Pearl nodded her head, “I have no proof, no hard evidence. Avery’s disappearance in the bayou didn’t make sense. Your father grew up in the Deep Bayou. He knew how to survive, how to deal with animal threats and he had magick of his own to defend himself. I don’t know how Rex managed to overcome him, but I am certain he had a hand in it.”
Roland’s voice interrupted their conversation, “Pearl, any instructions? This channel is getting narrow and the gator population is getting thick.”
Pearl looked around and gave a frustrated groan. “We have taken a wrong turn. Have you followed any inlets since the last instructions I gave you?”
Roland chewed his lower lip. “I don’t know, I’ve been avoiding branches and moss and cypress knees hoping I was staying on course. I figured you would say something if I needed to make a correction.”
“Let’s turn around Roland, and get back to some place I recognize.”
Roland maneuvered the small motor boat around a cypress stump and turned to retrace the way they came. He stood for a moment, peering around a mass of hanging moss when the boat began to rock violently. A huge alligator glided through the water, his scaly body rubbing along the side of the boat. Roland took off his wide brimmed straw hat and waved it at the creature. “Get out of here, go away,” he yelled ineffectively. Everyone screamed as the gator’s huge mouth opened, revealing rows of razor sharp teeth. The gaping maw bit down hard and Roland fell back onto the seat of the boat. “Are you okay? Did he get your hand? Lilly said as she leaned in to see if there was any damage.
“No but he got my hat.”
“Better than your fingers she said as she lifted his arm and inspected his hand. “All digits are intact” she announced. “What were you thinking waving your hat in your hand at that thing?”
“I was thinking of protecting you ladies and running the scaly lizard away,” Roland said
Pearl smiled at him and said, “That was very thoughtful and courageous of you Roland. If he comes around again, keep your hands in the boat, rev the engine, and speed up.”
Roland could feel his face flush and hoped the waning light prevented the women from seeing the redness spreading over his face and neck. The evening star has risen and the sky darkened when they started back down the channel. A half hour passed as they threaded their way through the gathering darkness. Roland turned on the boat’s spot light. It shown on the still water and trees ahead but failed to illuminate what lay beyond.
The boat’s motor died. A collective gasp filled the silence. Roland pulled on the starter, trying to get the engine going. Nothing happened. “Maybe we are out of gas,” he said flatly. “It doesn’t make sense, but nothing works.”
“Turn on the light,” Kumira commanded.
Roland threw the spotlight switch back and forth. “It has lost power too,” he said quietly. Pearl took command, “There are paddles in the bottom of the boat, feel around. We can paddle out of here.” Heads bumped together as everyone clamored around blindly for the oars. The small boat rocked precariously, but steadied when they had paddles in hand. They paddled in sync with one another, hoping they were heading in the right direction.
An interminable amount of time passed. “I don’t think we were traveling this way for so long” Roland said. “Pearl, do you sense anything familiar?”
“No, I’m not sure where we are. I’m sorry I got distracted. I was talking to Lilly, reminiscing about my brother, not paying attention to where we were heading.”
They floated through the darkness, the sound of their paddle strokes blending with the call of the night birds, frogs and unknown creatures. The crescent moon, determined to share her glow, peaked from dark lacy clouds.
Pearl squinted into the murky bayou, “Making the trip on the full moon would have been easier, we would have more light.”
Kumira said one word “Lougarou.”
Pearl nodded her head slightly, “Of course.”
Suddenly, the group gave a collective moan as a glowing mist formed ahead of them.
Pearl spoke in a steady voice, “No need to fear, this mist is filled with good intentions.” No sooner had she spoken than a face, followed by a whole body appeared from the wisps of fog.
Lilly cried out as she recognized her father. He stood in front of the boat. His gaze found her and he smiled. Lifting his translucent hand, he signaled them to follow. Lilly stared at her father, a million questions and declarations of love played on the end of her tongue. She called to him, but his ghostly form did not respond. The boat was gliding easily through a wide channel when Avery found Lilly’s face, smiled and faded into the night. The little group drifted silently in the darkness. Pearl spotted a slight glow in the distance and encouraged everyone to row. They paddled straight towards the glowing light. Five minutes later, the glow was further away.
“Ahhh,” Pearl said quietly. “Lilly hold your carving in your hand and concentrate on the distant light. Pearl stood, her talisman in hand, braced herself on Lilly’s shoulder and spoke clearly in a foreign tongue. “Syl Tira Peaural, Sy cla mi loov.”
Pearl sat without rocking the boat, put her finger to her lips and made a quiet shushing noise. Within minutes the sound of fiddle music drifted over the dark waters. The dim light so far distant only a moment before, grew bright. The group gasped in surprise as the boat bumped against a wooden pier. Lights, music and lyrical voices greeted them. Strong hands helped them out onto the dock and welcomed them to the Faery village.
Chapter 49
Beneath the Silver Moon
The Faeries lead the way across a swaying bridge lit with glowing lanterns. Delicious aromas filled the air as the four guests were shown into a dining area filled with long tables and benches. They were
