Oblivion 2

Chapters 21, 22 & 23


 
Part 2 of the Oblivion Trilogy

 

Chapter Twenty-One

"...and the mountains must drip with sweet wine..."
(Amos 9 v 13)



The drive into the Appalachian Mountains the following day, was one of immense pleasure to Devin. Stifling a yawn, he kept his gaze rested firmly on the road in front, aware of the enjoyment their surroundings gave to his father, who had not seen these beautiful ranges in a very long time.
“Perhaps you should stop, Devin, and close your eyes, have a rest, I wouldn’t mind getting out to stretch my legs.” Father told him.
“Yes, I am very tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open, I had a very busy evening yesterday.”
Father chuckled, “The four of you spent the night at Catherine’s apartment didn’t you?” “Yes, “ Devin smiled, “It was, er, fun.” he finished good humouredly.
Father raised his eyebrows. “I’d like to hear about it, if it isn’t too intimate, Devin.” He told his son.
Devin stopped the van, and turned in his seat to look at his father, “I’ll leave those bits out,” he told him, and went on to relate the evening’s events.
“Oh, ho, ho,” Father laughed. “You four, really, I would have given anything to have seen all this.”
“Catherine took some photographs when we were jammed in the door frame, she will have to let you see them.”
“Oh yes please, I can add them to the ones you brought back from last year’s holiday. My, what I would give to be in on, some of the fun you four share.”
Devin said nothing, but to himself silently whispered, ‘oh you will, you will.’
Reclining his seat, Devin leaned back and closed his eyes, while Father got out of the vehicle to walk along the deserted roadway, and look up at the mountains. It was a perfect day, blue sky, wispy cirrus clouds hanging lazily between the snow capped mountain peaks, clouds that were made from tiny needles of ice, and shaped like tufts of very fine fibres, that hardly obscured the brilliant sunshine. Putting a hand to his brow, to shield his eyes from the sun’s brilliance, Father gazed adoringly at the beautiful majestic mountains. When once he had climbed them, almost to their summit, and gazed back at the place he now stood, Father could feel the same old pull to descend them once again, and looked with annoyance at his walking stick. Oh to be young and fit again, he sighed.
There was a mystical presence to the mountains, a unseen spirit of life passing by to a time when the land knew only the Native Americans, and the life they wove into the very rocks themselves.
Father sighed, no wonder his son had gone there to live, to this place that sung healing through every crevice, every crag, every wondrous view, it truly was a place to come to hide, to lick wounds, to seek freedom, to run wild, to run free.
Allowing time to re-charge invisible batteries, he had not realised until then had run down, Father found that the very crispness of the mountain air, re-vibrated him, filled him with a sense of awe, made him feel lowly in comparison, yet gave him a strength all his own.
‘I should have come back here sooner’ he chided himself. ‘And I must come here again soon’.
There was nothing better than being in the mountains, they held a magic all their own.
Returning to the car, for the air was chilly, Father settled down into the seat next to Devin. “Sorry did I wake you?” Father asked as he tried quietly to close the door.
“No, dad, I was just dozing. Are you ready to continue the journey.”
“No, can we talk awhile. I love being here, is a tremendous place, I feel as though I have suddenly come home, Devin.”
Devin nodded, “It makes me feel that way. Sometimes when I come back here, I wonder whatever possessed me to leave in the first place. I can understand why the Native Americans were so passionate about the place.”
“Have you seen Elizabeth’s paintings, Devin, the one in particular that depicts the life of the Native Americans?”
“Yes, and heard her stories. She enchants everyone with the tale. Telling it as if she’s stepped back into the seventeenth century, and is living with those people.”
“Yes, she does. Of course everybody has heard of General Custer and his battle with three thousand Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, but Elizabeth tells stories that even I have never heard, its almost as if she were there. But that of course is impossible.”
“Elizabeth is a remarkable woman dad, what she doesn’t know about history, is not worth knowing. Have you heard her talking about the Inca’s?”
“Yes, and she enchanted Vincent one day with that story, while you and Cathy were in Austria, believe me, he spoke of it for days afterwards.”
“I can imagine. To me though, the Native American story captivates my heart, being as it were in love with their country.”
“Yes, me too, Devin. When I asked her about it, she spoke almost as if she were a descendant of theirs.”
“Perhaps she is, there is so little she actually says about herself, and I got that impression also. I asked her if she knew where the Native Americans originated from, and what became of them. When she answered, it was as if, she were right there among them, relating the story of their life.”
“Yes, she is very talented. The way she tells the tale, it makes you feel transported to that time doesn’t it, like you actually live it through her eyes.”
Devin nodded. “Perhaps we could compare notes, see what she told each of us.”
“Yes, Devin I’d like that, it’s a story I never tire of hearing.”
“One of the questions I asked her, was how the Native Americans became established in the first place, and then what became of them.”
“Yes, this too, I asked her. Tell me what she told you Devin?”
“She told me that before the time of Columbus, the Indians referred to themselves by the name of Ninuog, meaning human beings, and all other settlers into the region were, hmm, let me see, Awaunageesuck, does that sound right to you?”
Father nodded, “Yes, and that means stranger, and alien.”
“Yes, and there are many theories as to their origin. Joseph Smith who founded the Mormons, and Quaker William Penn, believed the Indians to be descendants of the Hebrews, the so called lost ten tribes of Israel, but the Indians had their own story to tell as to their origin. Care to take over the story from here, dad?”
“Yes, the natives believed that they were created from the earth itself, or from the water or the stars, although archaeologists believe that they were in fact Asians that immigrated across the great land bridge of the Bering Strait into America. However, few natives go along with this theory, preferring to believe the legends of their ancestors. What was that bit about the flood of Noah’s day, can you remember?”
“Yes, I found it interesting that the legend of Noah’s flood is so widespread, wherever you go in the world, there is a remarkable resemblance in the story, passed down over the centuries, and the Native Americans are no exception. According to one tribe, called Mandan, the First Man was a powerful spirit. A divine being, who had been created by the Lord of Life, the creator of all things, to act as a mediator between humans and spirits. And when the great flood swept the earth, the First Man saved the people by teaching them to protect themselves by building a huge tower that would rise above the floodwaters, and keep its inhabitants safe.
