I was hoping for a couple of quiet weeks, just dealing with the post, answering letters, paying bills, filing receipts. Next month it will be much busier because the boats will start coming in for refits before the Gathering.

Susan came to visit, mostly to talk with the old ones and with me about what it means to be able to see the water, but she did tell me that our afternoon on the boat has led to problems for the boys, Jack especially, because he has been accused of lying about his experience. That hurts, I know. I remember how it felt when I was accused of lying about using the discipline of the mind all those years ago.

Anyway, it seemed the least I could do, to offer another afternoon and the opportunity for the children each to bring one friend.

I thought the afternoon had gone well. The children seemed to enjoy themselves, but I was conscious that three more families would be brought into contact with the water dimension. I didn’t expect quite the extent of the trouble it brought however.

One of the children came from a family that belongs to some kind of strict religious cult. Susan rang to warn me that the father was particularly angry that his son had been exposed to evil magic.

This afternoon I had visitors, the child and his parents and the cult leader.

It was horrible. He told me I was evil, shouted it at me, not just evil but a witch, a magician and even the devil. Then he started to curse me. I shut the door on him, shut and bolted it, but I could still hear his words, so filled with hatred.

I went out the back way and home to Day Bringer. At least I managed to get there before I started shaking.

I didn’t mean to call him, but suddenly, as I was fighting for control, Kel was there in my mind. He held me and we sang.