Chapter 30 — The Coves of Crail
The moon white waters wash and leap,
The dark tide floods the coves of Crail;
Sound, sound he lies in dreamless sleep,
Nor hears the sea wind wail.
The pale gold of his oozy locks
Doth hither drift and thither wave;
His thin hands plash against the rocks,
His white lips nothing crave.
Afar away she laughs and sings—
A song he loved, a wild sea strain—
Of how the mermen weave their rings
Upon the reef set main.
Sound, sound he lies in dreamless sleep,
Nor hears the sea wind wail,
Tho' with the tide his white hands creep
Amid the coves of Crail.
—William Sharp "The Coves of Crail" in New York Independent (published in The Los Angeles Herald: Saturday Morning, October 18, 1890)
Bella's POV
A fine mist hung low over the ground, and it swirled as Edward, Finlay, and I, along with four members of the elite guard mounted horses and left for the caves. It was critical that no one, save a few, knew where to find us. Jacob was dangerous to begin with, and when you add magical powers to the mix—I shivered. There was no telling how threatening he could be now, so it was better that no one saw us leave.
"My lady," one of the guards called. "Are you cold?"
More like terrified, I thought, but aloud I said, "Nothing more than a passing chill. The spirits are active this morning."
"Aye, that they are," another said. "And they seem to be minding their own business."
I nodded. Not that the spirits around Crail caused serious trouble, but they did like to move objects or impede travel from time to time.
"Could they know that you need to be protected?" Edward asked, in a hushed tone, from his place beside me, since the footpath we were on was wide enough for two horses to walk side by side.
When I glanced over at Edward, I immediately noticed his tense posture. His left hand was gripping the pommel so tight that his knuckles were turning white. "Relax, Edward," I said. "The spirits are dead witches. None of them were ever malicious in life. Some were pranksters, but they never harmed a living creature without just cause." Lowering my voice so just Edward heard, I went on, "Now, as to whether they know … it's hard to say. They may, and it would be in our favor if they did. That's why we're here, after all."
Edward chuckled uneasily, glancing around like a skittish cat, as if he sensed a spirit close to him.
"Lad, look at the horse. See how his ears are pointing forward," Finlay said and Edward nodded. "It means he's attentive, curious to what's going on around him. If he was sensing danger, his ears would be rigid and pointing up. He wouldna bolt, mind ye. It'd just be his way of telling ye trouble is nearby and to be on the lookout."
Edward's shoulders and grip relaxed a little. I could still tell he was uneasy by the way he kept looking around. "I'm fine, love. This is just uncharted territory for me," he said. "I'm used to knowing what dangers may be found on the path ahead."
I smiled, understanding what he meant. It wasn't where we were, more the situation that brought us here that had him on edge. And I couldn't blame him one bit. Again, I shuddered and, this time, the spirits took noticed.
"Lass," a soft, airy voice said. "There is no need to be afraid. We know why thou are here, and we will protect thee and those who travel with thee from the evil one who wishes to harm thee."
My eyes went wide as I swallowed. "The spirits do know and are willing to protect us," I said in a hushed, stage whisper.
There was an instant change in Edward. The unease that was evident moments ago vanished, replaced with relief. "So, what Malcolm told me is true then."
"Apparently," I said, shrugging. "I wasn't sure the stories I was told as a child were true, but now…" I shrugged again, trailing off.
Finlay and the guard laughed.
"Of course, the tales are true. Our druid past is hard to escape, and not many outside the clan believe in real magic," Finlay said. "And our ancestors will protect us whether we ask or not."
"Be best to ask for exactly what you need protecting from, though," Brody, a young and burly guard said, scratching his chin. "Else, who knows what they'll protect you from if you do naught?"
I giggled at the same time Edward asked why.
"There is a story about a lad who was lost in the land. It was storming, and he sought the protection of a cave. Little did he know that the cave was protected by witches. They offered him protection from the weather and entertained him with songs and stories. When the witches went to bed, they didn't tell him about the tide, nor did he ask. He hunkered down on the floor with his plaid wrapped around him. In the morning he was gone, and in his place, a puddle of water," I said. "It doesn't say what happened to the lad, but many believe when the tide filled the cave, he drowned and was washed away as the tide receded."
"And, are the caves we're headed to near the sea?" Edward asked.
