The band was closer now, the drums puncturing the growing darkness, sending goosebumps running up Nancy’s skin. The players, resplendent in their uniform, continued their march towards the water and the ancient yew tree. They stopped by the cafe and let the rest of the procession continue ahead of them. Nancy stood on tiptoes to peer over the crowds, her eyes hungry for Lara. She glimpsed Hannah and waved. There were a few of the other mums she recognized too. Then she saw Lara, a vision in nature’s green and yellow, smiling as if she was having the time of her life, looking as if she’d been riding for years. Nancy was suddenly swamped with that most precious of emotions: maternal love.
The crowd lifted phones, flashes went off and the torchbearers’ flaming candles left a path of acrid smoke as they crackled in the dark. Lara and Lupin slowed, caught in the crowd, and Nancy briefly lost sight of them. She looked for the straw bear but couldn’t see him either. Perhaps Dylan was also hidden amongst the horde, although with his height, Nancy thought she’d be able to spot him.
It’s said that the one thing the human eye notices most is movement amongst stillness. Nancy was distracted by a sudden motion a short distance away from the festival, where it was empty and dark. Two faces, lower down, among some trees. Children. Hiding. On some subconscious level, she felt a frisson of uneasiness. Unexplainable but distinctly threatening.
She looked over. Then she saw them again, pressed close.
Two girls. One of them, Rosie.
And she was staring gleefully, right into the crowd near the yew tree.
Nancy immediately turned her gaze back to the tree to try and ascertain what Rosie was staring at. But everything seemed to be fine. The throne was in place, waiting. She caught another glimpse of Lara on the horse.
Nancy looked back at the girls. You’re tired, she thought. All those sleepless nights. Maybe you’re imagining things. But it was clear they were beside themselves with anticipation and excitement. But for what? It panicked Nancy that she couldn’t work it out.
Suddenly people were around her, blocking her view. She couldn’t see the girls, couldn’t see Lara.