The Mermaids Madness

nobody was watching from atop the masts before following suit. She stepped out of Lannadae’s view before shrugging off her robe and unlacing her nightgown.
    “The transformation is unpleasant at first, but you get used to it,” Snow said. “It’s actually a lot of fun, once you figure out the breathing.”
    “I don’t like this,” said Lannadae. “It’s magic that drove my sister mad. Magic that hurt your queen. Isn’t there another way?”
    “Not unless you and Morveren want to swim in and fetch Lirea,” said Snow.
    Talia was the last to disrobe, moving to the edge of the deck and keeping her back turned to the others. She refastened her belt over her bare skin, making sure both knives were secure in their sheaths. Two shorter knives were strapped to her forearms. “I’m not thrilled with the plan either.”
    Danielle picked up her sword belt and pulled it tight around her bare waist. The buckle pinched her skin, and the leather dug into her hips.
    “I’ll be able to use my mirrors to deflect attention when we approach,” Snow was saying. She frowned at the mermaid doll Morveren had given her. “How am I supposed to carry this thing?”
    “You could put your shirt back on,” Talia said without looking.
    Morveren untied the harness she wore and passed it to Snow. “Your body is still too skinny, and your chest is too big, but this should work. You won’t be comfortable, but you’ll be able to carry the doll and anything else you might need.”
    Snow shrugged into the harness and used a length of twine to secure the doll to the strap beneath her left arm. Once the knots were pulled tight, she transferred her knife to the other side of the harness.
    “It’s not unusual for young undine to join other tribes this time of year,” Morveren said. “If questioned, say you’ve come to join the line of Ilowkira. Use the magic we’ve practiced to draw Lirea out. Her anger and fear will work in your favor. Her body will be weary, so she’ll be slower than usual. The rest of the tribe will be reluctant to leave. You can encourage that reluctance to make sure they don’t follow. Once you lead her to the ship, we can work together to capture her.”
    “More magic,” said Lannadae. “What if this only makes things worse?”
    “More magic is the only hope your sister has,” Morveren answered. “It’s the only way to save her life.”
    “If she can take care of everything with her magic, what does she need these two for?” Hephyra jabbed a finger at Talia and Danielle.
    Talia scowled.“If everything works the way Morveren describes, Snow will be fine. Personally, I don’t have a lot of faith in her judgment.”
    “So send Lannadae,” said Hephyra.
    Lannadae’s scales puffed out at that suggestion, and her fear was easy to read. She didn’t speak; she simply turned to Morveren, eyes wide.
    Morveren shook her head. “She’s a royal. The moment her scent fills the water, they’ll know she’s there. If she were older, her scent might be strong enough to wrest control from her sister. But young as she is, I can’t think of a faster way to get you all killed.”
    “We’ll be fine.” Danielle hugged herself against the wind. She felt exposed and a little embarrassed. Childbirth had left its lines on her, and she couldn’t help comparing her body to Snow’s unblemished form. But her discomfort was nothing compared to Talia’s. Talia was as stiff and tense as Danielle had ever seen her. She refused to look at anyone. Words would only make her more uncomfortable, so Danielle simply asked, “Can we please hurry?”
    “Snow can transform herself.” Morveren crawled toward Talia. “I’ll take care of these two. I’ve rested enough to do that much.”
    Talia’s hand shot out, catching Morveren’s wrist. “Touch me and I’ll break your arm.”
    Morveren tugged free and backed away, scowling. Danielle moved between them. “Talia, she’s not going to hurt you.”
    “I know that,” Talia whispered. “I know it’s the only way to reach Lirea, but I don’t like people using magic to tamper with my body. I don’t want her touching me.”
    Danielle did her best to swallow her own anxiety. “I’ll go first.” She sat down on the deck, gasping as her backside touched the cold, wet wood.
    Her palms grew slick with nervous sweat as Morveren pulled a scale from her tail and prepared to cut her skin. Danielle forced a smile for Talia’s sake. Morveren’s hands were swift and