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

by Hannah Desmond

Lilly shook her head. “No, I wish I had.”

  Lucky shrugged, “Okay. I’ve got an instrument and I thought it would be nice if you had the flute. That’s cool. You can sit back and enjoy the trip.” He disappeared below deck and reappeared with a violin. He sat near her, put the beautiful instrument under his chin, ran the bow over the strings and tightened one of the keys. The next thing Lilly knew, the night was filled with pure enchantment.

  Lilly watched Lucky play his violin, mesmerized. ‘Who is this guy?’ she thought to herself, ‘and how does he own a huge sailboat?’

  After the shocking news about Alex in the morning, the red wine, powerful pot, good food, violin music, hours on the water and the celestial beauty of the crescent moon, Lilly leaned back and drifted, falling deeper and deeper into a state of total relaxation. Her head nodded to one side as her breath slowed and she fell into peace.

  Opening her eyes, the first thing she was aware of was her world rocking crazily. Climbing out of a narrow bed, she instantly fell to the floor. She was on her hands and knees when Lucky pulled aside a curtain and helped her up. “You don’t have your sea legs yet,” he explained.

  “What happened? The water was so calm?”

  “It was calm last night,” Lucky explained. “The wind picked up this morning and it is getting rough. We are heading back and will be in the marina by 4:30 or so.”

  Lilly looked at him incredulously. “We slept on the boat?”

  “Yep. Everyone was tired and wasted, including the pilot, he said pointing to himself.

  “What time is it now?”

  Lucky looked at his wrist watch, almost 3 o’clock.”

  “What, I’ve been sleeping all day?”

  “It appears so. I think you were more tired than you knew. You fell asleep out on the deck.”

  “Oh, yea, you were playing your violin. You play beautifully, by the way. I can’t believe I slept until 3 in the afternoon” she said rubbing her head. “Wow, I feel so out of it.”

  Lucky put his arm around her and gently lead her through the curtains, “Let’s get some coffee.”

  ~

  It was after five when Lilly opened the door to her apartment. ‘It feels so good to be home,’ she thought switching on the table lamp. She went straight to the bathroom and turned on the tap in the bath tub. She turned and walked into the bedroom to grab her robe.

  There on the bed lay a dozen red roses and an envelope addressed to her. Opening the envelope she took out the card and read:

  My beautiful Lilly,

  I don’t know where you have gone, but I am sad and distressed, I cannot find you. I wanted to say goodbye in person and I thought I would have time. We finally rounded up Bart and packed all of our equipment. Trey has decided we are heading out of town today. I can’t tell you how much these past few weeks have meant to me. You are a special lady, one deserving of all the good things life has to offer. Right now, I am a vagabond musician, traveling where they will have me. You are so talented and carry a bright light no amount of abuse has been able to or would ever be able to extinguish. I am grateful our paths have crossed and I have gotten to know you. I will be traveling with the band to Florida, up the East coast and back across the country to California. We will be in San Francisco by early summer. Trey wants to make the whole trip again next year. Hopefully, the tour will happen again and I will return to the magikcal city where a part of my heart lives with a beautiful Cajun faerie.

  Love, Roland

  “NO! No, no, no no, no.” Her throat closed, her heart constricted. Her body tensed and, finally, the tears came. Sobbing hysterically, she fell onto the bed, holding the roses in her arms. Her world fell away and she plummeted into despair.

  Later, water crept into the room as the bathtub overflowed. Lilly screamed in frustration. Anger bubbled up as she mopped the floor with towels. ‘How could I have been so stupid? I never allowed myself to think of him leaving. He was magickal, he was everything I ever dreamed of. He couldn’t just leave on a bus.’

  Pounding on her head with her hand she berated herself. ‘I let my guard down and spazzed out over a traveling musician. I thought we were falling in love, but no, he, he was having a frolic. He knew he would be leaving, but he never mentioned it, never said a word. Agnes may have been telling the truth, when he was nowhere to be found, he was dipping his wick in strippers on Bourbon St. I have been a fool. I have ignored my studies and my meditations for a romp with a musician.’ Putting her head in her hands she sobbed, ‘I knew he would be leaving. I chose not to see it, or think about it or mention it. Putting blinders on, I pretended we could go on forever.’

