37As Cryssa and Bey watched from the hilltop, distant figures rose from the sea. Five and ten and twenty at a time, they broke the surface, arrayed in a ring that spanned the horizon.
Dozens and dozens of Kee leaped out of the water in graceful arcs, clad in silver helmets and armor. Many of the Kee had riders--Sylva warriors waving spears and swords overhead.
Gangs of powerful, black-and-white Orga nosed up alongside the Kee. Sleek-furred seals and leathery sea lions popped up, too, seemingly unafraid though the Orga often hunted them. On this day, even hunters and prey would work together to oppose the Sharkites.
Silver-skinned swordfish shot out of the water in twos and threes, their long, sharp noses lancing the air. Squadrons of flying fish darted over the twisting tentacles o
