Kael locks eyes with me for the briefest moment and then returns his attention to the road ahead.
Chapter 40
Magical
Tastes like: Fizz-pop
Smells like: Star jasmine
Sounds like: Wind-chimes tinkling in the breeze
Feels like: A shiver
Looks like: Glitter and starlight
‘It’s so beautiful,’ I say, ‘no, that’s the wrong word, it’s…magical.’
Kael steps up beside me onto the flat rock and we both gaze around the tiny clearing. ‘Magical’ is the only word that can describe the moss-covered trunks and exposed roots; the dark, rich earth; the rays of sunshine glittering with dust particles; the unearthly swirls of mist tangling through the leaves and between the branches. It’s easy to believe in fairies from this vantage point.
‘Come on you two!’ Kent shouts, dashing past us as he follows the rest of the Maor group deeper into the forest. Kael steps off the rock and holds his hand out to me. I take it, feel the shiver of electricity pass between us as skin meets skin, but it’s much too brief. As soon as my feet touch the ground, he lets go and starts moving in the direction of the laughter.
We walk until the last of the tourists are left far behind and then deeper still into the heart of the forest. I can’t get enough of the scenery or the fresh air and more than once, Kael has to urge me to move faster because I’m falling too far behind the others.
At last, we come to a small clearing, bisected by a stream and the group fans out into a circle. The air is charged with excitement and everyone is smiling as they take hands without speaking. I slide my hand into Kael’s on my right, Michelle’s on my left and survey the group, while trying to ignore the tingling charge moving from Kael’s hand into my body.
There are only about twenty of us, between the ages of sixteen and twenty five or so. It’s a small group, yet large considering that we come from such a sparsely populated area. Our green eyes and even heights are striking in this context and I can’t help feeling that we really epitomize the fey legends, standing as we are in this circle, in the middle of the forest, with tendrils of mist from the stream wrapping around our ankles.
One of the older boys, Justin, steps into the middle of the circle and says:
‘Within this circle of family, there is no judgment, only love and acceptance.’
Justin holds his hands out and begins to move around the inside of the circle, carefully making eye contact with each of us in turn. When he reaches me, he smiles and inclines his head slightly. I’m filled with an incredible sense of welcome and belonging and I smile back before he moves onto Michelle.
Three quarters of his way into the rotation, he stops in front of a girl with a mass of brown frizzy curls. I can’t remember her name but her skin is a shade darker than the rest of us and she reminds me a little of Jenne. She looks more nervous than the rest of the group, but takes Justin’s extended hand and steps into the middle of the circle. As the rest of us move to bridge the gap she has created, Kael leans into me and whispers:
‘Katy has just turned eighteen,’ he says. ‘She came into her talent about two weeks ago.’
I nod, distracted by Kael’s minty warm breath against my ear. As he moves back away from me, I turn my attention again to the middle of the circle.
Justin says nothing more, puts his hand on Katy’s shoulder and gives her an encouraging smile. At first, she looks uncertain, but she kneels on the ground in the middle of the circle, takes a deep breath, cups her hands and places them over the ground in front of her.
A look of intense concentration crosses her face and everyone watches, unmoving, until she blows out a breath and opens her hands. Her expression immediately turns to one of disappointment, even as I let out a gasp of surprise. There, where before was only dark soil, is a single yellow flower. It’s a small, fragile looking thing, but a beautiful miracle and I can’t understand why Katy looks so crest-fallen.
Justin squeezes Katy’s shoulder and looks up at one of the older girls across from him. The skinny girl I know as Rentia leaves her place in the circle, joins the two in the centre and places her hand on Katy’s other shoulder.
‘Again,’ Justin says.
Katy repeats the procedure of cupping her hands over the earth before her. This time, before she can even remove her hands, green leaves and yellow petals spring up from between her fingers. Katy laughs in delight as she caresses the greenery.
‘That’s Rentia’s talent,’ Kael whispers in my ear, ‘she amplifies our powers. Now watch.’
