Salt Storm: The Salted Series: Episodes #31-35 Galvin, Aaron (classic fiction txt) 📖

offered me this gift of reuniting with my son in his last moments. All that he would do as he dreamt and longed for. Aye, that my son returned to reveal the true fated way ahead for me and my people also.

Chidi shivered at the coldness in his voice, the similar, icy look in his eyes when Watawa returned with the Cape Fur Seal that was Marisa Bourgeois swimming alongside him.

Unlike Chidi, Marisa did not hesitate in approaching the Hammer chieftain. Atsidi Darksnout, she said, Marisa’s voice confident and clear as Chidi wished her own might sound when speaking. We meet again . . . much as I wish it were not so. Marisa cocked her seal head to the side in acknowledgment of Allambee in his father’s grasp.

Aye, said Atsidi. I admit now, as I did before, to doubting your claim that I would both see and hold my son again in this lifetime. Would that you had told me then it would be his last moments.

Marisa swam closer. Would that have changed things for you if I had?

Perhaps, said Atsidi. Had I known my son would die as a result, I would have begged you to keep him safe, rather than him ever come to know my face.

And yet, like me, you cannot see all ends, my friend, said Marisa.

Can you not? Atsidi asked.

Only so far as I am allowed, said Marisa. If your son had lived, it may be the whole of this world and above would die for it.

Atsidi scoffed. And yet a mystic witch such as I deem you to be would say these worlds are still doomed, no matter the fate of my son’s life. He shook his head. I would trade both worlds and all those in it for more time with him.

How much time, Atsidi Darksnout? Marisa replied. A minute? An hour? More?

Chidi’s face warmed at Marisa’s taunting, even as Atsidi’s face stiffened also.

You mock my grief? He asked.

I would illuminate your concept of time, said Marisa. For we have little and less, Darksnout. And though your time with Allambee Omondi was spare, it was still longer than some will ever receive.

A cruel gift, said the Hammer chieftain, glancing upon his son’s face.

No, said Marisa, swimming a circle about the Hammer chieftain before rising to face him at eye level. Your reunion was not a gift. It were a bargain struck. The same as any who would become a father or mother. In their hearts, each know they must someday bid farewell to their child also. Most do not consider the cost, however, for it is different for each and every tie. If some knew the price at the time of farewell, how many would still readily agree to take on the bargain?

Atsidi shook his head. This price is too great to bear.

Marisa nodded with her seal head. Aye, she said. As I warned you when first we met that you would not like the outcome of leaving your cell behind, even if it served a greater good.

Atsidi glared at her. You are an odd Silkie, girl. To mock my pain in such a moment as this.

Not mocking, said Marisa. Reminding. When I warned that you would meet your son for but a little while, we also spoke of how the Salt would have its due. Now, I have come for mine.

Here, then? Atsidi asked. You would choose this time to have me meet your blood price, here and now?

Not I, said Marisa. Let you give the repayment to Chidi instead. No doubt your son would approve.

No doubt, Atsidi answered, his tone simmering as he looked between the two Silkies. Is that all then, girl? All the price that you would have of me?

The Salt demanded this price of you, Darksnout, not I, said Marisa, nodding toward Allambee in his arms. But I would have you keep your son’s memory alive and safe within you. From this day, until your last day, Atsidi Darksnout. See that you keep the sacrifice of Allambee Omondi ever at the forefront of your memory.

That is but a little cost to me, said Atsidi. As for your blood price, I will see it done. Now, go. Leave me to my grief . . . and, if you value your life, do not ever let me see you again, Silkie.

Marisa nodded in silent reply, then turned her nose upward and ascended for the surface.

Chidi started after her. She had not risen two feet from her former position before Atsidi called her to stay.

Not you, he said. I have yet to repay my debt for this encounter with my son.

Chidi shivered at the implication and his dark eyes studying her, even as Atsidi Darksnout continued holding his son. She nearly took off for the surface again when his left hand left its purchase of Allambee. The Hammer chieftain reached for the lone adornment that floated near his heart; a shark tooth talisman that seemed to bat against Atsidi’s lean-muscled chest, caught in an invisible Salt stream of constant movement. Held by a piece of simple weave, crafted of seaweed rope that served as a necklace, the tooth seemed to float on the underwater current. Atsidi’s fingers clenched around the talisman, forming a fist, and the tooth the treasure inside.

Atsidi hesitated to release the talisman, continuing his study of Chidi. Why does she want you to receive this from me? He demanded of her.

Receive what? Chidi asked. The tooth?

What else?

I-I don’t know, she said. She’s never said anything to me about . . . any of this.

Atisid scoffed. She chose you wisely, child. For all my want to name you liar, I hear no falsehood in your voice. He sighed. And the thought of my son reaching for you . . . calling your name at the last . . . Atsidi shook his head, then ducked his head while lifting his arm, removing the simple necklace and talisman from around his neck. With a glint in his eye, he