26



You dig your feet into the sand, trying to hide them as you address Flynn. "Giant squid. It's giant squid that attack the sperm whales."

Flynn raises his eyebrows. "They need protection against their own food?" he says. "I mean, humans have found sucker scars on whales, but we always figured those were from squid trying to escape." He tenses up in bubbling excitement. "Could I ever go watch you defending the whales? Seeing a whale battle sounds awesome, and I'd love the chance to see some giant squid."

Tamru lies down flat and laughs at Flynn. "I really don't think you'd want to. They're magic, too. They could easily take over your mind, drag you away, and just eat you." Flynn gapes at the breezy description of murder, then looks to you for confirmation.

It's true that humans aren't allowed to accompany merfolk defensive raids because they're easy targets for the squid to pick off, but you also suspect that they're not allowed because they might try taking the opportunity to escape in all the confusion.