Free Kira's Secret by Orysia Dawydiak Page B

response and the smaller ones began to streak around even faster.
    â€œYes, we know where some of them live. There are many merrow families, of course, but we can bring you to the closest clan. If you wish.” The large dolphin dipped his head as if bowing.
    â€œYes, yes, please, if you don’t mind!” Kira was ecstatic. Who knew it could be this fast and easy to find other merrows.
    The large dolphin sent out a series of sharp whistles. Half the pod, including all the youngsters, sped off and disappeared. The rest formed a shell around Kira and the leader, and they started swimming in the opposite direction. They appeared to be heading deeper into the sea, away from the coast.
    Finally, Kira was about to meet her own kind. And if she was lucky, her real parents and family.

Chapter Twelve—
Dolphin Escort
    They had been travelling for a short time when the leader dolphin said to Kira, “I should introduce myself. My name is Steen. I am the eldest of our pod.”
    â€œMy name is Kira.”
    â€œKira, how is it you are lost? Merrows keep their families close. They are highly protective of their young.”
    â€œI don’t know. I don’t remember, I was only a baby when I was found.”
    â€œWho found you, Kira?”
    â€œA fisherman, a human. They adopted me, took me to their home and cared for me.” Kira suddenly remembered them, as if it were a long time ago. She wondered how much time had passed since she had left. She felt a familiar lump in her stomach.
    â€œAh, humans,” he mused. “They can be very kind to their own. But they are also harsh with their enemies. Their floating vessels are dangerous and destructive.” He shook his head back and forth, and Kira wondered if he was angry.
    â€œSo, you must have changed on land, grew legs?”
    â€œYes, I suppose so. I just found out a short time ago that I’m not a normal human. At least I don’t think I am,” Kira said, feeling confused. She’d already forgotten what legs felt like.
    â€œNo, you are not a human. And you are not finfolk, either. They sometimes disguise themselves as merrows, but they would never rescue a dolphin. Many merrows are sympathetic to our kind.”
    Kira frowned. “So, are you saying that not all merrows are friendly?”
    Steen’s body wobbled, and from the look in his eyes Kira believed he was laughing. “Merrows often behave much like humans—they can be fickle and tricky. You will want to be cautious when you meet them. Some can be very unfriendly, indeed.”
    â€œThanks. I’ll be careful.”
    â€œMerrows face many of the same enemies as we do. Killer whales are fast and sneaky. Always look around as you swim. They can appear from anywhere.”
    â€œLike you did?” Kira asked.
    â€œYes, like we did, young Kira. This is a dangerous place for someone alone like yourself. It will be good for you to be with your own kind. There is safety in numbers.”
    â€œYou mentioned finfolk,” Kira said. “Are they also dangerous?”
    Steen looked at her for a moment. “They can be, but usually they leave merrows alone. They are more interested in humans as slaves, and of course they eat fish, and the occasional young dolphin or shark. I’ve heard of disputes between the merrows and finfolk, but we stay as far from them as we can. Best if you avoid them, too.”
    After a moment he added, “If you should ever need assistance, make this sound: EEE-U-EEE-U-EEE! If dolphins are nearby, they will come.” The other dolphins looked at him sharply, but they seemed to understand he was demonstrating the distress call for Kira’s sake.
    â€œYes, I heard that call loud and clear when I found your son in the net,” she said.
    â€œAh, yes, that’s my Cass. Dolphins his age have high spirits and take foolish risks.” Steen shook his head. “They dare each other to approach ships and sharks