Makai King by Tara Fairfield

Author:Tara Fairfield
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, young adult, hawaii, teen, ocean, christian fantasy, hawaii legends, undersea fantasy, ocean fantasy, sharks and other creatures of the deep
Publisher: Tara Fairfield

CHAPTER 19

PAKEKAIKO

PARADISE

Rugged, lush, green landscape carpeted Ohe’o Gulch. Tiers of sparkling waterfalls cascading into pools surrounded by volcanic rock climbed the mountainside as far as the eye could see. Behind us, ocean waves roared and crashed against rocks, spilling over into smaller tide pools fed by the swirling mix of ocean tides and waterfalls.

We hiked the trail to the Ohe’o pools, soaking up sun and fragrant air. I followed Kupua, enjoying the sight of his strong form plowing up the hillside with little effort. Although still early, a slight sheen of sweat covered my skin as I worked to keep stride with him. Birds chirped and darted through the ohia trees and ferns along the path. Now and then I’d catch a quick glimpse of a gecko scurrying to hide under a bush. We’d left Lizzy on the beach of the north shore to wait for us. She wasn’t exactly made for hiking Maui’s rugged countryside.

We stopped for a drink and I eased onto the ground to rest my feet, stretching them out in front of me. A koa‘e ‘ula (red-tailed tropical bird) swooped in and landed beside me. Her snowy white body accentuating long narrow tail feathers highlighted with red shafts. She bowed her head and requested to speak. Her formality surprised me, birds usually assumed I’d want to converse, they were a chatty bunch.

I reached out and stroked her velvet feathers, letting her know I’d listen to what she had to say. She called herself Windy. According to Windy, all the birds living near the ocean were upset about fish dying off and wanted to help me put a stop to whatever might be killing them. They’d banded together to form a strategy. She offered to guide us to the cave and explained the plan local birds had devised.

Kupua cleared his throat. “Care to fill me in?”

I pointed to my new friend. “This is Windy. She’s going to show us where Henry and the flute are hiding. When we reach the cave, three seagulls, Smudge, Popper and Rex will be waiting to assist inside the cave. Evidently seagulls are well suited for this type of work I’m told.” Windy bobbed her head for dramatic effect. “The flute’s being guarded by a dog and I can’t speak with dogs since they’re not connected to the sea. That’s where the seagulls come in. They plan to deal with the dog, and we’re to handle Henry. What do you think?”

He squatted down closer to Windy. “Sounds a bit too easy. Where’s Moho?”

Windy let out a squawk and flapped her wings, hopping backwards. I scooted back, smiling at Kupua. “She’s not a fan of Moho. He hasn’t been seen at the cave but there’s rumors among the birds that his sharks guard a back entrance.”

Kupua stood. “Sounds like him.” He extended his hand to me and I clamped on, jerking myself to my feet, brushing dirt off my legs.

“Do you think Henry will listen? Can his heart be reached by his brother’s plea?”

Kupua ran his hand through his hair, shaking out dust from the trail.

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