Viidela swam over the wall and charged further down the trench.  Swimming into an open area she came to a sudden stop.  The chain holding the necklace around Merrkan’s neck snapped, sending the black charm bouncing across the sea floor.

Merrkan struggled out of the arms of the mermaid that carried him and chased the trinket.  As he got close to the symbol of his curse, the ball jumped from the ground and flew to his chest.  The clash sent a flare of light through the water and burned into Merrkan’s body.

His face contorted in pain, but the old man didn’t allow a scream to escape.  Prying the charm from his chest, he rubbed a finger into the shallow wound.  The inky tear-shaped piece fit right back into the hole, and Merrkan covered it with his hand.  He exhaled, realizing he had been holding his breath.  He looked to Viidela to find her bowing in his direction.

“Merrkan, Viidela.  Welcome again to the Hollow of the Ancients.”

The man turned and looked into the face of a mermaid with flowing red hair.  He bowed immediately acutely aware of the fear and the realization that he wasn’t ready to face her; not yet, possibly not ever.   He swallowed.

“Veridean, I give my strength to you.”  He spoke in unison with Viidela.

“Viidella, your strength is an asset to The Seven and we are all glad to have it back.  Please rise.”

“Merrkan.”  She paused, watching the man’s grey hair tremble with the rest of him.  “Bring me the Tear of Betrayal.”

He lifted his head, his eyes glistening, and pulled the necklace from the hole in his chest.  Sparks of electricity leapt from the charm to his body until it was at arms length.  He held it out for Veridean to take.