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

by Hannah Desmond

  Kumira jumped suddenly and the boat rocked precariously as she pointed silently to two eyes floating eight feet from their boat. Lilly had seen many gators on her trips to the bayou. Obviously, Kumira was shaken by the site of the huge reptile. Roland sped the boat up a bit and left the scaly creature behind.

  “Okay everyone, relax,” Pearl instructed. “Let’s all take a deep breathe. We are enjoying a peaceful boat ride in one of the most beautiful natural environments on the planet. Let’s enjoy the sites and one another.” Kumira gave a nervous laugh, Roland took his sunglasses off and wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his arm. Lilly opened her canteen, took a sip of cold water and passed it around to her friends. The tension eased a bit as Pearl and Lilly exchanged a smile and a wink.

  Pearl spoke softly to Roland and pointed, “Steer towards the big oak tree.”

  Roland’s eyes widened, “The one with the snake hanging off the low branch?”

  Pearl made a simple grunting tone, cleared her throat and with patience instructed, “Yes, but go around the left side of it, no need inviting a snake into the boat.”

  Roland maneuvered the boat around the small island hosting the ancient oak.

  Pearl nodded her head again and continued, “Let’s find a way around the wall of hanging moss and go straight for a bit.”

  The Deep Bayou brought back bittersweet memories for Lilly. She and her dad had shared many lazy summer afternoons fishing on the bayou. Avery LaCouer had spent those precious hours teaching his daughter how to bait a line, the best places to fish and how to charm the fish onto the line. Lilly had vague memories of other secrets he had shared with her, but nothing she could grab onto and pull into her present reality. She remembered how it felt to be with her father more than what he had said. His sparkling eyes, easy smile and gentle voice appeared in her mind. Tears pricked her eyes and she swallowed a sob.

  Aunt Pearl put an arm around her and drew her close. Putting her head on Pearl’s shoulder, Lilly let the tears come as Aunt Pearl reminisced about growing up with her brother. “Avery was a sweet child, mischievous but never mean spirited. His Faery blood was strong and manifested in his ability to create beauty. He embodied the soul of an artist and a philosopher. He loved you so much, Lilly. It is a great mystery to me what he saw in your mother. She was his opposite. Over time their relationship fell apart. Once your mother took Rex as her lover, the situation became unbearable. Avery was planning to bring you out to the bayou village and raise you with your Fae family when he disappeared.

  “Aunt Pearl, you mentioned murderous tendencies apparent in Rex’s aura. It was my father he murdered, isn’t it?”

  Pearl nodded her head, “I have no proof, no hard evidence. Avery’s disappearance in the bayou didn’t make sense. Your father grew up in the Deep Bayou. He knew how to survive, how to deal with animal threats and he had magick of his own to defend himself. I don’t know how Rex managed to overcome him, but I am certain he had a hand in it.”

  Roland’s voice interrupted their conversation, “Pearl, any instructions? This channel is getting narrow and the gator population is getting thick.”

  Pearl looked around and gave a frustrated groan. “We have taken a wrong turn. Have you followed any inlets since the last instructions I gave you?”

  Roland chewed his lower lip. “I don’t know, I’ve been avoiding branches and moss and cypress knees hoping I was staying on course. I figured you would say something if I needed to make a correction.”

  “Let’s turn around Roland, and get back to some place I recognize.”

  Roland maneuvered the small motor boat around a cypress stump and turned to retrace the way they came. He stood for a moment, peering around a mass of hanging moss when the boat began to rock violently. A huge alligator glided through the water, his scaly body rubbing along the side of the boat. Roland took off his wide brimmed straw hat and waved it at the creature. “Get out of here, go away,” he yelled ineffectively. Everyone screamed as the gator’s huge mouth opened, revealing rows of razor sharp teeth. The gaping maw bit down hard and Roland fell back onto the seat of the boat. “Are you okay? Did he get your hand? Lilly said as she leaned in to see if there was any damage.

  “No but he got my hat.”

  “Better than your fingers she said as she lifted his arm and inspected his hand. “All digits are intact” she announced. “What were you thinking waving your hat in your hand at that thing?”

