When Nevlin raised his brows, Rose quickly covered and uncovered her eyes. “Hide and seek. We fairies count in fives you see.”
A smaller winged creature fluttered and swirled around Nevlin. She landed on his cheek and then flew amongst the strands of his hair.
Jenn giggled. “I think she likes you.” She leaned in and spoke to Rose. “This is amazing. You have a beautiful home. Thank you for sharing it with us.”
“You are welcome. You, and those like you, are always welcome.”
To their far right, perfectly round stones were positioned to create a circle. Small long-legged fairies danced within. There was the faintest sound of music, and a few giggles flooded the air.
“We have most everything, though we could use a big strong shade tree.” Rose winked at Nevlin. “If you so decide.”
“Decide?”
Rose fluttered over to a mushroom and perched. She pointed her finger. “Your ego will argue with you.” She crooked her finger to call him in closer.
Nevlin placed his hand on Jenn’s back. “Excuse me.”
He moved closer. Rose whispered, “Prophecy or not, you have the power. You, and you alone, have the will to decide your own destiny.”
He whispered, “How did you know?”
“Dana, the Mother Goddess, of course.” Rose gave an exaggerated nod. “She speaks to us all.”
Nevlin’s mouth gaped, and he could feel his eyes begin to water. His stomach clenched, and then he heard a rustling sound, which caused Rose to perk up, wings fluttering.
“Ta ta, ‘til later.” She flew off.
He did a double take. He lowered his gaze and rubbed his brows. He stepped over clover and returned to Jenn’s side.
Jenn’s eyes widened. “That’s the most interaction I’ve had with them. I’ve known they were here, have heard them, seen them even… but that was lovely. This garden is a true oasis.”
He smiled as he took Jenn’s arm and led them out of the garden. “I am glad I saw and felt it with you.”
Chapter 6
As they walked to the pavilion, Nevlin inquired about all of Jenn’s interests. He learned of her love for antiques, the history of her time at Beachcombers, and what was to him most important, that she was not romantically involved.
Jenn spoke in a soft tone. “Nevlin, you have been through so many centuries. Lived so much. Seen so much. So much to have experienced first-hand.”
“Yes, that is true. There was, of course, the crossing of the Atlantic, and I could go on for days about the French Revolution. For me, personally, I was excited when Galileo introduced the astronomical telescope. His mathematics alone were brilliant.” He chuckled. “The original texting... the telegram. The railways. The gunslingers as they have been called. And of course, there was being present for the opening of the play, All’s Well That Ends Well.”
Jenn’s mouth dropped. “William Shakespeare? That’s amazing.” She shook her head. “I can’t help but wonder, though, how on earth did you cope with some of the other things that you would’ve seen?”
He pressed his lips together. “It is true that I have seen a lot and, as such, have seen a lot of mayhem. A lot of destruction. I have seen the enslaved, I have seen the freed. I’ve watched greed destroy and borders placed where there should be none. I have seen man put claim on the waters and hold hostage the land. While I have concern for mankind, I feel even more for our Earth, though I have seen her heal in miraculous ways. In truth, I have seen good people come to the aid of others, our brothers in the animal kingdom, and our planet.” He stopped and turned to face her. “There is a lot of truth in that history repeats itself. You see, I have learned we have, and nearly always have had, those who destroy and those who heal. I have, through it all, always retained a renewed sense of hope for our world. Faith has stayed with me.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “And in truth, you have seen all these things too.” He raised his brows. “And forget what you have heard of Beethoven. He was the Rod Stewart of his day.”
Jenn laughed, and to him, it was beautiful music. “And Mozart?”
He chuckled. “Think in terms of your pop star Prince. Women really did call him Wolfgang.”
She gave him a playful pat on the arm. This caused him to want to move closer, although it was when she allowed him to drape her arm through his as they continued the walk that he could feel his heart pound.
