PART ONE
Gow pushed through the dark waters on his way home. It had been a long day. A good one, but a long one. Finding things the Undinia asked for was tough at times, but Gow was the best at what he did. If they wanted a rare fish for a banquet, he found it. If a female desired a rare pearl, no problem. It never took him more than a few days to find anything they needed. If royalty asked, then he made sure to get it right away.
His cave came into view, and he swam faster. The thought of a long sleep was the most important thing on his mind. Land Walkers slept on soft things they called mattresses. What a horrid idea. Nothing was better than a nice hard ledge. It really kept the back in line.
Before entering his cave, he pulled out a small green rock from his bag that was slung over his shoulder. Even in the chilly waters, it felt warm in his palm. With his three webbed fingers, he held it out in front of the opening to his home. A flash of light from both the rock and the entrance nearly blinded him. Now he could go inside. Anyone who tried to enter without his rock, would most likely be dead. If not dead, then passed out for a long time. How else could he protect his treasures?
With the barrier down, he moved inside. Another flash later, told him he was safe again. Lights flared to life along his walls. Happy humming emanated from each one. The little glow fish living inside special magic bubbles were always happy to see him when he came home. Gow took the time to say hello to each and gave them their evening meals.
Other items lined each wall as well as well as the glow fish that lit his cave. Items that he knew the names of and items he did not. Human items were there as well as dwarven and druid. The druid treasures were ridiculously hard to come by. They always protected their things well. Sometimes, if he came across Declan the druid, he could barter for rare trinkets. He was one of the few Land Walkers he could trust.
His tummy grumbled reminding him he hadn’t eaten. He floated over to a large chest and waved his hand over it. The lid opened revealing many things that were his and his alone. Gow removed his bag and took out the coins and other items the many races in the Great Waters paid him to utilize his skills. He didn’t only take coin but anything of value. Someone somewhere would want it eventually. He placed the coins in the chest and took out his meal of fresh seaweed. Another wave of his hand had the lid lowering and locking closed.
There was no table in his cave. He really didn’t need it. The simple life was his way. So, he swam up to his ledge and sat down. His short legs danged downward as he ate his meal. Seaweed was the best. He could not think of anything else he would want to eat. He never judged a species for their choices, but the thought of eating another animal was disgusting. Everyone should eat seaweed.
His three webbed toes fidgeted back and forth in happiness. When he was done, he tied together his many tentacles that grew from the back of his head with a thin rope. If he didn’t, they would end up sticking up all over the place. Appearance was everything in his business. A hard yawn formed from deep within causing his frog like features to scrunch up and his mouth to gape open. He itched his green torso and laid down. Yes, sleep was great, too.
As Gow lay there, drifting into sleep, he wondered what the next day would bring him.
PART TWO
Soft humming found its way into Gow’s dreams. They were great dreams of riches and jewels. The humming didn’t belong, and he knew what it was. The glow fish were waking him for a new day.
Gow shook himself awake. He stretched and scratched his green sides with all six fingers. Day? Night? Who knew what it was above the Great Waters. Land Walkers lived such strict lives. Gow Had a schedule to keep but it was his to determine. If he chose to sleep a long time, then he did, but not now.
He had a long journey ahead of him, so he jumped up and swam to his chest. Before he left, the glow fish needed to be fed. He gave them a little more than usual just in case he had to be gone longer than normal. They could go weeks without food, but he refused to do that. Gow packed some seaweed for himself and a few other items that might come in handy.
Today was a special day. The king himself had called for him. Gow would be traveling to Amadahy, the main Undinia city. It is where the royal family lived. If he was being summoned to Amadahy then it had to be important.
An item on one of his shelves sparkled from the corner of his eye. Placing a hand to his forehead, he went over to it. “How could I forget?” He quickly grabbed the necklace meant for Princess Nami’s birthday.
Gow looked around at his home then up to the glow fish. “Ok, guys. No parties. You know how to open the chest if I am gone too long. Don’t play dumb. I’ve seen you sneak treats when you think I’m asleep.” With that said, he turned to the opening of his cave and held out the small rock.
Once again, out of his cave, Gow surveyed his surroundings to make sure no one was there. He may be paranoid, but his diligence had paid off way too many times for him to stop now.
