Jewel of Inanna (Perils of a Pagan Priestess Book 1)

by Hannah Desmond

  Sabine and Jolene sighed in unison. “She doesn’t seem to realize or at least she is not admitting to herself the temporary nature of his attention,” Jolene said.

  Sabine put the cookies aside saying, “Lets not borrow trouble for Lyla. We don’t know what is going to happen. Perhaps he will stay in New Orleans. Perhaps he will persuade her to go with him.”

  “Agh, no! “That is not going to happen,” Jolene stated emphatically. “She has recently escaped a terribly abusive relationship. It is wonderful she is enjoying herself and having great sex, but she is not ready for a long term relationship. She is exploring and discovering who she is. She needs time to attune to the crystal and anchor its violet flame within her. If she doesn’t get distracted she can be empowered quickly and mature into a woman who trusts herself and knows her worth.”

  James nodded, “Convincing speech, Jolene, but there is a possibility she won’t see it that way. You have to let her evolve and grow in her own way. The Priestess crystal will help her through whatever comes. You stay out of it.”

  “I intend to stay out of it. I don’t interfere.”

  James laughed, “If you say so, my love.”

  “What upsets me,” Jolene confessed, her voice ascending with every word, “She was doing so well in her training. Her comprehension of metaphysical concepts, symbology and ritual is impressive for one so young. I was thrilled when she told me of the visions she is having during meditation.”

  James spoke soothingly. “Jolene, she will come back around, it’s Carnival time, she is in the middle of a new love affair, relax and let her enjoy her new freedom. She’s young. Her Fae blood is strong. When it is time, she will come back to her studies.”

  “I hope you are right, mi amore, she is the most promising student I have had in years, the only one with Faery blood. She has been chosen and entrusted with the Priestess Crystal. From her rapid understanding of the use of magic, deep meditation and focused intention, it appears she has lifetimes of experience in the magical arts. I have great expectations for the powerful priestess I know she will become.”

  Sabine changed the subject, “Where are you two going on your post Mardi Gras vacation?” Smiles appeared on James and Jolene’s faces as they said in unison, “Florida Keys.” James spoke up first, “We have decided to stay close to home this year. With Lyla adjusting to the violet fire crystal and Jolene adjusting to being without it, we have decided on a short vacation.

  Sabine smiled as she took out her crochet needle and continued to work on a rainbow-colored baby blanket. “I’m going to be with my daughter and my new grand baby. This year my vacation will be spent on the Mississippi coast with my new favorite person, baby Ivan Bourgeois.

  James, teased Sabine, “How many of those little blankets does young Ivan need?”

  Jolene jabbed him with her foot as Sabine ignored James and mused aloud, “I wonder what Lyla is planning for her two weeks off.”

  “Aggghhhh!” Jolene exclaimed, “I haven’t mentioned to her we’re closing the store for two weeks after Mardi Gras. Oh, how could I have forgotten? Did either of you mention it to her?” Sabine and James shook their heads as Jolene jumped up, grabbed a pen and pad and wrote a note to put on Lilly’s door.

  Chapter 18

  Dipped Wicks and Flying Beer Bottles

  Flickering gas lights glowed through the fog as Lilly walked to The Cave on Bourbon St. She planned to arrive for the band’s last set and bring Roland home with her. ‘I can’t get enough of him. Roland is my love drug,’ she thought to herself as her heart beat wildly. ‘Having him in my bed for an entire night and day will be paradise.’

  A cool breeze swirled through the fog and swept up Rue St. Ann as Lilly turned the corner onto Bourbon Street. The band was taking a break when she arrived. Looking around she saw Leon tipping a beer back and Bart sitting on a table talking to a tall, thin young woman. Trey was adjusting equipment on the stage.

  Lilly didn’t see Roland so she headed to the door to the alley. ‘He may be back here smoking a joint,’ she thought. As she headed for the door, it swung open forcefully and Agnes, the barmaid, came staggering through. Lipstick smeared and mascara running, she quickly walked behind the bar, grabbed a handful of cocktail napkins and wiped her eyes.

