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

by Hannah Desmond

  Claude pleaded with Regina’s parents for permission to see her. He had to speak with her. After consulting with her doctors, they consented to a short visit.

  Standing beside her bed, Claude took Regina’s hand and squeezed gently. She opened her eyes and stared at him. He struggled for a moment, not knowing how to approach the vast ocean of questions he had.

  Finally, he asked the question at the top of the list. “Why did you do it, Regina? What did you hope to gain?”

  Regina licked her dry lips and spoke hoarsely, “I want the crystal. I thought I could use it as a time travel device. I need to go back and undo the mistakes my ancestors made, prevent them from squandering the power of the Valraven bloodline.”

  “Once I had the crystal, it didn’t work. It would do nothing. I needed time to research, to find a ritual to make it mine. I need to fix the past.” Her voice grew weaker as she spoke, her hand slipped from his and her eyes slowly closed.

  The nurse came in and signaled for him to leave. “She needs a great deal of rest, her injuries are severe.” Claude nodded and walked into the hallway, closing the door behind him.

  He thanked Regina’s parents and said goodbye. Mr. Valraven stopped him and insisted Claude take a check and sign legal papers relinquishing his partnership with Regina and their ownership of the Raven Moon.

  Claude readily agreed. He wanted nothing more to do with the Raven Moon. Returning to Panthea’s he walked with a lighter step.

  He reported his conversation with Regina to James, Jolene and Lilly. They were relieved she had survived the fall and would recover.

  “The strange thing about my visit,” Claude said, “Regina remembered the crystal and why she wanted it. Yet, according to her parents, Regina told them she remembered nothing about her fall or anything about the previous week.”

  “The doctors assured the Valraven’s amnesia could be expected with a concussion. Regina’s memory of the events may or may not return. Her parents were concerned and intend to have her air lifted to a hospital near their home in California where she will receive extended care.”

  James shook his head, “I’d venture to say the extended care will not be very extended. Regina is not one to lay idle. Weaving a web of lies about what she can and cannot remember will be taxing.”

  “Why did she want the crystal?” Jolene asked.

  Claude shook his head, “That is the crazy part. She said she had to go back in time and change something with her ancestors. She thought the crystal was a time travel device.”

  Jolene and Lilly exchanged glances. Jolene’s lips tightened and Lilly nodded slightly.

  ~

  Roland’s memory returned, at least the memory of the astral confrontation with Regina in the attic. His friends were grateful he had no recall of his possession by Ogou La Flambeau. There was a silent agreement between everyone concerned that he need not be reminded.

  Life at Panthea’s returned to some semblance of normal. The shop opened and Jolene, Sabine and Lilly went back to work. James spent hours with Roland teaching him the ways of the druids. Lucky headed for New York to attend his art opening.

  Claude couldn’t return to his apartment over Raven Moon. Jolene was happy to have him as a tenant at Panthea’s. He moved into the apartment next to Madeline. Her relationship with Chas had fizzled and he had returned to his family. Madeline, already acquainted with Claude, was delighted to have him for a neighbor.

  Roland was staying with Lilly, but they both knew it wasn’t a permanent arrangement. The apartment was too small for the two of them and Roland still had an obligation to The Green Man Band. He wanted to spend a few more weeks training with James before he flew to Boston to reconnect with the Band. Once their gigs in Boston and New York City were done, he would return to New Orleans permanently.

  Lilly, immersed in her life with Roland and her efforts to revive the priestess crystal, paid little attention to her mentors for several weeks. Her first day back at work, she was shocked to see a change in James when he sauntered through the shop on his way to an appointment. His shoulders seemed stooped and the snow white hair at his temples had expanded to cover his entire head. The change in his appearance prompted Lilly to take a closer look at Jolene. Has her hair always had so many silver strands? Did her cheeks always sag a bit? She stole glances at Jolene throughout the day. The changes were subtle but she was certain they were there.