Knowing his home was safe, he swam away and towards Amadahy. It would take him almost a full moon cycle to get there. It didn’t bother him. They always found a place for him to sleep, and he wasn’t picky. Anywhere safe would do. For some reason they liked to put him in a fancy room with fancy things he never needed. Such is the life of royalty.
His mind wondered as he swam. All the adventures he had been on looking for items, trinkets, treasures, and even other beings living in the Great Waters. His life was never dull even though sometimes he wished it were. Hopefully, in the near future, he could relax and live a life of luxury. Well, luxury of his own standards. Just him and his glow fish being left alone.
A large school of fish nearly ran into him but quickly diverted their path. “Hey! Watch it! I’m swimmin’ here!” Gow watched the school zip along until they were out of sight. Doing this almost caused him to run smack into a giant whale shark. “Oh, I am terribly sorry sir.” The whale shark noddled his immense head and went along his way.
Off in the distance, a flourish of yellow and black fins twisted and twirled. A long eel like body formed figure eights. It was the most beautiful thing Gow had ever seen. Even more beautiful than any jewel ever made. It finally registered with him what he was seeing. It was one of the great god fish. They were rumors and myths but here was one right before his eyes. The question was why?
Gow cautiously swam closer and closer. He glanced around to see if any others could see what he was witnessing. Maybe he had eaten bad seaweed. No one else could be seen. The god fish stopped their elaborate dance. They faced Gow, lowering a gorgeous head ten times his size full of fins and streamers the same yellow and black as the rest of his body. Bright purple eyes glowed with an intelligence none could fathom.
His heartbeat quickened causing the water around him to thrum. If there were predators in the water anywhere close, they would surely come and eat him. The god fish lowered their head and gazed into his round eyes causing him to calm.
Should he bow? Should he not look into their eyes? What was the protocol here, anyway?
A soft feminine laugh filled his mind. ‘Do not bow or look away, my little Gow.”
He nervously glanced around to see who had talked to him. The one before him hadn’t moved a single muscle of their mouth. The voice was in his head though. He had heard that they could do this but didn’t believe it. Now he did.
He lifted his chin. “Great Fish. You are more beautiful than the rumors have said. Why is it that you grace me with your presence?”
“Thank you, Gow. Your compliment humbles me. I have an important message to give you. Things are changing in the Great Waters. War is coming. A race long forgotten has reemerged. Everyone is in danger, and you shall play an important roll in all things.”
“No, no, no, no. You must have the wrong Gow. I am a searcher. I do not involve myself in such important things. I live a simple life.”
“Are you saying I am wrong?” A smile played at the corners of the god fish’s mouth.
“Oh, no. Not at all, but maybe just…. mistaken?”
‘You have not always been a searcher, have you? You were once a warrior. You must return to your past.”
“I cannot. Those days are long gone. It has been centuries. I prefer the quiet life. It is better for all.”
The god fish sighed. “As you wish. For now, please relay a message to the king for me. Please warn him of what I said. He must prepare.”
“That, I can do. I am sorry to disappoint you.” Gow lowered his head in shame. He could not go back to violence. He had that part removed from him by a shaman. There was no going back. Was there?
PART THREE
Gow thought about what the Great Fish had told him. He was not one to normally shy away from anything but all he wanted was a simple life. In the past he fought alongside the Undinia in many wars. He never went on land, though. Those wars seemed unfair to the Land Walkers.
Amadahy came in to view several meters away. Its towering battlements scattered the landscape. For someone who did not understand the ways of the Great Waters, it would not make sense. There was no need for walls when you could swim.
The keep was place in the middle of all the towers. It took on an inverted “U” shape. Living quarters for the royals were placed to the right. In the center was where they gathered for parties, welcoming guests, or anything else related to day-to-day duties of the king. On the right was where all the soldiers lived. It was plush in comparison to Lank Walkers. The Undinia knew how to keep their battle fierce men and woman happy.
Everything sparkled from light emanating off nearby kelp farming and countless sconces, lamps, and other lights illuminated from the same kind of glow fish Gow had at home. Each building was covered in impenetrable pearl shelling giving it even more of a glow. It was the most glorious sight Gow had ever seen. No matter how many times he came here, it still amazed him.
