by Kimbra Swain
“Hey, Remy, we’ve got some of your people down here at the diner,” Levi said, searching my eyes.
“He was warm,” I admitted.
“Yeah, see you in a minute,” he said, hanging up the phone. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. “It will get better, and he didn’t mean anything by it.”
“You are defending him now?” I asked.
“I just know how much I’m attracted to you, and it’s difficult to hold back. He and I are in the same position,” he said.
I moved back out of his arms. “No, you aren’t. You are my best friend. You live in my house.”
“Which might make it worse,” he said.
“Oh,” I replied.
A portal opened to our left, and Astor stepped through with his sword. He looked at the visitors then back to us.
“It’s all good, Duracell,” Levi said.
Astor’s ginger hair jutted out in a wild, disheveled manner. It was unlike him to look so unkempt. Then it hit me. The man was a newlywed.
“Astor, you look well-rode,” I said. Levi snickered. I’d seen Astor blush, but his face, neck and hands turned a deep red.
“Are my skills needed?” he muttered.
“No, we are fine,” I replied.
“Very well,” he said swinging his sword in a circle to open the portal again.
“Looks good on you,” I called to him. He looked back to me and winked. The portal swished shut behind him.
“Lucky bastard,” Levi said.
“Indeed,” Atohi echoed. I hadn’t realized he was still paying attention to our conversation.
“Thank you for your assistance, Atohi,” I said.
“Of course, my Queen. I am at your service.” He bowed at his waist then returned to the visitors.
Remy pulled up in a Lincoln Town Car. He and Tabitha exited the vehicle. She approached me while Remy joined Atohi. They shook hands as if they knew each other.
“They friends?” I asked Tabitha.
“Remy knows most of the First People. Just part of his association with them. Atohi is a midnight Cherokee wolf. Have you seen him shifted?” she asked.
“No,” I replied.
“He’s completely black. No other color on him. His coloring is rare,” she said.
“Troy used to be almost black, but I’ve noticed his color lighten,” I said.
“He takes on the characteristics of his pack as the alpha. Kind of like representing them all,” she said.
“It’s a good thing I don’t do that,” I said.
“I dunno. You might look cool with Luther’s fire wings,” Levi interjected.
“That would be awesome,” I admitted. “Dominick says that Atohi isn’t a good person.”
“I dunno. I’ve talked to him a few times when I’ve patched the wolves up after their fights,” she said. “He seems okay. It’s not like we know Dominick that well either.”
“True,” I responded.
“Plus, we know Dominick has an agenda,” Levi said.
Tabitha smiled. I knew she was about to tease him. I could see the look in her eyes. “What agenda might that be, Levi?”
“Grace. His agenda is Grace,” Levi said flatly trying not to play her game.
“He moving in on your girl?” she pressed.
“No,” Levi responded.
“It takes more to rile him up than it used to,” she said to me.
“Not really,” I said. “He’s riled up on the inside.”
Levi rolled his eyes, then turned his attention to the conversation going on with the visitors. He wasn’t very good at pretending not to listen to them.
But then, Tabitha threw him a bone, “It’s not like Levi has anything to worry about though, right?” She decided to turn her efforts to make one of us uncomfortable to me. It worked.
“Absolutely nothing,” I replied.
“See, Levi. Nothing to worry about,” she said. Levi only grunted in response.
Remy approached us with Atohi and the men following him.
“Grace Ann Bryant, Queen of the Exiles, Daughter of Oberon, I present to you Chaytan of the Sioux, Hosa of the Arapaho, and Talako of the Choctaw. They have come to meet the new Thunderbird and bless him,” Remy said.
“I would like to represent the Cherokee in this matter,” Atohi said. “If these men and you approve.”
“The midnight wolf is welcome to represent his tribe. Is that acceptable to you?” Chaytan asked.
“Yes, of course,” I replied. “Welcome to Shady Grove. I offer to meet whatever needs you have while here and am happy to present to you my son.”