The circle becomes smaller as more Maor step into its centre until it’s only those of us who have not yet manifested our talents that are left on the outskirts. Each of the Maor in the centre of the circle joins hands and creates another, smaller circle inside of ours. They close their eyes, bow their heads, lift their hands and all I can do is stare in utter amazement as the ground beneath the entire clearing erupts into life.
Like a midnight flower opening to the moon, flowers bloom in waves from the middle of the circle until there is nothing but vibrant color as far as I can see, stretching into the undergrowth, climbing up the moss-covered tree-trunks into the branches above our heads and kissing the water at the edge of the stream.
I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life, never felt so much a part of nature, never felt so at home as I do, standing here between the flowers and the family that have created this little piece of heaven. For the first time since I arrived here, I’m beginning to understand what it is to be Maor, how lucky I am to be part of something that has the power to make a huge difference in this world.
I feel a tear slide down my cheek and look toward Kael. His lips tilt up and he holds my gaze. Can he feel the wonder coursing through me? I smile, turn back toward the clearing and stop breathing.
Every head is turned in my direction and every expression is awe-struck. My gaze drops to the riot of color at my feet and I understand why. Like the violets I always kept beside my bed in South Africa, every flower-head is straining toward me.
Chapter 41
Amity
Tastes like: Strawberries and cream
Smells like: Coffee and cake
Sounds like: The national anthem sung before a rugby game
Feels like: A team member patting your back after a well-played game
Looks like: A hand shake
‘I’ve never seen anything like that,’ Rentia says, passing me a serviette from across the picnic-blanket. ‘Has it ever happened before?’
I shrug, uncomfortable with being the centre of attention again and glance around the public picnic area where our group is clustered. There are other tourists here too and they only contribute to my unease. The rest of the group doesn’t seem too fazed though; they are not even trying to keep their voices down.
‘I wonder what talent you’ll manifest,’ Michelle says, a little wistfully. ‘I mean, you’re not even manifested yet and you’re already attracting flowers like bees – or is that the other way around?’
She bites on the ends of her black enameled nails and looks off to the little touch and feed area where some toddlers are feeding carrots to the goats. I help myself to a paper-plate in the middle of our blanket, add a chicken leg and a plain bread-roll, and then scoot back, moving closer to Kael so that my folded knees brush against his thighs. Somehow, the physical contact with him soothes my self-conscious nerves. Kael looks at my knee, glances up at my face and almost imperceptibly, shifts closer.
‘So, do you guys do this often?’ I ask Rentia, intent on moving the conversation away from myself.
She smiles and nods her head.
‘Once a month. It can be quite a daunting experience when you first come into your powers, and no offence to any of our parents, but the adult mentors don’t always get us.’ There are a few snickers and one of the kids mutters ‘Amen’ from the other side of the blanket. ‘Anyway, we try to give the newbies a safe place to practice their new talents away
from the pressure of formal training. We try to motivate and keep them excited about their skills.’
‘Of course, we don’t always come here,’ Michelle says.
‘Yes, we try to mix it up every time,’ Rentia agrees. ‘Sometimes we go to the river, sometimes we go to Clearwell Caves, sometimes we come here. It really depends on the talents of the newbies, you know, what elements they need.’
‘Yip,’ Michelle says, ‘and it’s also great for those of us who haven’t manifested yet. It gives us an idea of what to expect.’
‘And,’ Rentia adds, ‘we form great friendships, so when the time comes, you’ll feel comfortable with sharing your experiences with us.’
Michelle nods and Justin stands up from beside Rentia.
‘And of course, sometimes we just want to get out and have a bit of fun, so who’s up for some volleyball?’
A general ‘whoop’ goes up and most of the youth jump up and run toward the volleyball net that has been set up on one side of the picnic area.
‘Want to play?’ Kael asks me.
‘I’m not very good at volleyball,’ I reply dubiously.
