Secrets And Tea

Chapter 8

The full moon shone brightly on Witch's Cove. The paved roads were lit with solar lights marking the path that Thomas's funeral procession would take. They had been set out early in the morning to catch the sun's rays. 

Rionna stood between Mr. and Mrs. Leem holding Thomas's urn in her hands. She could hear the whispers and murmurs of the other citizens of witches cove who had come out to join the procession. 

Thomas had quite a few friends and family in Witch's Cove and they were all there. The large clock in the town square sounded the chime for 12 a.m. and the group of people began the walk down Seaview Passage bypassing stores where flowers were laid out in Thomas's honor. 

As they walked the crowd sang low songs of death and rebirth. Stars and Moons. Of life and death. The songs were sung in low tones as they passed walked towards Autumn Grove Mausoleum. 

The moment they arrived Rionna took her place at a podium set up outside of the mausoleum. She turned to face her friends, family, and other residents of Witch's Cove. Clearing her throat she began her speech. 

As she spoke she felt the wind brush along her hair. It almost felt like fingers brushing her hair back from her face. The trees on either side of her swayed with the light breeze. Tears stung her eyes as she felt something cold on her cheek. 

"And it is with deep sorrow I now say goodbye to the man that I have loved and my best friend," she concluded, "You may go Thomas, and be happy."

Silence filled the air as she turned to enter the mausoleum to place the urn on the spot with Thomas's name written in the gold plaque.

"Thank you," a whisper sounded in the open space, "Be well my love and find another when you are ready. It is my wish."

"Thomas," whispered Rionna, as she spun to look around the room for the ghostly specter. Only nothing but Damien stood in the room.

She dashed her tears away and looked at the man, "Only the Rites MC can enter here. Why did you come inside?" 

"I... didn't know sorry. I wanted to pay my respects to my friend while he was on his shelf," stated Damien, holding up a small white daisy.

"I guess it's okay," Rionna replied, stepping back to let the man set the delicate flower on the shelf next to the urn. 

She watched him as he stood staring at the urn, his mouth turned down and his eyes bright with unshed tears. He saluted the urn and then dropped his head placing a palm against the stone wall. 

"I will miss you, old friend. May you find peace," Damien murmured. 

The two of them stood in silence for a long while staring at the blue and white urn with a picture of the sea on it. 

They left the mausoleum to find that others had already moved on to the reception at Temple Park which was right next door. Soft music played as people milled around the park eating appetizers and treats provided by some of the bakeries and restaurants. 

"I don't know about you, but I really don't feel like joining the others," stated Damien.

Rionna looked up at him. He looked hurt and angry. She too felt hurt and tired.

"Follow me," she said. Leading the way down the stairs and away from the noise and people in Temple Park. She led him towards Oak Bluff. A small batch of sturdy oaks that once you entered you can sit and view the sea.

"Why are you angry?" She asked Damien as she sank into one of the chairs that a local carpenter had made.

"I am angry because I didn't listen to Thomas when he expressed his doubts about the mission. I am angry because my friend died." He answered as he paced around the small clearing, "The higher-ups shouldn't have sent us on that mission."

Rionna listened as he ranted about all the reasons why he was angry. She knew that grief was fueling the anger and no doubt the questions in the man's mind about why things happened the way they did.

"Do you think anyone would have listened if it had been you speaking instead?" She inquired.

"No, but if I had maybe helped Thomas or listened myself he would be alive right now," responded Damien. 

"Perhaps, or other brothers in arms would have been killed," she said, "Thomas would rather he died than others. It was in his nature. He was a protector."

Damien dropped into the chair beside her. His hands ran through his hair. She could sense that he was still struggling. 

"What did you feel when you arrived here?" she asked him after a moment of silence.

"I was apprehensive. Scared. I didn't know what I was going to say when I saw you," he said, "The moment I saw the town I felt relief and a bit of happiness. I felt like the town was talking to me. Asking me to stay."

"Witch's Cove has that effect on some people, especially on those with some abilities," Rionna stated, "It calls to those who have specialties of their own."

"What do you mean?" asked Damien. 

"Abigail is a psychic, my mother works with the earth," replied Rionna, "I work people's auras. My teas are specially made to help people. If you are stressed, or upset I will make you a calming blend. If you are angry or tired then I will make you something rejuvenating."

"So you are like a tea wizard?" 

"You could say that. I use tea to give people a respite or a moment to think. Sometimes those moments that we miss need to be revisited." 

Damien just grunted. 

"You don't believe me?" she asked. 

"I don't believe in things I cannot see or explain," stated Damien. 

"The island will change you in time. What are you planning on doing for a living now that you are living here?" 

"I don't know. I haven't thought that far ahead. I have plenty of money set aside for now and will work on fixing the house I bought then I'll decide what I want to do," he replied. 

"I think the small island police station is looking for people. How about you check it out? Talk to Dan Whitemore. He's the local captain of our Witch Island Police."

"Thanks, I'll look into it," Damien said. 

They sat in silence for a while only talking once in a while. As the night continued on they soon fell asleep there on the chairs despite the cool air coming off the Atlantic Ocean.