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

Triton and Irvin had been so concerned with the bodies that they hadn’t noticed Jerry. They hadn’t expected to find anyone on the beach at such an unsociable hour. Jerry, who had taken to hard drinking had been sitting on the sand with several bottles of ale, his back resting against the sea wall. He’d heard the men emerge from the sea and he could just about make them out in the moonlight. He blinked a few times and squinted, believing it would help him to see better but just as he was about to get up and wander over for a closer look, they disappeared, back into the water. Then there was silence. In a drunken stupor, Jerry fell asleep on the sand.

The beauty of first light was fleeting, for moments later it woke Jerry from his slumber, blinding him like a spotlight. He rubbed his sore eyes and rolled over but the squawking seagulls stopped him from falling back to sleep. He groaned, sitting up slowly and swatting flies away. The long strands of dillisk strewn across the beach were covered in sand flies and the pong of seaweed made Jerry’s delicate stomach heave. Stumbling to his feet, something in the shoreline caught his eye. He walked closer, across the wet, rippled sand until the shapes became clear. Then he stopped in disbelief. The daylight was painting a grim picture.

“Oh dear God, no,” he said.

William lay on his back, the waves gently breaking over him, his blue, empty eyes gazing at the sky. Not two feet away, Conall lay face down in the sand, his arms by his sides, palms facing up to the sky, his boots missing. Jerry turned away from the bodies and vomited in the water. He rested his hands on his knees while he gained composure and splashed his face with salt water. He looked around to see if anyone was about. All was quiet. The tide was on its way in, he had to act fast. Jerry ran across the beach and up the slip way to the road. He looked in all directions but there wasn’t a soul in sight. He ran straight to the tavern and knocked the door. Breck answered.

“Is your uncle there?” asked Jerry, breathlessly.

“No, I’m afraid not,” said Breck. “What is it?”

“You’ve to come quick, it’s not good news.”

“What is it?” asked Mrs Kelly, squeezing past Breck. “Have you found them?”

Mrs Kelly held on to a small glimmer of hope, waiting for Jerry’s response. Having had no time to prepare what he might say, Jerry found himself in an uncomfortable position but the look on his face said it all.

“Show me where they are,” said Breck.

“I’m coming with you,” said Mrs Kelly.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” said Jerry with concern.

“They’re my boys,” said Mrs Kelly.

“We’ve to be quick,” said Jerry, “the tide’s coming in.”

They raced down to the beach where Breck pulled his cousins away from the shore. Mrs Kelly fell onto the sand, almost passing out with the shock. She howled in despair.

“Where’s your boots Conall? What happened to your boots?” Mrs Kelly gasped for air as though her last breath had been kicked out of her. “My beautiful boys,” she cried, holding them in her arms.

“Jerry, send word to the coast guard and the gardai,” said Breck and he put his arm around Mrs Kelly whose harrowing cries were drowned out by the incoming tide.

At the lighthouse, Triton had called an emergency meeting with the staff who were now knocking on the chamber doors of all the students to summon them to the dining hall. Bleary eyed students yawned as they made their way along the tunnels but it didn’t take long for speculative chatter to fill the air.

Triton banged his silver topped cane on the floor three times and the room fell silent.

“Our safety has been compromised,” he said, “which is why I’ve called for you at this early hour.”

Muffled whispers rippled around the room.

“Last night there was an incident at Slate Island where three men from the town lost their lives in an altercation with the Sirens. Two of the bodies have been recovered but one is still missing. I’m sure you all understand why.”

The students looked horrified. It had been a long time since locals had been attacked by the Sirens.

“It’s likely that search parties and reporters will venture this way to see the place where it happened and to look for the third body. It’s possible that they will come to the lighthouse to ask questions. I’m sure I don’t need to explain why we need to lie low for a while until this blows over. All outdoor lessons are cancelled until further notice. Keep out of sight. If anyone needs to leave the lighthouse for any reason, you’re to speak to myself or Mazu first. It that clear?”

A resounding ‘yes’ echoed from the students and at that very moment, Morwen Vanora burst into the room looking less than impressed. Marilla stared wide eyed, anxiously wondering what was about to unfold.

“Morwen!” cried Triton, aghast. “Where in heavens have you been?”

Morwen walked stiffly towards the teachers and muttered through gritted teeth, “Would someone explain why I’ve been defrosting in a cupboard?!”

Sniggers erupted amongst the students.

“Staff meeting in five minutes,” said Triton, turning to the row of teachers behind him. Then he continued to address the students, “Please remember what I said, be discreet. Enjoy your breakfast.”

The teachers left the dining chamber, their expressions serious, the mood tense. They filed into the staff chamber as though entering a court room. The staff chamber was dimly lit with plush, velvet chairs and oil paintings of previous heads of school adorned the walls. The teachers took their seats as Mazu entered with Amatheia and Wade.

“First things first, are you alright?” asked Triton.

“Do I look alright?” snapped Morwen, refusing to take a seat. “I can barely bend