Salt Storm: The Salted Series: Episodes #31-35 by Galvin, Aaron (read 50 shades of grey .TXT) 📕

it fell away like a hooded, costumed mask to reveal the true wearer within for another of the Sancul race. The leathery, eel-like skin trailed behind the Sancul stranger like a mystic cloak of bluish dark to flutter in the speed of his wake.

Like the other Sancul that Kellen had come to know, his mind warned him to not be deceived by the appearance of the newcomer. Though the dragon-turned-Sancul wore the handsome face of a youth not much older than Kellen himself, no small part of him imagined that the stranger was as ancient as the other Sancul he had traveled alongside.

The newcomer’s skin was pale as snow, his face and body reminiscent of a lean-muscled warrior. His silver hair had been tied in a top knot, his bare arms and chest covered in tattooed runes and they intertwining with scars beyond counting.

Phobetor! Kanaloa named the Sancul stranger once more, opening his arms in welcome of the embrace to follow. How do you fare?

Better for your arrival, Great Grandfather, said Phobetor, flashing a smile that Kellen envied and loathed for the added handsomeness both afforded the newcomer to their party.

Aye, Phobetor continued, turning from Kanaloa to take up the left hand of the she-squid beside him. Phobetor brought her willing hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. And much better for seeing you again, Black Keerie. No doubt my sister will say the same.

Black Keerie grinned back at him. And where is your sweet sister? she asked. Where is Phantasos?

Gone to wake The Thousand Sons of Somnus, said he. Aye, and all the Sisters of Shadow too.

Black Keerie laughed. No doubt the thousand sons prefer your sister coming to them rather than you, eh?

Phobetor’s smile widened then, to the point Kellen wondered if it would break the Sancul stranger’s face and reveal another hidden one within. No doubt, he said to Black Keerie’s claim. My sister and I both set out to wake the others. Mother sent us to rally them all the moment she heard the Salt cry out with my father’s voice. It would seem she felt you all drawing near. Phobetor’s smile died as he turned away from Black Keerie and Kanaloa to look on Kellen once more. Uncle . . . his brow furrowed as if he were pained by the sight before him and the uttered title.

Before Kellen could react, Phobetor had swam the distance between them.

Kellen’s body clenched beneath the Sancul’s icy grip upon his arms and the marbled gaze Phobetor studied him with.

Uncle! He cried once more. Can it really be you?

Nyx came to join them, tapping her grandson on the shoulder, warding Phobetor away. Aye, your uncle has returned, Phobetor, she said, looking off and away toward Erebus instead as he and Hypnos were the last to join their party. You see, husband? Your grandson recognized his lost uncle at the very first sight. Phobetor holds no doubt.

Phobetor agreed, nodding for every lingering moment of looking upon Kellen. To speak elsewise would be a lie, for this is my uncle returned, true enough. His head cocked to the side, inspecting Kellen further. But why will you not speak to me? Has it been so long, Uncle, that you have forgotten your favorite nephew?

Kellen shuddered. No . . . he lied, even as he sought to give the Sancul the lie he requested. Hello . . . He wrestled with the name, not quite remembering the pronunciation. Kellen also did not wish to make an error with the Sancul expectations of him. Hello, nephew.

Phobetor’s smile came on again. Oh, Uncle, said he, taking him by the hand and kissing the back of it as he had done for Black Keerie also. Forgive me for doubting my brother’s claim. Aye, for not swimming to your side the moment that Morpheus felt your presence returned and strengthening.

Kanaloa swam over to join them. And where is Morpheus? Where is your brother, Phobetor? Gone with your sister to wake the others?

A shadow passed over the face of the younger Sancul. No, said Phobetor. I should have thought to find my good brother with you and yours. He frowned. Much as it pains me to say, Morpheus were the first of us to feel such stirrings of your spirit returned, Uncle. He looked to Kellen with questions in his eyes before searching the faces of the others also. Truly, Morpheus is not with you, then? You have not seen my brother?

Not for many years now, said Kanaloa. Did he not say to where he went?

Phobetor shook his silvered head. In truth, we did not think to ask. We thought that he had swam to you in seeking confirmation of our uncle’s return.

While Kellen thought the others seemed as puzzled as he with the news relayed, Erebus scoffed at such words. Ah, Phobetor, it would seem that you know your brother nearly as well as the one who sired you, then. Erebus used one of his mammoth tentacles to bring forth Hypnos at his side, then cast a disapproving look at his grandson, Phobetor. Aye, child, for I see that you do not rejoice half so much that we have brought your father with us as well.

Phobetor released his hold over Kellen then, bowing away like a scorned dog before darting over to swim under the stony stare of Erebus and the one huddled beneath his protection. Hello, Father. Phobetor sent one of his tentacles to reach for Hypnos and lure him closer. For whatever his intentions, however, Hypnos would not be stirred from clinging to his father’s side.

Frowning, Phobetor looked to Erebus. I see his mind is still maimed. The affliction still holds him.

You do have eyes, then, said Erebus. And I half hoped to convince myself that you children and your mother might be blind for all these years of ignoring your father’s infirmity. Now, I understand your estrangement from him for a worser lot of uncaring, spoiled whelps instead. No doubt your