When they arrived at Festival Park, the three sculptures of water elements greeted them. The Triton, the Merpeople in embrace, and the mythical Dolphin. Nevlin found each delightful. However, it was not until they went farther and he stood at the base of the Unicorn statue that his pulse quickened. He found himself breaking into a wide smile. “The unicorn, who would rather choose death than servitude.”
It was the most beautiful rendition of the magnificent creature he had seen, realistically placed on an emerald green mound of grass. His magical spiral horn pointed in the direction of the North Star, the muscular, noble beast stood sturdy on hind legs. With the front cloven hooves in midair, it portrayed confidence and strength. And yet, the pose held an interpretation for whoever sought one. Ready to defend or rescue. Possibly even ready to flee from the non-believers.
Jenn released her arm from his and held up her phone as she motioned that she would be seated on a bench across the grounds. He nodded and went back to gazing at the sculpture. He pulled his coin from his pocket and ran his finger over the impression of the unicorn. It was identical. He positioned himself so that the figure’s horn on the coin faced where they had just come from—north. He smiled, as it also pointed to Jenn. He looked out into the distance. Gazing at the sky, he saw the same cloud formation that he had seen earlier. It was still in direct correspondence to that on the coin. He let out a deep breath. He was slightly startled from his thoughts when a voice called out, “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
He turned around and saw a man, who appeared to be approximately his own age, standing at the edge of a stage.
Nevlin nodded. “I am mesmerized.”
The man chuckled. “I could see that.”
He fingered his coin as he walked toward the man. “Best I have seen.”
“That’s what I told my fiancée, that it’s just as they looked.”
“You are a believer then?”
“I’ve come to believe a lot of things in the past year.”
“Then you may understand my feeling of being drawn here. Possibly by the ley lines.”
“Why not? I know it’s powerful here.” He held his hand out. “I’m Drake Adams.”
He shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. I am Nevlin Rowe.”
“Are you just visiting? Here for the festivities?”
“I am.”
“Great. Where are you staying?”
“At a charming place, Beachcombers.”
Drake cleared his throat and leaned forward. “Halona’s?”
“Yes. Lovely person.”
Drake shoved his hands in his pockets. “She is. She’s also my fiancée.”
“Fiancée, you say? The world does only get smaller.”
A man with dark brown hair, mustache, and close beard called out as he walked over to join them. “Who are you kidding, Drake? She’s been your wife since you first laid eyes on her.” He reached his hand out to Nevlin. “Moss Bentley,” he said in a gruff tone.
Nevlin shook his hand. “Nice strong name. Nice to meet you, Moss. I am Nevlin Rowe.”
Moss gave a nod. “Nice to meet you.”
Nevlin pointed over to the bench. “Then you know Jenn?”
Drake looked over, and as they all exchanged glances, Jenn got up and walked toward them.
“We do.” Drake glanced at Nevlin’s hand. “That’s some coin you have there.”
“This silver piece has much history. And answers, I hope.”
He held the hammered coin out and offered it to Drake, who now, wide-eyed, began to study the silver in detail. The flan was so large that, while s
lightly off centered on both sides, all the detail was visible. He ran his fingers across the intricate coin.
Drake raised his brows. “This has got to be rare. This has to be what… early eleventh century?”
He gave a nod. “Yes. You know coins. “
Drake said. “I enjoy working with metal… and coins are a favorite of mine. But this…”
Jenn walked up beside them, crossing and uncrossing her arms. “I see you’ve met.”
Drake smiled. “Hi, Nevlin was just showing me his coin.” He turned the coin within his fingers. “Spéir I remember to mean sky, and cré is earth. What is Bheith fíor chun féin?”
Nevlin said, “Be true to self.”
Drake nodded as he continued to study the coin. “There’s a lot written on here. It’s in great shape. I’ve never seen one like it. How did you get this?”
“I know of none other. It was given to me. You could say it has remained in one family. It is a test coin...in more ways than one, I am finding. And I know far less than I had hoped.”
Drake handed the coin back. “It’s terrific. Thanks for letting me see it.”
Jenn stuttered a little. “Drake, maybe you can borrow it. I’m sure Halona would love if you would make her one.”
