe Harbor Island ferry. She still had twenty minutes more before the ferry would arrive, so she turned off the engine.

She couldn’t wait to see her mom and dad, but what she had missed most was the Sea.

Although she and Robbie had been home on visits throughout the last four years, she took extra classes at night and through summer breaks so she could graduate with her Masters a year earlier.

The hard work paid off, but she wasn’t sure it was the best thing for her and Robbie’s relationship.

With his schooling and coaching, along with her schedule, they weren’t allowed much time together.

How would she ever explain to her parents about breaking off her engagement?

She wasn’t even sure herself how she allowed it to happen, but she had seen the Sharks circling for some time. Girls were always attracted to Robbie; especially girls in swimsuits.

The text message ring-tone went off on Lizzy’s cell phone inside her purse. She reached over and got it and looked at the message.

It was from Robbie, Please talk to me let me explain!

Figures, she thought. She turned off her phone and threw it back into her purse.

Lizzy heard a tap on the hood of the car and turned to see a short middle aged man she had known most of her life.

Well if it isn’t the Lightkeeper’s daughter home for a visit!

Hey Hank, how’ve you been?

Good, looks like you’re gonna be stayin’ on the island for awhile. He smiled looking to the back window of her overloaded car filled to capacity with nearly everything she owned.

Yep, I plan to at least stay for the summer.

Glad to have you home, I know your parents will be too! He winked and stepped back as he now waved the line of cars forward onto the ferry.

Yep, you take care.

You too, tell that ole Robbie I said hello!

I will. Lizzy swallowed and quickly turned on the engine and drove up onto the ferry.

Wow, this is going to be rougher than I thought if everyone I come in contact with wants to talk about Robbie, she thought.

She now looked out along the ribbons of sandy beaches and shoals stretching out as the ferry drove passed.

Lizzy felt the tugging at her heart once more.

This is home, she thought.

I hope mom and dad will understand. I know if I don’t tell them they’ll soon hear my thoughts anyways. They’ll certainly know something is up when they see my car and especially my returning without Robbie.

~~~

Lizzy drove off the ferry and down the main highway of Safe Harbor Island. This was her stomping ground; she knew where every side street led and whose house was on it. Most of the island children had grown up together.

Safe Harbor really was her home, why hadn’t she realized it sooner?

It was late afternoon, two turns more and Lizzy drove up to the Keeper’s house which was an old white two-story with red tin roof and shutters. She saw her dad had screened-in the front porch as her mom had wanted for years. The Lighthouse was some hundred feet to the left from it.

Her dad’s jeep was gone, but her mom’s van was there.

She decided to leave her stuff for now and threw her keys into her brown leather purse. She put her arm through the straps picking it up and headed to the back door.

She already smelled fresh flounder frying through the screen door.

She knocked.

Her mom yelled, Come on in.

Lizzy opened up the screen door and smiled as she saw her mother in her favorite blue and white gingham apron wiping sweat off her brow. She now wore her hair short in a spiky contemporary style and Lizzy noticed for the first time she had a few grey strands mixed within her black hair.

Rose turned and smiled but with a puzzling look, Lizzy! What are you doing here?

Well, I sort of decided to skip graduation and come home early. They’re going to mail me my diploma. Lizzy cringed at what she knew was coming.

"What! Honey why would you do that? You’ve worked so hard to get your Masters!"

I know, but I really am burnt out from school and just wanted to come home.

Your dad will be so disappointed; we all took off so we could attend your graduation.

"Mom, just please support me in my decision." Lizzy raised both her brows with a grin.

Rose took off her apron and went and hugged her. Alright, I suppose it’s too late to get you to change your mind. How long are you here for?

The screen door slammed, I think she’s here for awhile, if the amount of stuff in her car means anything. Cole grinned and went and hugged her.

Yep, I plan on at least staying through the summer.

Where’s Rob? Cole asked.

Both Cole and Rose sensed Lizzy’s apprehension and guarded thoughts. They knew something must be wrong and then saw she wasn’t wearing her engagement ring.

"I’ll tell you both all about it, but first let me get a bite to eat; mom’s cooking is driving me crazy!" she giggled.

They agreed and Rose battered up another flounder.

~~~

As the food was brought to the table Lizzy and her parents sat down.

Where’s Willy? Lizzy asked.

"First of all, please don’t call him that; he’s given us enough grief about it. He’s now called Will. Secondly, he comes down when he’s ready ever since we made it a rule to leave all electronics in his room during meals." Cole gave a scowl.

It’s true, he’s thirteen and it’s been a little difficult around here lately. He’s gaining the strength of the Mer and he hates having your dad and I hear his thoughts. We’re giving him some space. Rose smiled sympathetically to Cole.

I can’t believe he’s so grown-up. I’ve been away for too long.

"Let’s reserve the grown-up part until you’ve spent some time with him, but yeah he’s getting older and yeah you haven’t been home much. I’m glad you’re here now." Cole grinned.

