"We’re pretty much there." Trevor dunked his buttery grilled cheese in ketchup. "Look out the port window."
Angus couldn't believe what he saw. The sea’s surface was churning into a massive whirlpool, and they balanced on its edge.
"Turn this thing around," Angus yelled, "We’re getting sucked into a whirlpool! TURN THIS BOAT AROUND!"
"Ah, shut up, Mop Head," Zach jeered, wiping at the wet stain on his shirt. "Don't you know anything?! You're dumb like a mop too!"
His friends laughed on cue.
"Angus, it's OK," Trevor grinned, "we're supposed to be on the edge of a whirlpool."
"You don't know where Benthos is?" asked Veronica.
"It's in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean," replied Angus.
"You have that part right," said Trevor, "but I don't think you know it's on the bottom of the ocean. And that whirlpool, that's how we get in."
Zach and his crew donned entirely different outfits in a flash of light. They were now wearing wet suits and carrying wakeboards. Most of the passengers got up and headed for the nearest hatchway.
"I heard about this from my aunt," said Trevor, "It's called ‘surfing the whirl’ or something. I think we’ll want to check this out."
They followed the crowd and watched people climb over the ship’s rigging. Angus, Trevor, and Veronica stayed on the promenade deck. Zach and his friends clambered up to the crow's nest.
"Pretty sure you're going to want to hang on," warned Trevor as he grabbed one of many handholds along the railing. Angus and Veronica did the same.
Captain Edna enthusiastically rang the ship’s bell and hollered, "Hang on tight; we're going in!"
Triumphant orchestral music began to emanate from the water. (Angus later learned it was the fourth movement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.) Many passengers produced instruments and played or sang along. Angus's stomach dropped as the boat dipped and then glided smoothly down the side of the whirlpool. The breeze blew harder and carried spray that tasted of salt. They wrapped the handhold ropes around their wrists and hung on for dear life as Trevor's ears flapped merrily in the wind.
Angus looked behind them, and to his amazement, people were wakeboarding all around the ship. He could see Valora riding the backwash in what looked like a modified version of her Guardian outfit. Zach and his friends were the most impressive. They performed daring acrobatics while gripping ropes attached to the crow's nest. They jumped from one side of the boat to the other, performing flips and twirls.
"Somebody is going to kill themselves!" shouted Angus over the roar of the water.
"I think that's why it's fun," Veronica yelled back, grinning hugely as she fought to hold her kilt down. "I'm doing that for sure, and next time I’ll wear pants!"
At that moment, Bill Thuggery lost his balance, slammed against the ship's side, and disappeared into the mist behind the boat. A young woman wobbled and fell, taking a couple of other wakeboarders down with her.
"This is insane!" screamed Trevor, terror in his voice, "There's no way those people will survive!"
They dove faster and deeper, and it got darker and darker. Angus felt like he was going down a drain. The top of the whirlpool looked like a distant moon in the sky. The ship splashed down, then slowed like a body at the end of a waterslide.
Angus marveled at the scene before him. They floated serenely in a bright lagoon. All around, musicians played and sang Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The ship approached the wharf with an entourage of wakeboarders happily splashing their way to shore. Above them, the last of the whirlpool spun itself away and vanished. Angus saw that they were in some kind of massive air bubble. The dome’s rippling sides were transparent enough to allow a stunning view of the seafloor and teeming ocean life.
The piece concluded, and a stick-waving man, the conductor, tapped his music stand. Orchestra members rose and dispersed.
"That's how they create the whirlpool!" informed Trevor, "All the musicians play a spell together, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, which makes the water swirl."
“Turn the geek knob down just a touch, please,” said Veronica, “Don’t want to get any of your brain goo on me.”
"Look up!" Angus shrieked and pointed at the missing wakeboarders tumbling from the sky.
Most splashed into the lagoon, but Angus saw Bill Thuggary falling right toward the shore.
"CRACK!" Bill wailed in pain where he lay, a jumbled heap.
"Oh no," exclaimed Angus, "What do we do?"
"I think he's done for," Veronica observed.
An older gentleman jogged over with a saxophone and started to play. Bill's legs popped back into place, his arms straightened, and his fresh scrapes sealed over. In thirty seconds, the boy was fully mended, except for the cat scratches on his face and badly bruised pride.
"Healing spells," said Trevor, "I had no idea how quickly they worked!"
"That was gruesome," crowed Veronica, "I love it!"
"End of the line, move along," Edna ordered them off the Allegro, "Watch your step."
"So, is this Atlantis?" asked Angus.
"Atlantis isn't real, silly," Veronica rolled her eyes.
Trevor cut in, "Although I wouldn't be surprised if some people based the myth of Atlantis on Benthos."
"Get your 3D scan, then through the doors and down the hall," called Edna repeatedly.
“Is this like customs at the airport or something?” Angus stared around wildly, trying to see everything at once.
“No, they already know you’re allowed in because you resonate with Thrum,” Trevor explained. “Remember how time moves differently down here? The scan ensures you look right when you go back up top. We’ll all need haircuts before we leave; can’t exactly show up with a couple months’ worth of growth when we’ve only been gone for three days!”