  It is the loss of the Priestess crystal, Lilly thought with a sinking heart. Jolene who appeared to be a spry fifty something had already told her she was seventy-five years old. James was older by five years. Fear and grief clutched at Lilly’s heart, I cannot lose these two beautiful, people, she vowed to herself.

  After work, Lilly followed Jolene back into her kitchen pretending she wanted a cup of tea. Jolene invited Lilly to sit while she prepared tea for both of them. Lilly sat across from Jolene and looked in her beloved friend’s eyes. She spoke with resolve, “Jolene, I must speak with you about something of great importance.” Jolene nodded as she sipped tea. “I want to return the Priestess crystal to you. Obviously, I am not ready to have it. I made a mess of things! I was easily duped and fell in with the first sorceress who flattered me with her friendship. The crystal should be returned to you. I will happily accept it in a few years.”

  Jolene grimaced slightly, “I’ve been anticipating this, Lilly. First let me tell you I will not accept the crystal from you. I was expecting you would feel guilt and remorse and try to return it. I also know you are noticing I am looking my true age.”

  Lilly’s voice sounded strained when she responded, “Yes. It makes perfect sense. I am not ready to be responsible for the crystal and I need you here for many more years healthy and vibrant. You are my teacher and I am not done learning.”

  Jolene pressed her lips together and blinked away tears before she looked up at Lilly. “You were chosen by the crystal. Encountering Regina and falling into her trap was part of your learning. Everyone is your teacher. All life experiences are for your edification. No need to judge yourself harshly, life’s lessons are learned as they occur. You benefit from the lessons through integrating your experience into your being. Those experiences and your responses to them, are the foundation of wisdom.”

  “Secondly, I have had a long and happy life. It is unnatural to prolong it beyond what seems reasonable. You don’t have to worry. I am not on death’s doorstep. I have many more years here on earth.”

  “It would be selfish of you to deny me the natural order of my life and to burden me with the ownership of the crystal. It is your burden and your joy, there is no way you can surrender it. We made an agreement beyond the veil of illusion, before we accepted incarnation into this life. We agreed to assist, yet not coddle one another.

  “I have taken on the role of teacher in this lifetime but we have had been many life times when you were the teacher. All knowledge is available. Teachings, books, rituals merely shake the memories loose so you may bring them into present time. You have a great deal of time and energy. There is no hurry. Everything is unfolding perfectly. We can’t retrace our steps, we can only go forward into the ever present now.”

  Tears battled with an incredulous smile as Lilly took Jolene’s hands into hers. “I’ve been your teacher? How can it be? I feel so small compared to your enormous wisdom and power. If you say it is so, I believe you. I will try to be worthy of the teachings you share with me. I think losing my Aunt Pearl so suddenly when I was a child has scarred my heart. I worry about those I love disappearing. First my dad was gone, then Aunt Pearl disappeared. When Roland left I almost lost my mind. The thought of losing you is more than I can endure.”

  Jolene squeezed her hand, “Take heart sweet Lilly, you are not about to lose me. Changing the subject she said, “In fact, I think it’s time you actively search for information about your Aunt Pearl. I also want to know what became of her. Did she pass away or was she threatened into leaving her home and brea
king her connection with you?”

  Lilly looked shocked, “Who would do such a thing? Why would my Aunt Pearl agree to such an arrangement? She may be dead, but I would like to know how and when and I’d also like to know where she is buried.”

  Jolene nodded as she stood up, “Possibly James can lead you into a hypnotic trance to help you recall details of your time with her. There may be small things, clues you’ve forgotten. “

  “I’m open to it,” Lilly said.

  “Okay, it is settled, I’ll speak with James.”

  Lilly smiled, nodded and stood to leave. She opened the kitchen door and Topaz scooted through her legs, announcing he was ready for his dinner. Lilly turned and said, “Thank you, Jolene,” as she headed to her apartment.

