Yesterday

Chapter Five

Ceili Murphy winked at her husband as he built Guinness after Guinness. The pints flowed freely from hand to hand as they passed them down to the table reserved for the musicians. One played the fiddle with such bright clarity it stopped her heart. The concertina's soft tones blended in well along with the pan pipe. The ballads tore tears from her as Liam sang.

Grandda and his friends sat together their wizened heads nodding time, thin reedy tenors adding harmony. Children ran freely between the tables as parents clapped and then Gaia stood up, her slender toes tapping in her clogs. The girl was barely out of childhood, in the wondrous stage before knowledge of what her body was becoming could color the gestures of her dance.

Liam's feet flashed through the quick pounding steps as he joined her. His daughter's head was nearly to his shoulder although he towered over most men. Aine stood as well, tiny beside her daughter, and smaller still beside her giant mate.

Still her husband's twin carried an air of grief with him, even with two years gone since the fateful weeks between their return, nothing seemed to ease their nightmares.

As the family danced the jig together, the shadow of deep grief hovered in Liam's eyes, belying the joyful tune.

"Does Cardamon have more stew in the pot?"

Ceili knew there would be calls for meals. No one would want this magical afternoon to end.

Her husband's blue eyes caught hers as they peered out from under strong black brows. He nodded.

"Aye, a stor, he has a fine hand with the kitchen. I can smell his Shepherd's pie as well."

"Are you going to sing a ballad or two?" Ceili asked Tommy, as she swung through the door to the kitchen. She didn't wait for an answer, hoping the lively entertainment in the tavern would be enough to get him to raise his fine bass once more. He hadn't sung a note in the months since he'd come home.

"Here mama, give papa some tea. I've added a few herbs to it, it's good for what ails him," 

Cardamon pushed the steaming cup toward her. A richly buttered scone balanced on the saucer, and her mouth watered as she realized she hadn't eaten since breakfast.

"What would we do without you?" 

 She noted the glowing amulet dangling over the counter as he passed his concoction to her. Her son always hung it from the pan rack above the table where he chopped onions, mushrooms and other vegetables for his soups and stews. The blood stones, with their deep red and flecks of green shimmered throwing their light onto the gleaming copper of the pots surrounding them.

"Starve and suffer with every winter cold. I'll make him well again. I swear. And Uncle Liam, too!"

His voice quivered with determination.

"And mama, send Gaia back. She'll run the plates out for you for a few minutes. You need to eat too."

She nodded, there was no use arguing with Cardamon. He could sense what ailed her before she knew herself. Perhaps he could help her Tommy. Here in the hills of Cork, where the mists clung to the pastures and ancient spirits walked among the living, his talent was appreciated. Even the young doctor had decided not to argue with him.

Ceili strode out onto the floor, put the tea down for Tommy and went to talk to Gaia.

"Come girl, the folk will want their suppers," she jerked her head toward the kitchen.

"Ceili, a spot of stew for us," her Grandda called out.

"I'll find out what they want, let Cardamon know about these three will you?"