‘It’s not a competition, come on.’
He stands, grabs my hand and pulls me up to my feet. He holds onto my hand for just a little longer than he probably should, then he gives me that lob-sided lip-tilt that passes as a smile for him, he let’s go of my hand and we stroll toward the volleyball setup.
It’s already dark when we congregate in the parking lot of Puzzelwood for our goodbyes. Each of the Maor embraces me as though I’ve always been one of them, before they head off toward their vehicles. Michelle waits until the last of them has walked off, glances uneasily at Kael beside me and asks:
‘You coming to tomorrow’s meeting?’
‘Yes,’ I say, ‘don’t worry, Kael is coming with me this time.’
She nods at him, looking relieved.
‘I know it’s a Sunday night but we need to make the final arrangements for the festival,’ she explains, although he doesn’t look particularly interested.
‘The spring dance is also not that far off,’ she adds, ‘and after last year’s catering disaster, we need all the help we can get. Especially since Mrs. W is going to be the teacher’s rep.’
‘Mrs. W?’ I say.
‘Mrs. Whitcomb. Weird hey? I never pegged her for the extra-activities type. I heard she practically begged Mrs. Kean to give her a chance this year.’
An inexplicable shiver passes through me and Kael steps closer to my side.
‘There’s something strange about her…’ I say.
Michelle nods.
‘Yip, she’s a little too eccentric for my taste too but we don’t have a say in the teacher’s rep unfortunately.’
She shrugs and steps forward to embrace me.
‘See you tomorrow.’
She gives Kael a little finger-wave and walks across to Justin’s waiting car.
Kael and I climb into the truck. I’m silent as I consider the events of the day, but Kael doesn’t seem to mind. I’m starting to see why Nan is so ‘in love’ with her people. They’re as kind, as generous and as amazing as she says and then some.
I never imagined that I’d ever feel as connected to a group as I’ve become in just one afternoon with these Maor youth. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can make a real difference, like we can make a difference. Perhaps it’s just the team spirit I feel in the moment, but maybe, for the first time I truly understand what my father meant by ‘home is where the heart is.’
Chapter 42
Romance
Tastes like: Champagne and chocolate
Smells like: Candle wax
Sounds like: A saxophone
Feels like: Velvet red rose petals
Looks like: A crystal chandelier
‘Are you sure you won’t just ride with us?’ I ask Kael but he shakes his head and climbs into his truck. His expression is dark today, with no hint of the half-smile that featured so prominently yesterday.
As Tristan helps me into the passenger seat of his Beamer, I lament the insanity of this arrangement. We’re going to the same place, it seems such a waste to take two cars, but neither of the boys seems keen to share a ride. In fact, the tension between them is thicker than ever and I suppose that’s to be expected. They haven’t seen one another since the day Tristan brought me home from Dalby and I think they’re both holding grudges.
‘Are you sure you’re feeling okay?’ Tristan asks as he slides into the driver’s seat.
‘Yes, I’m sure. So, where are we going?’ I ask, eager to move the conversation along.
Tristan starts the car and I watch in the side mirror as Kael’s truck pulls out after us.
‘Berkeley castle.’
I flick my gaze to Tristan with genuine interest.
‘Is that a real castle? I’ve always wanted to see one in real life.’
‘Aren’t there any castles in South Africa?’ he asks.
‘Very few. I only know of two really. There’s one in Kempton park that some Scottish Laird built to persuade his wife to be to immigrate with him, and another one in Midrand that’s a hotel now, but they’re nowhere near as old as most of the buildings in England.’
‘Well Berkeley castle is very old,’ Tristan says, shooting me a smile. ‘It was built in the eleventh century by William FitzOsburn and has been owned and inhabited by the same Berkeley family through twenty seven generations.’
‘They actually live there? Will we be able to go inside?’
‘Yes, obviously not all the rooms are open to the public, but we can view some of them.’