Sup? said Will flipping his long black bangs out of his eyes as he came down the stairs seeing his sister home.

Wow, I can’t believe how tall you’ve gotten! Lizzy was amazed.

Yes, he’s nearly as tall as your father now. Rose smiled to him.

Will gave a half grin as he pulled out a chair and sat at the table with them.

Cole gave a quick smile to Rose and then to the family.

They all held hands as Cole asked the blessing for the meal, Thank you Father for this feast which is laid out before us. Also thank you for allowing Lizzy to get here safe and sound. Help her to enjoy her visit with us as much as we enjoy having her home again, Amen.

Now let’s eat! said Will, flinging his hair to one side out of his eyes and started digging in.

Lizzy just paused a moment and smiled to see her family together again, like it was before she headed off for college. Then she also began to eat.

Cole and Rose smiled to each other; they felt her love.

Will did too, but tried to hide a grin.

~~~

Lizzy loved her mom’s fried flounder, pasta salad, blueberry muffins along with some fresh watermelon. She hadn’t been eating well lately and this did the trick.

Will scarfed his food down as quickly as he could in silence. After he was finished, he gave Lizzy a half grin, Later. He scooted out his chair and began to walk away.

I’ll come up and talk with you in awhile, said Lizzy hoping he wouldn’t mind.

Whatever. He flung his hair out of his eyes and headed back up the stairs.

"And that’s pretty much how we eat our meals with him, if he comes down in time." Cole grinned.

I know some of what he’s going through; at least I had Lana and Jed to help me figure it all out.

Yes, he does miss his siblings and he hasn’t been able to make any lasting friendships. Rose let out a sigh.

It isn’t easy living this part-Mer life. Cole looked to Rose and Lizzy with raised brows.

No it isn’t, but I know he’ll get passed it just like we all did. Lizzy smiled.

So now Lizzy, what is up with you and Robbie? Cole asked.

Yes honey, please tell us, said Rose compassionately.

"I’m just going to give you the short and sweet answer for now; Robbie and I went to a party I didn’t want to go to. He allowed a certain female swimmer to pretty much twerk all over him and I wanted to leave, he didn’t. So I left.

"The next morning I was feeling kind of bad about it; because I knew he’d been drinking a little too much that night. So I went to his apartment and let myself in to surprise him with honey wheat bagels and coffee.

You might say he surprised me; guess who was in bed with him? I left the food and my engagement ring on the kitchen table and went out the door. I haven’t answered any calls or text since. Lizzy’s tears began to fall down her cheeks.

"I’m going to kill that boy!" Cole clenched his fists.

No Dad, you might say I saw the signs awhile now and maybe I even helped it happen.

Lizzy, how can any of that be your fault? Rose gently placed her hand on Lizzy’s.

I know my schedule could have been better; I was always so tired and didn’t want to go out, especially with that crowd, she sniffled.

Honey, he should have been man enough to understand all that. Cole got up and went to Lizzy and hugged her and kissed the top of her head.

I don’t know we seemed to be spiraling downward for some time. Maybe I wanted it to happen.

Why would you say something like that? Rose gently squeezed her hand.

We seem to want different things in life; he loves being on the mainland and living in the city. I love the island and the close-knit feeling we all have here.

He still shouldn’t have allowed it to happen if he truly loved you Lizzy, Cole said sternly while clinching his fists.

Well, it did happen and I’m here now. I just want to put it behind me and focus on myself for a change.

I think that’s great Lizzy, you have so much to look forward to. I heard Mrs. Tulliver is going to retire next year; she teaches fifth grade for us at Safe Harbor.

"Really Mom, maybe I could sub until then?"

Yes, I think you could, we’d all love to have you come back and teach at your former school.

It would be wonderful to have you really home again Lizzy. Cole grinned.

You guys might get sick of seeing me; maybe I could get a place.

Nonsense, this is your home Lizzy. Rose smiled brightly.

And for as long as you want it. Cole gave a wide grin.

Lizzy continued to talk with her parents about the possibility of teaching and living on Safe Harbor.

She suddenly felt joy begin to rise up inside her which hadn’t been there for a long while.

~~~

Later, after she moved some of her stuff back into her old room down the hall, Lizzy knocked on Will’s door.

He didn’t answer and so she slowly opened it.

He was playing his favorite LOTR game and was so focused; he didn’t realize she came in. After releasing arrows into his enemy, he sensed his sister’s thoughts.

Hey, do you mind if I come in?

Sure. He turned off the game.

Oh, you didn’t have to do that.

It’s okay; I’ve played it thousands of times, besides it’ll still be there when I want to escape. He grinned, flipping his hair out of his eyes.

I just wanted to see how you’ve been?

I’m good.

"Dad and mom said you’ve been a little distant lately because of the whole thought sharing thing," she giggled.

Yeah, I guess I’m not as good at it as you and Jed.

