SeaChange (30 page)

“He’s in here, ma’am.” Once again, Chiron took Myrrine’s arm
and led her into the main room of the temple. A few seconds later, her broken
sobs emerged through the portal.

Jake clutched Heidi’s hand as Darius stood and moved over to
another merman seated against the opposite wall. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see
you again,” he murmured. “The wedding’s still on, right?”

“Damn straight,” she whispered around the lump in her
throat. “You’re not getting out of it this easily.”

A few minutes later, Darius came back and took Jake’s hand again.
Heidi watched as the healer’s own breathing grew ragged while Jake’s eased
somewhat. Long moments later, Darius opened his eyes.

“You should be able to walk now, but take it easy,” Darius
said. “I need to take a break. Give me another hour or so, and I’ll be able to
do more.”

“Thank you,” Jake told him. “I feel much, much better.” He
turned to Heidi. “Shall we go in and pay our respects?”

She nodded and scrambled to her feet. He leaned on her
heavily as he stood, but he made it. Keeping one arm around her shoulder, he
allowed her to take a little of his weight as they walked.

The main room was a large chamber, with sconces for torches
every few feet along the perimeter. At the far end stood a large, surprisingly
lifelike statue of Dionysus, flanked by a pair of naked nymphs. In front of the
statue, Marcos was laid out on a low stone altar. Myrrine knelt beside him,
weeping, with Chiron standing behind her in the shadows.

Jake and Heidi came up and parted to stand one on either
side of his mother, each with a hand on her shoulder. Looking down at the body,
Heidi shuddered when she saw the jagged black hole that pierced his right
temple.

“Why did I fight so hard against loving him?” Myrrine
whispered brokenly. “After Antonio died, it just seemed wrong to fall in love
with a merman—as if it was a rejection of him, and our children together.”

“I think Father would have approved,” Jake told her. “Marcos
was his friend, and Father would have wanted you to be happy.”

“Of course he would have,” Heidi added. “That’s what love is
about—wanting the best for the person you care for.”

“And now it’s too late.” Myrrine covered her eyes with her
hands and sobbed.

“I’m so sorry, Mother.” Jake rubbed his hand across her
shaking shoulder.

Myrrine reached up and clutched his hand with hers. “At
least I still have you, thank the gods.”

“Ah, well, you’re welcome.”

They all looked up, shocked, as the statue of Dionysus
spoke. Where a dark gray sculpture had stood moments before, now there was a
living, breathing god, still flanked by the stone nymphs. He took one step
forward, away from their entangling arms, and looked at Chiron.

“The human sailors have left the island. Gather your people
here, in the temple. Prisoners as well.”

Chiron bowed deeply, then hurried off to do the god’s
bidding. Moments later, the merfolk began to gather in the chamber, even the
captives, who were prodded at gunpoint by the others. When they saw Dionysus,
each of them bowed. Last to arrive were Wen and Steve, who stood in the doorway
at the rear of the room.

“You have succeeded in the task I set before you,” Dionysus
began. “Though not without cost. Some of that, I can repay.” A cup of wine
appeared in his hands hand he handed it across the altar to Jake. “Drink.”

Jake bowed his head and sipped from the cup. Immediately, he
stood taller, straighter, and over their psychic link, Heidi could tell he’d
been totally healed. Jake passed the cup to Niko, and from him it was passed
around the room until everyone was restored and the cup was passed back to
Heidi, who returned it to the god.

“For those of you who assisted the humans, who preyed on
other humans, you have the chance now to know how they feel. Henceforward, you
shall
be
human.” He waved his hand again, and the captive merfolk
screamed.

Dionysus looked back at Wen. “You may turn them over to the
authorities now. They are entirely mortal. Any you capture from here forward,
bring to this room. The same will happen to them.”

“Finally,” he said, looking down at Marcos. “It is not your
time, faithful one. Awake.” He held the cup out to Myrrine. “Place a few drops
on his lips.”

“Of course, my lord.” Myrrine dipped her finger into the
cup, then traced it across Marcos’ lower lip.

They all watched breathlessly as the bullet hole closed then
vanished. Slowly, color returned to his chalky features and his chest suddenly
heaved as he resumed breathing. Moments later, his eyes fluttered open, and he
gazed longingly up at Myrrine.

“Welcome back,” she whispered, tears running down her
cheeks. Then in front of everyone, she leaned down and kissed his lips.

The merfolk applauded.

When the noise had died down, Brad turned to the god. “What
about Pablo? Can you bring him back too?”

Dionysus shook his head. “I’m afraid not. His soul wasn’t
mine to return. I’m sorry.”

Marcos slid off the altar to stand by Myrrine, and Jake
shifted around his mother to slip an arm around Heidi’s waist.

