“Max, come on,” said Rafe, “he’s not worth it.”
The girls rose to their feet, wondering where this was leading.
“I know you’re upset about the horses,” said Breck.
Max pounded his fist into Breck’s face. Breck retreated, shuffling backwards, closer to the cliff edge. Max advanced, looming over him.
“This isn’t going to solve anything,” said Lana, distressed.
Max kicked Breck hard in the ribs. Blue static flowed between Breck’s fingertips, he could feel the power surging through his body.
“Think of the competition,” said Rafe. “You’ll get yourself disqualified.”
“I don’t want to fight with you,” said Breck, through gritted teeth.
“I’ll be honest, it looks like you do,” said Max, shoving his boot into Breck’s chest.
Breck gasped for air.
“Stop it!” shouted Cordelia.
“I’m just having a little fun,” said Max.
“This isn’t funny,” said Nerissa. “He’s right on the edge.”
“Leave him alone,” said Flynn, staggering to his feet.
“Come on, that’s enough,” said Rafe, tugging Max’s arm.
“Get off me,” said Max, pulling his arm free.
Breck struggled to his feet and Max lunged towards him. Electricity flew from Breck’s fingertips, throwing Max backwards through the air. Max landed on his back with a thud.
“Are you okay?” asked Cordelia, rushing to Breck’s side.
Breck grimaced, wiping the blood from his lip. “I’ll be fine.”
Rafe helped Max to his feet.
“Your girlfriend’s a witch!” shouted Max.
“Take him inside,” said Lana, eyeballing Rafe.
“I’m sorry,” said Cordelia, “about the horses.”
“It’s not your fault,” said Lana.
“Isn’t it?” muttered Masika under her breath.
“If you have something to say, say it properly so we can all hear it,” said Lana.
“Maybe Max has a point, that’s all,” said Masika.
“That’s enough,” said Flynn. “I thought you were friends.”
“She’s upset,” said Nerissa. “She doesn’t mean it.”
“I loved the horses too,” said Cordelia, tears welling in her eyes.
“We’ll need to let Triton know,” said Lana.
“And now’s your chance.”
Hearing Mazu’s voice behind her, the colour drained from Lana’s face leaving her strangely pale.
“What is it you want to tell me?” asked Triton, his green hair a striking contrast against the grey sky.
Trying to find the right words, Lana turned to face her elders. “It’s Pooka.”
Mazu studied Flynn and Breck. “Did Pooka do this to you?”
The group exchanged sideways glances.
“It’s worse than that,” said Lana. “The horses are gone.”
“I’m sure they’ll come back,” said Triton.
“She means they’re dead,” said Masika.
“Where are they?” asked Triton, his eyes darting about.
“They washed up on the beach this morning,” said Breck.
“Then I must go to them,” said Triton.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” said Breck. “Half the town have turned out to see them. There’s gardai and reporters down there too.”
Mazu turned to Cordelia. “Take your men to Amatheia,” she said.
“I’m fine, really,” said Breck. “I need to find Misty.” He trudged across the cliff top, holding his ribs in an attempt to ease the searing pain.
Cordelia desperately wanted to run after him, to bathe his wounds, to care for him. She felt torn in all directions; between the men she loved, her friends, the horses.
“Go after him,” said Flynn.
“What about you?” asked Cordelia.
“I’ll be grand. Nothing that a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”
“I should help with the horses,” said Cordelia.
“We’ll take care of it,” said Lana.
“Take shelter inside,” said Triton. “There’s a storm coming. Mazu, fetch our strongest swimmers.”
“Breck!” shouted Cordelia, but he could not hear her over the wind.
“It’s alright, I’ll go,” said Flynn and he followed after Breck.
At that very moment, the sky turned eerily dark. In town, the wind whipped the sand into a blizzard, sending the town folk and visitors scurrying up the slip ways and steps, away from the beach. Walking across the cliff top, the sky rumbled in a way that sent chills running through Flynn’s body and the sea began to slop back and forth, building momentum like a pendulum. He diverted his eyes away from the sea; the sight of it brought back too many memories. Heavy rain pelted the town folk, pricking their skin like a thousand needles. Irvin Seymour watched carefully through his telescope until everyone in town had retreated indoors. He hurried down the steps of the lighthouse to Triton who was still standing outside. He opened the door and the force of the wind almost took the door off its hinges.
“All clear!” shouted Irvin.
Mazu appeared at the base of the lighthouse with half the swim team.
“Let us help,” said Lana, running down the stairs with Cordelia.
“I think she’s done enough already, don’t you?” said Max, glaring at Cordelia.
“Lana, come with us,” said Triton. “Nerissa and Masika, take over from me. Ease off on the water but keep the sand high by the sea wall, we don’t want any prying eyes. Cordelia, keep watch from the lookout with Mazu.”
Triton and Irvin led the swim team out of the cove and into the mouth of the bay. They knew their mission; retrieve the horses and save them from being turned into glue. They deserved to end their days in peace.
Through the telescope, Cordelia tracked the swim team, their colourful tails intermittently emerging from the dark, choppy water. She desperately wanted to be part of that group, though she wished the circumstances were different. Cordelia couldn’t help but feel brushed aside. The feeling of being an outsider was more prominent than ever. She aimed the telescope at the cliff top and saw Flynn and Breck talking in the rain. It seemed intense at first, then they hugged, Flynn slapping Breck on the back.
Cordelia stepped back from the telescope and turned to Mazu. “I’m sorry about the horses.”
“It’s a terrible tragedy,” said Mazu. “You’re not to blame.” Tears welled in Mazu’s eyes and Cordelia could tell that she was fighting to hold them back. It didn’t matter what Mazu said, the pain on her face was clear to see. Cordelia anxiously fiddled with her watch causing the release of two silver wings that popped open on either side of the watch face. Goosebumps raced over Cordelia’s