  Lilly turned back to the door and saw Roland come in with lipstick on his chin and a bright red spot on his cheek. She had never seen him angry, but there was no doubt about his mood. She took a tentative step toward him, he saw her standing by the door and pulled her into an embrace. Lilly pulled back a bit, “What happened? Agnes came in crying and you look like you have been slapped?”

  Roland released her from his embrace, took her hand and lead her out the back door. He was silent, his mouth turned down and his eyes on the ground.

  Lilly stared at him and finally said, “Well, what happened?”

  “Lyla, this is so uncool. Agnes seems to think part of our run here at The Cave includes members of the band shagging her.”

  “Doing what?” Lilly said, not laughing.

  “You know, she wants to have sex with all of us. I think a couple of the other members of the band have slept with her. Tonight, she decided it was my turn.”

  Taking a step back, Lilly stared at him, “What makes her think you want to have sex with her?”

  Roland laughed, “Nothing, I came out here to have a couple of tokes and she came out behind me. She kissed me and expected me to kiss her back. I tried to tell her politely it wasn’t going to happen. Her feelings were hurt, she slapped me, got all teary eyed and headed back inside.”

  Lilly looked at the back door hoping Agnes wouldn’t come smashing through it. “Yea that is uncool,” was all she could say.

  Roland put his arms around her and whispered, “You, on the other hand, are exactly who I want to kiss.” Lilly’s lips parted as he bent down towards her, his arms drawing her close. His hands moved down her back and into the waste of her jeans.

  She stepped back a bit and said, “No Roland, let’s not. I have tomorrow off and I want you to come over after your gig and stay the night. We can spend all day tomorrow in bed.”

  Before Roland could respond, the back door opened and Bart signaled for Roland to come in. “Let’s finish up this last set, I’ve got a hot date,”

  “So do I,” Roland whispered in Lilly’s ear.

  Roland jumped up on the stage and Lilly sauntered over to the bar for her usual Dixie beer. Agnes stood at the opposite end of the bar and refused to look at her. Exasperated, Lilly walked to the end of the bar, stood directly in front of Agnes and ordered her beer.

  Agnes glared at her, popped the top off of a Dixie Beer and slammed it down on the bar in front of her. “I’ve a good mind to throw you and your horny-ass boyfriend off this property.”

  Lilly sneered, “What?”

  Agnes put her hands on her hips and sneered, “Your boyfriend is a creep. He thinks he can put his hands all over whomever he wants, whenever he wants. He tried to feel up the wrong broad. I don’t let no idiot musicians touch me.”

  All the hairs on Lilly’s body stood on end. “You have got to be kidding?” She said in a deep, guttural voice she didn’t know she possessed.

  “No, I don’t have to be kidding, miss goody two shoes. You think he is all hung up on you. He’s been dipping his wick in half the strippers on Bourbon Street. You, my dear, are nothing but a little piece of sweet meat, a flash in the pan. Don’t be thinking you are something special.”

  Lilly’s body flushed, as an angry red cloud filled her eyes. She clutched the beer bottle in her tingling fingers. Electric shocks sped through her arms setting her elbows on fire. Her body trembled with pain and anger. Suddenly, the beer bottle flew out of her hand, grazed Agnes’ shoulder dousing her with beer as it flipped around, arced through the air and smashed into the mirror behind the bar. Agnes screamed and Lilly ran out of the front door.

  Running like a thief in the night, she hea
ded for the river tearing through the tendrils of fog swirling in the damp night air. Her head was spinning but an inner guidance brought her straight to the old oak tree near the river. Only a few days ago she had been sitting on its low branches with Roland, happy and carefree. Tonight, she clung to the tree, squeezing her arms around a low branch.

  The moon rose and the wind turned cold. Lilly remained hugging the wide low branch, her tears soaking the bark of the ancient oak. Cursing herself for being foolish, she berated herself for letting her guard down. If Agnes was telling the truth, Lilly had endangered herself and suddenly, for no reason, decided to trust some random guy she met in the French Quarter.

  Beating her fist against the tree branch she cried, and muttered, “Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!” Finally, exhausted she lay her head on her arm and drifted into despair.

