Page 34 of Capricorn Blessed

“I’m thinking near water,” I answer. “It’s a hair comb set with pearls. Maybe if we look up lakes near old cities or towns, something will ring true.”

“Seems easier than randomly traveling the world and hoping to find one hair piece,” Kenric says.

We pull out our phones and start searching. The guys call out different lakes, occasionally showing me pictures. All the lakes that seem likely are in Ontario, Canada, so we decide to head there and start moving between. Maybe luck will be on our side and get us to the right one quickly.

Packing our bags and making sure not to leave a trace of who was here, we head out.

We make a few stops on our way to the airport. First to meet up with someone who owns Kenric a favor and was good at forging papers. He creates an ID and passport for Beorn. His have been lost at some time over the past two years and we don’t have the time to go through the proper channels to get replacements. Second to pick up warmer clothes for everyone. Errands done, we drive to the airport and hopefully the last leg of this journey.

We land in Sault Ste. Marie and step outside into the freezing air. I shiver as we head to a kiosk to rent a car. I laugh when the only car they have available is a minivan, but beggars can’t be choosers.

We climb in and crank the heat as high as it will go. It isn’t snowing, but it feels like it could soon with the gray sky and bone-chilling wind.

Pulling out my phone, I search for lakes near me and direct Dennis toward the closest one. We drive for a little while before pulling into the lot and stepping out of the car.

The wind is stronger closer to the water, but no feeling of being near something important comes to me.

“It’s not here,” I say, reentering the car.

We find the next closest lake and repeat the process. Same result. By the tenth lake, I’m getting discouraged.

“Maybe I was wrong about coming here.” I sigh. “Maybe we should find somewhere to stay and see if there’s anywhere else that seems like the right place.”

“You haven’t been wrong yet,” Dennis says, reaching over and giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m not saying it’s not possible, but I’m saying I believe in you.”

“We all do,” Kenric says.

“You found the others by relying on your gut,” Beorn says. “Don’t give up now.”

I smile sadly but nod. “One more for now, and then we will find somewhere to regroup and rethink. Deal?”

They nod in agreement, and we pull up at the eleventh lake of the day.

The minivan turns into the parking lot, and a small flutter in my gut makes me gasp.

“You okay, love?” Kenric asks.

“I don’t want to get too excited yet,” I start, “but I think we may be close.”

Dennis parks the van, and all four of us climb out. Moving toward the edge of the water, I stop.

“Guys, look!” I yell.

“You found it that quickly?” Beorn asks, moving toward me.

“No, but there’s snow here!” I point to the land surrounding the lake as proof.

Dennis laughs at my enthusiasm. “Sometimes that happens around the lakes. Something to do with warm water, cold air, and some other science-y things. But yes, snow is fun and exciting.”

“It hasn’t snowed in the city yet. The first snow is always the most magical. This must be a sign,” I answer.

I look both directions before picking the right and walking to the edge of the parking lot. I see a sign about ice caves, and the feeling in my gut grows stronger.

The guys stay at my back as we hurry down the path. I’m practically running as the path dips down toward the water. A barrier across the path causes us to stop.

Ice Caves Closed. Do Not Enter.

We look at each other.

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