  Three days of seesawing from self-reproach and fury to mind numbing grief left Lilly depleted physically and emotionally. On the afternoon of the third day she was exhausted and out of food and coffee. She took a deep breath and decided to suck it up and walk to the A&P for groceries. Despite her half-hearted efforts, a splash of cold water did little to shrink her swollen eyes and red face. She pulled a brush through her tangled curls, pulled on a sweat shirt and a pair of jeans and headed out the door.

  Pulling open the gate to the street, she turned left. Instead of heading right to the A&P grocery, her feet carried her towards the Square. She had traveled only half a block when a mongrel dog jumped out of nowhere, hackles raised menacingly, emitting a low, threatening growl. Backing away from the dog, she ran across Chartres St. into the Square. Looking over her shoulder to make sure the mongrel wasn’t chasing her, she ran into a smelly drunk who grabbed her breast and breathed an obscene invitation in her face. Slapping his hands away, she ran to Decatur Street and kept her eyes on the ground, watching her footing on the uneven banquette.

  PART IV

  Raven Moon

  Chapter 27

  Crystal Visions

  Lilly sprinted down Decatur Street until her breath gave out. She stopped in front of the Abby bar, put her hands on her knees and took a moment to calm her ragged breath. She stood, took a deep breath and inhaled the odor of stale beer oozing out of the Abby bar. When her breath quieted she noticed the music rolling out onto the sidewalk from the jukebox, “You don’t have to say you love me, just be close at hand,” Dusty Springfield sang. Lilly threw her head back as an anguished howl moved up from the depths of her being.

  It was then she saw the sign hanging on the building next door. It squeaked gently on its hinges in the afternoon breeze. The black metal raven perched on the crescent moon, urged her to enter.

  The OPEN sign hung in the door. Directly over the door a sign declared, Magick & Alchemy. On either side of the door hung long black signs displaying the Raven Moon’s services in archaic white letters

  The left sign listed: Psychic Readings, Occult Books, Incense Candles, Charms, Talismans, Occult Jewelry, Statues, Herbs, roots, Tarot Cards, Anointing oils.

  The right sign read: Classes in Ritual Magick, Alchemy, Gnostics, Metaphysics, Astrology, Ancient Wisdom, Tarot Reading, Scrying.

  Lilly stood for a moment reading the offerings. ‘Many of these same services are available at Panthea’s,’ she thought, ‘but Panthea’s is closed.’

  She opened the door and stepped into Raven Moon. Tall shelves lacquered midnight black, lined the blood red walls. A scattering of crystal balls reflected the afternoon sun. Human skulls, carved in crystal, glowed on beds of black velvet. Fractured light, from red and purple crystals hanging in the window, threw patterns of light around the store. Lilly stood, taking in the visual feast.

  Despite the crystal skulls, crystal balls and a variety of brass dragons reflecting the sun light, Lilly sensed a cloud of darkness hovering around the edges and settling in the corners of the shop. Sweet clouds of incense were unable to mask the century old miasma of decaying brick walls, old wine, strong tobacco and French perfume. Beyond the mingled scents lay the energy of men who long ago married ivory skinned ladies, bid on human lives, and bought dark women for secret pleasures.

 
A tall, broad shouldered young man stood behind a glass counter. His blonde hair was pulled back in a long pony tail. Blue eyes lit his face as he smiled and came from behind the counter and greeted her. “Hi, I’m Claude, welcome to Raven Moon. How can I help you?”

  Lilly blinked away her vision and managed a weak smile, “I’m Lilly. My friend, Madeline, told me about your shop and I happened to land on your doorstep today.”

  Claude looked puzzled for a moment, “Madeline? Is she a blond?”

  “Yes, she is a blond and she is my neighbor at Panthea’s. She told me about your shop.”

  “Oh, yea, I remember Madeline. How is she doing? Did she leave on her trip?”