“Now,” the god continued. “I have a promise to keep. Gather
the rest of your people here on the island, and I will effect the conversion. I
realize that will take some time, but I have some tasks for you in the
meanwhile, and another boon to go with them.”

He motioned for all those in the room to gather at the
altar, then continued once they had.

“My island should not be left abandoned again. If your race
is to take your place among humankind, you will need a place to take. So I
propose this. I will remove the forgetting field that I once used to protect my
followers. This island will soon become recognized, and will no doubt be
claimed by the Mexican government. Once, long ago, a few followers of mine held
a deed to this place. I intend to create a lineage so that the current legal
holder of the title is your queen.”

A gasp went up. This was—perfect. Nearly too good to be
true.

“There is more, however,” Dionysus warned. “This place was
and shall be a place dedicated to me. It must become a place where frequent
revels of wine, song and feasting can occur. I recommend that you create an
adult-only resort on this property, holding regular parties here in the temple
grounds. You can house your families in the village, away from the debauchery.
There are even farms and business that can be rebuilt, to provide livelihoods
for those not inclined to work at such a facility.”

He held out his hand to the queen. “Do we have an agreement?”

She fell to her knees and accepted his hand in hers. “We do,
my lord. And the merfolk will happily provide you with all the merriment due to
your goodness.”

“Very well,” the god said approvingly. A scroll appeared in
his hand and he passed it to Myrrine. “When your people have gathered, I will
return.” He stepped back and moments later was just a statue once again.

“Well, Mother,” Jake said, squeezing Heidi’s hand. “Looks as
if we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Three weeks later, they’d scrubbed every remaining building
in the village and the temple compound and knocked down those that were no
longer structurally sound. Jake, Heidi and Brad had made several runs into Cabo
San Lucas for food and supplies, and merfolk families had been arriving almost
daily, joining in the labor and staking claims on the various housing
alternatives. They’d even discovered that there were still pineapples and
sugarcane growing wild on the former farms, enough to get them started with
some sort of crops. Heidi and Brad had suggested wind turbines to provide
electricity for the new village and resort, and they were looking into that
option. To everyone’s surprise, there was a healthy trust fund that went with
the property. Along with their shipwreck treasure, the money would see them
through until the new resort, currently in the hands of an architect
recommended by Steve, could be opened, probably the following year.

The Mexican navy had captured the yacht with the remaining
pirates, including those who had fled the island in the fast boats. Only a few
of the remaining mermen had been captured, though, so that was an ongoing
worry. Somewhere out there, Phaeton still lurked.

Yesterday, the last of the merfolk had arrived. Tomorrow was
the first night of the full moon and Jake was determined to sit it out, giving
up his life as a merman. Heidi had her doubts about that, but nothing she’d
said had swayed him a bit. They would be human together, for as long as they
both should live. They planned to be married on the third night—at the height
of the full moon, in the temple of Dionysus with the merfolk’s high priest and
priestess officiating. They’d have a civil ceremony back in California to make
sure all the legal bases were covered, but this would be their real wedding—the
one that counted for both of them. Brad and Leta were standing up for Heidi and
both Wen and Steve were returning to act as groomsmen, though of course they’d
both returned to their jobs and lives the day after the battle.

Tonight was the party in honor of the god who had provided
this new homeland, and also in honor of the people who had worked and fought to
secure it. To Heidi’s immense discomfort, she and Brad, along with the
warriors, were chief among those being thanked. She still hadn’t gotten used to
being treated like a princess. Though no one seemed to listen, she truly didn’t
believe she needed any recognition. Looking at Jake, she felt as if she’d
already won the greatest prize of all.

As dusk began to fall, the merfolk gathered at the temple.
Over a thousand strong, the population more than filled the temple, its steps,
the double courtyard and the terraces below, leaving a number of families to
line the beach. Jake and Brad had rigged a sound system, though, so the priest’s
words could be heard by all. Heidi and Jake stood with Myrrine, Leta, Brad and
the warriors in the inner sanctum with the priests and priestesses.

The altar was heaped with food and wine, torches blazed
along the walls, and candles were lit both in and around the temple. More
tables of food and drinks had been set up outside for the merfolk to celebrate,
even the children, for the first part of the evening, at least. Heidi had no
doubts this party would soon become an even bigger orgy than the last, but if
that’s what the god wanted, and the people were willing, more power to them.

The priest finished the chant, the priestess offered a
chalice to the statue, and once again, the image took form and Dionysus stepped
forth. He accepted the chalice and nodded gravely as all those present bowed
before him.

“Your offerings honor me,” he said formally to the clerics. “Now
I have a promise to keep. Please rise.”

Everyone stood. Dionysus raised the cup.

