The pearl projected images of an empty metal vessel on the shore, strange equipment scattered around it.
Lucy stiffened. “My team. What happened to them?”
“We don’t know,” Maris admitted. “There were signs of struggle. It’s possible other clans took them.”
“Or they fled inland,” Korus added. “Into territories we cannot easily search.”
Lucy’s hands gripped the armrests of her chair. “We need to find them. Now.”
“Speaking of the Mersai,” I said, my voice hardening, “we’ve discovered how they infiltrated the gardens.” I gestured to Korus, who nodded grimly. “They exploited the brief opening of the storm wall when our scouts returned. Our investigation shows they wore crude imitations of palace guard markings---enough to fool distant observers in the confusion of the scouts’ return. They then accessed the old maintenance channels---water pathways designed for gardeners that connect to the outer reef.” My scales darkened slightly with anger. “The storm wall protects our shores, but our own security protocols were exploited. The investigation continues.”
“Your concern for your people is admirable,” Elder Veda said, her ancient eyes studying Lucy with interest. “Much like our queen mother’s concern for ours, wouldn’t you agree, Thalassar?”
I nodded, grateful for Veda’s intervention. “My mother would have considered all options before judgment.”
“Your mother,” Ravis spat, “was too trusting of outsiders. It led to her death.”
The chamber temperature dropped several degrees as my anger flared. “Mind yourself, Ravis.”
“He speaks without wisdom,” Veda said calmly. “Your mother envisioned a future where our people did not hide behind storm walls, but engaged with the world beyond. She would have welcomed this alliance with humans.”
“Alliance?” one of the younger council members echoed, shifting uncomfortably. “We speak of alliance already?”
"Any potential alliance requires trust and security," I interjected, my voice sharp. "Yet Lady Lucy has already faced two attempts on her life within our protected territory. We cannot seriously discuss alliances, Elder, until we identify and neutralize this internal threat. I would know who orchestrates these attacks."
Ravis leaned forward, his expression sour. “Perhaps the threat is not from our enemies, King Thalassar, but from loyal subjects acting to protect our traditions from contamination?The prophecies warn that outsiders will drain the Heart Tree's energy!”
Lucy stood suddenly, drawing all eyes. “I understand your concerns. I arrived uninvited. I represent the unknown. But my people came seeking refuge, not conquest. Our peoples could benefit from cooperation—if you’ll allow it.”
Her words hung in the chamber’s stillness. Several council members exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable to human eyes but clear to mine: surprise, curiosity, and in some, a reluctant respect.
“The human speaks well,” Maris conceded.
“The human has a name,” I reminded them.
“Lucy,” Veda said, her voice warm with approval. “You must tell us more about your people’s needs. After we conclude the official business.”
The meeting continued with reports of increased Mersai activity near our borders. I found myself distracted, watching Lucy process the pearl’s translations, her expression shifting subtly as she followed the complex discussions. She caught details I hadn’t expected her to grasp.
As the council dispersed two hours later, Elder Veda approached us, her movements slow but deliberate. “My king, might I request a private audience with you and Lady Lucy?”
“Of course, Elder,” I replied, surprised by the formal request. Veda rarely stood on ceremony with me.
The ancient healer led us through corridors less traveled, past guards who bowed deeply at our approach. The walls here displayed older architecture, carved with symbols of our earliest history.
“Where are we going?” Lucy whispered, her hand still tucked in mine.
“The sacred archives,” I answered, equally quiet. “Few are permitted entry.”
Veda stopped before a carved wall of ancient coral composite, its surface etched with our oldest language. She pressed her scaled palm against it and murmured words too ancient for even my translation.
The stone glowed, then an archway widened.
“Welcome to our beginning,” Veda said, ushering us inside.
Rows of crystalline shelves held ancient texts, memory pearls, and artifacts rescued from our original homeworld. The air smelled different here---saltier, with undertones of minerals not found in our current waters.
“This place is incredible,” Lucy breathed, her eyes wide surveying the columns of preserved knowledge.
