Kingdom of the Deep by EJ Altbacker

Author:EJ Altbacker
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2012-06-14T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

VELENKA PEERED UPWARD FROM HER HIDING place in the thick greenie as the Riptide Shiver sharkkind passed by. Though she hated sticking her snout in the sand like some muck-sucker, sometimes it was the best thing to do.

Like today.

“Don’t be such a turtle,” hissed Hokuu, floating above her. A little higher and they would be spotted for sure because the water was frighteningly clear here. And the Riptide mariners—at least the ones called ghostfins—were good at hiding and surprise attacks from the abundant greenie in the area. It was a combination that Velenka didn’t want to try her luck against.

Hokuu sensed what she was thinking and remained unconcerned. “You believe these pups can see through my powers? Think again, dear.”

Indeed, there was a hazy film encircling them that the frilled shark had created. Velenka began trusting it more when a scout passed no more than ten strokes off to the left. Even if the bull shark was half blind, they should have been detected.

Velenka relaxed. “You’re right again, Hokuu.”

The frilled shark sent a series of intricate ripples cascading through the length of his body. “Of course I am.” He turned those unsettling emerald eyes on her once more. “Rely on that. I’m always right.”

Velenka fidgeted, flexing her fins, but said nothing.

Hokuu whipped his tail against her side, causing her to start. “What is it?” he asked in a low voice. “Something is on your mind, and you’d be wise to tell me this instant.”

“I don’t know what I’m doing here!” she admitted.

The Riptide mariner heard Velenka and streaked toward them. Suddenly Hokuu was gone and the filmy haze in front of her disappeared. The bull shark saw Velenka and shouted “You! It’s y—”

Hokuu’s tail speared the shark through the gills and he bit the scout’s head off before the bull could finish his sentence. The frilled shark waved his pointy tail at Velenka in a no-no motion.

“Shhh,” Hokuu hissed as the transparent barrier again took its place around them. “Just because they can’t see us doesn’t mean they can’t hear us. Different katas in shar-kata do different things, this one being good for hiding in plain sight.”

Velenka lowered her voice. “I apologize. But what’s on my mind is still the same.”

“You’re helping me bring about a new order, Velenka.”

She saw no way out of asking more questions of Hokuu. That could get her killed. But not knowing what she was supposed to be doing could also get her killed. Velenka sighed. “Yes, you’ve said that. But I still have no idea what role to play. You have unbelievable powers. Finnivus and his entire armada would be no match for you. What possible reason do you need me?”

“Because I have to speak with Kaleth and I can’t while she’s hiding in Fathomir. That’s what Bollagan named their homewaters here. Stupid name, but very defensible. It would be too risky for me to try a frontal attack. I have to even the odds a bit. And then there’s Takiza—he’s another problem.” The frilled shark made a loop with his tail.

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