They even believed in the devil, though to them his name was OChkih-Hadd’a and he was an evil spirit who had great influence over humans. But was not as powerful as the Lord of Life or the First Man. And belief in the spirit realm went unquestioned, as every part of every day life was never undertaken before first consulting the approval of the Lord of Life. The Indians firmly believed that a silent creative power filled the sky, and keeps the earth, the moon, the sun and the stars moving in perfect order. Interestingly, the Native Americans, were not the uncivilised barbarians the white man made them out to be, for the Indians believed firmly in a creator of all things. Another tribe, the Winnebago, refer to the creator as the Earth-maker, and they say that the Earth-maker wished for light, and it became light, and he wished for the earth, and the earth came into existence. When you think that centuries later the white man moved in preachers to try to civilise the Native Americans, what he failed to realise was that the Indians already knew, and had known since human life began all about God.”
“Yes and they even knew the name of God, didn’t they Devin. They referred to him as the Eawawonaka, and the meaning of that name was ‘Causer Of Our Being’, which is interesting, because the Bible speaks of God being known by the name Jehovah, which translated means ‘He Causes To Become’, remarkably similar don’t you think? Their beliefs in many ways parallel that which the Bible teaches, yet no doubt, in those days, few had read the scriptures.”
“Yes it gives one a firmer belief in God doesn’t it, at least it does to me. You should speak to Mich’ael about God, boy he’s a wealth of information.”
“I think Devin, the worst most dreadful thing that the Indians had to put up with was the white man’s intrusion on their land. The land that belonged to the Native Americans, was literally taken by force, by trickery or by unfulfilled treaties.”
“Yes, and that was such a shame, because the Indians, asked for so little, and gave so much. They believed a lot of the time, that what they had was passed down by their ancestors, in means of gifts. The first gift, was the land, which the white man stole from them. The second gift was the power and spirit that animals share with humans. The Native Americans had deep respect for animals, and hunted only for food, clothing and shelter. It was the white man’s bloodlust that wiped out the bison, and left thousands of native Americans starving.
The third gift was help at the hand of spirit forces, and the forth gift is a reminder of who they are, holding fast to the traditions passed down through the centuries. And the fifth gift is the creative process, to keep their beliefs alive by the handicraft of such objects as basket weaving, painting pottery, making jewellery and ornaments and anything else which gives them a continued link to their tradition and culture. In many respects white man has a lot to answer for, believing he was better than the Indian, when in fact by his ignorance he actually destroyed them.” Devin paused, wishing for a drink, his throat was dry.
“Yes, Devin. We have learned so much about the wickedness of the Indians. But they were peace-loving people, among themselves, and among their animals and the land. All the wicked things they came to know, was brought to them at the hand of the settlers, and in later years those that came to search for gold. We hear about the savage Indians, but seldom about the savagery of the white man.”
“And his savagery went beyond his killing of the people with his own bare hands, Father. In his greed and ignorance the white man slashed down the tall grasses with scythes where once had grazed deer which provided food and clothing, and instead filled the great grassland with cattle and horses, and the pigs spoilt the clam banks so that many of the Native American’s starved. In an attempt to starve out the Indians one man even ordered that five thousand peach trees were felled, is that wicked or what? The Indians were misunderstood, they were not white and they were not Christian, they were thought of as wild and dangerous, and reservations were set up, in which the Indians were forced to live. The Native American’s did not understand the sale of land, they knew only that you could not sell the air, the wind or the water, so how could you sell the land? The Indians had never known their land fenced off. Can you imagine it Father, how they must have felt?” Rummaging in his pack, Devin found a bottle of water.
“Yes, a little, yet it wasn’t actually the starvation, the gun, the horse or the European civilisation that wiped out the Indian’s was it?”
“No, Father, it was pestilence. Though no doubt brought in by the settlers, and gold diggers, who had for centuries built up immunity to such diseases, no doubt you will know better than I what those diseases were?”
“Yes, a whole host of them, chicken pox, the flu, measles, malaria, yellow fever, typhus, tuberculosis, and smallpox. Mortality rates from village to village ran as high as eighty to ninety percent. The Mandans who resided at the upper Missouri River, were almost completely wiped off the face of the earth, from a population of one thousand six hundred in 1834, to as few as one hundred and thirty by 1837. And all the other tribes suffered similar loses. Along with disease, the white man ousted the Indian tribes off their land, tricking them into signing treaties full of empty promises, and made them march hundreds of miles in bitter winter conditions to new land. Many of the Indians died this way. One such forced march came to be known as the ‘Trail of Tears’. Its little wonder the Indians had little respect for the white man.”
“ Yes Father, and the only good that came out of the white settlers, to the Indians, was his introduction of the horse. The Indians soon discovered, they were excellent bare-back riders, and used the horse to snatch back, much of the white man’s plunder, after the Spanish first introduced horses in the 17th Century. With horses, the Indians were able to hunt more easily, and the nomadic tribes went even further, in using the horse to raid neighbouring tribes of belongings, women and slaves.” Devin drank thirstily from the bottle of water.
“And when we talk about land, Devin, its not just a mere few acres is it, it is actually millions of acres, that was stolen from the Indians. I remember reading, only a few years ago, how the U.S Supreme Court ordered the U.S. Government to pay $105 million dollars in compensation to eight Sioux tribes. But the tribes refused the money, saying that all they wanted was their sacred land back, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Even with civil modernisation, all the Native American wants is to return to his roots, to the days of his ancestors, and to this very day, they remain fighting for those rights, for the freedom they are entitled to.” Taking the water from Devin, Father now drank deeply. It refreshed him too.
“Its a sad story, Father, sometimes it makes me feel regret at being a white man, I think the Native American’s really were the best people on earth, and modernisation and technology has a lot to answer for, the old way was best, even if it was a lot harder.”
“Yes, Devin, its the way of the world I am afraid, and I suppose in many respects that is what binds me to living Below, I can down there, forget that above me the earth is rotating changes. Changes which I’d rather not get caught up in, changes which are not always for the better.”
“I’ve really enjoyed talking with you dad, and having your company, but I guess its time to push on, we have a long way ahead of us yet, and believe me, I am itching to get home.” Taking the water, from Father, Devin replaced the top.
“I can imagine, and Charles will be looking out for you. I too have enjoyed this chat, thank you for letting me come with you today, Devin.”
“I’ve enjoyed it too Dad, we must do it more often.”
“But not for a while eh? I expect your mind is now upon your coming holiday, and if last year was anything to go by, it will remain so for weeks afterwards. Oh and Devin, for goodness sake, make sure that Vincent wears plenty of sun block, he got so badly burnt last time.”
“Yes Dad.” Devin told him, while to himself added, ‘I won’t need to do any of that, as you will be there to look after Vincent yourself. Poor Vincent!’