  “I’m not sure what is going on with her. She was supposed to leave the day after Mardi Gras on a cruise with her lover. I saw her going to the laundry room yesterday. I didn’t say anything, but I think the cruise fell through.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Claude said.

  “Madeline has good things to say about you and your partner. With Mardi Gras madness over I finally have an opportunity to meet you.”

  “I’m glad you came by. I remember Madeline telling me about you. She says you are new to the coven at Panthea’s.”

  “Yea, I lucked out when I rented an apartment from Jolene a couple of days after Thanksgiving. I didn’t know I was finding my true family and what a big change it would make in my life.”

  Claude smiled, “That is amazingly good karma. I’m hoping Raven Moon will also be beneficial for you.”

  Lilly was silent for a few minutes as she looked around the store. “What I would like today is a reading, if you have time.” Claude assured her he had plenty of time.

  He walked over locked the front door, flipped the open sign over, and explained, “My partner is out at the moment. I will lock up so we won’t be disturbed.”

  He led Lilly through an arched opening into a crimson velvet tent. The top f the tent was drawn up into a point and attached to the ceiling. Thick gold fringe decorated the edges. He pulled aside the front flap and invited Lilly to enter. A little light filtered in but Claude quickly lit a candle and gestured for Lilly to sit at the round table in the center of the tent.

  “Have you had a crystal ball reading?”

  Lilly shook her head.

  “I am going to do a general reading for you. I use the crystal ball as a focus point. Colors and shapes trigger insights. Sometimes visions come, sometimes not. Whatever I see, I will relay to you. If you have any specific questions we can address them later in the reading.”

  Lilly’s fingers tingled and her palms grew damp. “I invite you to relax, Lilly. The only information I would like is your birth date.”

  “My birthday is November 10.” She stared into the crystal ball for a moment, the candle appeared burning upside down within it.

  Claude encouraged her to take deep breaths. After a few minutes, he thought she might hyperventilate so he suggested she take slow even breaths.

  “I’m going to do a little something to help you relax and enjoy your reading, Lilly. Allow your eyes to close. As I count from ten to zero you can relax a little more with each number I say.” Claude began counting, 10, 9, 8. He repeated his suggestion to Lilly, “With each number, you will relax more and more, 7, 6, 5, 4....”

  Lilly’s head fell slightly forward and Claude spoke as he stared into the crystal ball. “Lilly, you possess an innate power and the gift of magickal vision. Your talents are not merely gifts, they are part of an ancient Fae bloodline. In your past lives you followed the path of the priestess. You are not new to the ways of magic.”

  “During your present life power has eluded you. Abuse, betrayal and abandonment have caused you to lose touch with your abilities. Now you are blind to the powerful visionary talent which is your birthright. As you struggle to define a new reality for yourself, it is important you have the right teachers. Learning to focus and harness your power is crucial in order to manifest the life you want. It appears there is an urgency to achieve contact with your power as dark energies seek you.”

  Claude paused a moment and looked at the slip of a girl sitting across from him. He studied her for a moment, released his thoughts and let the trance take him again.

  “Recently, you have become enchanted by the craft. You are renewing your ancient wisdom and building a stronger, more complete magical practice. The goddess has lead you to teachers in the French Quarter and to Raven Moon. Lifetimes of strength and dedication have recently been rewarded with gift of a powerful, ancient tool.”

  “A great love can be yours if you are able to develop your gifts and use them to create the life you desire. I am here to help you. Do you have any questions at this time?”

  Lilly’s head moved slowly signaling she had no questions.

  Feeling the energy fading, Claude closed the session. “In a few moments you will return to ordinary waking awareness. You will know I am a trusted friend.”

  On Claude’s command Lilly opened her eyes and looked around. In the candle lit room, an aura of golden light surrounded Claude. His blue eyes stared into hers. “You have great potential. I hope you will allow me to be a part of your journey and assist you in remembering the wisdom you embodied in previous lives.”

  Lilly blinked and looked around. The air was thick and warm in the velvet tent. She put her hand out to open the flap. Claude’s hand covered hers, “Let me get that for you.”

