ELEMENTS: Acquiesce by Kathryn Andrews (snow like ashes series .TXT) 📕

“I can see why folk don’t come back here,” said William.

“Would you listen to yourself,” said Connal. “Come on, we’ve work to do.”

Breck led the way into the bog. “You can dig anywhere but here,” he said, pointing to the mound of turf beneath which two bodies lay.

Breck passed his cousins a shovel each and they began to dig.

Shielded from the outside world, Cordelia perched on a ledge, hair dripping wet and her tail tucked up to her chest. She had only stayed in the water long enough to transform. Feeling apprehensive about Flynn, she watched his every move, every breath, every jitter. He looked sorrowful. The mirror pool was the only thing stopping her from rushing to the island alone but she knew in her heart that for Flynn to have the best chance, she needed support from her friends. She waited all day for lessons to be over, never once taking her eyes off Flynn and pushing Breck to the back of her mind.

Breck had been on edge all day, praying that his cousins wouldn’t catch a glimpse of Cordelia. The dense fog that had arisen so mysteriously across the reef had aroused his suspicion that she must be there.

Mid afternoon, Connal threw his spade in a temper. “This is ridiculous!” he groaned. “We’ve been breaking our backs all day and what do we have to show for it? Are you sure we’re digging in the right place?”

“Do you think I’d be doing this on a daily basis if I’d found treasure here?” asked Breck.

Connal scratched his head. “Father’s gonna go mad.”

“You can’t take him what isn’t here,” said Breck.

“You don’t know him like we do,” said William, “he’s relyin’ on those gems to pay for all the booze he’s ordered.”

“He shouldn’t be ordering what he can’t afford,” said Breck.

“We should have stayed with the relief work,” said William, staring at the ground.

Feeling bad about the impending wrath of their father, Breck took the single gemstone from his pocket. When he was certain neither of his cousins were looking, he tossed it on the ground near William.

“What’s that?” asked Breck.

Connal and William looked at him.

“There, beside you,” said Breck, pointing at the ground.

William’s eyes lit up and he fell to his knees, his dirty, bony fingers scrambling in the mud to retrieve the shiny stone.

Connal rushed over to his brother, “What is it?!” he asked. “Show me!”

William held out an aquamarine gemstone that shimmered in the light. The brothers laughed and hugged, slapping each other on the back.

“This is it!” shouted Connal, taking the gem from William and shoving it in his pocket. “We’re gonna be rich! Come on, we have to keep diggin’.”

Breck screwed his face up at the thought of more digging.

“Don’t just stand there,” said William. “Do as Connal says, we’ve to keep diggin’.”

“We’ve been digging all day and we’ve found one gem,” said Breck. “Why don’t we try again tomorrow?”

“And let father down? There must be more where that one came from,” said Connal.

“Seriously, I’m done for the day,” said Breck and he began loading turf onto the cart.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that Breck, now get yourself back over here,” said Connal. He knelt on the ground with William and they sifted dirt through their fingers.

Breck felt his arms tense and a tingling sensation ran through them to his fingertips.

“Here,” said Connal, standing. He threw a shovel in Breck’s direction and then looked away.

Breck reached out to grab the shovel to save it from hitting him and as he did, lightening bolts flew from his fingers and scorched the ground where William was digging. William fell back and scrambled to his feet.

“Did you see that?!” he asked, alarmed.

“There must be a storm coming in,” said Connal.

“I say we get back before it strikes again,” said William.

“I’m with you there,” said Breck.

The three men packed up and Misty took them back to the tavern.

ELEVEN

THE PERILS OF SLATE ISLAND

“Well lads? What’ve you got for me?” grinned Mr Kelly, rubbing his hands together.

“It’s been a bit of a slow start,” said William.

“No bother, Rome wasn’t built in a day now, was it?” said Mr Kelly, smiling at two punters who propped the bar. “Important work takes time.”

Connal nervously put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the aquamarine gemstone.

“That’s the stuff laddie!” said Mr Kelly, grinning widely. He leaned across the bar and grabbed Connal by the cheeks. “I knew my Connal wouldn’t let me down.”

Connal didn’t smile.

“What’s the matter with you?” asked Mr Kelly, laughing. “Come on then, show me the rest.”

Connal cleared his throat. “That’s all we found.”

Mr Kelly’s expression became serious, his face flushed red and then he smiled. “They’re messin’ with me,” he said to the punters.

“We’re not messin’ with you,” said William. “That’s all we found.”

Mr Kelly studied their glum faces. “Out the back, now.”

Breck braced himself for what was coming.

“Are you serious?! You’ve been out all day and you’ve found one lousy stone?! What’ve you been doin’? Are you tryin’ to make me look stupid in front of the punters?!”

Mr Kelly’s face turned crimson, his glazed eyes bulged from his head and spit flew out of his mouth as he yelled.

“We tried…” began William.

“Quiet!” shouted Mr Kelly. “Don’t interrupt me.”

Mr Kelly stood quietly for a moment before erupting again. “It was yourself wasn’t it?” he said, pointing a wavering finger at Breck. “You stopped ‘em didn’t you?” Then he turned to Connal. “Did himself tell you where to dig, and where not to dig?”

Connal hesitated.

“Answer me!” shouted Mr Kelly.

“Yes!” shouted Connal.

William gulped, his wide eyes glanced at Breck, then back at his father who marched over to the fire and pulled out a hot poker.

“What are you doing?” asked William.

“Don’t question me boy. I’m in charge around here. My house, my rules.” He charged towards Breck.

“Father, no!” shouted Connal.

Keeva burst through the door and stood between her father and Breck who had his back against