*** *** ***

Chapter Twenty-Two



To say that Charles was pleased to see them was an understatement. The people he had been staying with had taken him to the cabin he had shared with Devin early that morning, and he awaited the arrival of Devin with excitement, then when he saw Father getting out of the truck also, he was beside himself with joy.
Hugging the two friends, he delightedly led them inside, where he had a marvellous meal awaiting them, which took only moments to heat up over the smouldering stove.
“Brr,” said Father, “Its even colder up in the mountains that it is Below”.
“Yes, dad, but the beauty of being cold in the mountains, is being able to stand in the sunshine to get warm whenever you can stand being out in the crisp mountain air.”
“And the beauty of the mountains surpasses, anything you have in your world Below,” Charles ventured, not sure of the response, for he knew how dear the world Below was to Father. He was pleasantly surprised when Father wholeheartedly agreed with him.
“Does your Father know, about the mountains around the world that you have visited, Devin?” Charles asked him, then turning to Father added, “Devin has tried to visit all the most well known mountains, did you know that?”
“No, I didn’t, but then everything about my son surprises me, you must tell me these wonderful tales Devin as soon as possible. You must get your love of the mountains from me.”
“It’s a subject that is dear to my heart, and I’ll warn you dad, once I get started on them, you won’t shut me up.”
“Your son is a wealth of information when it comes to rocky crags and crevices, Father, it’s a wonder he doesn’t spend more time living in the mountains.”
“Be that I could I would,” Devin told him seriously, “But for Gerry.” Devin shrugged his shoulders.
“I’ve been thinking about that, Devin. And making calculations. Do you know, save for the people I’ve been staying with, there have only been four other’s pass through here, in the whole year you have been away. I think you could bring Gerry up here to live, and I know she would love being here with you, because the mountains bring out the best in everyone.”
“What do you think, dad?” Devin asked him. “You’re the one with all the insight in things like this. Do you think Gerry could live here?”
“If Gerry could Devin, so could Vincent, and you know what I think about taking such risks, personally I would never have entertained the thought of it. But it is a wonderful place to live, and so isolated. It might be worth considering.”
“If I brought Gerry up here, dad, and nothing untoward happened, how would you feel about Vincent coming too, if only for a few weeks?”
“I would worry, but since the holiday you went on last year, I am learning to accept that there are ways, and truly if anyone deserves a better life than he has known, then Vincent does. And it would be a great place for the children to thrive. We’ll take it one step at a time, see how it goes for Gerry, and take it from there. It may be that Vincent wouldn’t want to come?” Father raised questioning brows to his son, knowing the answer.
“Not want to, why, dad, it is all he has ever dreamed of, and Catherine would love it too.”
“Well we’ll talk it over with them, sometime, and take it from there. I must admit since your idea about making the movie pretending Vincent and Gerry are in make up, as far as the public are concerned, I have been less worried, but as you didn’t encounter anyone last year, we don’t know how good it works. I’d like to see that put to the test first, really, before embarking upon anything else.”
Devin nodded, “Then we will wait until after this holiday before discussing this further.”
“When are we leaving?” Charles wanted to know. Devin had written and told him they were kidnapping Father to take with them, he loved secrets, and thought it delicious knowing this one.
“What here, or on the boat?” Devin answered with a question of his own.
“On the boat.” Charles replied. There was no doubt in Devin’s mind that he had made the right choice in inviting Charles to go with them. The excitement in his eyes shone out for all to see, and to think that once Charles would not go where other people could see him.
“My plans are to take you back home Below, the day after tomorrow, and then the following day take everything we need upon the boat. Its a much bigger boat than last year, Cathy has paid for it, it has more cabins, and a larger deck, and there is something else, which I am telling you, but is a surprise to the others. Their is a secret floor, which when slid back, reveals a glass bottom, which will be great when we get to the island, the fish there are really something, so many colours, plus on top of that there is an underwater microphone, which picks up the sound of the sea. It can pick up the song of whales as far away as one hundred miles. To me there is no sound more beautiful while drifting along the ocean waves than to hear the song of whales calling to one another. And on top of that I have hired some wet suits and some snorkels and flippers, because I noticed when I was swimming around the island last time, that on the ocean bed there were oysters, only they were too far down for me to reach them. And there is also some beautiful anemones and coral to view also.” he laughed, “ Can you imagine Vincent in a pair of flippers Father?”
Father burst out laughing, “This I would love to see, oh if only.... it sounds so perfect, make sure you take lots of photographs again, my boy.” The look on Father’s face was so wishful, that Devin almost relented and told him that they were taking him with them. But he stopped himself. For he knew his Father well, and didn’t doubt that when it came to actually leaving, he would find a reason to stay behind, and miss out yet again.
“Charles, I was wondering, would you like to swim so deep in the ocean too?” Devin asked his dear friend.
“I’d like nothing better. But I don’t know if I can swim, I mean I have never tried. With you guiding me though, I could try it.”
“If not, don’t worry, you won’t have to spend the whole ten days on the boat. Cathy has hired a dinghy along with the boat, and from this you can go over onto the island, it is such a pretty place, and the sand is so warm and soft.”
Charles eyes misted over, “I have never seen a beach in all my life, and have only had a slight view of an ocean, do you know what this means to me, to be able to come along with you like this?”
“Yes, and Charles you are more than welcome, you have strengthened my life, and given me an insight into things I once took for granted, so now they are special, through your eyes Charles, I see everything I have ever known, anew, and I thank you, dear friend. And I also want to tell you that the night before we leave, we intend to hold a dinner party on board the boat. And we hope that you, Charles, and you Father, and Mary, and a few of the tunnel dwellers, will join us in an evening of merriment before we set sail the following morning. Please say you’ll come Father.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, thank you Devin, this is a most thoughtful idea.” Father replied, unknowing that he had just stepped into their trap.
Charles was choked up at Devin’s words, “Come let us eat before the meal goes cold, then you can tell your Father about the mountains. It is a story I’d love to hear again, myself.”
The meal was excellent. Charles was a great cook, and he had even baked a wild berry pie, such as Father had never tasted before. “I thought berries were out of season now.” Father told Charles, his mouth bursting with pie, “This is delicious.”
“They are”, Charles told him, “I bottled some when there were plenty. There is wine also made from the berries.”
“Charles is an excellent cook, dad, and the wine is wonderful, and very strong, we must take a few bottles with us on the boat. Vincent is a dream when he is drunk.”
“Now Devin, you wouldn’t?” Father chided him.
Devin did not reply, just sent his Father one of his mischievous looks that Father knew so well.
When the meal was finished, and they were reclining on soft chairs around the fireside, with a glass of wine each, Devin began to relate tales of his trips to various mountains. Father was surprised by just how much of the world Devin had explored.
“Its not just because of how majestic they are, its more than that. For many people the mountain peaks are a point to make contact with God. Mount Olympus is the home to classical Greek gods, Mount Fuji the same, on the island of Honshu in Japan, while one can find prehistoric shrines on Monte Bego in the Maritime Alps.”
“And have you been to these places, Devin.” Father wanted to know.
“Oh yes, every mountain I speak of, I have actually climbed, maybe not to the summit, but certainly as far as I could. I would give anything to go on an mountain expedition, especially if say, it was one to reach the summit of Aconcagua, the Father of the Andes. It reaches a height of six thousand, nine hundred and sixty metres, and is the highest peak in the whole of South and North America and situated in the Far West of Argentina in the Andean chain. I find it a fascinating mountain, almost straight up, into a point, sheer white rock, of volcanic origin composed of lava, which was deposited on top of older marine sediment. Honestly dad, you have to lean your head right back to take it all in, the sight of it is awesome, splendid.
And did you know that the Himalayas can be seen from Space, even? When Apollo 9 was sent up, it sent back marvellous photographs of the huge mountain range. The Himalayas are the highest land on Earth, some eight thousand metres high, ten mountains thereabouts, and its formation dates back to the Tertiary era, on line with the birth of the Alps.”
“This is fascinating Devin, You really should teach the children what you know. And if you could give me some of your time for a moment, that actually leads me into something I wanted to ask you.” Father told him. “You know that I cannot do all that I once could, now these old bones, are getting harder to move about, as I would like, well I wondered if you would consider taking over my role in our world. There are still things I could help with, but really a younger body would be more of an asset to the tunnel dwellers, than mine would. Now when something goes wrong, it takes me hours to reach a place, and that means all the while the work force are having to wait. What do you say?”
“I am honoured Father, truly I am....” Devin began.
“But?” Father questioned.
“This is not right, you should not be offering this gift to me, it is Vincent who should have it.”
“But Vincent already holds his own place Below, the two of us are a team, you know that. And the two of you, could be an even better team, at least say you will think it over?”
“There is something I haven’t told you Father. It was only yesterday that I made plans to live in Cathy’s old apartment and find myself work in the city. Father, its not for me to be shut away beneath the ground, I need more of a challenge.”
“I see.” Father told him, while of course he didn’t, “And what of Gerry?”
“She is agreeable to it. We will be together at weekends Below, and Vincent will bring her to the apartment some evenings, along with Cathy, we shall spend the evenings together.”
“While someone is expected to look after their children no doubt, and you all run risks of having Vincent and Gerry discovered once more. Devin I thought you knew better than that. You really do have a selfish streak sometimes, don’t you? I suppose this idea is born of boredom is it?”
“Well yes, it is actually, there isn’t enough Below to keep me occupied, I feel trapped.”
“It needn’t be that way. If you took over the reins more, you could teach the children, now that in itself is a challenge, and you have proven this evening just what a wealth of information you are. From time to time, you could go off visiting places, and bring back more details to enchant others with. Please Devin, at least consider what I offer you.” Father pleaded with him.
“Okay Pop, I’ll consider it. Certainly it sounds more interesting now you have enlarged on it. Especially if I can keep travelling. I don’t think my feet can stay still for too long, and I wouldn’t be gone more than a couple of weeks a year. Maybe a month at the most.”
“And no more, at least think of Gerry.”
“Oh I was dad, I was, otherwise I’d have made it three months.”
Charles laughed, “More wine anyone?” He poured some more red liquid into their glasses, and leaned back in his chair again. “Devin tell your Father some more about the mountains.”
“Yes, Devin, tell me the names and the places of those you have climbed.” Father asked him with interest.
Devin sipped his wine, feeling the hot glow spread through his limbs, thinking, he would definitely give some to Vincent, no matter what Father said, and then went on to answer his Father’s question.
“The very first mountain I climbed and fell in love with was Grand Teton, it is the highest peak in the Teton Mountains in Wyoming, and it is four thousand, one hundred and ninety metres high. The area surrounding it has now been made into a National Park. After that I went globe trotting, and visited Mount Kenya, it is one of three mountains situated side by side in the south of the Equator, and reaches a peak of five thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine metres. These mountains are truly impressive, the wind has sculptured them, and they are the remains of an ancient volcanic structure weathered and carved by erosion.
I stayed in Africa for some months in the valley of Teleki, with a group of people who like myself visit mountains across the globe. After that I went to Everest, known as the roof of the World, being the highest peak in the world, standing at eight thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight metres. It was named after George Everest, but is known by a local name, which is much more poetic. The Tibetan name is Chomolungma and means Goddess Mother of the Earth. Very apt, I say. Then I went to see McKinley, which is the highest peak in the whole of the North American continent, situated in the Alaskan range, and stands at six thousand, one hundred and ninety-three metres. It is very impressive, with its sides covered in glaciers that reflect the sun to a brilliance that is blinding. It was discovered in 1794, but it wasn’t until 1913 that the summit was actually reached. I can see that the wine is making you sleepy, dad, would you like to retire now?”
“Yes I suppose so, but I am enjoying so much all that you are saying, just tell me about one more mountain, and then tell me about the rest another time.”
“Right. Let me finish on something appealing then. And that has to be, Cerro Torre, in the Andes. While not as tall as some I have mentioned it is truly breathtaking in that its sides offer a challenge to any would be climber. For it is continuously struck by Pacific Ocean blizzards, and covered by a soft and unsteady ice, which at the slightest sound or movement is ready to turn into a terrifying avalanche. You can be sure that I did not venture too near this mountain! Yet if there were a way to scale it, I would really like to try.” Devin drained his glass; the wine had now made him pleasantly sleepy also.
“Thank you for telling me about the mountains again Devin, no-one tells it like you do, you have such love for them, that it shines through in your speech and your eyes, and though I have not seen them myself, I can picture them well. Thank you.” Charles told him sincerely, “Well, the wine has made me sleepy too, so I will turn in along with Father. See you in the morning, Devin.” Charles told him happily.