Of course, Gow played a major part in acquiring much of the items the kind and queen used for their city. Not to mention their jewelry. Gow was proud of his work.
He approached the first battlement. Slots could be seen in many places all the way to the top where soldiers patrolled. One jumped down from his position and swam to Gow. He stood at attention when he reached the little frog type man. “Greeting, Gow. It has been made know you have been called to duty for the king, yet again.” The soldier snapped one arm to his chest with a tight fist. “Welcome. Your usual accommodations have been set for you.”
Then with a slight gleam in his eye but still at attention, the soldier continued. “Did you bring it?”
Gow smiled wide. “Yes, I did. I always bring what is asked for, my friend. I hope your wife enjoys it.” He brought down his side bag and rummaged through it. Eventually, Gow pulled out a package wrapped in shark skin. It was hefty but small. He handed it over to the guard.
“Much appreciated. I hope this appeases her.” He opened the package slightly to reveal a box full of exotic crab meat.
“When are the little ones due?” Gow smiled happily.
“By the next full moon’s tide, thankfully.” The guard chuckled. “You should be off. The king is kind but impatient.” From afar, anyone watching would take their body language as all seriousness and business. However, these two had known each other for quite some time. Gow made sure to bring his friend something nice every time he came.
Gow nodded and swam towards the entrance way to the king’s Royal Court. There would be more ceremony and routines, but Gow also had known this king for an extraordinarily long time. He even fought next to him in many wars. After court, they usually drank and talked about days long gone.
He made it to the chamber doors guarded by two of the largest soldiers Amadahy had. He was not sure how they made such large suits of armor for these two. The tailors probably hated it every time they flexed their muscles. Gow barely reached their kneecaps.
Even though Gow was no where near large enough to demand respect from these two giants, but he still stood as tall as he could while swimming closer. He needn’t have worried. As soon as he was close enough, the pair bowed low and opened the doors wide for him to enter. “Thank you, good sirs.”
They nodded in response. As soon as he passed into the large, elaborate chamber, they slowly shut the doors behind him. Inside was crowded with numerous Undinia dressed in all the finest and latest fashions. Women had long, tight fish scale dresses complete with elbow length gloves. Their hair was always exceptionally long but done up in tight braids and buns. Men looked very posh in their leggings and tunics. Many had fins from the rarest fish in the Great Waters.
For Gow, it showed their cruelty. Those rare fish should be honored and respected, not cut up and sewn onto clothing. One male had fins covering most of his tunic and boots. Gow really hoped he was eaten by a shark.
From the far end, a soldier clapped his hands loudly. “Your Royal Highness. Mr. Gow has arrived.”
The king stood up to look for Gow. As soon as he glimpsed him, he erratically waved the little guy over. This display had many of the Undinia cupping their webbed hands to their mouth and already large eyes growing wider. Several whispered amongst themselves.
Gow paid them no attention. He smiled to the king and swam over. Etiquette stated that Gow should have walked on the floor, but he didn’t care. Clearly, neither did the king.
“Welcome, Gow. There is much to discuss. Shall we retire to my chambers?” He waved his hand over to a door leading off to a side room. He lightly touched his wife’s hand. “Shall we, my dear?”
The queen lifted her head to meet her husband’s eyes. There was gratitude written all over her face. “Yes, please.”
The king went to straighten his pale blue tunic just as the queen rose from her throne and did the same to her matching simple fish scale dress. Both refused to wear the gaudy fins and fancy décor others chose. They felt the same as Gow in that regard.
The three waited as the same guard as before clapped his hands. Everyone stopped what they were doing. “The king and queen shall retire for the evening. Please continue until you feel you should as well.”
When he was finished, all three walked regally towards the door. Another guard opened it and then secured them behind it when they were through. Now in the safety of their chambers, the king and queen found chairs and plopped down into them.
“Thank you for saving me from that horrid affair, my love.” The queen started taking off her shoes. “If I received one more judgmental stair, I believe I would have gone mad.”