  She felt a hand on her back and bolted upright. Roland lifted her from the branch and held her close. “I thought I’d find you here. I don’t know what Agnes said to you, but know it is not true. She made some nastiness up because I blew her off. I paid for the mirror, so no worries, heh?”

  Looking up into his face, Lilly almost smiled. The doubts and distrust plaguing her moments before were forgotten. “I want to go home,” she whispered.

  Roland took her by the hand and said, “Let’s do something different tonight. I’m going to take you to my home.”

  Chapter 19

  The Magic Flute

  The refurbished Greyhound bus glowed silver in the moon light. Lilly stepped up through the door and exclaimed, “Wow!” Gone were rows of seats and the narrow aisle. The bus had been transformed into an efficient traveling home for the band. Tonight, Bart and Leon were off having their own fun and Trey was enjoying a real bed in the spare bedroom of Jason’s apartment.

  Roland turned on a small heater, lit a candle and looked back at Lilly. She was shivering and rubbing her hands together. He stepped close to her, took her in his arms and held her close. He took both of her hands, kissed her knuckles then turned her hands over and kissed her palms. Lilly took a long calming breath and managed a tentative smile.

  Candlelight softened their surroundings and faux fur pillows cushioned their taught bodies. They sat in silence for a bit, Lilly chewing on her bottom lip as doubts returned. Had Agnes been lying? Looking Roland directly in his eyes, she asked “Roland, Agnes didn’t only say you made a pass at her. She said you were having sex with strippers. Is it true?”

  Shaking his head slowly, he replied in a hushed voice, “She is hurt and embarrassed. Agnes was striking out with the most hateful thing she could say. She is jealous of you and our relationship. Can we forget it? Tonight was our last night playing at The Cave. In a couple of days, we are going to be playing up the street from here at The Dream Palace.”

  Lilly looked surprised, “I didn’t know it was your last night there. I’m glad you’re finished with The Cave.”

  Roland nodded, “The whole band is glad. It was a good gig, lots of money, but dealing with Agnes was a drag. It will be more convenient playing up the street, easier to do our thing at Valentine’s and we will be closer to the bus.

  Lilly looked out of the window at Valentine’s Restaurant. The lights were dark and the Closed sign was on the door. “What thing at Valentine’s?” she asked.

  “A few days a week we play our Celtic tunes during lunch and a few numbers during happy hour to repay him for his hospitality.”

  Lilly nodded her head, “How did ya’ll know about Valentine’s in San Francisco?”

  Roland shrugged, “Trey is good at making connections. The bus is his, the band is his. He did most of the planning for this tour. He has arranged for parking the bus or has found us places to stay all along the way. Tonight, we have the magic bus to ourselves. The rest of the band has found the softer company we’re all in need of.”

  Lilly frowned, her lips puckered and her back stiffened. “Is that what I am to you, Roland, softer company to play with while you are in New Orleans?”

  Roland shook his head and closed his eyes. “I put my foot in my mouth there, didn’t I?” He saw the doubt in Lilly’s eyes grow into sadness. Leaning back on his arms, he closed his eyes. They sat in silence as time moved like a sluggish bayou between them.

  Roland stretched out his arm, opened the mini-frig and grabbed a couple of beers. He opened them and handed one to Lilly. She took the bottle and set it aside. Roland stood walked to the back of the bus and returned with an ornate wooden box. Sitting back beside Lilly, he opened the box, opened one of the plastic bags filled with weed and began to roll a joint. He lit it and took a long toke. Lilly declined when he handed it to her.

  Sighing, he put the joint aside and moved closer to her. He put his finger beneath her chin and gently turned her head towards him. His eyes were dark and serious, “You are much more than soft company. I thought you knew how enchanted I am, sweet Faery. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met.”

  Lilly shrugged and pulled away slightly. In the glow of the candlelight, Roland saw the glint of tears on her face. “I’ve written something for you,” he whispered. He picked up his mandolin, strummed and begin to sing softly.

  “Moon drops they fall on a red heart candle.

  Gifts of love touch me again.

  My Lilly bud blooms in our sacred union, her gentle hand telling me when.

  Her secret life flowers in the late night hours.

