Devious Sarah

Amy awoke to the sound of thunder. It was already nightfall. Although the clouds above her head were coming together, there was no rain. She noticed that a blanket was covering her while she slept, wondering why. An orange glow emanated from the hut in the middle.

"Strange."

She got up and walked towards the hut. A tall, thin figure wearing an elegant dress caught her attention. She recognized it as one that was usually worn by royalty. The tail of the creature was wriggling out of the dress, and Amy recognized it as a merman as its back was turned towards her.

Her fear awoke her, and she pulled out the dagger. Standing before the doorway, she held the weapon in her hand without saying a word.

The sea creature turned a burned book over with its webbed hands while holding it and said, "I think I've finally found it... I guess it's unreadable now."

Amy thought, "This one can talk!"

He didn't seem surprised when he saw the girl, as if he already knew she was there.