“Keme Rowtag was a good man, and his passing is a loss for this world. My condolences,” Hosa said.
“Thank you,” I replied, trying to maintain control of my emotions. “Levi, would you mind going to get Aydan?”
“Be right back,” he said.
“Ask Luther to come with us and bring Winnie,” I said. He nodded, then ran back into the diner.
Remy had explained the blessing ritual to me. I dreaded it because we had to return to the place that Dylan died. In most cases that was impossible, but apparently, the traditional ceremony would take place where the Thunderbird died or at an erected memorial.
“I understand the Phoenix is now your daughter,” Chaytan said.
“Yes, Wynonna, my adopted daughter is now the Phoenix. She is being trained by our friend, Luther, who is Ifrit,” I said.
“Ifrit!” Hosa exclaimed. “Is he safe?”
I smiled. “He is a kind and gentle man unless provoked. I suggest you stay away from his mate. She’s the banshee inside the diner there,” I said.
“We had heard your kingdom was diverse. This is a good environment for the Thunderbird to grow up in. His skills are perfect for this situation,” Hosa said.
“Yes. Dylan was perfect here as well. Everyone loved him,” I said.
Levi came outside holding Aydan who looked at the men standing around me. His little eyes widened and he reached for me. Winnie and Luther came out of the diner behind them. Betty followed them out last. I took Aydan from Levi.
“Momma,” he said holding on to my neck tightly.
“He does not look like us,” Chaytan said.
“No, he looks like his father,” Hosa replied. “Who I believe could shift to look more like us.”
“Yes, he could,” I replied. Even though I had only seen it once, Dylan in his Native form was sexy as hell.
“Would you please place the child on the ground? We have to be sure he is the Thunderbird,” Chaytan requested.
“Aydan, these men are here to meet you. Be Momma’s brave boy and stand up for them,” I said, bending at the knees to set him down. He stood up on his chubby legs watching me closely. “It’s okay, Little Bird. Momma is right here.” I turned him around to face the men who watched the exchange closely.
Chaytan lifted his hands to the sky. Hosa, the silent Talako, and Atohi mimicked his movements.
“Great Spirit, reveal the truth to us this day. Is this the son of Keme Rowtag, the last of the Thunderbirds?” Chaytan called to the sky. Clouds billowed out of nothing forming a thick cover over the night sky. Chaytan lowered his hands, then clapped them together loudly. The other three did so with him in unison.
I felt power moving around us like I’d only felt once when Dylan shifted. Aydan took one step toward the men with his eyes fixed on the sky. His chubby arms reached out in front of him, and he slapped his hands together in the same way that they had. A crack of thunder erupted across the clouds with tendrils of lightning rippling over it. Winnie whimpered and Levi bent down to hug her. Luther and Betty stared at the sky in wonder as the lightning continued to ripple over the clouds.
“Wow,” Tabitha muttered.
“Well, done, Aydan. We shall bless you, making you one of us,” Chaytan said. “Please take us to the place where his father died.”
“I don’t want to go,” Winnie cried.
“Winnie, do y
ou want to stay here with Luther and Betty?” I asked.
“Yes, Momma. I can’t go there,” she said as a tear rolled down her cheek. My heart broke for her. I didn’t want to go there either, but for Aydan’s sake, I would.
“Do you mind?” I said looking up at Luther.
“Of course not. She may stay with us,” he said.
“I’ll have her train as a junior waitress,” Betty smiled.
“Alright,” I said. Levi released her, and she ran to the door of the diner with Betty and Luther.
After watching her disappear into the diner, Remy spoke. “We have several vehicles here. We should be able to transport everyone to where Dylan died.”
“I’ve got it,” Levi said, shifting Excalibur in his hands. He stepped away from the group pulling power as he passed me. Sweeping the sword in a circle, a glittering portal appeared before him. The field where Dylan died lied just beyond the portal. He stepped to the side, leaving the portal open for us to all walk through. It was amusing that he did it when Tennyson wasn’t present.
