Waterborne Read Online Free Page A

nobility, were of another species, an elusive blend of fish and mammal. All were workers, fishermen, soldiers, or servants, and they were neither male nor female, but both in the same body. They were fearless fighters, but none of their class could rise above the lowest ranks, and it was said that they were of limited intelligence.
    The supreme ruler ’Enakai was petite and feminine enough in appearance, but as cruel and calculating as a moray eel. Her skin was a shimmering indigo in hue, and her heavy-lidded eyes were black as ink, large, and almond-shaped. Ropes of pearls dangled from her elongated earlobes, and a golden disk bearing the likeness of an octopus was pinned through the cartilage of her nose.
    Alex had heard it said that ’Enakai took beautiful young men to her bed, and when she tired of them, she had her guards strangle them so that they could not carry tales of her bedchamber. But so alluring was she, that it was also said that there were no lack of lovers willing to risk all for the chance to find paradise between her thighs.
    Anger radiated from her as she fought to maintain control of the audience. Alex was walking a thin strand of kelp and well he knew it. One mistake and she’d order her guards to slice him into small slivers and feed him to the royal jellyfish.
    “I ask you again, prince of Atlantis”—’Enakai demanded—“why should we waste our magic on a human?”
    “Because she is no longer human, but something more,” Alex replied, with more certainty than he felt. “She possesses great powers of her own. Among her own kind, she is considered a powerful magician.” It was as good a lie as he could come up with on the spot. He wished Orion were here. His twin was positively diabolical when dreaming up mad plots to get them out of jams like this.
    ’Enakai studied the human woman. “She doesn’t look like a witch. What’s wrong with her?”
    “Another human, jealous of her powers, shot her with his gun,” Alex lied smoothly. “I was in the process of transforming her, to restore her life force, when I realized that she needed the art of your healers.”
    “So you admit to inadequacy?” ’Enakai said. Her women twittered like Balinese oysters.
    “In some areas, your highness.” He flashed her a smile. “But not in others.”
    “If we save your little pet, there will be a price to pay.”
    “Restore her to health, and then we will talk of payment.”
    ’Enakai motioned to an older woman with purple skin and an elaborate turban covering every strand of her hair. “Take the creature to the temple, but keep close watch over her. If she is a witch, see that she casts no spells.”
    “I hear and obey, light of the sea.” The woman placed her palms together, bowed low, and then summoned two of the female guards to take the human from Alex’s arms.
    “Treat her with kindness,” Alex said to the turbaned matron.
    “And you?” ’Enakai demanded. “How should we treat you?”
    “As a royal ambassador from Poseidon’s court to yours, your highness. As you would wish to be welcomed, if you were a guest in my father’s house.”
    “I will consider your request,” ’Enakai said coldly. “Until then, you may consider what other pleasures we might have in store for you.” She clapped her hands. “Take him away. I’ve wasted enough time on him and his pet. There are other matters which demand my attention.”
    “Take him where?” The heavily tattooed captain of the guard stepped forward and slammed a fist against her right shoulder-shield in salute. She was a striking specimen, even among the ranks of her Amazon comrades. Her scales were gilt rather than green in hue, and the luxurious weight of her lavender scalp-lock hung behind her to mid-thigh, proof that she had never been bested in battle.
    “To the dungeons. Where else would we house an enemy intruder? But leave him a single light-fish. We would not cast him into total darkness like barbarians.” She smiled