“Anything for you. I believe it was one of the worst so far.” He turned to Gow. “Now on to more important topics.” He bent low to embrace his long-time friend. “It is good to see you, Gow.”
Gow returned the hug. “You as well, Alon. Always good be here.” Gow went to the queen and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You are looking lovely, Anahita. As always.”
“You are always too kind, Gow.” Anahita stood and went to a door leading into the bedroom. “I will go in here and let you boys talk shop.”
Alon turned to Gow again. “I guess we should talk about why I asked you to come.” He waved to the seat his wife had just vacated. “Please take a seat.”
Before Alon started, a servant came with alcoholic drinks in glass tubes. A straw type drinking device extended from it so they wouldn’t lose any liquid to the water around them. When they were alone again, the king started over.
“So, there has been rumors of a new race coming and claiming war on all Great Water inhabitants. I need you to find an artifact for me that will help repel them.”
Gow scratched his smooth chin. The words of the God Fish rang in his mind. “A new race, you say. War? Who would dare go against the Undinia?”
The king shook his head. “I know not. But this artifact will help. I hope. It is said to have last been seen in the great trench where they say a kraken lives. I am not sure if that rumor is true.”
As if possible, Gow’s eyes grew even wider. “A kraken?” He was the one to shake his head this time. “Of course, there would be a kraken. Because who doesn’t love a good fight with one of those…”
PART FOUR
The king knew Gow didn’t like the formalities held at court so, instead, Gow met him in his chambers for breakfast. The chatted about non-important things mostly. The queen joined them, and they all laughed together. When it was time for Gow to head out, the King escorted him to the gates. They were followed by his normal guards, of course.
In front of the guards, they could not hug their goodbyes. They had been friends for so long, it hurt Gow’s heart to leave. The missions came first. One day, he would be able to spend much more time with his old friend. With a wave, Gow swam off in the direction of his new target.
Hundreds of kelp fields glowed off in the distance as Gow passed out of Amadahy’s boarders. The Great Waters could feel so serene at times. Then there were other times that it was the most violent environments ever. It didn’t matter what was happening up above in Kaer Aes, down here it was a different world.
Getting to this great trench was going to take a while. His thoughts drifted back to his glow fish. He was relieved they knew how to care for themselves since it looked like he was going to be gone longer than usual. Most people took their glow fish for granted but Gow knew how intelligent they could be when properly cared for.
A sharp nip brought him back to the present. Gow stopped swimming and looked down at one of his webbed feet. A young crab had taken it upon himself to snip at him. Gow lowered down to the soft floor. “Now, young one, that was rude. Where is your mother?”
The little crab fiddled with his small front claws. The back ones tapped nervously in the sand. Tiny bubbles floated from his mouth.
Gow looked around and finally saw a much larger crab come skuttling sideways from behind a considerable coral formation. She made a b-line straight to the smaller one Gow had confronted. The mother struck the young one on the back of his shell while producing countless more bubbles but no sound. When the little one pointed one claw at Gow, the mother struck him again. She pointed toward the coral and the little one slowly crawled that way with his front claws dragging behind him.
The mother crab then looked to Gow. She placed one large claw just under her mouth and slightly bowed to him.
“It is fine. He is young. You are a good mother to teach him the way you do.” Gow reciprocated the hand gesture.
She emitted a few more bubbles and then went off in the same direction as her son. Gow smiled to himself. The raising of children was never part of his life plan, but he sure could respect those who made that choice.
When the mother was well hidden behind their coral home, Gow continued on. Another tide cycle later, Gow stopped for a meal. If the king hadn’t given him more rations, the ones he left home with would never have lasted. The king always gave him free reign with the kelp fields but there was no need at this point.
He watched the multitude of fish swimming around. Schools swarmed here and there while singular sizable fish drifted alone. This was one of the peaceful moments Gow cherished.
Several meals and tides passed as Gow swam. His energy was draining and knew he should try to sleep. The closer he got to the trench; the less likely sleep would happen. It would be too dangerous.
Gow looked around for a safe place to rest. This would be difficult. He needed to hide so any predator that came by wouldn’t snatch him up. Most of the best rocks and shells were spoken for by any number of other inhabitants.
