I winced as the wind blew furiously, pelting my legs with sand grains that felt more like a thousand tiny needles digging into my skin. The air was never still along the shore. A constant annoyance that I was forced to ignore. I bent down to pick up another greenish rock. A quick examination. I threw it back. Marble; not what I wanted. I needed to find at least a dozen serpentine rocks today.
My grandmother taught me how to distinguish marble from serpentine. For hours she and I would walk along the shores of our island home searching for the elusive rocks. It was difficult, but I finally got the hang of distinguishing them. Marble rocks didn’t polish well while serpentine did easily, she often told me, her soft yet firm voice still clear in my ears. Serpentine was highly prized for its jewel-like luster; my grandmother made sure I understood that importance. But no longer would she be there to help. A pang of sadness struck me at the all too recent loss. I was determined to use what she taught me. Searching for the green stones was fun and the perfect job for a fourteen-year-old girl like me. I was carefree, spirited, and had little responsibility. I often wiled away the days daydreaming. However, I took gathering serpentine seriously and today I needed the distraction.
My feet clamored over the wet stones. I slipped my hand under an overhanging ledge hoping to pull up a green gem. But only pearly shells clung to my fingers. I stood. The sky was overcast and a thick fog loomed over the water; a typical day here. Dreary, but I didn’t mind. I scanned the shore for the next spot to search. My eyes settled on something that made me jolt in surprise. A figure stood wistfully staring at the ocean.
Curiosity and annoyance rippled through me. No one comes to my shore. I had to know who intruded on my beach. I crept closer. It was a boy, probably not much older than me. The words of my father came to mind; don’t talk to strangers. But I couldn’t ignore the boy. Curiosity was my weakness.
“Hello? Why are you on my shores?” I called over the howling wind.
The boy turned. He wore strange fancy clothes. I felt a little shoddy in my simple blue dress and bare feet.
“Oh, I hope I’m not intruding here,” said the boy.
“That depends, these are my shores, the Serpentine Shores of Siyl’Azure,” I said proudly gesturing to the pristine coast.
“Might I ask what a fair maiden is doing out on this blustery, dreadfully foggy day? Pray tell oh heavenly blossom.”
I was reluctant to respond but my nervousness was belayed by his wonderful charm.
“Searching for serpentine rocks.” I was proud to state my reason.
“That sounds fun. And you are?” He pointed to me.
“I’m Heather.” I responded a little too quickly.
“That’s a beautiful name. I’m Pete.” He grinned, his blue eyes sparkling.
My cheeks felt hot. I wondered what this sensation in my chest was. I had to know more about this boy. Questions filled my head faster than a diving skylark.
“Where are you from?”
“I’m from across the coves, an island to the east. My father has business on this island. I got bored and wandered here.”
A tinge of wariness lingered at the back of my mind but he appeared genuine. I caught myself staring. He was awfully handsome.
“May I join you in searching for rocks?” Pete asked.
“I suppose there is no harm,” I said, twirling my red locks.
“I would love to find some serpentine to see if it compares to your beauty.”
It must have been a spell. I was speechless at his charms. I could not refuse him.
He and I walked up the shores searching for rocks. I showed him the basics of distinguishing serpentine from marble. Both rocks washed up along the shore sparingly but I always knew how to find them. Something inside me warned me not to give away my family’s secrets but I didn’t see any harm in telling this charming boy. How could anyone so kind be dangerous? He was very interested in everything I said, engulfing it like a hungry pelican. I enjoyed his company. No other boy I knew paid so much attention to me nor was so kind. The hours passed quickly. Soon it was time to head home. But I didn’t want to leave.
“Shall I see you again?” he asked smiling brightly.
“I don’t know.” Inside I dearly hoped I would.
“If I do not, it will be like the moon never rising again. Please, come here tomorrow,” said Pete.
Hope leaped inside me. Refusal was futile.
“I would love that. Tomorrow.” My heart thundered as I ran home.
At dinner I was distracted. My thoughts would not leave the mysterious boy. Everything about him captivated me. When my father asked why I stared at the wall like a mindless jellyfish I simply said I was tired. He laughed at me but let it go. That night I dreamed of the boy.
The next day he waited for me with that wonderful smile. We gathered serpentine together and found twice as much as I would have alone. He asked many questions about the shore and rocks and I answered eagerly. It was a joy to be with someone that liked me and what I did. Few friends even bothered to spend time with me so this was a treat.
“You are the most beautiful girl on this island.” His piercing eyes cut right through me. His flattery made me stutter. I couldn’t respond. But my awkward smile was enough because the returned smile reached his eyes.
My yellow dress rippled in the wind as we stood on an emerald hill overlooking the glistening shores at the setting sun. The rocks gleamed gold and the sky deep purple. My heart fluttered. A warm tingling feeling threatened to overwhelm me. Am I falling for him? No way. I have far too many adventures ahead to settle down and fall in love.
