by T J Green
“We’ll be there,” she promised. “We wouldn’t miss it. Tell Nixie, thanks.”
“Will do.” A momentary flicker of confusion passed across his face. “You must have made quite an impression on Nixie. A couple of times she’s asked how you are, and if you’ll be coming tomorrow. She’ll be pleased to know you are.”
I’ll bet she will be. “Obviously, I don’t want to cramp your style, but we’ll say hi,” Avery said, lying furiously. “Don’t you think you should put your hex bag back on?”
“I don’t need it anymore,” he explained, utterly failing to see its importance. Too late now, anyway.
Later that afternoon, Newton came into the shop, looking preoccupied and tired. Avery led him into the back room and put the kettle on for some tea. “You look like crap, Newton. What’s going on?”
Newton sat at the table, staring into the distance for a few seconds, before he finally focussed on her. “I’m trying to tie up the investigation into the church murders without creating further complications, but I don’t like it. At all.”
“I know, and I’m sorry.” Avery placed a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits on the table, and then sat down in a chair opposite him. “I wish we could help, but we can’t, and you’d never be able to bring anyone to justice.”
“I know, but I’d prefer magical justice of some sort at least, and they won’t even get that!” He fell silent and sipped his tea.
“But they will make amends,” she said, trying to be positive. “They will help save so many people at the beach tomorrow.”
He met her eyes with a stony gaze. “Will they? Or will it turn into one big fight with a whole load of casualties caught in the crossfire?”
“You know that’s not what we want, and that we’ll do anything possible to prevent that.”
“I know, but it doesn’t mean it will be successful.”
“There’ll be a police presence there though, won’t there?”
“Of course, in case of crowd unrest, but it will be small.”
“Will you be there?”
He nodded. “It’s not normal for me to be there, but I argued that it’s a pagan festival, and that after the church murders anything might happen. So yes, I’ll be there in an official capacity.”
Avery smiled. “Good. As soon as Eve summons the storm, you must help get people off the beach. We’ll isolate the Mermaids.”
“And what about the men they’ve enthralled?”
“We’ll separate them as best as we can. I think they’ll be confused, anyway. Well, I’m hoping so.”
Newton took a biscuit and crunched through it in two bites, and then quickly had another two, as if he hadn’t eaten in hours. “We’re leaving a lot to chance.”
“We’re as well prepared as possible,” she insisted. “Look, Newton, it’s as frustrating for us as it is for you. I’m sorry we can’t do more.” Avery couldn’t help but wonder if Newton’s mood was related to Briar, and although she hated to pry, he might want to talk. “Have you caught up with the others since the other night? Reuben? Briar?”
He shook his head. “No, I’ve been busy at the station, but I might drop into Briar’s later.”
“Great. Say ‘hi’ from me.”
He lifted his gaze from the table top. “I know what you’re thinking, Avery.”
“No, you don’t,” she said, flushing and speaking far too quickly.
“Yes, I do. You’re a romantic. I’m single, she’s single, and she’s attractive. Very attractive, and for a while…” His voice trailed off, and he looked anywhere but at her.
Avery waited, watching his anguished expression.
When he finally looked at her again, his expression was sad. “I know about magic, about your histories. I accept that. I’m your friend, a friend to all of you, and I always will be. And I thought that maybe me and Briar—” he shrugged. “You know. But I think the magic, the blurring of boundaries, is too much. For me, anyway.”
“There is no blurring of boundaries, Newton. None. We wish no harm—you know that. Especially Briar. She’s a healer, a green witch.”
“But you’re making deals with the Nephilim.”
“Just like the police make deals with lesser criminals to get the big guys,” she argued. “There’s no difference here. You know the Mermaids will kill more.”
He shook his head and stood up, brushing crumbs off his shirt absently. “I’d better go.”
She stood, too and moved around the table. “No, wait. Don’t go yet, I’ve got time to talk.”
