Free Ben the Dragonborn by Dianne E Astle Page B

the fish by name. How would he know the fish by name if he were not really a mer, who only appears human?”   
    The murmur from the benches grew louder. “A changeling!” Voices throughout the meeting hall began to call for Ben’s death.     
    For a moment the council leader said nothing. Then he said, “Let’s hear from the boy himself.  How do you know the name of the fish?”
    Ben groaned. Akca had not looked well when they left him. If something was not decided soon the fish would die.  So Ben said, “I will tell you everything after you let Akca go. Akca needs to be back in the water soon or he will die.”  
    “The fish will not be going anywhere until we find out who you are and what you are doing here,” responded the man. “Then, we will see. You haven’t told us how you know this fish by name.”  
    Ben should have known that he’d have to answer questions, which meant he was in trouble as he’d never been a good liar. What could he possibly tell the council that they would believe?  Finally, Ben settled on the truth, “I have come from another world.  I was sent here to help you recover the crown so that a war with the mer can be averted.”    
    At that the whole group did exactly what Ben thought they would do.  They laughed.  A voice said, “I think we’ve caught a turtle with a cracked shell.  Maybe he’s been out in the sun too long.”  
    One of the other council members said, “Maybe he was sent away from his own Treehold because he caused too much trouble with his wild stories and lies.” Other voices expressed their agreement.    
    The spokesperson said, “It could be that he is a criminal trying to escape punishment in his own Treehold.  But I think it is more likely that he is a changeling come to spy on us.  Otherwise, why would he arrive at night?  Whatever this Benjamin Taylor is I intend to find out even if it takes all night.”  
    Ben thought of how he disappeared in Miss Templeton’s office and wished he could do that now.  There was a collective gasp as his wish was granted.  Then everyone started talking at once.  
    The council leader’s voice yelled, “Quiet everyone! Guard the exits!  Quick!” 
    Ben stepped back from where he stood between Harbo and Ratore and then stepped sideways. He stepped forward through two council members and stood behind the now vacant row of chairs as people ran to each of the three doors.  People milled around the meeting room, checking under benches and in corners and behind chairs.  Ben stood close to the council leader’s chair and used his teeth to loosen the knotted rope around his wrists.  It would have been easier if he could see his wrists and the rope that held them tight.  However, he was invisible not only to others, but also to himself.  Twice he had to move to avoid a searcher.  
    “What kind of trick is this?” said a voice beside Ben. “He has disappeared.  He is not here.”  Ben sidled away and slipped between two chairs. 
    “Perhaps he’s gone to rescue his fish friend,” said the leader of the council. “Harbo will stay here to tell us everything that happened.”  The leader pointed to two men, “You two go with Ratore.  Guard the Orca in case the outsider tries to help his fish friend.  The rest of you fan out and search the entire community.  When the outsider is found we will ring the bell and gather back here.”    
    When Ratore left, Ben followed them.  He knew that he would never find his own way back to where Akca was in the dark; maybe not even in daylight.  The village was a warren of paths that led every which way.  Ben gave up trying to get the rope off with his teeth.  It was hard enough to keep his balance on the swaying walkway.  He resumed working on the knot when they arrived at the cork pad where Akca was in clear distress.  Ben stood on the walkway above the steps and watched the three Lushakan humans he had been following go down to