Saving Maltira

Chapter Five

The sea was calm, dark and lonely. Layla swam with the fishes as she went over her first plan. A young mermaid travelling alone would draw suspicion. So first she had to acquire a travelling companion and she knew just who to call.

Dressed in a cream embroidered rare silk dress with an open back, Layla felt a bit loose. In Aquaira women wore conservative dresses. But this wasn't Aquaira. It was Toloq, a nation of loose morals. Layla had heard that the mermaids who served as concubines for the wealthy chiefs of all mer-kind were all from Toloq. Layla shivered as she wondered if they were bred to please men from birth. As she walked along the streets she noticed how it stood in stark contrast to her city. The place was beautiful as expected of a mer-city. But that was all. Low-life loitered in the streets and young maids wore skimpy dresses.

Layla walked into a tavern and ordered a drink.

"What do you want?"

Layla smiled up at the bearded middle aged man. "Give me your finest."

The bartender grunted and got a glass of a reddish drink.

Layla sipped. It tasted sweet, but as she swallowed it burned her throat. Alcohol. "Where do you guys find the finest alcohol."

"We don't divulge trade secrets lady."

"Trade secrets." Layla downed her drink and brought out some gold pieces from her purse. "Do you know any lady named Hilda? She's half nymph. A dark haired beauty."

"No. "

Layla flashed another sultry smile. "OK, but you do know where I can find lodging."

Layla stood outside the inn and wondered what she had done to offend the bartender. Surely there were other places in far better condition than the shack he had directed her to. Stop whining princess. Adjust.

Yes princess, adjust.

Layla turned to see the very person she had asked about hours ago. She was dressed in a short top that showed her belly and big pants. A simple wear but she looked ravishing in it. Layla noticed the hip dagger at her side. "Do you always walk around armed?"

That laughter.

Layla involuntarily closed her eyes and relaxed as the musical sound washed over her.

"Nice to see you too Lay, what are you doing here? I heard you were asking about me. "

"You heard. That's surprising seeing that the only person I asked told me he doesn't know you and then punished me for asking.“ She pointed to the inn for emphasis.

Hilda laughed again and Layla smiled.

"Come. I'll treat you to better lodging."

Hilda led her through a garden full of different plants to a majestic building.

"How do you have so many plants without sunlight?"

"The green house. My mother's friend taught her. "

"I noticed your people have a lot of human things.

"Yes. We trade with them. "

Layla wanted to say more but she noticed Hilda wasn't given to elaborations. She always answered straight and direct to the point. Also giving evasive answers or changing the topic.

As they entered into the house, Layla noticed a lot of servants.

"Your parents must be really wealthy to afford all these things."

Hilda turned to her. "Do you always ask so many questions?"

"It helps me know people."

Hilda smiled and opened a door. She stood aside and Layla walked into the room. It was more elegant than her chambers and more spacious.

"This is my bedroom. It's where I do everything. Do you like it? "

"What's not to like? I love it. "

"Good. Because you'll be staying here with me for as long as you want. "

A servant walked in with a tray of assorted dishes and set it down on a table. Another servant brought a tray of drinks.

As Layla watched them, her stomach rumbled.

"How long did it take you to get here from Aquaira?"

"Three days.

"Hmm. Three days of hunting orca." At Layla's surprised expression she continued, "I noticed that was your meal of choice during the festival.

"It's filling."

"And it's a challenge to hunt. Well I hope you have appetite for cooked food. You aren't in the open sea anymore. "

As they ate Layla again noticed the variety of human food.

"I've never been above."

Hilda dropped her spoon. "What?!!

"Yes. I've never had a reason to. "

"What about curiosity?"

"My curiosity ends in mer-kind. And also how to get stronger so I can protect my people. Any other thing does not really interest me. "

"Wow. Then I have a lot to show you. "

Over the next three days the two ladies bonded. Hilda took Layla on a grand tour of Toloq. By the time they returned home Hilda's parents had returned from their trip. Layla was not so shocked when she learned that Hilda was the daughter and second child of King Zarion of Toloq and his wife, Queen Petiba. Only a palace was built the way this house was.

"Aren't you going to ask me why I didn't tell I am a Princess?"

"I think you wanted to surprise me."

"Did I succeed?"

"No. "

At Hilda's raised eyebrows she elaborated, "The house gave you away."

"Rise and shine, Lay."

Layla bolted out of bed. I slept in! I never sleep in.

You've had a tiring trip so far. You're allowed to rest.

Stop doing that.

Doing what?

Entering my thoughts. It's unnerving.

Can anyone unnerve you, Lay? Freshen up. Breakfast will be up soon.

A large wooden bath at the corner of her room had been filled with water.

"I'm on a World Tour."

"Trying to find a mate?"

"Haha very funny."

"So where are you going from here?"

"I'm thinking of going to Qeen."

"Take me with you."

"I was praying you'd say that."