You have to know it took us awhile to adapt too. She smiled understandingly. She couldn’t believe how much he looked like her dad; even his eyes were now dark brown. Lizzy and Jed’s were blue like their mom.

I don’t know if I will. I think I’ll be like you and Jed; I don’t feel like I belong here.

Well, Jed does feel like he belongs here part of the year and I’m thinking I might belong here too.

Then maybe I’m not like any of you; I don’t like it here and I don’t think I’m gonna live with the Mer either.

"Maybe you’ll be the one who lives on the mainland where you don’t have to hear anyone’s thoughts."

Yeah, maybe that’s it. I plan on getting off this island one day.

If it’s really what you want Will; I hope you do, but I also hope you stay in touch because I’d miss you. She smiled again.

Yeah sure, I’ll let you know if I do.

In the meantime do you mind me moving back in; it means one more mind to hear? she asked with a sigh.

It’s okay; it’ll be nice for a change. Glad to have you back Sis. He grinned, flipping his hair once more.

Lizzy gave him a hug, knowing he acted like he didn’t like it, but his thoughts said otherwise.

"Well, I better get some more of my stuff unpacked. Goodnight Will." She grinned as she put her hand on his head messing up his hair before leaving.

"Just like old times," he chuckled with a half grin.

Lizzy headed back down the stairs and couldn’t help but to admire the Cape Cod navy blue stair wall and was glad her mom was brave enough to paint it that color; she wanted to do it for awhile. It was perfect with the white wainscoting along the oak wooden stairs and banister.

It made her heart ache for all the things she had dreamed and planned for her home one day.

~~~~~

CHAPTER TWO

LIVING A DREAM

The Island Traveler sped through the waters as it traveled the Oceans of the South Pacific below South America and entered the South Atlantic.

Jedediah walked up from the galley with his merwalker son Jireh and they sat along the bench seat at the aft of the cruising yacht.

He couldn’t believe it had been five years since he and Seturus had married, let alone Jireh was now four years old. Time seemed to fly by; he treasured every moment.

He loved the life he was living with the mer. He helped them as much as he could with information on weather and possible dive sites; especially those near their cities. The world was slowly beginning to encroach upon them.

Jedediah also loved sailing the Island Traveler; she was yar and a second home to him when he traveled to and from the North Atlantic. He helped his uncle Micah by being able to hear the Mer and keep them on course as they followed above them.

Jireh watched as his father trimmed the sails; he loved how they billowed in the wind; it made him smile.

He was still young but spent most of his time on the yacht with his father, the Fijians, Kawikani, Talei, her little daughter Anue, and Talei’s 22 year old cousin Faith when they traveled.

Jedediah wanted Jireh to enjoy life above the water as much as below being he was a merwalker and could easily adapt to either like his aunt Lana who was now Queen of the Mer.

Princess Seturus jumped out of the water next to the yacht and smiled to Jireh. She wore her shell top and ruby stone necklace Jedediah gave her when they married. She also wore a string of large grey pearls around her head like a crown as all Princess mermaids did as well as the Queen.

King Titus restored the title of Princess to Seturus not long after she was married to Jedediah. He knew her title had been taken unjustly in her former Kingdom.

Her blue-green tail shimmered in the sunlight and also her long white hair.

Jireh laughed, Do it again Mommy!

Seturus dove down deep into the water quickly turning and thrusting her tail on the sandy bottom of the Ocean floor. She thrust even harder with each stroke as she swam upward. She rocketed out of the water at least thirty feet into the air.

"Now you’re just showing off," Jedediah called with a smile and a wink.

Jireh clapped his hands and cheered.

Seturus swam alongside and spoke to Jireh in her mind, Come on!

Jireh jumped into the water and swam into her arms.

Isn’t Mommy pretty? He looked up to his father on the yacht as they swam beside it.

Jedediah also jumped into the water and took Seturus into his arms, "Yep, she’s the prettiest in all the Sea and on all the land." He kissed her and beamed a smile of pride.

"The same could be said of your father, only he’s the most handsome." She smiled to him and to Jireh.

Your mommy won my heart the moment I looked into her beautiful teal-blue eyes.

Your father won mine at that same moment. She flipped her tail upward splashing Jedediah.

"Hey now," he chuckled.

We better hurry if we want to catch up. Seturus smiled to him.

Jedediah put his hands on her shoulders.

Jireh wrapped his arms around his dad’s neck.

Seturus sped through the water with them until they caught up with the Island Traveler.

~~~

King Titus called for all of the Mer to stop and rest awhile. There were several krill in the area; they could take the opportunity to eat and feed their young.

Queen Lana let go of King Titus’ strong neck and smiled to him.

He was still handsome with his shell crown upon his head of long white hair. As all mermen did, he wore it loose except for a braid pulled back behind each ear. He now had a small white beard.

He had grown considerable in size and strength with a massive chest and muscle-bound arms. He carried