“It will solve nothing.”
“Things seem complicated right now, but they won’t always be. Our lives were peaceful before all of this. They will be again.”
He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Will they? I’m not so sure. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He left through the back door and Avery watched him, full of regret, without a clue how to make him feel better. And she hoped Briar would be okay, too.
25
Avery stood on the sand dunes overlooking Spriggan Bay, watching the sea and the crowds of people stretched across the sand.
It was the day of the Lughnasadh festival, and in a few hours’ time, the bonfire would be lit and the celebrations would begin. For once, it was actually the full moon tonight. On previous years, the full moon had fallen either before or after the celebrations, but the town bonfire was always planned for the Saturday night, regardless. Not that they could see the moon. It was already overcast, grey clouds scudding across the sky, showing only brief glimpses of blue. It wasn’t cold, though; instead, it was muggy, a clamminess that kissed your skin. Even the breeze was warm.
A few hundred meters to Avery’s right was the harbour wall, and the bonfire was to her left, placed in the fullest curve of the bay, allowing lots of people to be able to spread around it. Even from her height on the dunes, it looked huge, a massive stack of driftwood and pallets, built during the preceding week. Families, couples, and friends of all ages were spread across the sand already. Many had been there all day, but some had arrived recently, laden with chilly bins, rugs, picnic blankets, and baskets of food.
The tide was steadily working its way out, the slow ebb and flow of the waves mesmerising. By nightfall it would be fully out and the Mermaids would have a way to walk to reach the sea.
Avery looked behind her. Below, in the dip of the dunes, the other witches, including Eve and Nate, had set up a base camp. They had picked this spot because it was fairly isolated, sitting a few minutes away from the wooden walkways over the dunes, and out of sight of those on the main beach. They had already placed a spell of protection over the area, causing anyone who did walk that way to turn around and leave.
Behind them were about a hundred metres of dune, all the way back to the road, and above them, on the low hills of the coast, were some houses with commanding views of the sea. The dunes would protect them from their view, too.
Avery took some deep breaths and tried to calm herself down. Her heart was fluttering with anxiety and her mind was racing through all sorts of possibilities. What if the Nephilim didn’t come? What if Eve couldn’t summon the storm? What if, after everything they were planning, the Mermaids were too strong and succeeded in taking the men?
Avery felt movement behind her, and then Alex appeared. He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her in close, kissing her temple. “Stop worrying,” he murmured in her ear.
“I can’t help it. This could be a disaster.” She turned to look at him, and ran her hand across his cheek. “And I’m worried about you. They could ensnare you, too!”
He smiled, took her hand, and kissed her palm. “That won’t happen. You’re the only one who can steal my heart, Avery.”
“Stop teasing me,” she said reproachfully.
“I’m not teasing. I just wanted you to know how I feel, in case anything happens.”
What was he saying? I think my heart might explode. I have no idea what to say.
&
nbsp; “Avery,” he said. “Speak to me. You’ve gone mute.”
“You say the sweetest things. It sort of takes my breath away,” she mumbled.
He kissed her hand again. “I’m just being honest. Please be careful tonight. And don’t worry about me. I’ve warded the amulets El gave Reuben and me with extra protection. We’ll be immune.”
“I’m not convinced. Dan took his protection off, and I still don’t know why because he gives me evasive answers when I ask. On the positive side, my protection has held up on the shop. Nixie couldn’t get in.”
“There you go. They aren’t invincible. Anyway, come down to the fire. We’re strategising,” he said, pulling her by the hand down into the dunes.
The campfire was glowing brightly, the salt in the driftwood burning all shades of blue. The witches sat in a ring, and Eve had a small wooden box next to her, the top open, revealing small glass vials of herbs and potions, all jostling tightly together. A small leather book was open on her lap.
“It’s busy, and getting busier,” Avery told them as she sat down on the soft, cushiony sand. “There’s no wind, it’s warm, and the cloud will keep it that way. It’s the perfect night for a beach party.”