*** *** ***


Mich’ael came along to breakfast with something on his mind. He was quieter than usual, and Catherine was quick to notice. “Something wrong Mich’ael?” she asked him.
“Not wrong exactly, but certainly something I need to talk about. Have you time to listen?” he asked her, peering over his spectacles.
She nodded, “Yes we have some time. The babies are in the nursery, and have been fed, they should still be sleeping, and Jamie is with them, should they wake.”
Vincent put down his spoon, his breakfast complete, and waited for Mich’ael to begin, while Catherine continued to finish her own.
Mich’ael began, “The institute on Sonn Alp, as you know Catherine, was government funded, but the actual complex belonged in three equal shares to Ignatz, Hans and myself. We each had a legal document written up, stipulating, should one of us die their share was to be then split between the two survivors, and should two of us die, then the sole survivor becomes sole owner of the complex, which you can now see is me. The problem arises that I have to return there. Not only are there things to see to, whereby I can sell it, for I have no plans to live there, but also there are records about you, Vincent, Geraldine and Marie that need to be destroyed, both on paper and computer. When Hans and I left we hired the security patrol to keep an eye on things for us, but they have only been paid up until the end of this month, so I must return to sort everything out. My problem is I can’t do this alone, unless I want to spend weeks there, which I do not. So...” he grimaced,” I was rather hoping, that Catherine and Devin would accompany me back there. Hopefully it won’t take more than a week. What do you say?”
Catherine put down her spoon, and looked at Vincent, shaking her head all the while. Vincent took her hand as she replied, “I’m sorry Mich’ael, for me the answer has to be absolutely not. I promised Vincent I would never go away again, and leave him for anything, and I have my own duties here.”
“Yes, I know, but you are going away in a couple of days and leaving the family, both of you, it couldn’t be half so bad if only one of you were away. Please consider this, I need your help.” he begged her.
“I don’t understand, Mich’ael, why Catherine? Why Devin? Surely some of the staff you had could help?” Vincent asked him.
“No, as far as the staff were concerned, it was an institute of climatology. Outside Ignatz, Hans and I, only Devin and Catherine knew what really went on there, believe me, if these files I need to destroy should get into the wrong hands, I wouldn’t like to ascertain your future, so it has to be someone who knows. The files are extensive, and there is some machinery in the West Wing that needs dismantling. Believe me Vincent it is vital that I have some help with those, I could not shift them alone, and I want to leave no trace before I put the place up for sale.”
“Could you do it with, just say, Devin. I’m sure he would jump at the chance of travelling so soon.” Catherine asked him.
“Perhaps, if we worked hard, we may get the job done in a couple of weeks, maybe three. It would be so much quicker if you came, but I guess I am just being selfish.”
“There’s something else isn’t there, something you are withholding?” Vincent asked him then.
“Well yes there is, but that is purely selfish. I have seen that an institute of climatology is being offered for sale at the beginning of next month. And I would really like to make a bid on it. Not only that, but the present owners are hoping to buy something in Europe, and I contacted them to see if we could do a deal. A part-exchange if possible. Naturally before they agree they will want to view Sonn Alp, and I have to make sure that every thing is deleted before they do. I was rather hoping with Devin and Catherine’s help, I could clear out my institute in just over a week, and get back here to start things moving.”
“I thought that you and Peter were going into business together?” Catherine asked him.
“We are, but climatology is my specialised field, and there is so much the world needs to know. My work will in turn helps people like Peter. For if we can prove that the that the weather is being changed due to man’s ignorance, and likewise pestilence is on the increase due to it, we can greatly help to reduce the risks, and re-educate mankind in the process. At least then the next generation should have fewer diseases. When Devin worked for us, he showed great aptitude in this field, I was kind of hoping that he may join me, the new institute is only a couple of hours drive from here, in the mountains, actually not far from where Devin and Father went yesterday. Anyway, think about it will you. If you can come, we shall need to leave almost as soon as you return from your holiday, and I am sorry to put this on you, but really, I know no-one else I could ask.”

Back in the nursery later, checking on the sleeping babies, Catherine leaned against Vincent, as he held her in his arms. Looking up into his eyes, she studied his face. “I promised I would never leave you again, and I meant it. Promises aren’t meant to be broken, Vincent.”
Vincent looked down into her eyes, “Yes, but you want to go, I know you do. If only to see Austria again?” His quizzical look humoured her.
“Oh for a glass of Apfelsaft.” she replied gaily, then on a more serious note, “Seriously Vincent, if I could take you with me, I would go, but not without you, nothing without you ever again. Devin will have to go with Mich’ael, if he will, for I’m not.” Catherine was adamant, but Catherine was to learn as we all do, that things seldom turn out the way we expect.

(See Oblivion 3 - The Conclusion)


*** *** ***


Father stood outside Devin and Charles’ log cabin, and literally drank in the mountain air. It was still early morning, and Father had awoken before anyone else, and had come outside to clear his head. The wine from the night before left his head feeling muzzy, and he kept bumping into things.
Settling himself back on a rock, he looked over the magnificent view with a longing to wake up and see it every day for the rest of his life.
Staggering mountain peaks glistening in the sun, snow-capped and beautiful, fringed with the first show of spring growth in the trees, and the gorse bushes that grew there. Scanning the horizon, Father could see movement beneath the trees, and smiled at his first sight of a cougar in many a year. She was filled with cub, and her ungainly movements stalked a rabbit, which was unaware of her presence.
Father watched breathlessly, as the cougar stealthily approached and ran full pelt, knocking the rabbit over before the animal became aware of the danger. The kill was instantaneous, and the cougar carried off the body to her lair. Father felt he’d seen something that photographers would have died for, a natural process in the circle of life, and it had happened just because he had risen early, and had mingled with wildlife in this special place.
Getting to his feet, his bones creaked. The mountain air was damp and seemed to penetrate right through the body to the bones and the marrow itself, yet for all that Father felt re-vitalised, fresh and refreshed. And as his stomach rumbled he hurried back to the cabin for breakfast, remembering that there was nothing like mountain air for giving one an appetite.

