A dense canopy of Native Bush overhangs the beach at the end of the bay. We stop to listen to the bird song; an exotic sound to my English ear. We walk towards some large rocks and then tentatively step into the water. It is cold. We head in deeper. “Let’s dive in; right in——our right of passage. This is how it felt to stand in front of the teachers,” Adrian admits. “We have to be brave to sign that agreement. Let’s strike out now and dive under the waves.” We are agreed. Taking off our clothes we shiver before challenging each other to take the plunge. We dive——together——coming up alive and radiant. Goodness it is cold! We run for the comfort of our waiting duvet and bag of dry clothes.
Refreshed and ready to face the unknown future we lay a rug out on the grass and share a much-needed breakfast. “Here, My Lady,” Lord Swallow turns to me. “Give me your hand. I want you to have my Copper Band. I love you.” Adrian takes off his ring and ceremoniously places it upon the little finger of my left hand.
“Thank-you, Fine Sir. I don’t know what to say.” We look adoringly at each other for a long while. The day has well and truly begun and as the sun climbs higher we lie together one more time before signing the unwelcome agreement. The Lady of the Castle writes in untidy scrawl. There are two copies. We scan it several times——nothing left out? Every possible ‘get out’ clause omitted? Yes. It is ready in its simple, makeshift way.
The Agreement 1st December 2006
1.To honour our agreement with The Laird and the teachers.
2.To disengage from the growing intensity of our private passion.
3.To change gear and open ourselves to ‘offering it up’.
4.To dry-dock our precious Boat, but not to sell or burn her.
5.To check her well-being every now and then, but only from the Marina gates.
6.For Lord Swallow to meet with The Laird before his departure for England at Christmas.
7.No texting or reconnection in passion. A three-week break in communication——until the 22nd December when we can speak together as friends.
The Castle Minstrel reaches for his guitar. They sing, they smile, and yes, at last the tears roll down his beautiful face. “Come to me, My Love,” she beckons, her Swallow Man crying for them——the tears real; as real as this crystal moment of completion. Their final task is done. She takes him to her. In silent, sacred farewell they move together one last time as Lord Swallow and his Lady. With the taste of salt upon their lips and the sun warming them through the van’s windows they claim ownership and separation in powerful, tragic union.
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A final kiss and the unwanted agreement is signed and dated; both copies. We pack and leave this lovely place, depositing a handsome donation of eight dollars in the white box on our way out. ‘The Eight Dollar Finale’, or ‘Pieces of Eight’; a pirate’s stolen hoard of treasure, we agree——definitely the final chapter heading. A few songs help us on our difficult journey home. Neither of us notices the passing scenery. Silence permeates the van. Disbelief sits hot on the heels of acceptance; our initial, easy friendship having sprung sails of staggering beauty, sailing us unexpectedly clean off the shore of everyday life.
Arriving at the Leafy Glade we unpack Adrian’s guitar, his dog and meagre bag. “Do you want to come in?” He asks. “Better not, My Friend. Time is running out.” We say goodbye in the doorway of the van. I don’t climb out. I have to hurry away, to join the family at a school lunch party at Martha’s house on the beach. All the staff will be present, save Adrian. I will have to compose myself to face those who have demanded our retreat from Heaven. We wave farewell.
With deadened heart and dry eye I leave him at last, alone with his dog, his packing boxes and pressing report writing——My Beautiful Friend——the man I have traveled right across the world to love.
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Mouse: P.s Give Little Arthur a special kiss from me. Tell him I will keep looking for his red hat——M——X
‘Take the helm, The Truth is hidden, Scattered 7’s; knots to Heaven. Why the mystery? Strange affair; peculiar font change, secret flare. Copper symbol, orange pick, clues in letters; Angel trick. Rig the sails and make a note, The Treasure can be found afloat.’
The Celestial Sea Page 50