2003, Susan K. Hamilton, Darkstar Rising, Xlibris (2003), ISBN 1413406246, page 433:The merlad and merlass watched the sphere for a moment and with a flick of their shiny tails, vanished again.
2006, S. L. Bynum, Kalena, the Sea Princess, Lulu (2006), ISBN 9781430303367, page 10:I have to admit, he's a handsome merlad with his beautiful brown eyes, shiny black hair, and dark brown skin, but I can't have a boyfriend.
2009, Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed, Simon & Schuster (2009), ISBN 9781847386304, unnumbered page:“At first everyone was standoffish and now they're too friendly,†Thorgil complained, swiping at a merlad who was attempting to grab her hair.
