Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 34 )

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Part Thirty Four

 

Mina fell to her knees horrified to find Kate curled up on the floor frothing at the mouth, her body twitching and fingers curled at her chest. In a panic she came to standing and quickly ran to the top of the stairs shouting down. “Help! Help!” The others came from their rooms wondering what all the shouting was about.

 

Sally ran up stairs wiping her hands with a cloth, still covered in bread doe and hearing the cry of panic. “What's happened?” She appealed in alarm worried by what she was walking into.

 

Frightened Mina stood on the landing crying, tears running down her cheeks. “It's Kate,” she sobbed into her hands, “she, she's on the floor, her mouth's all soapy and she won't stop shaking.” By now Mina too was shuddering, her own high pitched voice ringing in her ears.

 

Sally ran into the bedroom picking up a cushion from the bed and knelt down carefully placing it under Kate's head. “Sorry you had to see this Mina, I'm afraid Kate gets these fits every now and then. She'll be okay, I'll stay with her.” Looking over at Nigel and Chris who stood in the doorway eager to be of assistance, Sally called out to get her a couple of towels and a wet flannel.

 

The guys rushed around while Kendrick tried to console his daughter with feelings of awkwardness, not sure what he was supposed to say or do. “Come on butterfly, we'd better leave them to it, Sally seems to have the situation under control.”

 

“Will she be okay dad?” Asked a concerned Mina feeling helpless, her cheeks now red from anxiety and fear.

 

“I'm sure she'll be fine, though I never realized Kate had fits, it's never happened before while I've been around.” Kendrick was on his way downstairs but then turned around to see Mina sat on the top step. “What is it butterfly?” Everyone else had gone back into their rooms having been used to Kate's fits and knowing she'd be okay in a while.

 

“I want to stay here and wait for Kate's mum to come out.” Vapour from the fog had left Mina cold and feeling damp, she'd not been concerned until this moment. It was as if her world had stopped, unable to move or carry on till she knew Kate would be alright.

 

“Okay butterfly, but I'm sure she'll be fine, Sally knows what she's doing.” Kendrick left his daughter to her thoughts making his way downstairs and out through the door, knowing there wasn't anymore he could say. Work would take his mind off the situation and there was much to do outside.

 

Mina had lost her appetite for fun or anything else for that matter knowing how helpless she'd been in the situation, wanting to help Kate had been her first priority, but she had no idea if her healing powers would work, or be accepted. If it had been an animal Mina wouldn't have hesitated to use the ember, but humans were more complex. All these thoughts went through her mind.

 

After what seemed like ages Sally finally appeared. Mina stood up eagerly, anxious to know what was going on. “Is she going to be alright?”

 

Sally held the towels in her arms as if holding a baby to the breast. “Yes, she'll be fine. Kate's sleeping now, rest is what is needed for a couple of hours, but I'll check on her in a while.” Sally could see the concern on Mina's face. “Don't worry it'll be okay. It was lucky you checked in on her, things could have been a lot worse if you hadn't.” Taking Mina by the hand, Sally led her downstairs. “You come and help me Mina, I'm going to prepare food for the Solstice.” Sally smiled in a reassuring way trying to put her at ease.

 

Mina breathed a sigh of relief and hoped she'd never have to see Kate in that state again. Back down in the kitchen, Tammy the cat appeared again, this time with tail swaying from side to side and eating some prepared food in her corner completely oblivious as to what had just happened.

 

The bread rolls and loaves sat on the table ready to go in the oven. With time going on and still plenty to do, Sally was getting anxious that daylight wouldn't be far off. “Come with me Mina, I'll show you where we keep the stocks of food,” Sally declared.

 

Mina followed her to a door off the kitchen. Sally opened it and switched on the light. Mina saw many glass jars on shelves filled with different fruits, pickles and chutneys. The jars were all labeled with dates and names. There were many packets of dried fruit too. Going inside this enormous pantry Mina saw containers of brown and white flour and different sugars. There were also small packets of herbs and spices, she thought it was a cooks paradise and could imagine her mum being very impressed.

 

Sally took down what she needed and turned to Mina. “Can you take this jar of peaches and the container of white flour? I'll bring out the sugar, we'll make a peach flan to represent the return of the sun, how would you like to help?”

 

Mina beamed at the idea completely forgetting about helping in the barn. Sally was just like her mum, enthusiastic about the preparations as much as the celebration itself. “I'd love to help, it's been three years since I celebrated properly...well ever since mum died.”

 

After they'd prepared the flan filling in a saucepan with some gelatin, Sally put the mixture in the flan case covering the peaches and Mina placed it in the fridge to set. Then they started making some biscuits in the shape of the sun with orange icing on the tops. Sally called Amber knowing the next part was her favourite. Amber came down eager to decorate with sprinkles which Mina helped her with. Meanwhile Sally made some lentil and tomato soup. She also got a couple of pumpkins left over from Samhain and Mina scooped out the insides and set to work carving some smiling faces which was always her favourite part of Halloween and put them a side for later with nightlight candles.