‘Oh, I can’t wait!’ I exclaim. ‘You know, I’ve always thought I was born in the wrong era. I can just imagine myself in some beautiful ball gown, walking down a sweeping staircase…’
Tristan looks over at me and laughs.
‘You wouldn’t last an hour in that day and age, Shaylee,’ he says. ‘You’re too headstrong.’ The way he says it makes it sound like a compliment. ‘You need to remember that women weren’t very well treated in the past and life must have been very hard for them.’
I nod, but it’s difficult for me to even imagine a time where women can’t vote and I’m sure the hardships Tristan is referring to were much worse. Still, the mere word ‘castle’ conjures up romantic images for me; of hounds and hunts, balls and butteries, corsets and cameos; and I can’t help thrilling at the idea of standing inside a real life fairytale castle. Imagine the history, the people who may have walked there, the battles and sieges…
When we arrive, I stare up at the pinkish-brown stone battlements, manicured lawns and terraced gardens of Berkeley castle. It’s more magnificent than my imaginings and I can almost hear the history of the place whispering through the surrounding trees and country-side.
I’m so excited that I grab hold of Tristan’s hand and practically drag him along, half forgetting Kael, who follows reluctantly behind us. We join one of the guided tours through the castle. Tristan laughs as I gush over the tapestries; the stained glass windows in the great hall; the portraits on the grand staircase; the huge barrels in the cellar; and the rich wooden beamed ceiling in the morning room.
At the end of the tour, we meander through the terraced gardens. When we reach the lily pond, I impulsively throw my arms around Tristan.
‘Thank you for bringing me here!’ I exclaim as he catches me around the waist and twirls me in a half circle. Too late, I see Kael’s face before he disappears behind a topiary. I instinctively try to pull back from Tristan, but he pulls me closer.
‘So you enjoyed it then?’ he asks.
‘I loved it!’ I exclaim.
‘Even the holding cell and dungeon?’
I remember the twenty eight foot hole protected by a wooden balustrade that used to hold the castle waste and occasional prisoner left to die; then I think of the little holding cell right by it where Edward the second was believed to have been incarcerated and m
urdered. I shiver involuntarily and wrinkle my nose as though I can smell the stench from the pit. Tristan laughs and squeezes my waist.
‘Not so romantic anymore, my love?’
I freeze in his arms, but he doesn’t seem to notice my response to his endearment. It’s silly but I can’t help myself. For all I know, his usual endearment ‘mo cheannsa’ could very well mean the same thing as ‘my love’, but hearing the worlds spoken out loud in my own language makes them more real. They’re out there, between us now, and no matter how much I pretend to, I can’t unhear them.
‘Come let’s go have some tea at the Yurt.’
He lets go of my waist and slides his hand into mine. Instinctively, I look back toward the topiary as Kael emerges from behind it. I feel a stab of guilt but I brush the feeling aside and glance up at Tristan with a smile. Except he isn’t looking at me. There’s a frown on his face as he stares back at Kael. His eyes move back to mine and he schools his expression into a smile again, but this time, it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
‘Hey babes, come on in.’ Michelle flings the door wide and nods to Kael as he follows me inside. ‘Go on, I’ll be there in a mo.’
We make our way into the sitting room, which is filled with students standing in little groups. Kelly waves to me from the other side of the room and I immediately stiffen when I see who she’s with. Kael puts a hand on my shoulder and follows my gaze to the group. His jaw clenches tightly when he sees Peter.
Without a word, Kael wraps one arm around my waist and tucks me beneath his arm. I glance up at him in surprise, but he continues to stare across the room at Peter, and his eyes hold a challenge.
Peter stares back and begins to move across the room toward us. Kael squeezes my waist, propels me forward and we meet halfway.
‘Hey there partner,’ Peter says. His eyes dart to Kael, noting the arm curled possessively around my waist. Kael steps forward slightly, angling his body in front of mine and holds his other hand out to Peter.
Five: A Maor Novel (Maor series) Page 22
