The Birthmark Read Online Free Page B

roof had sagged to the ground. All their possessions were gone: no mats, no clothes, no kitchenware. Everything taken.
    Tarema shook in an effort to suppress his tears, but Tepu stood tall and proud and would not cry even though the injustice made his throat prickle. He walked to the corner where his belongings had been. Only the smooth black stone lay in the sand, overlooked by the marines. Tepu knelt to pick it up and turned it over in his hands. He felt a surge of warmth, as if the stone had come alive all of a sudden.
    He remembered the night his grandfather had given him the stone. The old man smelled strongly of coconut oil and sweat. His silver hair contrasted sharply against the red-brown skin of his face. ‘This is the black stone of our ancestors, the black terns of the sea,’ he said. ‘A shaman has the stone to make himself strong and to use the ancestors’ magic.’
    Tepu was awestruck at the thought. He knew shamans were powerful and spoke to the spirit world. Each knew the laws and myths of their islands and the power of the gods.
    â€˜To be a shaman, when you reach manhood you must pass tests of strength and endurance,’ he said. ‘I am too old to come with you and guide you, Tepu. Keep this stone safe. It shall be a channel for my knowledge.’
    But for many years the stone had lain neglected by Tepu in favour of fishing and exploring. Right now, however, amidst this devastation, its hidden magic called to him. If only he knew how to harness the power of his ancestors. I will discover it, he vowed to himself. I will learn this stone’s magic and wield it against our enemies.

    Deboa Hotel Casino
Anbwido
Friday 25 June 2004
    Lorelei Fasitisat in the gaming room of the casino, her eyes reflecting the coloured lights of the screen in front of her. She chose her cards, a pair of kings, and pressed ‘DEAL’. The digital cards flashed before her. No luck. The kings blinked back at her and she pressed ‘DEAL’ again.
    â€˜You winning anything yet?’
    She didn’t look up from the screen. She knew it was Daphne. ‘No, nothing, bad luck day.’
    â€˜I got 200 dollars on this machine last week. Got a royal flush.’
    Lorelei turned to look at her. Daphne was the child of a mixed marriage and Lorelei envied her almond eyes, as well as her ability to make light of everything. She’d always been like that, even when they were friends at school. Those easy days had gone, but their friendship had remained steady. ‘Only 200? You should have bet more money.’
    â€˜I know, I’m gutless,’ Daphne said, laughing.
    â€˜Finished all your money?’ Lorelei asked her friend.
    â€˜Yeah, I’ve had enough. Besides, Olaf will kill me if I stay here all day. We’re going out tonight.’
    Lorelei smirked. Lucky bitch, she thought. Daphne’s marriage still had some energy to it. She couldn’t remember the last time she and Amos went out together peacefully. They couldn’t play that game anymore. The sharp remarks they threw at one another had severed any affection they once had. The faithful husband—whatever happened to that concept? Daphne must have noticed the wistful look on Lorelei’s face.
    â€˜You ought to check out if there’s anyone in the bar,’ Daphne said, lighting a cigarette. ‘Never know, might find yourself a good one.’
    â€˜ Suh! ’ she scoffed, eyeing Daphne with a straight face. Her upper lip curled. ‘I’m not that kind of girl.’
    Daphne slapped her on the back and the two of them burst into a fit of laughter.
    â€˜Eh, don’t look now, girl. Here comes a good one. I’ve always liked a man in uniform, myself.’
    Lorelei turned to follow Daphne’s glance. Two police officers were approaching. Lorelei recognised them at once. The shorter man was her husband’s old friend, Martin; his taller partner was the island’s champion