A Fallen Leaf

The sea was like glass without a ripple, reflecting the clouds above, yet the surfer sped towards the beach, growing more distinct, the raven circling overhead. A man, probably a tall man, thought Tel. How is he doing it with no waves? Tel stepped back from the sea as the surfer noticed him and turned his board towards him. He had a grim look on his face as the board hit the coarse sand and dissolved away. Magic, Tel gasped. He could almost smell it. 

“What are you doing here? Are you here for me? Did you get the summons?” The man approached Tel, his hands tensed like claws at his sides.

Tel went pale. “What summons? What do you mean?”

“Did you get a call?”

“No! Nothing. I was early so I was just . . .” What did he mean by ‘call’? Was it the dream he had when he fell asleep on the train here? That dream that had him paddling in the sea with someone at his side. The rocky coast drew him almost as soon as he alighted from the train carriage at the station. It was situated overlooking the bay. He’d registered at the Manor Hotel and headed back as soon as he could.  “I .  . . maybe. I have an invitation.”

The man frowned before nodding.

“Is this a private beach? Private cove? Sorry, I didn’t know. I have an invitation for some sort of week-end do at the manor house, the hotel. I thought this cove belonged to the manor.”

The man stared at Tel, looking him up and down. Tel dropped his eyes and blushed as he noticed the man’s prominent bulge showing through the wet suit. He looked back up and was caught by the man’s deep blue eyes. “It does. I’m heading there as well. I want to see your invitation as guests are not expected this early.”

“My mistake. I must have misread the time. I thought I'd look around until I can use my room.”

“When’s that?”

“In a couple of hours or so. I think. You’re early as well.”

“Besides the point. Show me the invitation.”

“I haven’t got it on me.”

“Is it nearby?”

“It’s in my backpack,” Tel turned and pointed back at the rocks. He led the way up the beach. He reached for his backpack and opened the side pocket. He pulled out the envelope and handed it to the man.

“Terrence Briers? That you?” The man looked at him, frowning.

Tel nodded. “Tel. Most people call me Tel.”

“I’m not most people,” he said. ”The postmark on this is seven years old.”

“I know. Weird. I found it recently amongst my mother’s things, tucked in a drawer. In a stack of unopened letters.” It was weird. They were all addressed to him. His mother had never hidden things from him. He was sure or least he had been until he had found those letters. It was not like her at all. The letter with the invitation was on top like it was waiting for him.

“Your mother’s passed? Sorry for your loss.”

“What? Oh, no, she’s fine. She’s gone off somewhere. To find herself or some crap. Left her cottage to me. Said I could keep what I wanted and release the rest into the world. Her words. She’ll be back when she gets bored. She’s all New Age.”

“New Age?”

“Some weird spiritual thing from the nineties or eighties.” He frowned. “Seventies? Before I was born but still important to her. I’m not sure what it was all about other than all the whale songs and boring music I had to listen to growing up.” He did not mention the magic, the spells, the potions. The things he shared with his mother alone.

The man lifted the envelope to his nose. “What can I smell?” He brought it close to Tel’s nose briefly. 

“Lad’s love and lavender.” Tel sniffed again. “Maybe some thyme.”

“Are you a herbalist?”

Tel shook his head. “No. I’m an astrophysicist. I hope to be. I work remotely for an observatory.” He gave a shy grin. “My mother had a herb garden. Taught me all about it.”

“Obviously not a herbalist.” The man raised a brow. 

“My mum is a better one.”

“I can look inside?” he said, opening the envelope and taking out the card within. He read the card, his lips smiling slightly. “You're a bit old for your initiation.”

“Initiation? It says invitation. I read it as invitation. Can I see?” He reached for it but the man moved it out of his reach. Tel shrugged. “I’m just twenty-eight. How is that old?”

“Twenty-eight you say. I’d’ve thought older. Still, my favourite age, Terrence.” He smirked.

Tel blushed, making his deep tan skin glow. “Just twenty eight.”

“Just? It’s your birthday today. On the seventh day of the seventh month of the year. Auspicious, as it is 2023.”

Tel frowned. “2023?” He closed his eyes and let the numbers flow. Two plus zero plus two plus three. Seven. 2023 divided by seven. Two eight nine. He opened his eyes. “Somewhat auspicious.”

“So it is.” He reached out and clasped Tel’s chin and turned his head to the right and then to the left before releasing him. “Very auspicious and lucky. For you.” He frowned. “At least . . .” He paused and gave Tel a brief smile. The man returned his attention back to the card. “I see you can bring a plus one.” He raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t . . .” Tel shook his head. “I don’t know anyone,” he whispered.

“You know me.”

“You? I don’t know you. I don’t even know your name.”