“Though you are the descendants of Poseidon, he has chosen
to ignore your needs in this century and you have turned to me. You have proven
your loyalty with sweat and blood and offerings, and for this, I take your race
under my protection and care. Do you accept this?”

“We do,” said Myrrine, from her position on the right side
of the high priest.

“Then it is done,” boomed Dionysus’ voice. Even without
amplification, Heidi was sure everyone on the island heard him. He sipped from
the cup, then offered it to the priest, the priestess and Myrrine, to seal the
bargain.

“Now, my people, I grant the request that your race be
altered to ensure its survival. Henceforth, you may remain in human or dolphin
form indefinitely, changing only when you wish. You need no longer spend your
lives underground or in the water, hiding from mortals.”

Thunder boomed in the sky above them, and a collective sigh
went up from the merfolk as they felt the pressure to change relieved.

The god nodded to Myrrine and Marcos and to Heidi and Jake. “My
blessings on both your unions.” Then he turned to the priest and priestess and
grinned. “Let the festivities begin.”

* * * * *

Two hours later, most of the families and older merfolk had
left.

Heidi and Jake wandered hand in hand along the beach. Soon,
they’d go out to the
Folly
, where they’d been staying along with Brad,
Leta and a few others. They could have their own private celebration back in
their cabin.

“I’m surprised your mother and Marcos haven’t disappeared
yet,” Heidi said with a laugh. Myrrine and Marcos were dancing up a storm, long
after she’d expected them to wander off, probably to the guest cottage where
they had set up a temporary residence. “Have they decided when their wedding is
yet?”

Jake laughed. “No. I think she’s afraid of overshadowing
ours.”

“That’s sweet,” Heidi replied. “Goofy, but sweet. Only two
more days.”

“Yep,” he agreed, leaning down to kiss her. “Two very long
days until you’re officially mine.”

She’d bought a white lace dress and mantilla on one of their
trips to Cabo, and Jake had picked up a Mexican wedding shirt and a pair of
black trousers. Leta and some friends were gathering flowers, Steve was
bringing a portable sound system, and Myrrine was in charge of yet another
feast. They were all set, and Heidi couldn’t wait.

She knew Jake couldn’t either, and she returned his kiss
frantically, shoving her hands up under his Hawaiian shirt to slide them along
the sleek muscles of his back. He palmed one of her breasts through the tank
top she wore, igniting her senses even further. Not far away, the musicians
played on their limited instruments, and the torches seemed to flicker in time
to the dark, sensual beat. Further down the darkened beach they heard a giggle
followed by a man’s low laugh. There were plenty of other couples making use of
the darkness as well, it seemed.

Gasping for breath, Heidi pulled her mouth from Jake’s,
leaning on his chest with her hands to steady her wobbly knees. “We should go
tell your mother we’re leaving.”

“Yeah,” Jake rasped. “Good idea, Freya.”

He took her hand and pulled her toward the temple compound,
almost at a run. As soon as they entered the outer courtyard, they spotted
Myrrine, Marcos and several of their friends, seated around one of the corner
palm trees. One of the mermen had built a number of wooden benches in the last
few weeks, and these lined the open area, providing seating for groups
scattered about.

Myrrine leaned against the low stone wall with Marcos’ arm
snugly around her trim waist, her head resting on his shoulder. As Heidi and
Jake approached, Heidi smiled at the picture of happiness the older couple
made. A flicker of movement behind the couple caught her eye. On looking
closer, she didn’t see anything at first, then as she glanced away, she saw it
again. She’d swear she saw the glint of a knife raised over her future
mother-in-law’s head.

“Mother,” she cried, not taking time to think. She ran
forward, pushing Myrrine away from the wall, just as the image of a merman
resolved into her vision. The man howled and his face contorted with anger as
he continued his strike. The knife flashed down. Heidi sent her love along the
link she shared with Jake as she felt the blade strike her throat. Then there
was nothing.

* * * * *

Jake’s world stopped as he saw Heidi dive toward his mother.
The air shimmered behind the wall, then Phaeton’s angry face coalesced as he
stabbed downward with a long, shining blade.

A wealth of love and regret surged over his bond with Heidi,
and then the knife struck, blood spurted, and the link went cold.

Jake screamed Heidi’s name as he vaulted over the wall,
taking his uncle down in a tackle that was more anger than grace. The knife
clattered from Phaeton’s hand, but he landed a punch to Jake’s rib cage. The
two mermen struggled as others scrambled behind them, please, gods, taking care
of Heidi. They rolled on the rocky terrain of the hillside, until both were
battered and bloody. They’d almost rolled all the way down to the sand when
Phaeton landed on top, leaned a forearm across Jake’s throat, and began
muttering a spell. Jake grabbed a rock from beneath his hand and brought it up
hard, smashing it into his uncle’s skull with all his might.

