“Once I had the crystal, it didn’t work. It would do nothing. I needed time to research, to find a ritual to make it mine. I need to fix the past.” Her voice grew weaker as she spoke, her hand slipped from his and her eyes slowly closed.
The nurse came in and signaled for him to leave. “She needs a great deal of rest, her injuries are severe.” Claude nodded and walked into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
He thanked Regina’s parents and said goodbye. Mr. Valraven stopped him and insisted Claude take a check and sign legal papers relinquishing his partnership with Regina and their ownership of the Raven Moon.
Claude readily agreed. He wanted nothing more to do with the Raven Moon. Returning to Panthea’s he walked with a lighter step.
He reported his conversation with Regina to James, Jolene and Lilly. They were relieved she had survived the fall and would recover.
“The strange thing about my visit,” Claude said, “Regina remembered the crystal and why she wanted it. Yet, according to her parents, Regina told them she remembered nothing about her fall or anything about the previous week.”
“The doctors assured the Valraven’s amnesia could be expected with a concussion. Regina’s memory of the events may or may not return. Her parents were concerned and intend to have her air lifted to a hospital near their home in California where she will receive extended care.”
James shook his head, “I’d venture to say the extended care will not be very extended. Regina is not one to lay idle. Weaving a web of lies about what she can and cannot remember will be taxing.”
“Why did she want the crystal?” Jolene asked.
Claude shook his head, “That is the crazy part. She said she had to go back in time and change something with her ancestors. She thought the crystal was a time travel device.”
Jolene and Lilly exchanged glances. Jolene’s lips tightened and Lilly nodded slightly.
~
Roland’s memory returned, at least the memory of the astral confrontation with Regina in the attic. His friends were grateful he had no recall of his possession by Ogou La Flambeau. There was a silent agreement between everyone concerned that he need not be reminded.
Life at Panthea’s returned to some semblance of normal. The shop opened and Jolene, Sabine and Lilly went back to work. James spent hours with Roland teaching him the ways of the druids. Lucky headed for New York to attend his art opening.
Claude couldn’t return to his apartment over Raven Moon. Jolene was happy to have him as a tenant at Panthea’s. He moved into the apartment next to Madeline. Her relationship with Chas had fizzled and he had returned to his family. Madeline, already acquainted with Claude, was delighted to have him for a neighbor.
Roland was staying with Lilly, but they both knew it wasn’t a permanent arrangement. The apartment was too small for the two of them and Roland still had an obligation to The Green Man Band. He wanted to spend a few more weeks training with James before he flew to Boston to reconnect with the Band. Once their gigs in Boston and New York City were done, he would return to New Orleans permanently.
Lilly, immersed in her life with Roland and her efforts to revive the priestess crystal, paid little attention to her mentors for several weeks. Her first day back at work, she was shocked to see a change in James when he sauntered through the shop on his way to an appointment. His shoulders seemed stooped and the snow white hair at his temples had expanded to cover his entire head. The change in his appearance prompted Lilly to take a closer look at Jolene. Has her hair always had so many silver strands? Did her cheeks always sag a bit? She stole glances at Jolene throughout the day. The changes were subtle but she was certain they were there.
It is the loss of the Priestess crystal, Lilly thought with a sinking heart. Jolene who appeared to be a spry fifty something had already told her she was seventy-five years old. James was older by five years. Fear and grief clutched at Lilly’s heart, I cannot lose these two beautiful, people, she vowed to herself.
After work, Lilly followed Jolene back into her kitchen pretending she wanted a cup of tea. Jolene invited Lilly to sit while she prepared tea for both of them. Lilly sat across from Jolene and looked in her beloved friend’s eyes. She spoke with resolve, “Jolene, I must speak with you about something of great importance.” Jolene nodded as she sipped tea. “I want to return the Priestess crystal to you. Obviously, I am not ready to have it. I made a mess of things! I was easily duped and fell in with the first sorceress who flattered me with her friendship. The crystal should be returned to you. I will happily accept it in a few years.”
Jolene grimaced slightly, “I’ve been anticipating this, Lilly. First let me tell you I will not accept the crystal from you. I was expecting you would feel guilt and remorse and try to return it. I also know you are noticing I am looking my true age.”
Lilly’s voice sounded strained when she responded, “Yes. It makes perfect sense. I am not ready to be responsible for the crystal and I need you here for many more years healthy and vibrant. You are my teacher and I am not done learning.”
Jolene pressed her lips together and blinked away tears before she looked up at Lilly. “You were chosen by the crystal. Encountering Regina and falling into her trap was part of your learning. Everyone is your teacher. All life experiences are for your edification. No need to judge yourself harshly, life’s lessons are learned as they occur. You benefit from the lessons through integrating your experience