  Robed in her indigo blue, gently she waits by the old iron gates,

  my inner life she sparks anew.

  She stands in the moonlight, pale soft and lovely,

  shadowed in pastel delights.

  She catches my eye and fills me with wonder,

  our loving lasts all through the night...”

  A smile played on Lilly’s mouth, her sudden attack of fear and doubt diminishing as she lay back on the furry pillows. The heartfelt lyrics, written for her, touched her deeply. Her mind began inserting flute flourishes and trills, filling out the music.

  Suddenly Roland stopped. “Wow, wait a minute, I have something for you. Well, you can see if you like it. If you do, it’s yours,” He rummaged around in the dimly lit bus, opened a chest under one of the beds along the wall and removed a long, dark case. He handed the case to Lilly, “Check it out, see what you think.”

  Lilly’s breath caught as she opened the case. Candle light gleamed on a silver flute. Lifting it from the case, she snapped it together and checked the finger pads. Bringing it to her lips she played. The tone was perfect. She ran through the scales and played a little piece she knew from Mozart’s Magic Flute. Roland grabbed his mandolin and led them into a Celtic tune. Lilly’s eyes closed as she easily blended her flute into the ancient Celtic music.

  Emerald green hills, standing stones, an ancient tor and a sacred well filled her vision. The smell of heather filled her senses. Transported, riding the wave of music and magic, their energy blended creating light and color. Ancient carvings of fanciful creatures and intricate knots danced in their shared visions as the two musicians balanced between the worlds.

  The music played itself out and they opened their eyes to sunrise in New Orleans. “Now I remember how I know you,” Lilly said. Roland put his mandolin aside and gently reached for her. Their lips joined, as they moved into the ancient dance of ecstatic love.

  Lilly woke in the late afternoon to the clip clop of hooves. A mule drawn carriage, overflowing with tourists, rolled down Frenchman Street. Roland, lying nearby, smiled. Lilly smiled and leaned in to kiss him between his well defined brows. “I’m famished” they said almost in unison.

  “Valentine’s restaurant is right out the door, I’ll be happy to buy you a meal, my lady. First, let me ask, ‘Is this your flute?’“

  It took Lilly a moment to answer as her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. “From the look on your face, I’d have to guess it is,” Roland said, handing her the silver flute.

  Lilly held it
close and looked up at him, “Where did this come from? How can you give it to me?”

  “It came from a musician friend of mine in San Francisco, Jake. He has a beautiful tenor voice and added lyrics to our music. Jake started the bus tour with us. By the time we reached Tucson it was obvious he was not into the tour. He found out his old lady back in California was pregnant and all he wanted to do was go home. He left me his flute, which he said he couldn’t play worth a damn, told me to use it, find a home for it or sell it. I can’t imagine a better home for the flute than with you. If you feel it is your flute, then it truly is. What do you say?”

  Lilly’s face lit up, “I can barely believe it, I’ve found my magick flute. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

  They stood up straightened their clothes and head for the door of the bus. Lilly put her hand on Roland’s arm, “Wait a second, I need to ask you something. In the song you played for me, you called me Lilly. Why did you use that name?

  Roland’s head tilted to one side. A quizzical look drew his brows together. Isn’t that your name?

  “How did you know that. I’ve told everyone my name is Lyla. It is part of my disguise.

  Roland smiled and kissed her hand, “I’ve thought of you as Lilly since the day we met. The name fits you better than Lyla. It’s beautiful and perfect for you.” He stood silently for a few minutes.

  Lilly shook her head in amazement. “You are full of surprises” she said, as she nudged him, “Are we going to get something to eat?”

  Roland took her hand and looked into her eyes, “I have something to tell you, Lilly. You know the blue birth mark I have on the back of my neck?”

  Lilly nodded, smirked and said, “It is a tattoo, right?”

  Roland shook his head, “No it’s not a tattoo. It’s a remnant from my past life. My grandfather, my dad and my brother all have similar markings. I feel comfortable talking to you about this because I know you are a supernatural being yourself. Your Fae magic is strong. It is strange bayou Faery magic, but I recognize it. I know the idea of being with a Druid won’t frighten you. Am I right?”