The friends followed the crowd through a wide stone hallway, passing beneath regularly spaced arches. Their conversation echoed in odd patterns, sometimes higher pitched, sometimes lower, and sometimes backward.
"Booger!" called Veronica loudly.
"BOOGER... booger…. Boo...regoob...ger.... booGER... gerBOO… booger." the word bounced around the space.
They could have made funny noises with the echo for hours.
Statues occupied pedestals along the corridor. Bach, Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Hayden, Mozart, Beethoven, Strozzi, Debussy, Holiday, Lenon, Cage, Creä, and Marley; Trevor quietly named each as they passed.
"And that's a statue of David Bowie," whispered Trevor to Angus.
"Is his music any good?" asked Angus.
"I don't think you could get any better," said Trevor. "He had a cool Persona called Ziggy Stardust. Didn't even try to hide his real name like some people do."
"Creä was the opposite," continued Trevor. "Everyone knew her Persona, but nobody knew her given name."
“She’s one of the only female composers!” Veronica’s mouth pinched in disgust, “What’s up with that?”
Angus nodded. “Yeah, good point. I’d like to know too.”
Caught up in talking to his new friends, Angus plowed straight into a large, intimidating man with tattoos and piercings all over his face.
“Hey!” the man grabbed Angus by the collar of his shirt, “watch where you’re going, kid,” He raised his left eyebrow, which had a purple crystal attached. “Do I know you? You look and resonate like someone I knew.” He glowered. “And I’m pretty sure I didn’t like that person.”
“I’m so sorry, sir,” Angus pleaded, terrified, “I promise it won’t happen again!”
“Let’s hope not,” advised the tattooed man.
“Yes, sir,” said Angus as he scurried away.
“Dude,” Veronica shook her head, “even I wouldn’t mess with that guy.”
The long hall opened into a soaring theater. Newcomers deposited their luggage on a cart to be taken to their rooms, then ushers directed them to chairs on stage while everyone else found seats in the house. Zach sneered at Angus as he settled into the audience with his gang.
A sea of faces looked down from all angles. The noise level was high, with murmuring, hoots, and hollers directed toward the shy newcomers.
Six important-looking people came on stage, each through their own entrance. The crowd quieted, politely applauding. Angus immediately recognized Clavis, who approached him directly. "You accepted my invitation, Angus!" said Clavis with a twinkle in his eye. "I'm so glad. I hear you had quite an adventure on the way.”
“I’m not sure if that’s what I’d call it; adventures are supposed to be fun,” said Angus.
“The most important thing is that no one was hurt, but it does need to be discussed,” Clavis patted him on the shoulder. “Now, if you don’t mind, there are some speeches I'm obligated to do. We’ll chat later."
Clavis walked to center stage, cleared his throat, and spoke.
"Welcome to Benthos, one of Thrum's largest and oldest cities."
Cheers from the audience erupted, along with more vigorous applause.
"Before I get into the welcoming ceremony," said Clavis, "I must address the incident that befell the Allegro travelers on their way here. Some out-of-tune musicians attacked the ship looking for composers. It aligns with our theory that someone is systematically kidnapping our gifted songwriters."
The audience gasped.
Clavis continued. "I recommend everyone stay inside the city dome while you are here. As long as you are not in international waters, they should not be able to get to you. I have absolute confidence in our Guardian’s ability to protect the city."
Clavis's serious demeanor lightened, and he continued with a smile.
"Now, let's get to the fun stuff. You newcomers might be wondering who these five individuals are." Clavis motioned to the confident-looking figures behind him. "Allow me to introduce the Sages. These extraordinary masters of music have devoted their lives to the continued study and teaching of their disciplines. Thrum has chosen them, and each specializes in one element of music."
"First, we have the Sage of Harmony, Concordia. She is chief of the Guardians and takes charge of the city in my absence. She will teach you the importance of getting along." He gestured to a mature, dignified woman wearing a vintage drum major’s outfit with braided shoulders and brass buttons down the front; her grey hair pulled tightly into a bun. With her left hand, she leaned on a ceremonial mace, limping slightly, her left leg made of metal and wood.
"Harmony," said Concordia, "Is the element that brings us together, that allows us to work as one for causes greater than ourselves. Whether executing a battle plan or singing in the choir, it is important to heed your leaders and stay on task."
The crowd cheered, and Concordia nodded. Clavis continued.
"Next, we have Tika. She is the Sage of Instruments and will help you handle them gracefully and respectfully." A tall, smiling woman stood. She looked like she had just dropped in from the future with bright pink beaded hair shaved off on one side and a high-collared vest with neon blue stripes.
"Instruments are one of our greatest technological achievements," said Tika, "With time, they become extensions of ourselves. I will show you how to care for, play, and wield them when ready. Once an Instrument has found you, seek me out, and I will get you started.”
"Instrument found you?" whispered Angus to Veronica. "Doesn't she mean when you've found your instrument?"
Veronica shrugged, just as confused as Angus.
