“I swear she has put down more of these wooden boxes than usual. I have counted twice and both times the total is 61,” Maria complained.
I shrugged as I responded. “They all have ribbons on them. What is one more? Here, I have several lobsters which will not fit in my box. Place them in the last one and our task is complete.” I urged the lobsters toward her.
She pushed them into the box as the complaints continued. “Why does she not fish like the humans, placing fish scraps in the box and leaving it to attract the spiny lobsters without assistance?”
I repeated the answer Vanessa had given to us when I had asked her this question. “Because she has ordered that we will only give the humans the lobsters that are near the end of their lives. That means singing the old ones from the depths and placing them in the boxes.”
“And if she does not obtain the information we seek before our fishing is complete?” Maria’s expression was worried.
I kept my tone light. “Then we will perhaps have some quiet nights, as she will decline to fish in order to extend our time here.”
Her expression darkened. “Do you think it likely that our exile here will be extended?”
Like my sister, I sincerely hoped not, but I said instead, “She may need to do so, if her gathering of information does not progress.”
Maria’s question took me by surprise. “What do you think slows her progress?”
I was thoughtful, so my reply was slow. “Either the humans here have no further information to give, or she feels some attraction for the young human fisherman. She spends time in his company and avoids the task at hand.”
Maria voiced a possibility I had not considered. “Is it possible that he holds information that the others do not? He is not a very experienced fisherman. From what I understand, his knowledge of fish or fishing is far less than most.”
I did not discount her idea, though I doubted it. “Perhaps.”
Maria sounded suspicious. “Or have we underestimated her preference for his shapely behind?”
Even the thought of Vanessa with a preference for a human was ludicrous. I could not stop my laughter. When I did reply, it was in a more serious vein. “Would you question her on her motives? I would not. She will reveal her purpose when she chooses and not before.” I changed the subject to lift her spirits. “Come, our fishing is complete for a few hours. Shall we call up some dolphins and play?”
Maria started to smile. “Certainly. At least our exile here has its compensations, shallow water and dolphins to call.”
“Then let us make the most of it!” I started off with a flip of my tail.