  ~

  Lilly and Roland strolled by the river in the purple haze of twilight. They walked silently for a while and stood together looking over the dark waters. The moon rose and, still, neither of them had broached the subject of their future together. They watched the Cotton Blossom paddle boat leave its dock along the shore. With hundreds of lights bobbing and swaying the boat made its way out to the center of the river. From where they stood on the shore, they could hear the music from the calliope gradually fading as the paddle boat disappeared down the river. Lilly glanced at Roland, surprised to see tears on his face. “What is it, baby? Are you feeling sad tonight?”

  Roland rubbed his hand over his face and quickly flashed her an embarrassed smile, “I’m feeling nostalgic for the city I haven’t left yet and I’m thinking about you and how much I will miss you.”

  Lilly took his hand, “It will only be for a short while, a week, two the at most. The city will be here when you get back. I will be here too, if I don’t get myself abducted by another evil sorceress,” she said with a grim laugh.

  “I’m glad you can laugh at your misadventure,” Roland said. “I’m not able to think of it as amusing. Frankly, I’m more concerned about the way Claude looks at you and the unwavering and unashamed way Lucky stares at you. Who knows? You may be involved in a menage a trois by the time I get back.”

  Lilly stepped back and looked up into his face. For a moment he looked deadly serious then suddenly burst into the contagious laugh she loved.

  “A threesome is not going to happen, you can rest easy,” she assured him. “However, the fellow who comes in for tarot readings five days a week, he may be a contender.”

  It was Roland’s turn to be surprised, “What guy?”

  Lilly laughed and said, “Gottcha.” Their light hearted banter continued as they headed out to meet Genna, Forest, Owen, Madeline, and Claude for Roland’s bon voyage dinner.

  PART VI

  Awakening

  Chapter 45

  Manuel Needed

  James put his coffee mug carefully on the arm of the couch and looked at Lilly with his gentle eyes, “How are you doing, Lilly?”

  “I’m okay. Planning the Spring Equinox ritual is fun. It’s giving me something to think about and look forward to. I miss Roland terribly, even though I know he will be back soon.”

  James nodded, as he wrapped his hands around the warmth of his coffee cup. He turned to look at Lilly again, “And the crystal?”

  Lilly shook her head as her mouth turned down slightly, “The fog within it seems to be clearing, although the violet light has not returned.”

  Jolene leaned forward from her seat in the rocking chair, “Don’t worry Lilly, I know you can fix this. I believe the crystalline structure of the stone will respond to a certain set of energies and reset itself.”

  “You mean there may be some sort of ritual I can do?”

  Jolene shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know of any rituals. It may need time to recalibrate and reactivate.”

  A frustrated sigh escaped from deep in Lilly’s chest. “There was no manual or grimoire with the crystal when you received it? Information about how to awaken the violet light must be somewhere!”

  Jolene shook her head. Suddenly, there was a light in her eyes, “There is not a grimoire, however, we know a savvy Atlantean Priestess who might have some ideas about what, where and when an ancient crystal may be restored.”

  Lilly sat up, “Kumira!”

  The next afternoon Lilly sat on the sofa in Kumira’s elegant living room overlooking Royal St. The pair sipped guava juice, nibbled on banana chips and discussed the reactivation of the Priestess crystal.

  Kumira brushed crumbs off her hand and took the stone Lilly held out to her. “There are a number of things used to activate a crystal. This one is ancient and contains great potential. I believe there may be a combination of things which may awaken it.”

  Lilly leaned forward, “A combination of what things?”

  Kumira sighed deeply, “Possibly a combination of heat, light, sound, gamma rays and the energy of consciousness. When specific vibratory frequencies and energy transmissions come together, I believe the crystal will reactivate.”

  Lilly shook her head in frustration, “I have no idea where I can find those elements together and what about the specific amounts? How can I find out what, how much and where they might occur?”

  Kumira stared at her for a moment. With the Inanna crystal clutched in her hand, she closed her eyes and sat back in her plush purple velvet chair.

  Lilly followed her lead, closed her eyes and took long cleansing breaths, relaxing into meditation.

