"Because that's all I need," Solomon grumbled even as he took a deeply reluctant step into the surf. "A merperson teaching me how to swim. I have legs. They have tails. What could a fish possibly have to teach me?"

If nothing else the revelation encouraged Marcelon to hover, as far as a giant turtle possibly could. She stayed right by Solomon's side as he waded deeper into the water. The way that his heart started to pound once the water reached his chest surprised him, and he stopped.

It's okay, Marcy assured him, floating on the surface at a slight distance so she didn't hit him with her flippers. It's not deep. See, you can still touch the bottom!

For a moment Solomon stood there, half in surprise and half in the fear he hadn't even known he had, buffeted by gentle waves. The last time he'd been in the ocean, it had been during a storm and he'd almost drowned. Taking another step seemed, quite suddenly, to be beyond him, and he wasn't entirely sure what to do with it.

At least, not until Marcelon vanished with a flick of spray and dove under him, and swept him off his feet until he was forced to cling to her shell as she rose up again, heading for deeper water.

See? she chirruped. I can carry you!

"Blasted turtle," Solomon muttered again, and shifted so he sat more comfortably on her back.