Remy and Tabitha led our visitors through as I scooped up Aydan. Stopping beside Levi before stepping through I smiled at him. “Been working on it?” I asked.
“Yes, it was important to get it right. I’m still unsure about stepping into the Otherworld, but I will do it when the time comes,” he said.
“Pretty,” Aydan said reaching for the glowing edges of the circle.
“Yes, very pretty. Your Uncle Levi makes good circles,” I said.
“Are you okay with this?” he asked.
“Dunno,” I replied truthfully.
“No worries. I’m here,” he said.
I stepped through the portal with Aydan into the darkened field. The gypsy’s RVs were in the distance. I was sure they probably saw us step through the portal. I didn’t know if we needed to have an audience or not. I didn’t know if it mattered. Levi closed the portal behind us. I felt his hand on my waist as we walked toward the gathering.
Chaytan reached out his hands over the place where Dylan died. I swallowed down my grief which bubbled to the surface.
“The memory of him is still here. He imprinted this place for his son,” he said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“When one of our people dies, they leave behind a memory of their life. A soul imprint. Some call it a Chindi. Either way, part of Keme Rowtag is still here,” he said. “Please place your child here. No harm will come to him.”
“Can you explain to me what is going to happen?” I asked.
“Of course, as a mother, I’m sure you want to make sure he is safe. This is Aydan’s inheritance. His father left behind a piece of himself that can only be taken on by his son. Our blessing of your son accepts him into our culture and the imprint will move into his life force. Knowledge of his power and responsibilities to the human race will rest in his heart. Just as it did for Dylan when his father died,” he said. “We will also give him his First People name. Dylan’s father named him Serafino Taranis. His other name was given to him by his mother’s people, Keme Rowtag. Likewise, your son will receive a name from his father’s people.”
“Dylan picked out Aydan’s name,” I said, then realized it was a bit disrespectful. “And I’m sure you will give him a wonderful name to go with it.” Not that he needed another name, but tradition, you know.
“If you are ready, we will begin. Please remain outside the circle,” Chaytan said.
“Yes, of course,” I replied. In truth, I wondered if a mother was ever ready to have something done to their child. I didn’t know how this would affect Aydan or what the outcome would be after it was done. Levi stood close feeling my uncertainty, but I felt it from him as well. His heart was invested in Aydan. He had been a part of Aydan's life from the moment he was born.
“Come with me, Aydan,” Chaytan said, offering his hand to Aydan. He reached up, grabbing one of Chaytan’s weathered fingers, and allowed the man to lead him to the exact spot where Dylan left this earth. I took a deep breath to compose myself.
The four men took a spot to form a circle around Aydan. Reaching out with my instincts, I felt the breeze slide slowly over my arm. Each hair bent to its force. A chill rippled down my spine as the power of the four men was drawn to them through the atmosphere. In many ways, the Druids and the First People worship and conduct ceremonies the same. Without a compass, I knew each man stood at one of the four directions. This principle was important to their culture.
Chaytan began to chant and sway. Aydan stood completely still watching the men as they gathered their voices to join the man at the North compass point. Louder they sang and the clouds boiled overhead.
One by one each of the men shifted into an animal form. Atohi became the Midnight Wolf. Chaytan exploded into a large hovering falcon. Talako also spread his arms wide becoming a giant golden eagle. Feathers flew once again as Hosa became a foreboding, black crow.
“Birdy,” Aydan said pointing at the men.
Lightning flashed across the sky illuminating the field. A silvery haze formed above Aydan’s head then lowered itself over his body like putting a shirt on over your head. He giggled as it settled into him.
“Levi,” Remy said next to us. As I focused on what was happening to my son. My body tensed leaning forward on my toes.
“Huh?” Levi said, mesmerized by the sight.
“Levi!” Remy said with more force.
“What?” Levi snapped toward him.
“Hold her back,” he replied.
“What?” Levi and I said turning toward him.
The flashes of electric current in the sky quickened, and the static built up around us. I felt uneasy and my hairs stood on end.