Clavis continued with his presentation.
"Of course, there's the Sage of Tempo, Horace. He will have you moving with intent, precision, and strength." An athletic man whom anyone would describe as wildly attractive stood and gave a deep bow, clearly enjoying appreciative hoots from the audience. He wore tightly fitted leather gear and briefly struck a bodybuilder’s stance, showing off his musculature.
"I will show you why timing is crucial, an overriding element that will inform your every endeavor.” Horace did a little spin and landed in perfect form. “Don’t be late for my classes!"
Whistles rewarded his efforts. Clavis moved on down the stage.
"Freyja, the mysterious Sage of Melody. She has been known to hypnotize the most stubborn person with a single note of her voice." A woman in a plain white dress stood and stole the stage with a subtle smile.
"Melody," said Freyja, "Will help you find who you will become."
More cheers and whistles.
"Ah… mysterious as ever," said Clavis, and he moved to the last Sage.
"Finally, the Sage of Dissonance. He will teach you why it is sometimes, and I repeat, sometimes, important to break the rules. Please stand up, Dionis." A very gruff-looking man blew sarcastic kisses to the audience. He did not stand.
"Would you like to say anything, Dionis?" asked Clavis.
"Meh," Dionis shrugged his shoulders and turned to look right at Angus.
"Very well then," Clavis sighed with a slight look of disappointment.
“Oh no!” hissed Angus to Trevor, “Dionis is the tattoo-faced guy I bumped into. Of all my luck, I ran into the meanest Sage here.”
“Maybe he’ll forget what you look like?” said Trevor hopefully.
“Not a chance,” whispered Veronica, “pretty sure he’s going to whoop your butt one day. Just accept it, and maybe you’ll get a cool-looking scar.”
"And who am I, you may ask?" continued Clavis. "I am Clavis, the Keeper of Thrum. My job is to keep the elementary Sages in balance. Trust me when I say that is a full-time job." Concordia nodded approvingly; Dionis grunted and rolled his eyes.
"Now that introductions are complete, we’ll get to this ceremony's true purpose," said Clavis. "It's time to get these newcomers paired with their mentors. For those who don't know, mentors and mentees are individuals who resonate on similar wavelengths. Their connection will last for life. It is important to understand that they cannot reveal one another's secrets once paired, like a doctor or lawyer. Whatever is uttered confidentially cannot be repeated to anyone else unless it is a matter of personal safety."
"This is to ensure absolute trust." continued Clavis. "Your mentor will teach you about Thrum, help you develop your Personas, and tell you the good and the ugly truth about yourself when you need to hear it. Don't be afraid, though. You will get along. The pairing never fails. For this ceremony, we always go to the expert. Please welcome Tuner."
A tall, thin man walked on stage, and Angus immediately recognized the head that had appeared from the piano. His movement was somewhat mechanical, yet he still seemed quite human.
"Hello, everyone," said Tuner, "It is time to do my favorite job, pair newcomers with mentors. Together, we will identify individuals who resonate harmoniously. Let us get right to it. Young lady, you are first."
A girl of about eight stepped forward. Tuner pulled a tuning fork from his pocket and put it in the girl’s hand.
He flicked it with his finger, and a pure tone rang across the amphitheater, seeming to bounce from wall to wall in an endless pattern. Once the sound faded, a blue spark appeared above the tuning fork. At first, Angus could barely see it, but then it grew until it reached the size of an orange, looking like a tiny lightning ball. The glowing sphere floated into the audience, moving from person to person. It finally stopped at a middle-aged woman, who jumped up and down in celebration, then rushed down to greet her mentee.
"It looks like we found our first pair. Congratulations!" announced Clavis, and the crowd cheered in approval.
Tuner made his way through the newcomers, matching them up individually. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. Old matched with young, rough with prim, and tall with short. Angus desperately hoped not to be sent off with Zach or his gang.
When Trevor’s turn came, Tuner flicked the fork, and an emerald green spark appeared. It floated about the amphitheater until it came to rest on a pretty young woman named Resha, who had one obvious thing in common with Trevor. She also had impressively large ears. She made her way down to the stage and shook Trevor's hand.
Veronica was next in line after Trevor. “Please be Valora. Please be Valora. Please be Velora,” she chanted to herself over and over.
Veronica's spark was red. It floated about as usual and finally settled on a very aged man in the front row.
“Ewe,” grumbled Veronica, “he’s old and leathery.”
"Oh, it’s Pascal," said Clavis, "Veronica, you have a wise mentor. Be sure to ask him a lot of tough questions."
Pascal stood and firmly shook Veronica's hand, "I have a feeling you're not one to be trifled with." He crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue.
“I like your style,” said Veronica with a quick smile.
Angus was the final newcomer to be matched. "Hello again," Tuner whispered to Angus, "I am glad you made it to the city."
Tuner flicked the tuning fork, and the resulting spark, rather than being colored, was brilliant white.
A slight gasp and murmur rose from the crowd as the white spark started to move. This time, the light did something unheard of. It flew directly to the Keeper of Thrum himself, Clavis.