"Yes, and one does fill," Finlay answered. "But we'll be staying in a higher cave. Seawater does reach the chamber, but the shaft that fills is deep and wide, making a pool."
"Great! Another thing for me to worry about," Edward said.
I was pretty sure he didn't know he sent that thought through our link, and if it wasn't for the look of dread that washed over his face, I wouldn't have responded.
"For safety, there's a plexiglass wall in front of the pool shaft," I said. "I would hate to get up in the middle of the night and splash."
Edward turned his head so fast to look at me that it felt like he gave me whiplash. His eyes bore into mine, asking me "how?"
Raising my hand, I touched my hair near my temple, hoping that would be enough of an answer. Edward understood and grimaced. "Sorry, love. I didn't mean to share the thought, but it did gain me an answer."
"Think nothing of it, Edward. And, please, don't keep things from me, unless telling me will do more harm than good. I want to know your troubles and help you deal with them," I replied.
Edward's POV
A warm, radiating love swept through me as Bella spoke in my mind. What she said made me happy, but at the same time, sad. I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings with her, but I also wanted to understand why I was experiencing them before expressing myself. Sighing, I glanced over at her with apologetic eyes. "Give me time to adjust. It's been a long time since I've had someone in my life that would drop everything and listen to my problems. Esme stopped doing that when I went away for college, telling me it was time for me to learn how to do things on my own. Don't get me wrong; she has always been there for me when I did need to hash things out."
"Esme is very wise. My mother told me that there would come a day when she wouldn't be the one I turned to for advice and comfort. She was sad when she first told me that. I knew she enjoyed our talks, and she knew that there's a point in everyone's life where someone else fills the role. Edward, I want to be the person you turn to, that you hash things out with. I respect that you need time, and I'll give it to you," she said, giving me an angelic smile.
"Whoa!" one of the guards in front of us shouted, reining in.
Turning my attention forward, I saw that a huge tree was blocking our path. Without a second thought, I started searching the area for the nearest mind or some magical trace. I found nothing.
"Must have fallen during the last heavy rain," Finlay shouted from somewhere in the woods.
"Edward, do you sense anything?" Bella asked.
"There's no one in the area and no magical trace, but that doesn't mean someone didn't do this," I responded, motioning to the tree.
Bella's lower lip disappeared between her teeth. She was silent for a good three minutes, and nobody said a word. "Is there another route we can take?"
"Aye, my lady, but we wouldna reach the caves before nightfall," Finlay said. "The path we're on is the direct route."
"Using my magic is out. Any ideas, Edward?" Bella asked.
A sigh left me as I ran a hand through my hair. Nothing was coming to me. Any use of magic could lead Jacob to us. "We need to reach the caves today and as soon as possible," I said. "We'll have to go around and stay on this path."
Finlay frowned, considering. "My lady?" he questioned.
Bella did what I wanted to do—scream. "Master Finlay, Ian made it clear before we left that any decision Edward made was to be respected and heeded. You don't need to confirm with me. Just follow the order as if it came from me," she said before spurring her mare and heading into the woods.
"My lady!" one of the guards shouted, kicking his horse into action.
Cursing Finlay, I followed. He was a stubborn fool, and if Bella was harmed due to his inability to heed an order, then he would answer to me. And I didn't give a hide nor hair if he continued to the caves with us.
"I don't know what's gotten into him, my lady," a burly young man said as I came to a stop on the other side of the fallen tree. "An order is an order regardless if it comes from you or your grandfather."
"It's a stressful situation, Brody." Bella held up her hand when he made to ask something. "Everything will be explained when we are safely in the caves."
Brody nodded. "If it's all right with you, Mister Cullen, I'll go and scout ahead to make sure nothing more impedes our journey."
"Good idea. We'll rest here for fifteen minutes and then follow," I replied.
As soon as I was out of the saddle, my knees buckled slightly. My hand was still on the pommel, and that prevented me from going to the ground. I laughed. "I guess I'm not immune to the woes of being in the saddle for a long time."
"No one be, lad," Finlay said, crossing his arms on the pommel of his saddle and leaning forward. "So, fifteen minutes?"
I bobbed my head, moving to help Bella.
"Do ye think that be wise?" he asked, being the only one in the party to really know why we were heading to the caves.