“Not for long,” Eve said, rummaging in her box for something. “I’m going to start the spell now. It takes a while to build a good storm. I have to harness energy from all directions, and of course, we want it to look as natural as possible, so slow is better. It’s fortunate you have a large pool of energy over White Haven. I‘ll draw on that.”
“Have you ever had to summon a storm quickly?” Briar asked.
“No, never. I summoned rain when we had a massive drought, years ago. The harvest and the cattle were suffering. I also headed off a huge storm a while back, but nothing like I’m planning to do tonight.” She smiled. “But don’t worry, the principals are the same.”
“Do you need us?” Reuben asked.
“No. Nate will help, so that will free you up to get to the beach. What time do they usually light the fire?”
“Not until about eight,” Alex explained. He was lying on the sand, chewing a piece of dune grass. “It will be twilight then, sunset is around nine. The cloud cover will of course make it darker.”
“Good. I presume the Mermaids won’t take the men until it’s dark anyway, so I’ll aim for the full force of the storm to hit around the same time as nightfall. People should be heading away with their kids then, and the storm will drive off the rest. Then, under cover of the dark, wind, and rain, you can engage with the Mermaids.” Eve spread her hands wide. “Of course, weather magic is not always predictable, but it should work out well.”
“And what about the Nephilim?” Nate asked. “When do they arrive?”
“In another couple of hours,” Alex answered. “I hope.”
Nate raised an eyebrow. “I’m curious as to what they’re going to look like. And what they’re going to do.”
“Me, too. I just hope they’re dressed,” Alex said. “Or things will get really interesting.”
Briar smirked. “Part of me hopes they’re not. They sure looked good naked.”
Eve laughed. “Remind me to ask you more about that later, Briar. In the meantime, while you’re all here, lend me your energy to get the ball rolling, and then you can go.”
Nate quickly checked that the spell keeping their privacy was still effective, then they linked hands around the fire and Eve began the spell. She tipped her head back and closed her eyes, her voice low as she began the incantation.
She started with an appeal to the four elements, marshalling them to her will. Her long, dark dreads were threaded with beads and framed her strong features, which appeared rigid with concentration. Avery could feel the pull on her magic as it flowed from her and around the circle, mingling with the others’.
Then Eve did something amazing. She opened up and appealed to the four points of the compass, stretching out across the skies above, and with a snap, Avery felt the forces start to gather—wind, fire, earth, and water. The magnitude of the distance over which her magic was spread was overwhelming. Eve sat within it all, holding everything together calmly.
She opened her eyes and looked at them. “It has begun.”
***
Avery wandered aimlessly across the beach, Briar at her side, taking in everything. The crowds of people, the music that came from all directions, the buzz of conversation, and the hum of energy—no wonder Nixie wanted to return to the ocean here. It was the perfect place.
Historically, men had gone missing alone, or in groups from boats out at sea. This surely had to be a one-off, for so many to be taken at one time. Once again, Avery’s thoughts drifted to the power they had released. This was their fault for breaking the binding. But perhaps Nixie and the others had overreached here, and greed would help their downfall.
“A penny for your thoughts,” Briar said, and Avery turned to see Briar looking at her, a sad smile on her face.
“Just hoping we’re strong enough to do this.”
Briar nodded. “It does feel huge. But we have a good plan—well, as much as we can. We don’t really know what could happen.” She hesitated for a second, and then asked, “Have you seen Newton?”
Avery stopped and turned to face her. “Not since yesterday. He popped into my shop. Have you?”
“Not since then either. He came to see me, too.” She sighed heavily. “Magic is freaking him out.”
“For now.”
“Forever, I think.” The smile had disappeared completely from Briar’s face, and she turned to face the horizon.
“But he’s still our friend. He still cares what happens to us. To you.”
“But magic always gets in the way.” She shrugged. “I honestly thought that, you know, things might happen.”
