When the renegade Merlions returned they were cautious, knowing there could be a fight waiting for them. On finding the seas around the island clear, their fears turned to the tunnel and the fact it could well hold a trap waiting for them to enter.
The former captain of the Council’s Army had volunteered to go first and reconnoitre the tunnel but most had refused to let him, knowing his importance in any potential battle. Instead they drew straws and a Merlion was selected to go ahead and assess the situation.
The rest waited in collective silence, and with baited breath, scared for what might happen to their scout, what he might find within the tunnel or at the far end. Finally, after an interminably long time, bubbles appeared on the surface of the sea, followed soon after by their scout.
“It’s all clear,” he announced, “Let’s go!”
The Merlions followed him through the tunnel, exiting into an empty lagoon. This was as far as the scout had been and together they swam slowly across the water, looking out, around and below, for signs of a trap or an ambush.
Neither came and they reached the far side where the beach was empty of souls. They split into small groups and searched for Merlions around the lagoon and in the jungle but found none, only deserted homes. Together they began to fear the worst once more and their hair began to grow ever so slightly.
Until they heard a noise…
The former captain of the Council’s Army had volunteered to go first and reconnoitre the tunnel but most had refused to let him, knowing his importance in any potential battle. Instead they drew straws and a Merlion was selected to go ahead and assess the situation.
The rest waited in collective silence, and with baited breath, scared for what might happen to their scout, what he might find within the tunnel or at the far end. Finally, after an interminably long time, bubbles appeared on the surface of the sea, followed soon after by their scout.
“It’s all clear,” he announced, “Let’s go!”
The Merlions followed him through the tunnel, exiting into an empty lagoon. This was as far as the scout had been and together they swam slowly across the water, looking out, around and below, for signs of a trap or an ambush.
Neither came and they reached the far side where the beach was empty of souls. They split into small groups and searched for Merlions around the lagoon and in the jungle but found none, only deserted homes. Together they began to fear the worst once more and their hair began to grow ever so slightly.
Until they heard a noise…
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