When Devin woke some hours later, he did, Father thought, a most unusual thing.
When Devin lived Below, he liked nothing more than to have a warm shower every day, the warmer the better, so when he asked Father to come outside with him, and then once outside stripped naked, Father was stunned to say the least.
Devin laughed, “Come, I want to show you my bathroom, dad,” he told him laughing his head off, and took Father around to the back of the cabin, where there lay a deep pool in the shadows, filled with ice cold mountain water.
“I learned this in Finland,” Devin told Father, “It really is good for the body.”
“Is that water as cold as it looks,” Father wanted to know. It was so clear, and had a look about it that told how cold it was.
“Sure is, dad, stand back I’m going to jump in.” With that, and before Father could get far enough back, Devin dived in and out of the pool in an instance, then ran as fast as his feet would take him back into the cabin, where he had left hot towels around the fire place.
Father was covered in droplets of icy water, and hurried back to the cabin to see what had become of his son.
He found Devin rubbing himself vigorously while Charles poured him a steaming cup of coffee, smiling all over his face. “You should try it dad, it is out of this world, there is nothing quite like it, believe me.” Devin told him.
“Hmmm, I’ll take your word for that Devin, if you don’t mind, it certainly must be a cure for a hangover if nothing else.” Father told him dryly. “ And my boy, you never cease to surprise me!”

The rest of the day, they spent walking together in the mountains, keeping as much to flat ground as possible, due to Father’s unsteadiness on his legs, worsened only by the wine, which Father had relented and had some more with his lunch. And as evening drew to a close, Father was stunned once more by sunset in the mountains.
Sitting quietly beside Devin and Charles, on chairs that Devin had made from logs, they watched as the reddened sun filtered its way downwards between the mountain peaks, sending the snow capped peaks to pink and gold, and delighted when the outer edges turned to green.
“I know no other place dad, where it is possible on occasion to witness a green sunset. It is very rare and very beautiful, and you have been blessed to see it, because I have only seen it once since living here, how about you Charles?”
“Once more since you did, and that not since last Spring.” He told them.
The green sunset lasted only seconds as the sun descended into the horizon leaving streaks of pink and red across the backdrop of an indigo sky.
“Well, we had best be turning in, we have an early start in the morning, so its best I think we don’t uncork the wine tonight.” Devin told them both, “And tomorrow we will start the day with one of Charles specialities I think, will we Charles?”
Charles nodded, smiling broadly, “Yes, whenever Devin leaves this place, I send him off on his favourite of foods, so that he hurries home for more. And that is blueberry pancakes with fresh cream.”
“You eat that for breakfast!” Father was incredulous, “All that stodge?”
“Not the way Charles makes them dad, they are light and crispy, and oh so delicious.” a dreamy look came over Devin’s face, “Come on lets get to bed, the sooner we do the sooner it will be breakfast time.”

Father felt sad having to say goodbye to the mountains, as the following morning after breakfast, which he had enjoyed far more than he had expected, Father helped to put Charles’ bags into the truck, then got in beside Devin, with Charles in the back. And together they drove back towards the city.
“Thank you for taking me to your home Devin, it was wonderful. A memory to fill my days with while you are away on your island.” Father told Devin sadly.
“I too have enjoyed it, please say you will come again, and stay longer?” Devin replied he had seen a side of his father he liked, a lot, for the first time in his life.
“Yes, I will, and we must find a way for Vincent to join us, he’d love it too.
” “Do you mean that dad?”
“Yes, I think it will be the perfect place to take him, but we have to make certain that every avenue is explored first, promise me you won’t mention it to him, until this is done, Devin?” “I promise dad. Now let’s get started shall we, for tonight we shall party.”

*** *** ***

Chapter Twenty-Three

"The old year is fast slipping back behind us. We cannot stay it if we would. We must go on and leave our past. Let us go forth nobly. Let us go as those whom greater thoughts and greater deeds await beyond."
(Phillips Brooks)



There was an unusual feeling beneath him, as Father awoke, and before he opened his eyes, he wondered for a moment where he could be.
The past few days he had done so many different things, and his mind seemed to have difficulty grasping where he was at that moment in time. Was he Below, was he in the mountains, or was he still on the boat?
Disorientated, Father drew his thoughts together. He was still very tired, and then he remembered, of course! The wine. So he had to still be on the boat, because he had not taken any the evening before he had left the mountains.
Relieved to know, he allowed himself a few moments to re-collect the evenings’ events, and how he came to still be on board at the break of day.
Helping, Devin, Vincent and Cathy to take their luggage down to the harbour, and on board the boat, he and Mary, along with Pascal, Jamie, Mouse, Elizabeth, Charles, Mich’ael and Marie had spent the evening with the five happy people who were to set off the following morning to their idyllic island in the sun. What a party it had been! His head ached to remember all the details, but as the hour became late, he found that he had in fact drank too much wine, or had he been plied with it, he wasn’t too sure? Certainly his glass had never seemed to be empty. And then Mary had told him that she intended to spend the night on board and leave in the morning. It had seemed the most natural thing in the world to do likewise, for truly his legs would have it no other way. He could remember being supported with Vincent on one side of him and Devin the other to this cabin, and their helping him to shed his clothing, and put him to bed. He laughed to himself, if last evening was anything to go by, the four of them would have a wonderful holiday.
He allowed himself to drift back to sleep; satisfied that someone would call him, when they were ready to depart.
When Father woke up again several hours later, he was concerned to find that no-body had been in to wake him, but concluded that everybody else must have had the same hangover as himself.
He stretched, and in the same instance put out a hand to draw back the curtains, expecting to see the harbour full of fishermen with their boats, and sat bolt upright when all he could see was mile upon mile of blue ocean. “What the...” he cried, and jumping to his feet, grabbed his neatly folded clothing, and rammed himself inside it, before opening the cabin door and going out onto the deck. The outside view that met him, was worse than the inside, for rather than a oceanic view from a porthole, his eyes took in the whole scene that stretched before him, a blue sea in all directions, with no sight of land.
Scrambling up onto the main deck, a chorused, “Surprise!”, welcomed him, as Catherine, Gerry, Charles, Devin and Mary raised their glasses, and Mary told him happily, “What do you think Jacob, looks like we have become stowaways?”
Father could not for the life of him take it all in, and glancing about him, stammered, “Where’s Vincent?”
“He’s been staying below deck, until you woke up, Dad, “ Devin told his father, “We knew that you wouldn’t want to miss Vincent’s reactions firsthand, to being out in the sunshine again, after a whole year living without it, if you come and take a seat we’ll let him out.”
“But I don’t understand, what am I doing here?”
“We’ve kidnapped you, you’re coming on holiday with us.” Catherine told him, brightly, “Its been planned for weeks.”
“But my clothing?”
“Taken care of, that’s why it went missing I’m afraid, we wanted to know your sizes. There are some of your old faithfuls and some new clothing in a case beneath your bunk, along with some swimming trunks.” Mary told him, smiling broadly. “The kids thought you would have found some excuse not to come, if they had told you of their plans.”
“Yes, I probably would. So who have you put in charge Below?”
Devin clapped a hand to his mouth, “Oh”, he cried, trying to hide his laughter.
“You have put someone in charge haven’t you?” Father began to panic.
“Calm down Jacob, Devin is just having you on. Everything will be fine. Peter is going to spend a few days Below. And then be on call whenever anyone needs him. And Mich’ael and Marie, Elizabeth, Pascal, William, Jamie, Kipper, and everyone else will be looking after things, including the children and the babies. So there is nothing for you to worry about, except for having a wonderful well deserved holiday.” Mary told him happily.
Father relaxed, “What can I say. I must admit, I guess I am pleased, you had such fun last year, I was so envious.”
“We noticed.” They chorused.
“Was I that obvious?”
“Just a little.” Gerry told him fondly. “Now, are you ready to see Vincent?”
“Oh yes, please my dear, he must be dying to come outside. Its such a gorgeous day.”

