Beneath the Waves: The Adventures of Coralia the Mermaid

By Robin Wickens

Dive into a mesmerizing world of wonder and magic with "Beneath the Waves: The Adventures of Coralia the Mermaid." In this enchanting collection of 50 short stories, follow the courageous and kind-hearted Coralia as she navigates the mysterious depths of the ocean. From daring rescues to thrilling escapades, each tale is filled with whimsy, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself. Join Coralia on her underwater adventures and discover the magic that lies beneath the waves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rob's Books
• Release date: Apr 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224987238

Robin Wickens

Here at Rob's Books, we are committed to spreading the joy of story, colouring and puzzling books, making it an enjoyable and accessible activity for all. We envision a world where creativity is a celebrated and integral part of everyday life.

Book preview

1:  The Forbidden Surface

In the vast, cerulean depths of the Elysium Reef, lived Coralia, a mermaid of rare beauty and boundless curiosity. Her scales shimmered from aqua to seafoam green, and her hair, woven with pearls and corals, cascaded down her back like a waterfall at sunset. Coralia's life was one of peace and harmony, but her heart yearned for mysteries yet to be discovered.

One tranquil morning, while swimming through an ancient, shadowed part of the reef that elder merfolk often warned the young to avoid, Coralia's keen eyes caught a glimmer beneath the sandy floor. Brushing aside the grains with gentle strokes of her tail, she uncovered what appeared to be an old, barnacle-encrusted chest. Her heart fluttered with excitement—treasure chests often held stories of old, and she was eager to pry into its secrets.

With a bit of effort, the chest gave way, revealing its contents: an assortment of golden coins, delicate trinkets, and a peculiar, rolled-up parchment. Coralia’s eyes widened with curiosity as she unfurled the ancient map. It was drawn with exquisite detail, showing pathways and currents unfamiliar to her, leading up to a depiction of a mysterious island—a place no mermaid had ventured to, as the surface was considered a realm of danger and taboo.

The map bore the seal of Atlantis, hinting at its authenticity and age. Such a discovery was unprecedented. Coralia knew that consulting the elders would be the prudent course, but the map stirred something adventurous within her. The island beckoned to her, promising answers to questions she hadn't yet thought to ask.

Ignoring the flicker of fear in her heart, Coralia decided to follow the map. She told no one, fearing the elders might confiscate her treasure and forbid her journey. With a supply of enchanted seaweed that could sustain her energy, and a compact shell to use as a compass, she set off toward the great unknown.

The journey was long and fraught with peril. Coralia faced swift undercurrents, labyrinthine seaweed forests, and creatures that lurked in the depths of the ocean. Yet, her resolve did not waver. She was driven by a mysterious pull towards the island, as if the map had cast a spell over her.

After several days, Coralia surfaced beneath the moonlit sky. The island loomed before her, its rugged cliffs casting long shadows over the sand. The air was a mixture of fragrant flowers and salty sea—a scent so enchanting, yet foreign to her nostrils. Drawing a deep, hesitant breath, Coralia ventured onto the island.

The island was unlike anything Coralia could have imagined. Lush, verdant foliage surrounded her, and the sounds of strange creatures filled the air. She explored the island, guided by the map which seemed to hum in her hands, leading her to a hidden cave behind a waterfall.

Inside, the cave was lined with ancient murals depicting merfolk and humans living in harmony, trading gifts, and sharing knowledge. At the centre of the cave stood a pedestal, upon which rested a large, glowing orb. The orb pulsed with a soft light, and as Coralia approached, images began to form like mist rising from the sea. They told a story of a time when merfolk could walk on land at will, a time before a great cataclysm forced them to forsake the surface and retreat to the ocean's depths.

Tears filled Coralia’s eyes as she watched the history of her ancestors unfold. The orb offered her a choice: take its power and restore the ancient pathways between her people and the surface, or leave it be and maintain the status quo. The decision weighed heavily on her. With the power of the orb, she could change her people's destiny, but at what cost?

Bearing the weight of her discovery, Coralia returned to the ocean. She knew she must consult the elders; such a decision was not hers alone to make. The journey back was reflective and filled with turmoil in her heart.

Upon her return, Coralia presented the orb and the map to the Council of Elders in the great coral hall. After much deliberation, discussion, and debate, it was decided that a select group of merfolk would return to the island to learn more about the orb and the ancient ways.

Months passed, and with the knowledge gleaned from the orb, the merfolk slowly rekindled their relationship with the surface. Bridges were built, not just between lands and seas, but between old fears and new possibilities.

Coralia, now revered as both a pioneer and a bridge between worlds, often looked back at her daring journey. She had changed the course of her people's history, all because she dared to follow a map and explore beyond the boundaries that had confined her people for centuries. Her story became a beacon of courage and curiosity, inspiring future generations to explore the far reaches of both the ocean and themselves.

2:  The Echoing Conch

In the tranquil depths of the Azure Deep, where the water danced with the shimmering light of the sun, Coralia, the mermaid, swam with grace and vigour. Her curiosity was as vast as the ocean itself, and she was revered among her people for her bravery and kind heart. The underwater world was her sanctuary, but she was always intrigued by the mysteries that lay beyond her realm.

One day, while exploring the vibrant coral gardens that fringed the ancient ruins of a sunken pirate ship, Coralia stumbled upon a peculiar conch shell nestled among the sea anemones. It was unlike any she had seen before; its spiral was perfect, and it shimmered with a pearlescent glow that seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of the sea. Drawn by its allure, Coralia scooped the conch into her hands. The moment her fingers touched its smooth surface, she felt a surge of energy, and a chorus of distant whispers filled her ears.

