THE ENCHANTED RIVER

- Book Extract Five -

Graco made the sign of the cross, murmured a prayer and took Nathan to one side.
‘You know I am a true-born gypsy,’ he whispered, ‘A Gitano from Spain and…we do not like to cross water…’ he looked at Nathan apologetically and received a sympathetic grin in return.
‘I know, I know,’ Graco raised his hands in a defensive action, ‘I have been to sea many times with your father but…’ he looked around furtively and brought Nathan closer to him, ‘this river is enchanted.’ He said the last word with a kind of horror and Nathan looked at him, startled. Graco continued, ‘Yes, yes – the River Rhine has dragons and sirens – things that lure men to their deaths. Believe me; we must protect ourselves at all times.’ With that he pressed a small pouch on a leather thong into Nathan’s hands.
‘Wear this around your neck. It is a potent charm.’ Nathan looked at the departing Graco with disbelief, and then he opened the pouch. It contained a collection of small shells, nothing more, but he could see Graco signalling to him from the other boat, so he tied it around his neck to placate him.