Everything changed when Cordelia entered the tavern; the smell of fresh sea air turned to stale smells of tobacco and ale, the sounds of waves crashing and seagulls squawking turned to glasses clinking and explosive laughter, and the disapproving glances and comments she’d been subjected to outside were exchanged for friendly smiles and a warm welcome.
“Here she comes,” said Flynn, his arms outstretched and his face beaming with pride.
Cordelia walked over to Flynn and hugged him.
“You must be the lovely Cordelia,” said a young man rising from his bar stool. “I’ve heard a lot about you, all good of course.”
Cordelia smiled and subtly raised her eyebrows at Flynn.
“Can I buy you a drink?” asked the man, keenly.
Cordelia hesitated.
“Forgive me,” he said, holding out a hand “I haven’t introduced myself, I’m Tom, Thomas Keane.”
Cordelia shook the man’s hand.
“So can I get you that drink?”
“Oh, no, it’s alright, I’m fine thank you.”
Cordelia’s eyes scanned the tavern, then she turned to Flynn, “Where’s Breck?”
“He’s in the cellar changing a barrel. See if he needs a hand will you?”
Cordelia didn’t need to be asked twice. She scarpered out the back and down to the cellar where Breck was taking a breather from hauling barrels of ale up the stairs. Breck smiled when he saw Cordelia and she walked over to where he was sitting on a barrel and stood between his legs. She placed her hands on his thighs and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer.
“Why the long face?” asked Breck.
Cordelia shrugged. “I miss you. I miss you both.”
“Don’t be daft,” said Breck. “You can see us whenever you want.”
“What if I lived here too?” asked Cordelia.
Breck loosened his grip from around Cordelia’s waist. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“So you want him to yourself now, is that it?”
“No, that’s not it at all,” said Breck, somewhat bemused.
“I’m worried that I’ll lose you both,” she said.
“Think about it. If you move in here then we’ve more risk of being found out. Besides, you need to be with your own kind.”
Cordelia stepped back from Breck, “You still want to be with me, don’t you?”
“Of course,” said Breck.
“Good, because I was hoping you could help me plan my birthday.”
Breck was not really accustomed to the working of women’s minds and tried his best to keep up with Cordelia’s many trails of thought.
“I was thinking of having a party here, what do you think?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” said Breck. “Will your friends from the lighthouse be coming?”
“Just three of them,” replied Cordelia reaching an arm behind to scratch her back. “Would you mind?” she asked, turning her back to Breck. “It’s been bothering me all day. Breck rubbed his fingertips over Cordelia’s back.
“Up a bit,” she said. “Across my shoulder blades.”
“How’s it going down there?” called Flynn from the top of the stairs.
“Almost done!” called Breck.
Back upstairs Flynn asked, “So, what did you think of Tom?”
“He seemed nice enough,” said Cordelia.
“He had to get back to work, he’s taken a shine to you though,” said Flynn.
Breck and Cordelia exchanged sideways glances.
“I can’t date him if that’s what you’re thinking,” said Cordelia under her breath.
“What’s wrong with him?” asked Flynn, genuinely disappointed. “Seems decent enough to me.”
“I’m part fish,” whispered Cordelia. “I imagine he likes to eat fish, not date them.”
“I’m sorry Cordelia,” said Flynn. “I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No harm done,” said Cordelia.
“Cordelia was telling me her ideas for her birthday,” said Breck, changing the subject.
“Oh really?”
“I was thinking about having a party here. Just a few friends, nothing elaborate,” said Cordelia.
“That sounds like a great idea,” said Flynn, placing an arm around Cordelia’s shoulders. “I can’t believe you’re turning sixteen already.” Then he pulled Breck into their group hug, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for yours, for any of your birthdays for that matter. I’ll make it up to you lad, I promise. I’m just pleased we’re all together now, a proper family.”
“Are you happy here?” asked Cordelia. “It’s much busier than what you’re used to.”
“There’s not many get a second chance at life,” said Flynn. “Trust me, I’m happier here surrounded by all these people than stuck out there waiting for, well, you know.”
“They’re gone now,” said Breck.
“For now. Besides, I want to spend time with you now that Cordelia’s found herself a hobby,” said Flynn, winking.
“What hobby might this be then?” asked a large, round man whose face had flushed crimson.
“Sea bathing,” said Cordelia, “it’s great for the circulation.”
“After what happened to Mr Kelly and his boys?” said the man, slurring his words.
“Even Flynn here went missing for weeks. You’re mad, the sea’s full of monsters waiting to bite your toes.”
“Perhaps you’d rather I stayed home and darned socks?” suggested Cordelia sarcastically.
“That sounds much more fitting,” said the man.
“That won’t be necessary,” said Flynn.
“You want to watch her,” said the man, “she’s a fiery one.”
Just before dusk, when most of the visitors had returned to their salt lodges for the evening, Cordelia returned to the mirror pool. She nimbly made her way across the rocks then anxiously edged closer to the pool. It had been a while since she was last here, she hadn’t called upon the mirror pool since Flynn was held prisoner on the island. Feeling uncertain about her future, she was nervous about what it might show. Cordelia stepped down onto a rocky ledge at the edge of the pool. It sheltered her from the evening breeze and kept her hidden from prying eyes. She couldn’t be certain that she was alone now with so many people in town. Soon enough white mist crept over the rocks, in and out of every nook and cranny, gliding its way to the mirror pool and surrounding Cordelia like a bird in a cloud. Holding her knees into her chest, Cordelia waited