Startled yet mesmerised, Coralia soon realised that the conch was enchanted, allowing her to hear the thoughts and cries for help from creatures across the ocean. Voices, as soft as the underwater breeze, echoed within its spiral, each telling tales of wonder and woe. It was a gift of boundless connection, and she treasured it deeply.

As weeks turned into months, Coralia used the conch to aid her fellow sea dwellers, solving disputes and rescuing those caught in the careless drifts of the current. However, one evening, a desperate plea unlike any other echoed through the conch. It was a rare blue whale, its voice tremulous with distress, ensnared in a monstrous net somewhere near the surface.

The whale's cries pierced Coralia’s heart. She knew that venturing near the surface and, more perilously, near humans, was forbidden by the ancient laws of her people. The upper world was deemed dangerous, and any interaction with humans could lead to catastrophe. Yet, as the whale’s pleas grew weaker, Coralia’s resolve strengthened. She could not let fear dictate her actions when a life was at stake.

After confiding in her trusted friend, Fin the dolphin, about her plan, she prepared for the journey. Fin, ever the loyal companion, agreed to guide her to the surface. As night enveloped the ocean, they set off, guided by the stars and the faint, sorrowful song of the whale that resonated in the conch.

The journey was fraught with challenges. Currents tested their strength, and dark shapes loomed in the depths, but nothing could deter Coralia. As they neared the surface, the once-distant cries of the whale grew louder and more harrowing.

Breaking the surface, Coralia was struck by the vastness of the open sky. The moon cast a silvery glow over the sea, a sight she had only ever imagined. Ahead, the outline of a massive fishing trawler loomed, its nets cast wide and deep. There, tangled in an expanse of heavy netting, was the blue whale, its colossal body scarred, and its movements laboured.

Coralia’s heart sank at the sight. She knew what she had to do. With Fin keeping a watchful eye, she approached the net. The whale's eye, as vast as a dinner plate and brimming with fear, watched her approach. Speaking softly, Coralia promised to free him. Using a sharp rock, she began to cut through the net. The task was immense; the net was thick and the work slow, but Coralia's determination was as deep as the ocean.

As dawn painted the sky with strokes of pink and orange, the task was done. The whale, with a powerful flick of its tail, broke free from the remnants of its bindings. Before it swam away, it bowed its massive head to Coralia in gratitude. Its song, now a melody of relief and joy, filled the morning air and resonated through the conch, echoing far into the depths.

However, the noise had attracted the attention of the fishermen. Shouts filled the air as they spotted Coralia's tail disappearing beneath the waves. Fear gripped her heart, but the sight of the whale swimming freely gave her the courage to dive deep and return home.

Coralia’s return was met with mixed reactions. The elders were concerned about the exposure to humans, fearful of the implications. Yet, as news of her deed spread, her courage and selflessness were celebrated among her people. She had challenged their oldest laws, but in doing so, she had saved a life and perhaps paved the way for a greater understanding between the two worlds.

In the end, the echoing conch was not just a tool but a symbol of empathy and connection. Coralia had listened when no one else could hear, and her actions spoke louder than any words could. Through her bravery, the merfolk remembered that sometimes, the greatest risks lead to the most profound rewards. And as for Coralia, each whisper from the conch continued to guide her, reminding her that the vast ocean was not just a place of mystery, but of boundless compassion and courage.

3:  The Coral Crown

In the vast and mystic depths of the Mariana Realm, where the ocean whispered ancient secrets, the time had come for an event of monumental importance—the choosing of the new ruler of the seas. This was the Coral Crown Challenge, held once every century, where contenders from across the oceanic kingdoms gathered to compete in tests of wisdom, courage, and heart. The winner would wear the Coral Crown, symbolising leadership and responsibility over the undersea world.

Coralia, with her luminous scales and hair woven with strands of seabed flowers, had always been a spirited and curious mermaid. She was known throughout her community for her bravery and unyielding kindness. As the hundredth year approached, her heart swelled with a mixture of anticipation and resolve. She decided to enter the competition, driven not only by a desire to lead but to also bring about a harmonious union between the various factions of the marine world.

The event was to be held at the ancient Arena of Tides; a colossal amphitheatre built into the cliffs of the ocean’s deepest trench. Here, the currents converged, creating a natural barrier that was both perilous and majestic. As Coralia journeyed to the arena, she was accompanied by a band of supporters, including her closest confidant, Fin the dolphin, and an old wise turtle named Sage Shellback, who had seen many such competitions in his long life.

Upon arrival, the competitors were greeted by the Elder Council, a group of wise and ancient sea creatures who had the task of overseeing the challenges. The council explained that the competition would consist of three trials, each designed to test different virtues a ruler must possess.

The first challenge was the Trial of Wisdom. Competitors were taken to the Sunken Library, a vast archive of oceanic lore and lost human knowledge, preserved underwater. Here, they were each given a scroll containing a series of riddles written in the ancient language of the deep. Coralia, whose love for old tales and scripts had always been a passion, felt a thrill run through her. She poured over the scrolls, her mind weaving through the complex layers of meaning. With a combination of intuition and learned knowledge, she was the first to decipher the riddles, earning a respectful nod from the council and admiration from her fellow competitors.

The second trial was the Trial of Courage. This took place in the Abyssal Labyrinth, a maze of dark, swirling currents and deceptive passageways filled with unseen perils. Each