A hefty broken shell lay on its side causing Gow to stop. He glided over to it and lightly knocked on the outer surface. “Hello? Is anyone home?” There was no answer. He tried again with the same result.
Exhaustion tugged at his mind. He had never been awake this long before. He could usually go a couple of tides but never this many. He had no choice but to venture into the shell and hope he wasn’t bothering anyone.
As luck would have it, no one was there. It looked to have been vacated for a while. That was strange. Even in its broken state, it would be a fine home. Gow wasn’t going to look a seahorse in the mouth, though. He quickly made himself comfortable and tried to sleep. When he woke, he knew this peacefulness would end. The trench and the kraken awaited him.
PART FIVE
Crawling out of the nice warm shell, Gow shivered. The waters this far from home were always colder. This close to the trench didn’t help either. In response to the shiver, his skin thickened enough to keep him warm.
His body’s natural ability to change to adapt to any temperature or environment always made him itchy. So, Gow spent the next several ticks of his heartbeat to scratch all over. The simple things in life always made him smile.
Gow refocused on the task at hand. His destination was just over the next rock formation. He had never been to this trench so didn’t really know what to expect. Well, other than a kraken, of course.
Eating some seaweed, he rummaged through his bag. “Where is it?” He knew the item he sought was in there but where? His small fingers finally touched on a hard surface. “There you are.”
He pulled out his item. If anyone saw him do this, they would wonder how it fit into his medium sized bag. The long, white coral and shell sheath was a bit longer than Gow’s arm. Lucky for him, he knew others with magic, and they always owed him favors.
The handle of the sword fit perfectly into Gow’s hands. There was no way he would confront a kraken without his well-used weapon. That would be insane! Who knew what to expect? He sure didn’t.
He strapped the sword to his back and slung is bag over his shoulder. It was time to find out how a kraken fought. It was harder to swim with the sword on, so he hovered over the sandy floor using his webbed fingers to propel him forward.
Using his muscular legs, he pushed up and drifted back down on top of the rock formation. Just ahead was a huge dark hole in the bottom of the Great Waters. No light penetrated past the opening. Somewhere down there is what the king needed.
“No time like the present.” Gow took a deep breath of water and felt it run through his gills. With another hard push, he left the rocks and floated down to the sand. The area was littered with broken shells, rocks, and many items from the Land Walkers. If these were toys, the area would resemble a child’s play space.
Gow knew better. These “toys” were the result of the kraken causing havoc up above. Clearly, there would be no negotiating with it. That was unfortunate.
Gliding over to the edge, he looked down. His sight was better than most with his oversized eyes, but it was still hard to see past a few feet. It didn’t matter. He was going in either way.
Self-preservation was usually his rule. He never accepted a job that would put him in mortal danger. However, this was for his dear friend and king of the Undinia. Not to mention, the king said the artifact would help them win some kind of war that was coming. How could he say no to that?
Without another thought, Gow stepped over the edge. He sunk rapidly. Only able to see so far, he wanted to take this slower. So, when a cliff edge came in to view along the side, he stopped there to look around.
Trinkets and treasures lay on the ledge and more stuck to the sides of the trench. Other, nearby ledges held the same thing. None of it sparkled like it would higher up. It was way too dark. Instead, they sat alone and abandoned. Hopefully, if he survived this, he could come back and search through them at his leisure.
A loud rumble caused some coins and jewelry to fall off his perch. A deep growl followed. “That must be my new friend.”
There was another ledge a bit lower, so he stepped off again and angled towards it. Something moved fast just beyond his sight. It was large and darker than the surrounding water. Whatever it was, cause the water to shove him hard against the nearest wall. He hit his head and sank to a cliff further down than he had planned.
His head ached. Gow closed his eyes to try and lessen the pain. A few calming intakes of water later had it a little bit better. When he opened his eyes, two glowing enormous eyes glared back at him.
PART SIX
“Why are you here?” The deep booming voice shook the water.
Gow had his sword out and ready. “The king sent me. We need something from you that could save the Great Waters.”
“He is no king of mine.” The eyes drew closer.
“I understand that. He is my king and a kind one. He only wishes to help save everyone. Will you help us. I do not wish to fight you, but I must help him.” Gow raised his sword higher. The lights of the kraken’s eyes nearly blinded him, but he stayed steady.