Phaeton toppled slowly, his eyes wide—or eye, really. The
other was too covered in blood to be seen. Jake’s hand dropped limply to the
ground as he fought to catch his breath around at least a few cracked ribs,
maybe even a punctured lung.
Oh hell, not again
.

“He’s dead,” Niko declared, dragging Phaeton’s body off Jake.
Darius was beside him, his touch on Jake’s hand healing even as he helped Jake
to stand.

“Heidi,” Jake rasped out the word, glaring at Darius. What
was he doing here, with Jake? Then he looked over to the crowd and saw Aella
kneeling next to Myrrine, and he strode forward. “How is she?” Other than
unconscious. That much he knew. The crowd had parted for him as soon as Niko
and Darius helped him climb back over the wall.

“Son…” Myrrine began, reaching up to take Jake’s hand. She
cradled Heidi’s head in her lap, uncaring that she was now also covered in
blood. “I’m so, so sorry.” Tears were streaming down his mother’s face.

“What? Aella, surely…” He dropped to his knees beside Heidi,
not even registering that the cobblestones were sticky.

Heidi’s pale hair was matted and dark, but pulled back to
reveal a gash across her throat that no one could have survived, not even for
moments. Her blue tank top and white shorts were mostly maroon. Still Jake
pleaded with someone, anyone, to save her. How could he go on without her now?

“It’s too late,” Aella said sadly. “I’m sorry, child.”

Jake looked around frantically. Brad was there, looking
shell-shocked and lost. Marcos had his gore-covered shirt in his hand as if he’d
used it to try to stanch the bleeding. “There has to be something…”

And then he looked at Marcos again, and he remembered. “Dionysus,”
he bellowed. He looked at his mother. “Dionysus can bring her back.”

“Of course,” Myrrine said. “Quickly, carry her into the
temple.”

Marcos, Niko, Brad and Jake immediately slid their hands
beneath her still form, lifting her gently. As solemnly as any funeral
procession, they carried her through the gates and up the steps into the
cella
,
or main room of the temple. Leta and Jake’s mother hastily shoved the food and
wine to the floor, clearing the altar for their precious burden.

Dionysus lounged on an air mattress that had somehow
appeared behind the altar, with the two nymphs who had also come to life, along
with one mermaid and two mermen, all naked. When he saw what was going on, he
lifted the mermaid’s head off his lap and stood, a toga instantly covering his
aroused satyr’s body.

“What’s this?” He moved up beside the altar and touched
Heidi’s cool forehead. “How?”

“The merman traitor,” Jake growled. “He’s dead.”

“Good.” The god touched Heidi’s forehead, but nothing
happened.

“You have the power to bring her back, like you did for me,”
Marcos said. “Please, my lord. We beg you to restore her.”

“Anything,” Jake said, not caring at all about the tears
that lined his cheeks, along with mud and blood from his fight with his uncle. “I
will do anything you ask if you bring her back.”

Dionysus squeezed his shoulder. “I cannot.”

“Please,” Brad begged. “Take me instead.”

“Or me,” Leta cried.

“Or me,” Jake pleaded.

But the god shook his head. “I didn’t say I would not
restore her life. I said I cannot. Her soul is not mine to free.”

They all stood in shocked silence as they absorbed that
unwelcome news. Somehow, the nymphs had disappeared, along with the other
revelers who had been in the room. Niko and Chiron blocked the door, flanked by
the two healers. The only others in the room were Jake, his family and Brad,
crowded around Heidi’s lifeless form.

“But,” Dionysus continued, “her constant willingness to
sacrifice for a race not even her own
has
impressed me. Perhaps there is
something I can do.” He turned to the end of the altar, where Heidi’s head
rested. “Show yourself in my temple, Valkyrie. I wish to speak with you.”

Slowly a form coalesced. A tall, powerful woman in battle
armor with flowing hair the same shade as Heidi’s inclined her head toward
Dionysus. “What do you wish to say, Olympian?”

He nodded respectfully to the messenger of the Norse gods. “This
woman has done me a great service. I wish to restore her to life, but her soul
is in your power.”

The Valkyrie tipped her head, her brow furrowed in confusion
beneath her silver helm. “But she died bravely in battle. Why would she choose
to deny Valhalla to remain here? Besides, she is one of our own—a descendant of
one of my sisters. She will be greatly honored when she arrives at the feasting
hall.”

“Nonetheless, would you ask her if she wishes to stay? I
would be willing to send some Olympian wine to your hall to return the favor. I
know it is a favorite of Odin’s.” Dionysus waved his hand, and several golden
amphorae appeared beside the Valkyrie.