Mermaid Whispers in the Dark

A most unexpected sound to wake up to.     Not a new-comer to adventure, Nat knows the hazards of traveling the trade road near the coast as well as the next trader; which is why he always sleeps with shelter: at an inn, if possible, but if not at least beneath a tree.     But one night during his travels, Nat awakens beneath a great oak near the coast to hear voices on an extra-magical night.     He smells evergreen needles mixed with the scent of dirt and sea breezes, and he senses a woman's fear.     And unbeknownst to him, on this night, headed straight to him come the problems of others .