“Hold her back!” Remy shouted over the growing storm.
Levi tightened his grip on my waist, as we watched the lightning striking the ground around us. My motherly instinct fired, and I lunged toward Aydan.
“Aydan!” I screamed.
Levi wrenched back as I tried to get to my son. Aydan smiled at the flashing lights, but my heart pounded in fear.
“Let me go!” I screamed, struggling against Levi's grip. I clawed at his arm as he wrestled with me.
“He’s fine. It's okay,” Levi urged. I wasn’t sure he believed it himself.
“Let. Me. Go!” The command came too late.
With a loud boom, we tumbled to the ground. The last thing I saw was a thick glowing white bolt strike my son in the middle of the field.
In a matter of seconds, my mind processed a million thoughts. Nearly half them were different ways to kill Levi for holding me in place when my son was in danger. The other half centered around the panic for Aydan. Was he alright? Was he hurt? Was the bolt of lightning part of the ritual? What would Dylan think of me if I let something happen to our son?
When the haze in my head cleared, I shoved Levi away from me. The field was filled with smoke and the pungent smell of burning flesh.
“Grace, wait,” he begged.
“You better be glad I don't kill you on the spot!” I snarled climbing to my feet.
“Remy said…”
“That's your excuse?” I yelled. Levi’s eyes widened realizing how serious I was about ending his life.
“Grace, Aydan is fine,” Remy said as he helped Tabitha off the ground. The man could be lackadaisical in a four-alarm house fire.
“Fuck both of you,” I said, rushing towards the mound of smoking flesh in the center of the men.
“That sounds like an excellent proposal,” Remy quipped.
I ignored him as I ran to my son. Levi followed me but kept some space between us. He knew I wasn’t joking. Never stand between a mother and her child.
“Aydan! Are you alright?” I screamed as the little human ball unfurled.
Long hairy legs, skinny arms, and a head full of sandy blonde hair emerged in the smoke. But steady cobalt eyes focused on me as he tried to stand up.
I stood in horror looking at the y
oung man who had taken the place of my son. He looked old enough to drive. My hands covered my gaping mouth.
“I'm okay, Mom,” he said. A wide grin formed on his face.
A smile I had dreamed about. A smile that I knew. A memory of his father.
“Aydan?” I whispered as I approached him slowly.
“Yeah, it's me. Can’t you tell?” he asked, looking down at his new arms and legs.
“Where is my baby?” I said as my voice trembled. My hands shook as I reached for him.
The four men had reformed into their human shapes wearing the same clothes as before. I realized then they were shifters like Dylan when he became Thunderbird.
“The Thunderbird must be more than a child, but not quite a man,” Chaytan said.
“No,” I whimpered. Levi moved closer, but he dared not touch me.
“His body had to change to accept the knowledge and power of his father. Had he taken it on as he was, he would have forgotten it as he aged slowly. He is still your son, and we must name him,” he said.
“You have done quite enough,” I fussed, staring at my teenage son.
“It’s okay, Mom,” Aydan huffed. “Don’t go all crazy and stuff.”
I started to scold him, but I just couldn’t. I had just lost 3 or 4 years of his already accelerated life. What was I going to tell Winnie?
He walked toward me naked as a jaybird. Good grief. He was almost a man. He was a not so miniature Dylan.
“I just can't. This is. Oh, my goddess…” I stammered.
He looked me in the eye and placed his too large hand on my shoulder.
“I'll always be your baby boy, Mom,” he said.
I stumbled toward him as the tears began to fall. His long, lean arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace.
“I'm too young to have a teenager,” I muttered.
His laugh started low in his chest then rumbled out in full force. I heard Levi snickering behind me as well.
“You and I will have words later,” I said to Levi.
“I know,” he replied with no added argument. One thing about Levi was that once he dug a hole, he'd stand in it instead of digging it deeper.
“A fine-looking young man,” Remy proclaimed.
“You knew this would happen?” I asked.
“Didn't you?” Remy asked.