  Shadows were creeping across the ornate Persian carpet when Lilly heard mumbling. Her eyes flew open. The ancient Atlantian priest, his crystal topped staff in hand, stood beside the now empty purple chair.

  The ancient priest, while wiry limbed, stood straight and strong as he spoke directly to Lilly. “The power lies in the pyramid where two great waters meet. Beneath the stones, within the temple, the portal leads to healing light to set the gem aflame once more.”

  Lilly nodded and opened her mouth to ask, “Where do the waters meet? What pyramid?” Without knowing how or when, Lilly saw Kumira sitting in her velvet chair, the priest was nowhere in sight.

  “Did you get that child?” Kumira asked, reaching for her glass of juice.

  Lilly nodded, “There is a pyramid where two great waters meet. Inside there is a portal leading to healing light that will ignite the violet flame.”

  Kumira quirked her mouth to one side and made a loud hmmmmm! “I’ve been hearing about this pyramid for years. It appears circumstances have come together and now is the time to find it.”

  Lilly looked worried, “Have you any idea where it is?”

  “Uh huh, I have an idea. I would like to speak to someone who could help verify what I think I know. It would be great to find a guide to lead us.” Kumira cleared her throat and spoke tentatively, “Lilly, if I remember correctly, you have relatives in South Louisiana. Do you think one or more of them might be willing to act as guides through the Deep Bayou?”

  Lilly gave a sarcastic snort, “My Mama and Rex may live near the bayou, but I can promise you they do not venture deep into it or know anything about a pyramid. They would ridicule us mercilessly if we asked for their help. The only things they believe in are money, power and the Catholic church.”

  “I’m not thinking about your mother and stepfather. Didn’t your father have interesting family in the bayou?”

  Lilly heart sped, “Yes, my dad took me to visit them a few times when I was young. Frankly, I don’t know how to find them. I tried several times after my dad disappeared. I could never reach them. I would catch a glimpse of the village and row towards it, but the more I rowed, the further away it moved. It must be shielded in some way.”

  “It sounds like a telescoping spell. The right person would know how to counter it,” Kumira said. “You are of their bloodline. If you could not get past the shield, we will need someone who knows how to dispel it and get us to the bayou faeries. They are the ones who hold ancient knowledge and know the lay of the land in South Louisia
na.”

  Lilly’s heart continued to pound, “It is dangerous in the bayou. There are alligators and supernatural entities. People make fun of the stories of Lougarou, but my dad assured me the stories were not all myths.”

  Kumira frowned, “Ah, Lougarou, one more thing to worry about! Legends say he is only a problem for humans when the moon is full. Let’s make sure we venture out early in the day and not on the night of the full moon.”

  Lilly heaved a sigh, “There are more dangers than Lougarou. My dad told me there were weirder things lurking in the dark waters, hidden behind the cypress knees and hanging moss. I’m willing to venture out and find the Faery village. It may be the only hope we have.”

  Kumira pursed her lips, her face grew calm before she spoke. “A challenging adventure, to be sure. Your father was instilling respect for the energies of the Dark Bayou in you. He didn’t want you venturing out on your own when you were a child. Together, I’m sure we will be safe. We have work to do. Let me think on it, talk to some of my people. I know it will all come together at the perfect time,” she said calmly ending their visit with a gentle “OOOOO, EEEEE, AAAHHH.”

  ~

  The late afternoon sunlight stained the clouds crimson as the sky slowly faded to indigo. Madeline, Claude, Lucky, Gemma and Sabine were sitting together in the courtyard when Lilly arrived home. Her heart leaped as she saw her friends waiting for her. She filled them in on her visit to Kumira. The group sat silently for a few minutes contemplating the situation.

  Claude spoke up, “Lilly, I promised you I would help you find your aunt. You said she was your dad’s sister and she was a magickal being. It seems to me, she may be the person who could lead us to the rest of your family in the bayou.”

  Lilly’s face lit up for a moment but her smile quickly faded. “She might be dead by now. I haven’t heard from her in years. If she is not, I have no idea where to find her.”