The kraken laughed long and hard. “Puny tad pole. You could not fight me and win. I admire your dedication, however.” The giant face drew back a little. “Why should I help? Nothing can harm me.”
“We all have something that can harm us. There is always something bigger or stronger. You could squash me, this is true. But I could fight and win anything twice my size, maybe larger.”
“There is nothing larger than me. No one can defeat me. I am Kraken.”
Gow was stumped on this one. He didn’t really know of any creature larger than a Kraken. The giant had called his bluff. How would he convince this one to give up a piece of his horde? They were much like dragons. Krakens loved shiny things, magical items, rare finds. An idea came to him. “I know not what this enemy is or why the king of the mighty Undinia would fear them. What if they are a swarm? A giant swarm of things. Sure, you can defeat any foe but what about a million little ones attacking at once? You cannot stop them all.”
The giant eyes blinked several times. “You speak true, little tad pole. What would you have of me?”
Sheathing his sword, Gow bowed low. “Thank you, great Kraken. The artifact the king requires is something I am not familiar with. Something to repel the enemy that comes.”
A bubble instantly formed around Gow. “Descend with me. This shield will protect you from deep water pressures.” An enormous hand reached out in front of Gow. He knew not to hesitate when something this large gave an invitation, so he stepped aboard.
The pair rapidly lowered deeper and deeper. It seemed like forever. He couldn’t see anything. Not the cliff face or even the Kraken holding him. This trench must truly reach the middle of their world.
As if to answer his thoughts, they fell through what seemed to be the edge of water but from the bottom. They didn’t fall far. The Kraken was huge, and he landed quickly on a sandy shore. An immense forest rose behind them with another Great Water in front. Birds sang and flew in the air. Everything was alight with an unseen source.
Gow took a deep breath of the new air. Lucky for him, being an amphibian, he could breathe both water and air. This atmosphere was alight with magic.
“Where are we?” Gow’s eyes were larger than they ever had been. It was absolutely gorgeous.
“This is my home. Welcome.” He removed the bubble around Gow but kept him in the palm of his hand. “I shall take you to where I keep my treasures.”
Gow watched as they traversed through the forest. Animals of unknown kinds scurried out of the way. A mountain came into view. In the side, a Kraken sized cave could be seen. When they entered, it was just as bright inside as it was outside.
Before his eyes, piled as high as the cave, was the most treasure Gow had ever seen. It sparkled and glowed with magic. He feared that some of the items would be way too dangerous to ever leave their new home. He could feel so much power in that mound. It took his breath away.
‘How did you come by all of this?” Gow was now being lowered to the ground. When he stepped off, the Kraken stood with pride.
“I have been alive ever since this world was created. I have seen much and discovered many wonderful or horrible things. I keep them here for safety.”
“I can feel the magic. It is not all good.” He took a step forward but didn’t get any closer. “What do you suggest would help with the king’s problem?”
“Allow me into your mind. I will be able to see your conversation with him and his thoughts, as well, at the time.” The Kraken closed his glowing eyes.
Gow relaxed and closed his eyes. He knew it wouldn’t hurt him but being relaxed would make things easier for his new friend. In his mind, his conversation with the king replayed. Then, an image formed. It was glowing ice blue. A sphere of some kind held within a silver cage.
They both opened their eyes at the same time. The Kraken nodded his mighty head. “I know this artifact.” He began to walk around a corner but halted. “Please do not touch anything. Many of these items will kill such as you in a single moment.”
Gow laughed. “You don’t need to tell me twice on that one, friend.”
The Kraken did not move. He let out a sigh. “Friend. I have not had a friend in millennia.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Do you really count me as such?”
“Of course, I do. Why wouldn’t I?” It confused Gow that the Kraken would ask that but then he thought of how isolated and alone he must be. He walked over to the giant and place his tiny hand on one ankle. “Would it please you for me to come visit from time to time? I could bring you more treasures I come across.”
The Kraken’s eyes shined. “I would very much enjoy that.” He stepped around the corner and disappeared. Moments later, the Kraken was back. Dangling from a silver chain was the artifact.