“No need.” Drake tapped his finger against his head. “And I just might make one.”
Jenn reached her hand out. “Can I see it?”
“Of course.” Nevlin handed it to her. He glanced at the stage, where, at the far-left corner, sat a wooden harp. His heart raced. “That is stupendous.”
Drake said. “You play?”
He nodded.
Drake leaned back. “Really?”
“Yes, while it has been a while, it is something that I used to enjoy very much.”
Drake placed his hands in his pockets. “We have it for the festivities. The concert Saturday will have it symbolically only, since none of us play.” Drake rocked on his heels. “Unless…you in town for long?”
“Just through the festivities. I need to be in place come…soon.”
Drake motioned for Nevlin to hop up on stage. “Why don’t you give it a try?” He rubbed his hand across his chin. “It would be great to see if it has an authentic sound. Friend of ours, Nick Spencer, carved it for us. I strung it, and well, it’s not an official piece as such, more a replica. But we managed.”
Nevlin felt his heart pound with anticipation as he hopped up on the platform. He approached the instrument with calm intent. He caressed the solid wood frame before testing the strings. “Metal strings, good tension.” He ran his fingernails across the strings, creating a nearly haunting sound. “This is not merely a replica. You did a marvelous job in your creation. I am impressed.”
“Thanks.” Drake pulled a stool up, and Nevlin took a seat. He leaned the harp back slightly and strummed. He watched as Drake’s eyebrows rose and a subtle smile turned to a full grin. He could see he was pleased.
* * * *
Jenn drifted away from the group. She tapped her finger against her lips. “Drake and his photographic memory,” she mumbled to herself. Which isn’t helping right now.
She had just confirmed with Drake having now seen the coin that he would never need to see it again. She began to have her doubts there was any other way to get the coin into Halona’s hands. She had to know its past. She had to know if all she had heard was true. She had to take this opportunity to pocket the coin while Nevlin was preoccupied. She felt guilty, yet there was no other way that she could see.
She began to hear the music she knew he had been playing, though only now became aware of. She looked over to the stage, and his eyes were on her. She bit her lip and thought how she could really use a drink about now. She swallowed. He’s playing to me. She squirmed and looked down, feeling shaky inside. She found it difficult to look directly at him. There was something about his eyes. She’d noticed it earlier. If I look at him, I will become lost. A wanderer myself. Or far worse… grounded.
She glanced toward the sculpture and thought of his comment about unicorns. She began to imagine him as one. The flowing shirt becoming silver white fur and his hair morphing into a mane. He galloped freely, along the edge of the water, horn pointed to the sky. Soon, her entire body felt relaxed. As if her entire inner being was at peace. Her breathing became slow and steady. That was until she looked over and Drake gave her a smile as he subtly pointed to Nevlin. She shook her head as she rubbed her forehead. I’m losing my mind. When the music stopped, Jenn walked over to meet them.
Drake turned to Moss. “I was thinking, if Nevlin’s available this weekend, we would have someone to actually play this thing.”
Nevlin raised his brows. “May I ask, do you know Helena-Marie?”
Drake ran his hand through his hair and seemed hesitant to answer. “Yeah…sure.”
“I may need your help with something. So, yes, I will play.”
“Okay. Seeing as how you’re going back there anyway, how would you like to join Jenn, Halona, and me for drinks this evening?”
“I would like that.”
Drake gave a nod. He looked at Jenn. “Okay?”
Jenn tried to smile, but it wavered. A sinking feeling hit her stomach. “I can’t. I have a date.”
Nevlin lowered his gaze. “That is too bad. For us I mean.”
“It is.” Drake turned to Moss. “You should come too.”
Moss gave a nod. “I’ll be there.”
Jenn clutched at her collar. “I need to head back. It’s a busy day at the shop. Let me point you in the direction of the gardens, all right?”
“Perhaps that can wait until tomorrow. Then, perhaps, you will join me? We can have a date?” Nevlin smiled. “For now, I will come along later. I have some inquiries to make.” He gave a slight bow to Jenn. “I so enjoyed your company, Sky. Until tomorrow then.”