 

Linda and Chris bought in some homemade tall candles with painted wax carvings of the sun fixed to the sides. Everyone seemed to be busy and had a role in the preparations.

 

Kendrick was out front with Nick and Nigel setting up a barbecue for later. The fog now lifting as daylight approached, Nick knew it wouldn't be long before the sun made an appearance for its special day, coming up over the far hill to be welcomed.

 

Mina came out to join them now feeling good humored because Kate was awake and feeling a lot better. “Dad!” She called in excitement.

 

Kendrick was still making himself useful by helping with the animals, when he turned to see his daughter. “What's up butterfly?”

 

“Can I have the keys to the car? I want to get a change of clothes and my mandolin...oh! And my toothbrush and paste.” Mina was wearing the same clothes as she slept in and was now eager to dress in something she'd bought with her for the occasion.

 

Kendrick took the keys out of his coat pocket and gave them to Mina. “There you go, bring them straight back when you've finished.”

 

Mina took the keys and made her way to the boot of the car. It was still packed with all the camping gear and presents. Mina began moving everything around and finally found her bag. She felt around inside her rucksack, taking out a fresh pair of leggings and a spacey looking top with a huge sun on the front surrounded by many colourful clouds. Then remembering her mandolin was right at the bottom with toothbrush and toothpaste. Mina took out the instrument case and locked the boot.

 

Sauntering slowly back to her dad, as Mina never rushed anywhere unless there was an emergency, there was much activity going on. “Got what I wanted dad,” she uttered passing the keys.

 

Kendrick took the keys and carried on with feeding the chickens while Nick milked the goat.

 

Mina was just on her way to the barn to practice, still forgetting about helping out, when Nigel caught her attention. “Hey, Mina, can I see what you have there?”

 

“Yeah! Sure,” replied Mina, “I'm just on my way to prepare for the sun coming up.” She took the fine stringed instrument out.

 

Nigel was very excited and began telling Mina about his own musical background. “I used to play mandolin in a group, we called ourselves; 'ENHANCED.' Played all around Cornwall back in the early 80s. They were fun times.” Nigel sighed remembering the crowds they drew in and how people got up and danced to their sound.

 

Mina was impressed but slightly lacking in confidence now she knew he was a professional. “What kind of music did you play?” She asked taking the instrument out of the case and passing it to him.

 

Nigel studied the mandolin and was in awe, not even listening to her question. “This is so mysterious and old, I've never seen carvings like these. Do you know anything about them?”

 

Nigel was speaking so fast with enthusiasm, Mina wasn't sure what to say. She'd never bothered much with the carvings and wasn't really aware they meant anything. “I've no idea to be honest, it was a gift from my mum, I think it was handed down from past generations.”

 

“Would you mind if I had a go?” Inquired Nigel, running his finger across the fine lines, still studying each shape.

 

“Please do, I'd love to hear.” Mina sat down on the haystack she'd made into a bed.

 

Tuning the instrument, Nigel said. “I'll play you an old Cornish Tale about Merlin that we wrote here at the house, it's called: “Hearing Merlin.”

 

Nigel began to strum and sing the song:

 

Unhurried Celtic Legends

washed up on Merlin's Bay,

cove of mystery lingers here

magic mixed with deep emotions,

stirring in vastness of sea with

ebbing and flowing of tide.

 

Chorus...

So come fill your glasses

with wine, liquor or beer,

drink toast to our legends

of those we hold dear.

 

Clouds drifting like shrouds cast

mysterious shapes on cliffs and rocks,

shadows linger at mouth of cave

where history and myth survive.

 

Chorus...

So come fill your glasses

with wine, liquor or beer,

drink toast to our legends

of those we hold dear.

 

Hush! Listen...hear Merlin's words

resounding, his voice whispers of

heartache and torment,

melodic tones echo down the years.

 

Chorus...

So come fill your glasses

with wine, liquor or beer,

drink toast to our legends

of those we hold dear.

 

“How cruel the hand that pounds

upon me in this my darkest hour,

there are many who think they

hold the key eclipsed with no idea.”

 

Chorus...

So come fill your glasses

with wine, liquor or beer,

drink toast to our legends

of those we hold dear.

 

“I'm everything a man should

ever be and more as enemies

lurk around every corner,

always challenging I often

wonder in searching

sands of time,

of Arthur's war...

when moisture of blood

was thick with sacrifice.”

 

Chorus...

So come fill your glasses

with wine, liquor or beer,

drink toast to our legends

of those we hold dear.

 

“Sadly those who fought

never found peace,

as future deciphers pursue

code of Avalon...searching

in places no man has been,

their access denied.”

 

Chorus...

So come fill your glasses

with wine, liquor or beer,

drink toast to our legends

of those we hold dear.

 

“So come in be enchanted,

I hope you find what you're

looking for.”

 

 

As Nigel finished, Willowmina was hypnotized by the beauty and magic of his playing. “I don't think I'll be strumming somehow,” she uttered, “but I'd love to hear you play some more as the sun comes up.” Mina really wanted to do justice to the mandolin but knew she couldn't possibly play after hearing Nigel,  deciding she'd have to practice more when returning to Evie's.

 

To be continued...