Much the same as the previous year, Catherine led Vincent up onto the deck and sat him so that Father could catch his every expression, and Devin got the camera ready.
For Vincent the moment was better than before, for Father was there to see it, and he knew how much it meant to the older man to see his son’s heart’s desire of being out in the sunshine. Relinquishing the moment, Vincent tasted his lips, felt the tangy sea spray upon them, and revelled in the feel of the sea breeze that tousled his hair.
“I’ve longed for this moment.” Vincent told everybody, “And it’s better than I remembered.”
Slowly he opened his eyes, and heard the camera clicking, his first sight of the sun was even better than before, for the sun was well risen, and the ocean reflected its brilliance with every wave that rippled across the blue expanse. Father knew he would retain the sight of Vincent opening his eyes to the sunshine within his mind for all of his life. Seeing it firsthand exceeded seeing it in a photograph, for the atmosphere was there, as everyone waited, watched and poured out their love to Vincent, happy that he was having his dream come true.
“Look!” Gerry exclaimed, “What are they?” pointing out to the ocean, everybody followed her direction.
“Ah,” ”Devin drew in a sharp breath, “Orca”, he replied, “How marvellous.”
“Are they dangerous?” Gerry wanted to know. But Devin had gone, racing off to switch on the microphone, and then charging back to set up the speakers. “Listen to this everyone.”
What an enchanted moment! The song of the Orca filled the boat, a soft haunting sound, like no other.
On hearing their own sound the Orca’s came closer to investigate, and Devin answered Gerry’s question. “They can be dangerous, if you are a seal, but like the dolphin, they can be taught tricks. They are very intelligent creatures, and we have been blessed to witness this sight, for they must be on their migratory path, and we have stumbled across it at the time of their passing. I have never seen so many at once, look some even have calves.”
It truly was a magnificent sight. As the swell of the ocean rose around the huge mammals the blue against the black and white of the Orca, the sun slithered its way across their shimmering bodies, as they literally played before their audience.
“Look at them, they are enthralled at our watching them.” Catherine said quietly, in awe.
Though huge, the Orca’s effortlessly glided their bodies up out of the ocean to come crashing down again moments later cutting through the blue, to disappear beneath its depths, only to rise again as quickly. Some rolled with the waves, turning bodies over and over showing off their sleek body patterns, and continued to sing to one another for the pure joy of being alive.
Devin put his hand over the side of the boat and slapped the water, thrilling when several Orca’s came to investigate. “Vincent, Charles come over here, put out your hand and stroke one, they feel wonderful.”
As Vincent and Charles did as Devin bade them, they were thrilled to touch these beautiful creatures, and stood aside while everyone else had their turn.
“There’s something I want to try, Devin told them. Stand aside, and someone take some photographs please.”
Slapping the water again, the Orca’s came back alongside the boat, and Devin reached out to stroke the head of one, running his hand down and around her chin, she opened her mouth invitingly, and he put his hand inside to stroke her tongue. In response the Orca seemed to smile, and a sound came out of her mouth, which sounded like laughter. Devin felt a rush of love swamp him, never in all his life had he experienced anything like it. “It’s almost as if she knows me.” he told everyone, tears pricking his eyes, “She shows such genuine trust. Oh if only all animal life could trust man this way, certainly the world would be a better place.”
“I thought they were called Killer Whales. I can’t believe they are so tame.” Father exclaimed, “They’re beautiful.”
“Yes, people do call them killer whales, but they are no more a killer than any mammal. They kill for food, and they kill to protect their young. Now if we had harpoons on this boat, and shot one of those calves, then you would see a very different Orca. For they are family. This group will be mother’s and sisters, aunt’s and nieces, grandmother’s and among them will be calves of both sexes, and they act like family, protecting any member, viciously if taunted, and believe me they could overturn this boat with the flick of a tail, if they wanted to do.”
“That’s incredible, yet they look so tame, do you think they would let us swim with them, Devin?” Gerry asked him, excitedly.
“It’s not something I wouldn’t encourage. We know so little about them. Now if they were dolphins it wouldn’t be a problem, but these creatures are massive, and if they should misunderstand anything we did, we’d be crushed in an instance. We couldn’t blame them of course, for they would only be protecting one another.”
Gerry nodded they were indeed massive.
As the Orca slowly swam away from the boat, everybody sighed. And no-body spoke as each and everyone kept his gaze fixed firmly upon the retreating Orca, until they were no more than mere specks upon the ocean blue. A simultaneous great sigh, left the lips of all onlookers, and but for minimal conversation the rest of the day was spent in companionable silence, as they continued to listen to the lilting song of the Orca.
As Devin steered the boat into the bay, he jumped down, and raced to lower the anchor. Then satisfied, he fled from cabin to cabin, waking the sleepyheads, with a shout of joy. “We’re here, we’re here, come on get up, let’s get the fun started.”
Gerry was up in an instance, running into his arms, and he swirled her around and around, then with a knowing look, each ran to either ends of the boat to start fishing.
“Have they started already?” Vincent wanted to know; his eyes still tightly closed.
“Oh yes, they have taken up their posts, and Gerry is ...oh!”
Vincent’s eyes flew open, “What is it, Catherine?”
Catherine could only point speechlessly, and following her direction Vincent saw the unmistakable, black and white bulk of an Orca. Jumping to their feet, and donning their robes, both hurried onto the deck calling to Devin and Gerry, who sure enough had seen the creature also.
“Do you think she followed us?” Catherine asked Devin.
“Possibly, perhaps the playback of their song over the speakers enticed her. I don’t know, I wonder if she is alone. I’ll go switch on the microphone.”
As the sound of the Orca drifted through the speakers, Devin was convinced she was not only alone, but keeping contact with the distant sounds coming back to her over seventy miles away.
“Perhaps she is injured.” Gerry told him, “Perhaps she thinks you can help her.”
“I shall need to go into the water to be sure. Who wants to come with me?”
“I do”. At Vincent’s reply, everyone looked at him open mouthed, “So what’s wrong with me?” he asked them smiling, “ I think it will be a wonderful experience.”
Devin nodded, “Okay then, let’s do it.”
By the time Vincent and Devin were ready to go into the water, Father, Mary and Charles had joined them on deck, and were anxious with what Vincent was about to do.
“Its all right everyone. There is only one Orca, and we feel she needs help. Have you ever tended to a whale Father?” Gerry asked, smiling up at him.
Father’s mouth dropped open, and tried to form words, but none came out, so he shut it again, and watched with anxiety as Devin and Vincent lowered themselves into the gleaming ocean.
They needn’t have worried about the Orca. She was over friendly. Coming at once to investigate these two beings in her territory. And Vincent thrilled when she nudged him, with her nose, and opened her mouth as if in laughter. And as Vincent caught hold of her fin, she took him through the sea. Around the boat, and back again. The exchange, immensely pleasurable to them both and something Vincent would remember all his life. “That was incredible,” he told everyone when the Orca brought him safely back alongside the boat. There was no reply, for everyone was still speechless with shock. Finally Catherine found her voice, “I had visions of the Orca taking you off into the sunset Vincent, and never seeing you again, I don’t think I’ve ever been more frightened.”
“Me neither!” Father exclaimed, “But now you are back safe and sound, I bet it was a remarkable experience?”
“Words cannot describe how I felt Father, for a moment I was afraid, but then somehow a feeling of inner calm washed through me, and I just knew she meant me no harm. She is a magnificent creature.” Vincent told him misty eyed.
“Well it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person.” Mary told him, meaning it with all her heart.
Devin had waited anxiously until the Orca and Vincent returned. For he hadn’t a hope of catching up at her speed. And feeling more than a little envious, when they circled him again he held on to her, almost hoping it could be his turn, but when she made no attempt to move away from the boat he ran his hand over her following the line of her body, looking for any possible injury but found none.
Butting him next with her nose, again she opened her mouth invitingly, and he wondered if she had witnessed him stroking inside the larger Orca’s mouth, and wanted him to do likewise.
She waited eagerly while he put his hand inside her mouth, and she wiggled her tongue, this way and that. Devin laughed what a beautiful creature she was. Then as he slid his hand beneath her tongue, he knew what it was she was trying to tell him. Lifting her tongue as high as it could go, he saw a length of glass embedded into the soft flesh, that had obviously been there some time, for the skin had began to heal over.
“She’s got some glass stuck in her tongue, look Vincent, I bet that is making it hard for her to feed. It’s almost healed over, but perhaps we could pull it out.”
Vincent took the Orca’s tongue in his hands, examined the glass, and told Devin, “That would probably hurt her. It’s very deeply embedded.”
The other people upon the boat were listening, and Father wanted to see. Vincent and Devin showed him the obtrusive object, and Father agreed it was deep, but it could be extracted. “The thing is, we need to put something onto the tongue first to numb it, and hopefully if you have brought my little black bag, in it should be the very thing.”
Devin nodded, “Yes we packed it, it’s in your cabin closet.”
A few minutes later while Vincent and Devin held the Orca’s great head firmly, knowing full well that their strength was puny against her own, Father lowered himself into the water, with a bottle of some liquid, which he poured upon the wound as best he could. And then when he was satisfied that it had taken effect, and had anaesthetised the tongue, he used a scalpel to slit the healing skin, and delve into the gap with his fingers, to gently remove the glass.
Though the Orca could not feel any of the sensations this provoked, that she trusted these people was astounding in itself. Patiently she waited, her large tail gently stirring the water, to maintain her position alongside the boat and allowed the administrations to be performed on her with the greatest of trust.
The slither of glass was indeed long, somehow it had penetrated point first under and into the tongue, almost to its end, and when Father finally removed the bloodied instrument, he recoiled at its length, well over six inches! Maybe eight.
Next he poured some antiseptic healing fluid into the wound, and announced that all was well.
As Devin and Vincent released their hold on the Orca, Father was rewarded, by her nudging him playfully with her mighty head, and uttering a guttural sound which he preferred to think was a big thank you. With tears in his eyes, he patted the Orca’s clammy skin, and marvelled at the size of this gentle giant. “There you are girl, you can rejoin your family now, and go and find yourself something to eat.”
Whistling softly, the Orca, nudged him again, and turning her head did likewise to Devin and Vincent, before turning around, and heading out of the bay towards the open sea.
“Well”, said Father, tears be-dimming his eyes, “That’s one patient I shall never forget.”