"Whether it's wise or not isn't the question," Bella said, stepping away from me. "What you should be asking is whether the path ahead is safe, and Edward is making sure it is."
Finlay looked impressed. "Who'd ye send?"
"Brody," I answered.
"Not my first choice, but he knows what to look for."
Relief washed over me. Maybe Bella was right about Finlay. Stress did strange things to people.
~~ L.C. ~~
Three hours and two breaks later, we were at the upper entrance to the caves. No other obstacles presented themselves, so I was left to believe Finlay's assessment that a heavy rain caused the tree to topple.
"Brody, lad," Finlay said. "Take the horse to the hidden paddock. Make sure they're fed and groomed."
I was hesitant when Brody held out his hand for my reins. "Naught to worry about, Mister Cullen. I've handled more horses than this."
"How long will it take you to care for all seven?" I asked.
"Without the use of magic … hmm … two or three hours," Brody replied. "But I love horses and usually take the time to care for them the mortal way."
My eyes went wide, and I was about to offer to help when Bella spoke. "I would rather you use magic to complete the task. It's a risk, but the sooner you're done, the sooner Edward and I can explain why we're here."
Brody led the horses off and was back ten minutes later. He stood with the rest of us as Bella asked, in a strange language, for the blessing and protection of the clan's druid ancestors. From the looks on everyone's faces around me, no one knew what Bella was saying.
It seemed like we were standing there forever waiting for Bella to give us permission to move forward and into the entrance. When she finally did give the go-ahead, I glanced at my watch—only three minutes had passed.
Bella and I were in the middle of the group with two guards in front and the other two behind us as Finlay led the way into the cave. The tunnel sloped downward, snaking right and left so many times that I became disoriented.
"Watch yer head, lads," Finlay called out. "It's a bit low 'ere."
Not only was the ceiling low, it was a bit jagged. "I would hate to come to this point without a flashlight," I said, ducking. "Might lose an eye."
Everyone laughed.
"Definitely right, Mister Cullen," Brody remarked. "Or you could lose your head."
Another fit of laughter from everyone but Bella.
"Are you all right, love?" I asked.
"No. I'm exhausted and feel a little faint," she replied before dropping to her knees as a harsh cough overtook her.
"Stop a moment, Finlay," I shouted as I knelt next to Bella.
Her small frame shook with the violent cough. It seemed to be getting worse with each calming breath she tried to take.
"'ere," Brody said, holding out a metal flask. "It's a mixture of lemon juice and honey. It should help."
"A nip of whiskey'd be better," Finlay said, producing a flask from his bag.
"No. I'll not have her drinking liquor right now. It could make her worse," I said, accepting the flask Brody held out. After passing it under my nose to make sure it was lemon juice and honey, I pressed it to Bella's lips. "Drink, love."
"We've nay much further to go, lass," Finlay said, squatting down next to us. "Can ye make it the rest of the way?"
Like hell. She wasn't walking a step more. "I'll carry her the rest of the way," I remarked as she said "No."
Finlay shook his head, saying nothing.
About a half mile later, we stepped in a large chamber completely furnished with tables, chairs, and couches. Mirrors were also hung throughout, bringing in light from some opening I couldn't see. Although Malcolm had told me that the caves offered the comforts of home, I wasn't expecting this. I shook my head as I glanced around. There were several curtained off sections.
"Mister Cullen, if you'll follow me," Brody said, heading toward a curtain in the center of the far wall. "This is where you and her ladyship will be sleeping." He moved the curtain aside, revealing a sleigh bed. "There's a fireplace. It vents like a dryer would, coming out near the sea."
I nodded, moving toward the bed. "I'll be right out in a moment to explain the reason we're here."
The men were outraged with the news I delivered. Finlay was even taken aback. "Had I known all that, lad, I wouldna have tried to confirm yer order," he said as way of apology. "And Ian's instructions make more sense now, too."
Confusion met this comment, and I expounded upon it. "Lady McCullough cannot use any magic, nor can I. I've been told the stories about of the spirits, and how they will strip the powers of any who enter uninvited. I believe them, but I don't want to take the risk of Jacob Black finding us." I paused a moment before going on, "The unique powers each of you possess is why you were selected for this detail. I trust you'll do everything you can to protect her."
With a head bob from each of the men, I left them to decide how best to do that.