  “I was thinking of protecting you ladies and running the scaly lizard away,” Roland said

  Pearl smiled at him and said, “That was very thoughtful and courageous of you Roland. If he comes around again, keep your hands in the boat, rev the engine, and speed up.”

  Roland could feel his face flush and hoped the waning light prevented the women from seeing the redness spreading over his face and neck. The evening star has risen and the sky darkened when they started back down the channel. A half hour passed as they threaded their way through the gathering darkness. Roland turned on the boat’s spot light. It shown on the still water and trees ahead but failed to illuminate what lay beyond.

  The boat’s motor died. A collective gasp filled the silence. Roland pulled on the starter, trying to get the engine going. Nothing happened. “Maybe we are out of gas,” he said flatly. “It doesn’t make sense, but nothing works.”

  “Turn on the light,” Kumira commanded.

  Roland threw the spotlight switch back and forth. “It has lost power too,” he said quietly. Pearl took command, “There are paddles in the bottom of the boat, feel around. We can paddle out of here.” Heads bumped together as everyone clamored around blindly for the oars. The small boat rocked precariously, but steadied when they had paddles in hand. They paddled in sync with one another, hoping they were heading in the right direction.

  An interminable amount of time passed. “I don’t think we were traveling this way for so long” Roland said. “Pearl, do you sense anything familiar?”

  “No, I’m not sure where we are. I’m sorry I got distracted. I was talking to Lilly, reminiscing about my brother, not paying attention to where we were heading.”

  They floated through the darkness, the sound of their paddle strokes blending with the call of the night birds, frogs and unknown creatures. The crescent moon, determined to share her glow, peaked from dark lacy clouds.

  Pearl squinted into the murky bayou, “Making the trip on the full moon would have been easier, we would have more light.”

  Kumira said one word “Lougarou.”

  Pearl nodded her head slightly, “Of course.”

  Suddenly, the group gave a collective moan as a glowing mist formed ahead of them.

  Pearl spoke in a steady voice, “No need to fear, this mist is filled with good intentions.” No sooner had she spoken than a face, followed by a whole body appeared from the wisps of fog.

  Lilly cried out as she recognized her father. He stood in front of the boat. His gaze found her and he smiled. Lifting his translucent hand, he signaled them to follow. Lilly stared at her father, a million questions and declarations of love played on the end of her tongue. She called to him, but his ghostly form did not respond. The boat was gliding easily through a wide channel when Avery found Lilly’s face, smiled and faded into the night. The little group drifted silently in the darkness. Pearl spotted a slight glow in the distance and encouraged everyone to row. They paddled straight towards the glowing light. Five minutes later, the glow was further away.

  “Ahhh,” Pearl said quietly. “Lilly hold your carving in your hand and concentrate on the distant light. Pearl stood, her talisman in hand, braced herself on Lilly’s shoulder and spoke clearly in a foreign tongue. “Syl Tira Peaural, Sy cla mi loov.”

  Pearl sat without rocking the boat, put her finger to her lips and made a quiet shushing noise. Within minutes the sound of fiddle music drifted over the dark waters. The dim light so far distant only a moment before, grew bright. The grou
p gasped in surprise as the boat bumped against a wooden pier. Lights, music and lyrical voices greeted them. Strong hands helped them out onto the dock and welcomed them to the Faery village.

  Chapter 49

  Beneath the Silver Moon

  The Faeries lead the way across a swaying bridge lit with glowing lanterns. Delicious aromas filled the air as the four guests were shown into a dining area filled with long tables and benches. They were invited to take a seat as the Faery clan gathered for a meal.

  Lilly watched Pearl looking from face to face. She saw a smile form on her aunt’s face as she approached an older woman with a fringed shawl around her shoulders and a long stemmed pipe in her hand. Opened arms drew Pearl into the loving embrace of her mother. Pearl motioned Lilly to join them, “I know you two have met before, but possibly, you don’t remember your grandmother, Sylvia.”

  An air of youth played about Sylvia’s smiling eyes along with ancient wisdom. She took Lilly into her warm embrace and stepped back with tears in her eyes. “I see Avery in you,” she said and hugged her once again. Tilting her head, she looked puzzled for a moment, “I don’t remember your hair being red.”

