Nearly an hour later, the smell of fresh grilled fish and rich soup filled the air around the village along with the happy sighs of sated children. Marina was impressed that Mike helped her and the older children in preparing plates for the younger children first. Only when everyone else had finished eating and begun to settle down did Marina and Mike prepare a meal for themselves.
With an uncertain smile, Marina motioned for Mike to follow her as she stepped out of the hut. Out of habit, her eyes scanned the area to make sure everything was as it should be. The older children were cleaning up and softly talking while the younger ones were already beginning to settle down for the night. The weight of the Sea Witch’s spell drained the energy of the youngest children more quickly than the o
