Breck and Flynn anxiously awaited their fate. By the time Cordelia had finished lessons that day they still hadn’t heard a word.
“You didn’t come back to the lighthouse last night,” she said to Flynn.
“Ah, no. We were celebrating and it got a bit late.”
Cordelia’s eyes widened, “You raised enough money?”
Flynn nodded.
Cordelia turned to Breck whose expression was blank. “Well that celebration was short lived.”
“We don’t know the outcome, the landlord may still want us out,” said Breck.
“When will you find out?” asked Cordelia.
“By close of business today.”
“What time is it?” asked Cordelia.
Breck took out his pocket watch, “It’s half past four.”
“There’s nothing we can do now,” said Flynn, “we just have to wait.”
The next thirty minutes was the slowest half hour of Breck’s life. At precisely five o’clock a large hand pounded on the tavern door. Breck leapt to his feet and opened the door. The large man had returned with a letter and handed it to Breck.
“The landlord has reinstated your tenancy,” said the man.
Breck smiled with relief.
“Failure to meet payment deadlines in future will result in eviction. Is that clear?”
“Crystal,” said Breck and he closed the door.
Cordelia and Breck rushed into each other’s arms and Breck spun Cordelia around.
“It’s good to see you two getting on so well,” said Flynn, unaware of the romance between them.
That Friday night the tavern did a roaring trade and Cordelia danced until her feet hurt.
It was almost midnight when Cordelia and Flynn crept into the lighthouse.
“Where do you think you’ve been until this hour?” snapped Morwen Vanora.
Cordelia jumped with fright. “Why are you loitering in the dark?” she asked defensively.
“You wreak of tobacco and ale.”
Flynn sniggered at being told off like a naughty school boy.
“You’ve been drawing attention to yourselves in town, haven’t you? If you’ve given us away I’ll…”
“We haven’t given anything away,” said Flynn. “May I suggest a glass of ether, it might loosen you up a little or at the very least you might crack a smile.”
Cordelia laughed.
“How dare you!” snapped Morwen. “I think you’ve outstayed your welcome.”
“Then it’s a good job I’ve made alternative arrangements,” said Flynn.
“You have?” asked Cordelia.
“I was going to talk to you tomorrow but now seems as good a time as any. Breck’s asked me to move in with him.”
“Oh, that’s great,” said Cordelia, her heart sinking a little.
“I’ll be out of your hair tomorrow,” called Flynn to Morwen as he walked along the tunnels with Cordelia.
Morwen’s mouth opened and closed several times without saying a word.
After breakfast the next morning, Flynn said his goodbyes to Triton and Mazu and thanked them for their hospitality.
“It was our pleasure,” said Mazu, opening the lighthouse door. The bright sunlight almost blinded them as they stepped outside.
“Cordelia is a special young lady,” added Triton. “A friend of hers is a friend of ours.”
“I can’t thank you enough,” said Flynn, “for everything you’ve done, for both of us. Cordelia’s in good hands here.”
“I’m glad you think so,” said Mazu.
“Will you come to the tavern Cordelia?” asked Flynn.
“Maybe later,” said Cordelia, “I’ve a few things to do here first.”
“If you’re sure,” said Flynn, “you don’t want to spend all weekend in school.”
Cordelia smiled half heartedly. Sensing the tension, Flynn stepped forward and hugged Cordelia.
“It’s for the best,” he said, “I’m only a stone’s throw away, you can visit whenever you want.”
Cordelia nodded and smiled, willing Flynn to hurry up and leave. Her eyes burned as she fought back the tears. Then she watched him walk away. Mazu placed a hand on Cordelia’s shoulder and aquamarine tears fell to the ground. Cordelia continued to smile as Flynn turned around and waved. She and her guardians waved back. Once Flynn was out of sight, Mazu helped Cordelia to pick out the gemstones from between the blades of grass and they went back indoors.
“I know it’s hard,” said Mazu, “but Flynn’s right. It’s for the best.”
“Now that you know he’s safe, perhaps you’ll be able to focus your mind on other important events,” said Triton.
Cordelia shot daggers at Triton with her eyes.
“It’s no good looking at me like that,” said Triton. “If you want a reason to go to Meren, apart from the one you already have then you need to place in the diving championships.”
“Maybe I don’t want to go to Meren,” said Cordleia.
“We both know that’s not true,” said Triton and he turned on his heel and walked away through the tunnels.
“Here,” said Mazu, tipping aquamarine gemstones into Cordelia’s palm.
“I don’t see the point in these either,” said Cordelia. “What use do I have for them?”
“Gosh, someone’s irritable today,” said Mazu.
Cordelia frowned.
“In time you’ll be glad of these,” said Mazu, folding Cordelia’s fingers over the stones. “Keep them safe.”
“They always come with such heartache,” moaned Cordelia.
“One day they will ease your heartache,” said Mazu. “Take Triton’s advice, focus your mind on the diving and everything will fall into place.” She rubbed Cordelia’s arm affectionately and walked away.
Cordelia returned to her chamber and tipped the gemstones into the glass jar.
“If the wind changes, your face will stay like that,” said Nixie, wryly.
Cordelia slumped down on the edge of her bed and rested her head in her hands.
“What’ve you got to feel grumpy about anyway?” asked Nixie.
“I’m not telling you,” said Cordelia.
Nixie pouted and placed her hands on her hips.
Surprised by the lack of verbal response, Cordelia looked up. “There’s no point in telling you anything, you already know everything.”
“Triton and Mazu are right you know, you should concentrate on something else.”
“Let me guess, the diving competition?”
“We just think…”
“What is this? Gang up on Cordelia day?”
“No, but that reminds me, it’s your birthday this month!” squealed Nixie with excitement.
It hadn’t occurred to Cordelia that tomorrow was the 1st of May.
“Sixteen Cordelia!” exclaimed Nixie, “We need to plan a party.”
Cordelia laid on her bed and pulled her pillow over her head in protest.
“You need to snap out of this Cordelia, Meren needs
