The water churns as her barbed fin cuts through the slash of moonlight. The sea monster grows impatient.

“A kiss, Agnet? Please?”

Her smile goes away. “She has all your kisses, Kaspar. Go fetch them.”

They throw me in. My reign is short.

The water is cold, and it thrums heavily in my ears. But there is no pain, no sharp teeth tearing my limbs apart. She is here, circling me in the depths, but she is gentle. She pulls me down, down to the waving kelp and sandy floor of the sea.

There is a procession marching across the seabed. Single file, the dead men trod over seashells and the broken ribs of sunken ships. Heads down, but I recognize each one. Old Ulric and tall Lothar. Gunther the Brave and my father. Pip. The men of the village plod silently in martial order, lockstep to some destination that I cannot see.

Perhaps there is no destination. Maybe we simply march and march and march.

The mermaid sets me down at my place at the end of the line. Right behind Pip. I want him to turn and look at me, but he does not. All I see is the back of his misshapen head.

Onward, we march.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Where do books come from? Who knows? How are books made? Well, there’s a support team whose efforts sometimes get overlooked in the hoopla about the finished product. Here’s a few that helped bring this little story to life. Without them, this project would have sunk to the bottom of the salty ocean.

First and always, thanks to Monique for her constant support, wisdom and love throughout. Even when I’m talking nonsense. Also to Ruby and Ginger, who keep me humble and laughing.

Thanks to Matt Blairstone who guides the ship at Tenebrous Press for believing in this weird tale and bringing it into the Tenebrous armada of weird fiction. Double thanks for his amazing cover!

Barrels of thanks go to editor Alex Woodroe for her insights and expert guidance at making the story the best it could be. Her enthusiasm for storytelling is infectious in the best possible way. Also, full credit goes to Alex for coining the term “luremaid,” which hit the bullseye.

Thanks to artist Kelly Williams for his jaw-dropping interior art. This is as close as I’ll ever get to collaborating on a graphic novel.

A huge thanks to Catherine McCarthy for her help in shaping the story, and for her friendship and support in this wacky writing biz. Boatloads of thanks to Laurel Hightower for her notes and constant inspiration. And sincere appreciation to Eric LaRocca for his kind words on this weirdo novella.

Thanks to author Brian Francis for his constant support and sympathetic ear over many a beer-and-bitch session. You are loved.