Of course while the presence of the Orca maintained its scent in the bay, the fish kept well away, and Devin and Gerry’s fishing game had to wait until their return, nonetheless, they soon found other ways to have fun.
It had been years since Father had really swum, and with Charles reassurance that he would be happy to stay behind on the boat, the six of them, donned swim wear, and headed for the beach.

Oh to be in the ocean again. Catherine felt that there was really nothing quite like the cool satiny feel of the ocean caressing her body as she cut through it, to reach the shore. And the warmth of the sand beneath her bare feet was a pleasure all its own.
Walking arm in arm up the beach, to the shade of the palm trees, the six sat down upon the sand, and looked back at the whiteness of the boat as it bobbed gently above the swell of the ocean.
“This really is the perfect place.” Mary sighed, closing her eyes; “I have never been anywhere so beautiful.”
“Or I, a place more tranquil. No wonder you all enjoyed yourselves so much last year.” Father told them, “You must have felt you had found eternal freedom.”
“Oh yes, Father, and with the isolation, we could almost imagine we were the only living souls on earth.” Catherine told him, happily caressing Vincent’s hand. It was sheer pleasure to her, to see her husband glorifying at being back on the island. Laying flat on her back, Gerry could see straight up into the fronds of the palm trees, “You know if we aren’t careful. Being here could be a death trap,” she told them, “If any of those coconuts should fall.....”
Looking up, everybody scrambled to their feet, as imaginary coconuts crashed upon their heads, and Devin catching Gerry’s invitation, leapt at her, pinning her to the ground, “Oh no you don’t.” he cried, leaving Mary and Father to only wonder as to what was happening here.
Catherine burst into laughter, knowing what was to come, as Gerry wriggled free of Devin’s arms and squirreled up a tree.
“My how does she do that?” Father exclaimed.
“Like this Father,” and in a split second Vincent was scaling another tree to its top.
From her vantage point, Gerry grinned at him; “I’ve got more ammunition than you have brother”.
“Its not what you’ve got, its the skill with which you use it.” Vincent told her, snapping off a coconut and aiming it at her.
“Let’s get out of here, Devin cried, summing up the situation, “One of those things can slit open your head.”
“What on earth are they doing?” Father wanted to know.
“Collecting coconuts?” Mary ventured to ask.
“Yes, and having fun with it, look out!” Catherine jumped back as Gerry ducked the coconut that Vincent tossed at her, and it careered to the ground, smashing at their feet.
“It looks a dangerous kind of game.” Father told them dismayed, “You’d think they would have more sense.”
“Oh for goodness sake Jacob, stop being so overbearing. Let yourself go. Goodness, if I could scale a tree like Vincent or Gerry, I would be up there throwing coconuts back down at you.” Mary told him good-humouredly.
Father looked hurt, “You dislike me that much?” he asked her.
“On the contrary no I...” Mary left the sentence unfinished, and gently blushed, but Father noticed and drawing his brows together wondered about that remark.
“Missed me again!” Vincent’s voice so full of laughter called back to Gerry, who was becoming furious at her depleting supply of coconuts, and still not even had one hit.
“I hope you are going to eat all these coconuts” Catherine called up to them looking at the pile of fruits embedded in the sand around her feet.
“Oh goodness, “ cried Gerry, “Are all those down to us?”
As Vincent re-positioned himself to look downwards, Devin called up to him, “No Vincent don’t move that’s what she wants...” Too late, Gerry took advantage and tossed another coconut, which hit Vincent’s shoulder, forcing him to slither down the tree trunk several feet. Gerry laughed out loud, and leaping out from the tree, landed deftly upon the sand.
Father looked at her with eyes open wide. “How can you do that, why it must be forty feet up there.”
“Practise.” she told him brightly, then turning to Vincent called, “Come on Vincent drop down.”
But Vincent had decided to fool around. Hugging the tree truck tightly, he put his head into his hands, and called down, “I can’t its too far.”
“Try again Vincent, you can’t fool me, for someone who scales eighteen floors on a regular basis, that’s a pretty weak joke. Even if you do you the elevator cable.” Gerry told him, laughing.
“Forgot about that.” Vincent called back, and let go of the trunk to jump down onto the sand, without moving a particle.
Father shook his head; “So I take it Gerry won.” he told them.
Looking at one another knowingly, Vincent and Devin cried together, “Not yet”, and each made a grab for Gerry, whose lithe body twisted and turned evading their hands, and the two of them raced off after her in hot pursuit. Her gay, “Catch me if you can” statement drifted back across to the audience, who burst into fits of laughter.
“Is this how it was last time, Cathy?” Mary wanted to know. “No, it was better. They haven’t got warmed up yet, no doubt Devin has some fresh ideas, for Gerry won at most of their games last year.” Catherine replied her eyes bright with laughter.
Vincent returned, and at Father’s questioning look, replied,” Oh, Devin caught her, you’ll not see them for a while, he’s claiming his prize.” Realising what he meant, Father blushed, and coughed, “er, perhaps we had best go back to the boat.”
“No Father stay, its a big island, room for all of us, though if its all the same to you, I should like to go with Vincent into the shrubbery where it is cooler.” Then realising the implications of what she had said, it was Catherine’s turn to blush. While Vincent laughed out loud.
“Oh go on, the two of you, you are married after all.” Father told them, laughing heartily. “We’ll stay on the sand and sunbathe.”