Jenn bit her lip. “Uh-huh.”
Chapter 7
Jenn left Festival Park and walked back down Main Street. She sat on a bench and kicked off her shoes. She wanted a moment to think, and her ankle was feeling a little worse for wear, and she just wanted to rest it. She looked out at the ocean and watched the gulls overhead. Why is he here? No plan, no place to stay? She leaned her head back. And why does he play me?
She felt the vibration of her phone and pulled it out of her pocket. She read the latest text. It was from Chief Kal Burke.
After a bit of digging, the subject in question has no record. I’m looking further into things, but wanted to give you something sooner than later. K.
She softly shook her head and felt a smile form on her lips. She sent a quick reply of appreciation. The thought to forward it to Halona occurred to her, but she decided she would tell her in person and placed the phone back in her coat pocket. Tying the laces of the shoes together, she stood, carrying them as she walked along the beach and back to the shop. She reached into her pocket and rubbed the coin between her fingers before shoving it deeper into the pocket corner.
Playing back many of the day’s events in her mind, she conjured up the images of the card spread she had done earlier this morning. Aside from the one Major Arcana, the Emperor, his story had three rods, three cups… but then two pentacle cards, and the two of pentacles at that. Meaning two opposing forces. She rubbed her forehead. Then only one sword card, which was the two, so there is something to decide. She pushed her hair back off her face. But what is to be decided? Pentacles for Earth, swords for Sky. She mumbled to herself, “Opposites? Or same?” She raised her brows. “Like the two sides of a coin? Together, balance?” There’s that word balance again.
She halted when she got to Sibyls Point. Her mouth dropped, and her heart raced. The periwinkle was thriving. It was lush, vibrant, and gorgeous.
She smiled as she leaned in and whispered, “You’re amazing. Good for you.”
* * * *
When Jenn entered Beachcombers, Halona looked up from her seat at the counter. “That didn’t take long.” Then she looke
d at Jenn’s shoes as they dangled from her hand. “By the looks of it, you were in a hurry to get back. Did you get hurt? It looks like you’re limping.”
Jenn rolled her eyes. “Don’t ask.” She reached down to pet Scamp and Glimmer, who had run to greet her. Moving to the counter, she tossed her shoes on the floor before sitting down. She braced her head in her hands. “Have you been busy?”
Halona closed the ledger book and set it aside. “No, just a morning rush. It’s not been bad. I sent the girls out to enjoy some of the festivities. Folks are just sort of mingling in and out. Most have already headed toward the drinks and dinner.” She stood. “Speaking of which, how about a glass of wine and you can tell me all about your day.”
Jenn sat straight and crossed her arms across her chest. She shook her head. “That’s funny, I was really hoping we’d stop for a glass while we were out. White wine, just so I could see if it would turn green with his touch.”
Halona laughed. “Still thinking the worse. Why didn’t you suggest it then?”
Jenn’s eyes widened. “And make him think I was interested? Or, worse, making a pass?”
Halona flicked her hair over her shoulders. “Why not?”
Jenn smirked. “I am not interested in him, or anyone who seemingly just fell from the sky.” She made an exaggerated motion. “Or, in his case, more like sprouted from the ground.” She shook her head. “No thank you. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to test the wine theory. Tonight, at dinner.” She held her finger up. “Don’t get too excited. I’m not going. I have that date, remember?”
“But I’m going?” She set a glass of wine down in front of Jenn.
“Thanks.”
“I haven’t even told Drake any of this yet.”
“Too late, they’ve met. He and Moss. Whose idea do you think dinner was?” She swirled her drink.
“Drake, really?”
Jenn took a sip of wine. “It’ll be you, Moss, and Nevlin.” She held a finger up. “And tonight, I’m going to the Banishing Bistro. So, whatever you do, don’t go there for dinner.”
Mystic Luck (Mystic Tides Book 2) Page 15