  Lilly quickly told her she had disguised herself to avoid her former husband. Sylvia nodded, “We know about disguises here. They can be valuable. I’m sorry you had to use hair dye for your disguise. We have easier methods.”

  Before Lilly could ask a question, a young woman drew near, took her hand and pulled her gently. “Granny, can I introduce Lilly to everyone?”

  Sylvia took a toke on her pipe and put up a hand. “Wait a minute. Lilly, this is your cousin Lotus. She is going to bring you around and introduce you to everyone.

  “But,” Lilly started to protest.

  Aunt Pearl touched her shoulder, “Go ahead Lilly, there will be time for a visit later.”

  Lotus introduced Lilly to the smiling people who were her relatives. She could see a strong resemblance to her dad in many of them. Her dad had worn blue jeans and T-shirts most of the time. His relatives dressed in delicate fabrics that shimmered silver and green with the slightest movement. Glancing at their shoes Lilly smiled at the fanciful designs and bright colors encasing their feet. Her heart beat with excitement when her second sight caught the soft silvery light moving around and through her family. These beautiful people were her kin. She belonged here. The high cheekbones, pointed chins and huge liquid eyes of green, blue and gray smiled at her. ‘I have found home, this is my true family.’

  A tall man stood in the center of the room and clapped once. He held his hands out for a moment and the room grew silent.

  “Welcome to our sister, Pearl, our dear niece, Lilly, and her friends. Many moon cycles and much starlight have passed since we have had you in our company. Thank you for your visit and for bringing friends along. We will feast, dance, sing and celebrate. Later we will speak of mundane matters.”

  A young woman, holding a carafe half as tall as herself, made her way from table to table filling goblets with a strong sweet liquor. Steaming bowls of gumbo were served over mounds of rice along with crusty bread. Platters of sweet potatoes and catfish were passed around the table. Lilly thought her stomach might burst.

  After dinner, Lotus took one of Lilly’s hands and one of Roland’s and headed for the door. They followed the bayou fairies across swinging bridges, down a winding path to a separate island. Palmetto leaves rustled as the fairies stepped lightly through the night. They arrived at a clearing with soft tropical grass beneath their feet and a canopy of stars overhead. Clouds scuttled away quickly as a welcomed breeze drifted across the island. The crescent moon rose over the Cypress trees like a silver smile streaming a beam of benevolent light on the Faery kin below. Lilly smiled back at the moon and hugged the magic of the evening to herself.

  Aunt Pearl called her name and waved with a silver flute. Roland and Lilly walked closer to the musicians and Pearl put the flute in her hand. Lilly thanked her, looked around and saw half the family playing musical instrument. Those who were not playing music danced, swirled, jumped and twirled with an abandon unseen in the human world.

  Lilly put the flute to her lips and danced as she added her music to the jaunty tune. She spotted a young man sitting near a tree tuning a mandolin. Next to him, propped on the side of the tree were three instruments: a banjo, a fiddle and a guitar. Lilly approached him and with a lift of an eyebrow and a swiftly pointed finger acquired the guitar for Roland.

  A fiddle player beckoned them and scooted over making room among the musicians. Lilly placed the flute to her lips, closed her eyes and inhaled the early spring air, pungent with the scent of the Dark Bayou. Music flowed and filled the clearing with the magical essence of life. Dancers, light on their feet, whirled in the Faery circle. Silver hair glowed in the starlight, green eyes flashed and lithe bodies danced with total abandon. The hours passed like minutes. When Lilly put the flute aside, a smiling man with silver braids tugged on her hand and led her into the dance.

  Breathless from the ecstatic dance, she took a break and joined a group sitting on a log nearby. Pearl approached, sat next to Lilly and put an arm around her waist. Lilly put her head on her Aunt’s shoulder and whispered, “For the first time since my childhood, I know the joy of being with my true family.”

  “Yes, I am experiencing that same joy. I have been embraced by my mother and my wonderful niece is back in my life.”

  The heavy white blossoms of the night blooming flowers gently folded their petals as the sky turned a pearlescent gray. Lilly breathed in the scent of water hyacinths pushing through masses of lily pads floating in the monochrome palette of the pre-dawn light.

  Roland joined her on the swampy shore of the island. They stood together silently watching the pink flow of the sky burst into golden splendor on the horizon. Roland relaxed into a huge yawn and Lilly joined him. With drooping eyes, they walked over the swinging bridges back to the Faery camp.