Once alone, Father and Mary sat together quietly, looking out to the sea. “I wonder where the Orca is by now, Mary?” Father asked her, taking her hand in his, “Do you know its at times like that when I am truly glad I became a doctor, though a vet would have been handier, I can’t help being grateful that I knew what to do, and she trusted me to do it.”
“Yes, I expect she is about reaching her family by now, I wonder if we will ever see her again.” Mary told him wistfully.
“I doubt it, unless they are still around on our way back. It’s a wonderful tale to tell the children isn’t it?”
“Oh yes, can you imagine their faces, they won’t believe it, Jacob.”
“Oh but to bring some of them here Mary. Do you think we could from time to time? I don’t mean at the same time as Vincent’s annual holiday, unless he didn’t mind, but to bring the children here for their own holiday. Wouldn’t they just love it?”
“Oh yes Jacob, and they would love you eternally for bringing them here. It’s a wonderful idea.”
“And will you love me eternally Mary?” he asked her softly, keeping his gaze directly out to sea.
“You did notice. I’m sorry Jacob, I didn’t want to burden you with the intensity of my feelings, just pretend you didn’t notice.”
“No Mary, I think perhaps I have pretended that for too long. There have been other times when your feelings have been unguarded, but I dismissed them believing I had nothing to offer you, but a life beneath the city streets, much the same as Vincent with Catherine really, till now.”
“Why till now, Jacob?”
“Now, being on this island, and in the mountains just recently, seeing the fun the four of them have, gives me back my life, takes me back to a haven within the world that I can grow and be young again. And the undisguised love you showed me today gives me a reason for believing in miracles. I did not know I could feel this way ever again, but I was fooling myself, for I believe now that I have known for some years, yet denied it, because I did not want to dishonour the memory of my late wife. I realise now, that she wouldn’t have wanted me to remain alone, and I would be a martyr to do so.”
Mary waited, unravelling his words, knowing he was in his own clumsy way, leading up to something.
Father re-positioned himself on the sand so as to look into Mary’s eyes, and taking both her hands in his, spoke softly. “ I do love you Mary, we are a team yes. But I have been a fool in not acknowledging that the love I feel for you goes deeper than team work.” He paused, “Mary, I’m not very good at words...”
‘Don’t you believe it’ Mary thought to herself, as Father continued, “But now we have allowed love its freedom, I think we should capture it again, just between the two of us.”
“That’s lovely Jacob.” Mary exclaimed, and went on to speak some more, but he stilled her, with a finger to her lips. “Hear me out please Mary, perhaps it’s the magic of this place, I don’t know. But I feel liberated enough today to speak the words you long to hear, and I think its best you let me continue, before my nerves get the better of me.” Pausing once more, Father took a deep breath, “Mary will you please marry me?”
Mary blinked back the tears of her joy, and nodded, freeing her hands and throwing her arms around his neck, whispering into his neck the words he held his breath to hear, “ Oh yes Jacob, I will, I will. I love you so much.”
Jumping to his feet, and winking at Mary, Father shouted in the direction of the shrubbery, “Devin! Vincent! Cathy! Gerry! Can you hear me? Mary has just agreed to be my wife.” Then sweeping Mary up into his arms, he kissed her firmly and deeply upon her soft inviting mouth.
“About time too!” Vincent shouted back, but did not go to congratulate them, as he was otherwise engaged. Laid side by side the two of them felt a glow of love rush through them at Father’s words. “So your plan worked faster than you thought Vincent.” Catherine winked at him.
“Why whatever do you mean? Vincent asked innocently.
“Bringing the two of them here to this idyllic island, it was bound to end in romance”.
“And instead has started in romance, that’s even better, isn’t it Catherine?”
“Yes for now they have the whole ten days, to know what it is like to be so close to the one you love and have to keep your hands off of them.” Catherine’s gay laughter tinkled around them, and Vincent silenced it by feasting his lips upon hers.
His eyes burned brightly with an in-depth passion, brought about by his obvious acknowledgement of Father’s joy, and he made love to Catherine tenderly, upon their bed of tropical grasses.
“I hope there aren’t going to be any creepy crawlies inside my bikini bottoms after this.” Catherine told him, laughing up at him.
“No there won’t be, my love.” Vincent told her.
“How can you be so sure, Vincent?”
In answer Vincent rolled away from Catherine and picking up the bikini bottoms, he tossed them high into a palm tree, where they stayed in the fronds. Catherine’s mouth dropped open, as he said, “There’s your answer, my love.”
Looking down at her naked body, Catherine exclaimed, “Vincent, I can’t go wandering back to the beach like this.”
Vincent smiled, biting her earlobe, and whispered into its depths, “That’s the whole idea of it my love, to stay here making love until each of us have had their fill, and then I will collect them for you.”
“Huh, “ said Catherine, “Famous last words.”
Vincent tilted his head to one side, in the gesture she loved so much, “Why?” he asked her.
“Can you honestly tell me you will have the strength to scale that tree by then.” Catherine told him.
Vincent looked up at the white bikini bottoms, rippling softly in the tropical breeze some thirty feet above his head, and then back at Catherine, mischief in his eyes, “Well Catherine, your just going to have to hope so, aren’t you, my love.”

From across the beach Devin lay back on the sand regaining his breath beside his wife, when he heard Father calling him. He was pulling on his trunks and starting to run towards the sound when he stopped, and heard the rest of Father’s exclamation, and he shouted back the same words as Vincent, “And its about time too”.
Gerry slipped alongside him, caressing his back with her claws, sending shivers down his spine. “Perhaps we should go and congratulate them, Gerry” Devin told her, not really wanting to do so, just yet.
Gerry laughed, sensing his mood, “No, not yet my love, let them enjoy one another as we are doing. Well perhaps not exactly as we are doing.” she ended laughing at the surprise on his face. It was one thing to accept that your father had just proposed marriage and been accepted, while it was completely another to imagine him, throwing his would be bride down to the sand, and making passionate love to her. Devin couldn’t quite imagine his father acting this way at any stage in a relationship ever. And so Devin allowed his own wife to stir his emotions once again, and was more than happy to oblige.

Father waiting expectantly for the return of his family was disappointed when no-body came. Taking hold of his arm Mary told him, “Don’t worry Jacob, they are probably otherwise indisposed. They’ll come when they er, have er, finished.”
Father looked down at Mary, laughter in his eyes, “Perhaps we should follow their lead my love?” He was only joking, but the look that Mary sent out to him, left him in no doubt as to her needs. “Oh Mary”, he said gathering her against him, “or perhaps we should wait until we are married?”
“Could a marriage bed, be anymore perfect than this island?” Mary asked him then continued, “Jacob Wells, I have waited twenty-five years to have you make love to me, and now you have offered I am not waiting another moment.” Father was stunned, but did little to resist as Mary took his hand and pushed him firmly into the shrubbery.

*** *** ***

To be continued in Chapter Twenty-Four - click on 'Next' below:



                   

 


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