“You liked him, then? I wasn’t sure.”
“Yes, I did. He grew on me. Apart from his smoking,” she added.
Avery sighed, disappointed for her friend. “Things might happen yet. You’re gorgeous, Briar. Trust me, you won’t be alone forever.”
“How selfish do I sound? Considering what may happen tonight.”
“We all want to be loved, and find someone who understands us,” Avery said, touching her arm gently. “To find someone who’ll put up with our foibles and petty crap. And you will. Not that you have any petty crap I’m sure,” she added hurriedly.
“Oh, I’m sure I have,” Briar said. “At least you have Alex.”
Avery’s thoughts flew back to their earlier conversation. “Well, yes, I think so.”
Briar laughed dryly. “Avery! Stop it. You doubt yourself, and him. He loves you. It’s all over his face. He might not have said so, but it’s obvious.”
All of Avery’s doubts rushed through her. “Seriously? Do you think so?”
“Has he said it?”
“Well, I don’t know…he said something earlier.”
She huffed with impatience. “I won’t ask what. But whatever it was, accept it.”
Suitably chastised, Avery nodded. And then she saw Nixie and lots of young and very attractive women on the edge of the crowd, clustered together around a campfire. With them were a number of laughing men, and among them were Dan and Pete.
“There they are,” Avery said, turning towards them, but resisting the urge to point.
Briar frowned. “Great, let’s go and let them know we’re here.”
“Is that wise?” Avery asked, catching her arm.
“Yes. It’s a game, and we’re in play. There are certain moves you have to make, Avery. This is one of them.” And then Briar marched off, with Avery running after her.
Before anyone noticed her, Briar strode to the edge of the group. “Evening, ladies. Enjoying yourselves?”
Heads whipped around, and Nixie looked up, a lazy smile on her face. “Avery and a friend. How lovely that you have come to join us.”
Dan looked around and smiled, but stayed sitting on the sand next to Nixie. Lik
e a dog at his master’s heel. He greeted them weakly. “Guys, you came!”
“We’re not staying,” Avery said, standing firmly beyond their circle. “Just a quick hello.”
Most of the group had now fallen silent, and the Mermaids watched them with narrowed eyes and pursed lips, while the men looked contented and oblivious.
“That’s a shame,” Nixie said, her voice like a caress on the skin. “We’re planning on a swim later.”
“I’m sure you are,” Briar said. “We’ll be around, so I’m sure we’ll see you later.”
“Maybe,” Nixie said, her sharp eyes flashing in challenge. “But probably not.”
Avery was watching Dan, and she caught a frown pass across his face, but it was quickly gone once Nixie turned her beaming smile on him.
They turned and walked away, aware of being watched. “There are well over a dozen women there,” Briar said, worried. “And they looked mean. I’m not sure we’re going to manage this.”
“We bloody well have to,” Avery said, her resolve strengthening. “None of those men had any will left, and I do not mean to lose them. Not one.”
On their way back to the others they saw Newton talking to one of the PCs, patrolling as part of the community policing. He waved and strolled over, looking uncharacteristically nervous. “Are we on track?” he asked without preamble.
“Yes,” Avery said immediately, hoping to instil a sense of calm. “How about you?”
“Just waiting for the storm.” He looked around, perplexed, and Avery noticed he seemed to be avoiding looking at Briar. She had a sudden urge to slap some sense into him. “If I’m honest, it looks unlikely. Are you sure this Eve woman knows what she’s doing?”
“Of course she does,” Briar said scathingly, and Avery looked at her, surprised. She had never heard Briar sound so abrupt, and neither had Newton by the look on his face. His head jerked back and he focussed on her fully.
He stuttered, “I didn’t mean to doubt…”
“Yes, you did. Can’t quite make up your mind about magic, can you? But it’s fine when it suits you,” Briar snapped and walked away, leaving Avery and Newton staring at her back.