  ~

  The sun was passed its zenith when Lilly opened her eyes. The large window next to the bed looked out over the dark green water of the bayou. An egret perched on a low hanging branch, its long neck forming a graceful curve. Beards of gray green moss swayed gently in the breeze as the sun warmed a family of turtles strung like jade beads on a fallen log.

  Roland opened his eyes and sat up taking in the peaceful view. “Hmmm, the Deep Bayou is beautiful.” His hand moved up her back and slowly moved around her, gently embracing her breast. Lilly leaned back and lifted her head for a morning kiss. The Egret took flight as Lilly turned to face Roland and pulled him down with her onto the pillows.

  Their love making was deep and passionate. They climaxed together reaching new heights of physical and spiritual ecstasy. Snuggling together afterwards, Roland whispered in Lilly’s ear, “Do you think we’ve been taken by Faery magic or the simple grace of the Deep Bayou?”

  Lilly smiled, “Both.”

  Roland ran a caressing finger along the side of her face, “I hope we take it home with us. That was amazing!

  A knock on the door broke the spell as they sat up quickly. “Breakfast meeting in a few minutes,” said a deep voice.

  Lilly and Roland found the rest of their group sitting at a round table near the kitchen. Grandmother Sylvia, along with two men from the Faery clan, sat with them. The men were similar in size, one had the shining green eyes resembling Lilly’s father. His hair hung down his back in a thick silver braid. The other, younger man, had dark blue eyes and blond hair pulled into a knot on the top of his head. Both men wore silver seven pointed stars on a cord around their necks and one of Avery’s carved animal amulets on a cord that fell over their hearts. The older man, who Lilly soon learned was called, Lance, invited them to grab a cup of coffee and join them.

  They sat together sipping hot coffee. Everyone’s eyes turned to Pearl, who flushed a deeper pink than usual, swallowed and explained to her kinsmen exactly why they had come to the Faery village. Ku
mira added what she knew of the pyramid and had several questions answered. Lilly explained the attributes of the Innana crystal, slipped it over her head and laid it in the center of the table.

  Their hosts looked at one another for a moment. Grandmother Sylvia spoke first, “We are aware of the pyramid and know a bit of its history. Lance and Ani, she said nodding at the two men sitting at the table with them, will be your guides. Lance has an unfailing sense of direction and Ani feels the pull of magic stronger than anyone in our family. With their help, you will be able to find the pyramid and, hopefully a way into it.

  The four friends grinned at one another and Roland spoke up, “When do we leave?”

  Lance, accustomed to being in control, put his napkin on the table and stood, “Ani and I will pack our gear and we will return to New Orleans with you. From there, we can decide the most auspicious time to leave.”

  Sylvia spoke and the voices at the table hushed. “I have not seen my daughter and my granddaughter in many years. I ask you stay one more day, at least, so we may have a proper visit.”

  Pearl nodded and looked at Lilly, “We would love to stay one more day and return to spend many more when our work is done.”

  Sylvia smiled, “Ah, it is settled.”

  Rosy tones tinted the sky and a slight breeze caressed Lilly’s cheek. She drank in the sight as she sat on her grandmother’s porch overlooking the dark green waters of the bayou.

  A stand of cattail plants swayed nearby lending their rhythmic percussion to the natural music of the bayou. Sylvia sat in her rocking chair smoking her long-stemmed pipe. Concentric circles of aromatic smoke drifted out over the still green water.

  As Lilly watched the smoke rings she noticed how dreamy and relaxed she was feeling. “Grannie,” she asked, “What do the fairies do out here in the middle of the Dark bayou?”

  Her grandmother chuckled, “It is not about what we do. It is about our being.” Lilly looked puzzled so Grandmother Sylvia continued, “We witness the natural world and are part of nature’s balance. Our energy naturally sustains the water plants and the interaction between the living systems of the bayou. The Faery ken have been here for centuries assuring the egret finds a home, the ibis gets a fish, the turtles have a fine place to sun themselves and the banks provide a gathering place for the gators. We speak with the plants and creatures of the waters. Knowing their ways, we are able to protect them.