Something touched my hand. I looked down. Pete’s hand wrapped around mine. I melted under his touch and squeezed back gently. His eyes reached mine and my face felt aflame. A fire raged inside me. I wanted to keep holding forever. The sun was nearly below the horizon. Mother would be upset if I was any later. I pulled my hand free and stepped back.
“I must go.” I waved goodbye and skipped home.
I found my heart yearning for him to be there the next day. Morning came and I hurried to the beach. I was overly joyous when I saw him on the shore, that blinding smile beckoning me like an ant to sugar. His kind words and charming smile entranced me with a fondness I hadn’t known and couldn’t escape.
All that day we had fun together; skipping rocks, finding serpentine, and playing in the water. It was blissful and I didn’t want it to end. This was the best summer ever.
“Can you come to the shore after twelve tomorrow? I must be with my father in the morning. Don’t come early,” said Pete. His tone was a little harsh but I took it up to him being tired. We had played all day.
“Of course,” I agreed happily if only to enjoy more time with this charming boy that was taking my heart places I didn’t know existed.
“You are like blooming flowers on a sunlit hill Heather, radiantly beautiful.” He kissed my hand then left. My heart beat wildly. My hands were sweaty. So many sensations I was not used to cascaded inside me but I enjoyed it.
Morning came quickly. I scarfed down my eggs and toast so fast my mother scolded me. I shrugged it off saying I was extra hungry from all the walks along the beach. A partial lie. Afterword I felt bad about lying but there was no way I could tell her I was meeting a strange boy. I couldn’t let my fantasy end. Fairy tales were my favorite books after all.
I tried waiting. It was like slogging through tar. The hours ticked by endlessly. Anticipation strangled me. I paced in the front yard admiring the butterflies flocking to the chrysanthemums. But even that didn’t quell my eagerness. The clock rang. It was only ten. Twelve was an eternity away. I could wait no longer.
I’ll go to the shore early and surprise him. There at least I can look for some serpentine and not be so bored.
I skipped onto the sand then froze, aghast. Strange men scoured the beach—my beach. Pete was among them. A shiver tore down my back. The wind stung against my face. Standing was all I could do, as my jaw hung open.
Pete strode toward me with a peculiar scowl.
“Heather? I told you not to come.” His tone was harsh, ragged.
“Pete? What’s going on?” The words tumbled off my lips like dry sand.
“I said it before; my father is doing business here. He thinks this beach is perfect for a resort. We are gathering all the serpentine to help pay. This is all thanks to you Heather. You showed me how beautiful this place is and how to find serpentine. People will flock here.”
My heart flared in anger. A deep wrenching pain gripped me. Betrayal stung bitterly. My heart couldn’t decide between anger or anguish.
“You mistook my kindness and used it against me. How could you? I told you about the serpentine because I trusted you!” I squealed.
Pete ran his hand through his thick tangle of hair.
“You are such a gullible but kind girl Heather. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy our time together. But it wasn’t anything real. You fall for flowery words like a fish drawn to warm shallows. It was so easy.”
His words cut into my heart. My carefree life was shattering. My grandmother warned me of such things. That day I knew what it was like to have a broken heart. The harshness of reality became tangible to me. This was all my fault. Shame riddled my mind and anger gnawed at my soul. But what enraged me even more was how he was destroying my family’s legacy.
“You mare the memory of my late grandmother! You cannot destroy my beach and steal my serpentine!” I hollered loud enough to cause the workers to pause.
“This land is not owned by your family. It is public land. Therefore, it can be bought,” hissed Pete. I had never seen such a change in someone before. The charming kind boy was gone and replaced by a cold acrimony. It made me sick to the stomach.
“You will not be allowed to gather serpentine here Heather. The beach will be ours and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You should go home and play with your doll’s little girl, leave this business to proper adults,” said Pete.
Crack. The reality of adulthood smashed into me. I wondered how I could have been so foolish to fall for this boy’s masquerading charms when his real intentions were harm. Something inside me raged. I couldn’t be that carefree girl anymore. I would fight for what I loved fiercely. I was responsible for showing my family’s secrets to an outsider. And I would embrace that responsibility however painful.
I stomped my foot on a rock, the very sand vibrating my fierce intent.
“You will not own these shores. I will honor my grandmother and family. I will stop you and your father! The Serpentine Shores of Siyl’Azure will not fall to you!” I declared.
Pete frowned, a flicker of concern crossing his face.
I smiled, knowing I could win if I put my heart into this fight. My shores would never fall to the hands of someone like Pete. That I swore.
Sarah Zuehlke enjoys writing epic fantasy stories filled with dragons, magic, and wonder. She is currently working on a fantasy novel series she hopes to get published. Her writing experience includes several short stories, a plethora of flash fiction stories, and novellas. An artist at heart, she enjoys creating oil landscape paintings, animal portraits, and digital art. She also creates a monthly fantasy adventure webcomic called Kalimire’s Quest posted on Webtoons. When not lost in writing or creating art, she loves being in nature enjoying hiking, biking, and collecting insects. Check out her Instagram and YouTube channel to see her work. To read her webcomic go to Webtoons.
Artwork by the author.
Mountain Jay Books 