FantaSea by John L. Marris

Author:John L. Marris
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Publish on Demand Global LLC

CHAPTER X

From a short distance beyond the reef, cold, black eyes watched the festivities. Leonid, one of the many sons of King Leopold, the Lionfish King, was disgusted with what he saw. And he wasn’t shy about telling his brother, Leonaldo, how he felt.

“Can you believe it? Not one guard! No one on lookout! It’s an invitation for invasion!”

Leonaldo nodded vigorously, not wanting to break his larger brother’s focus as Leonid’s anger grew into a mighty furor. His two companions also were reluctant to speak, more so because, unlike Leonid, a Lionfish and direct descendant of King Leopold, they were of a different clan. Although many believed they were all of the same blood and the only difference was their name, they still felt inferior to the Lionfish.

Scully “Spinethruster” Scorpionfish didn’t like being inferior to anyone. His close cousin of the Dragonfish clan, Drago “the Destroyer,” felt the same. But they let Leonid rant, mostly because they were in agreement.

“Can you believe a place as rich with bounty as the Maricot Reef,” Leonid continued angrily, spines tingling, “is left unattended so any vagabond or predator could swim right in and help himself!”

Spinethruster looked at the Destroyer and they both flared their gills, denoting their embarrassment at Leonid’s childlike ranting. They knew the only reason he was in charge of this reconnaissance was because the king wanted his son out of his scales. Leonid was a constant embarrassment to the king and the realm also.

Unable to hold back any longer, Scully approached Leonid. “May I suggest we return to the king and report? I’m sure his pride at what you’ve discovered will overflow!”

Oblivious to the sarcasm and an easy mark for flattery, Leonid agreed.

“Leonaldo, stay here and keep watch. When I reach home, I will send brother Leofric or Leon to relieve you. Hopefully Father, in his wisdom, will mobilize our forces and this reef will be the newest addition to the kingdom.” Leonid paused while a dreamy glow momentarily shown from behind his beady black eyes. “Yes, I could see myself ruling here. It’s small, but respectable. After all, all great leaders have to start somewhere. It’s a good place to start.” He flipped his tail to the side, turned, and started swimming for home. Without looking back he commanded, “Scully, Drago—with me!”

The two clan members rolled their eyes but followed.

“Delusions of grandeur!” Scully uttered softly but sharply into the current, hoping his voice wouldn’t travel.

“The guy has more spine than sense,” added Drago. “If I know the king, he wouldn’t let Leonid rule over a one octopus arm wrestling match!”

Leonaldo listened as they passed. They were right, of course. Leonid did have more roar than sting, and his most prominent feature was his ego. He was so full of himself it’s a wonder he had room to eat! But Leonid was his brother for better or worse and he hoped the time would never come when he’d have to defend his infantile arrogance.

Morning broke much too early for Muriel and Delphyne.

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