  They walked back into the main shop and sat on the two wooden stools behind the counter. “How did you like your reading?”

  Lilly thought for a moment and spoke quietly, “It wasn’t what I expected. I don’t know how you know those things about my past life. The information is surprising and, shocking. I hope, one day, I will be able to awaken the knowledge and power I once owned.”

  “On a more immediate note, I thought I would hear a message from my friend, Roland. I wanted to know if he is coming back or how I can be with him. You asked if I had a specific question at the end of the session, but my mind went blank.”

  Claude’s face grew serious, “At this point, as much is concealed as is revealed. It appears the most immediate and important focus is developing your power and controlling the magick you hold.”

  Lilly’s attempt at a smile resulted in a grimace. She sighed, venting her frustration, “I keep being told I have this ancient knowledge and magickal energy. Some days I feel it. Other days, I have a hard time believing it is real. The Cajun girl within me has a hard time wrapping her head around Faery blood and ancient magick.

  Claude smiled and tilted his head to one side, looking at her intently with bright blue eyes, “It was obvious in the reading. You are more than a Cajun girl from the Bayou. You have an inborn power. It may be untapped, but I can help you awaken your magic.”

  Lilly leaned forward, “How?”

  Chapter 28

  Regina

  Lilly’s question was left hanging in the air as the doorknob rattled and a key quickly opened the lock. The bell over the door chimed as a willowy brunette entered like a queen surveying her kingdom. Long dark hair and straight bangs across her forehead gave the illusion of a modern day Cleopatra, if Cleopatra had worn a leather mini skirt, knee high boots and a tight red cashmere sweater. Big brown eyes, painted with a touch of dark witchery, focused on Lilly as full red lips curved into a smile.

  Claude introduced Lilly to Regina and she came around the counter to give Lilly a hug. “Hi Lilly, I’m so happy to meet you. Madeline says you are the star initiate in Panthea’s Coven.”

  Lilly rocked back on the tall stool, surprised at this description of her. “I don’t know about being the star initiate. I love learning about the craft and sometimes, I’m told, I become a bit obsessive about learning more.”

  “Perfect,” Regina purred. “Now you are here, you must stay. Our business is slow as New Orleans gets over its Mardi Gras hangover. Please say you will stay and have dinner with us. This way
we can get to know one another better. I know we are going to be great friends.”

  Lilly agreed to stay for dinner. She was ready to branch out from her family at Panthea’s and meet more magical friends. With her soon to be ex-husband in jail and his mafia family no longer looking for her, she was free to go and be and do anything she wanted.

  Seated on a red velvet sofa, Lilly admired the mahogany coffee table and blanched as she realized it was a small coffin. She diverted her attention to the painting over the fireplace and allowed her eyes to wander to the group of fancy glass jars lining the mantle. She got up to inspect the jars and flinched when she saw the contents. Each jar held the body of, what appeared to be, a small black bird suspended in viscous fluid. Claude came in, put a few logs in the fireplace and noticed Lilly chewing her fingernails as she stared at the jars on the mantel.

  “Hey Lilly,” he said, as he stood next to her and looked at the glass jars lining the mantel piece. “Regina decorated the apartment. Her vision prevailed as she had the money to furnish it. I had no say in it.”

  “I understand,” she said smiling as she returned to her seat on the sofa. She sat back and continued to chew her nails.

  Claude studied her for a moment and said, “I know exactly what you need.” He whisked off to the kitchen and returned with two glasses of wine.

  Lilly rubbed her hands together and wiped them down the front of her jeans. She took a deep breath, lifted her wine glass from the coffin coffee table and took a deep swallow. Turning to face Claude she leaned slightly toward him and asked, “I hear you are from New York.”

  “Yep, I have escaped the madness of the Big Apple and landed in the Big Easy. I’m loving it.

  “Where are you from, Lilly?”

  “I’m from a small town on the bayou. I’ve only been in The Quarter a few months.”

  “You haven’t been a part of Panthea’s Coven for long?”