The Witch of the Western Gate: Dragon's Gift

by P. K. Brent

  Rafe was dismayed, not that Talon had been out but that he, Rafe had not heard him rise. It was yet another reminder that Talon had far greater prowess in hunting and stalking. Hardly surprising since Talon came from a branch of the family that spent long periods of time in feral wolf form running with the Canadian wolf packs. Talon was his cousin and friend, but not an ordinary cousin since it was customary to call any member of the Ironwolf clan "cousin" and sometimes even "brother." Talon was a biological cousin, since his father and Rafe's father were brothers. Talon was smaller than Rafe, with a light, slim form and less height. Although Talon likely had more Mohawk blood in him than Rafe did, his hair was much lighter and fell in honey blond waves to his shoulders, framing his handsome face. Talon's features were small and fine, with a chiselled jawbone, high cheekbones and large dark eyes. Talon was simply striking with his light hair, dark eyes, bronze skin and handsome features.

  "So what were you doing," inquired Rafe.

  "Hunting."

  "Why did you go alone? I would have gone with you." Talon could see that Rafe was a little hurt.

  "I had to go alone," replied Talon gently, with a soft smile. I was engaged in a stalking d'honeure.

  "An honor stalking?" replied Rafe. "Really?" Rafe had heard of honor stalkings, but had never done one himself. In fact, there were so few werewolves in the area, that he only met Wolven outside his immediate family at the bi-monthly Iron Wolf Clan meetings. He'd never been to a Wolven Convention, where he could meet werewolves from different clans.

  "What type of honor stalking?" asked Rafe. He applauded himself that at least he knew there were various kinds. "There's no one around here for you to fight or take revenge upon. There's no one you've offended. You don't have a mate and you're too young to court a mate anyway. So what's it for and who are you stalking?"

  "I am stalking the wife of our wolven neighbor, Lou Stone."

  Rafe fell back on the bed. "What? Grandma Lily? Why on earth are you stalking Grandma Lily? I could bring you over there anytime you want, and you've already met her. Why the honor stalking?"

  "I must prove myself worthy as a mate," replied Talon.

  Rafe had difficulty stopping his laughter. "Don't you think Grandma Lily is too old for you?" He chuckled some more. "Besides, trying to steal Lou Stone's mate is insane. He may be old but he is wily and tough. He beat Brando wrestling, once again, at last month's clan meeting."

  Talon gave Rafe a look of disdain. "I am not attempting to win her as a mate. I would never attempt to claim someone else's mate or intended. I wish to prove my worth to her, and to Lou Stone as well, so that Grandma Lily will aid me. Didn't you have your coming of age rite during the last rabbit moon? Oui. Je sais. I was there and had mine at the same time."

  Rafe's face was completely blank. "Our coming of age rite? What does that have to do with anything?"

  "It means," huffed Talon. "It means that we have come of age and have the rights of men wolves in the clan. One of those rights is that we can choose a mate."

  "What's the rush?" asked Rafe. "We have plenty of time. Why would you even want to deal with all that hassle?"

  Talon shook his head. "I love you as a brother, Rafe, but sometimes you are tres imbecile. Stupide! We must start NOW before all the good ones are taken. It can take years to win a mate!"

  "Who are you after?," asked Rafe, worriedly unravelling a thread from his socks.

  "Why, the spirit girl of course" replied Talon.

  "The spirit girl? What spirit girl?"

  Talon tossed a t-shirt at Rafe. "Qui? L'une qui parle...The one who speaks to spirits. That girl. She dance with white bicycle last night on Valentine's day at concert."

  "Oh Stella!" replied Rafe, looking relieved. "I never thought of her being a called a spirit girl, but you're right. She does talk to spirits. She can talk to the dead. How did you know? I don't recall telling you about that."

  "I can tell from her aura that she is spirit girl," replied Talon. "Very rare. Also, I had a vision of her, one of the raisons I wished to move in with you cousin, though not the only raison."

  "I wish I were a shaman like you or a necromancer like Stella," replied Rafe. "Being able to see auras and talk to ghosts and stuff. Must be exciting."

  Talon laughed. "I would not call it exciting. Takes great skill, is scary and un peu dangerous. My talent is not the same as Stella's, but similar. Bon chance to meet a girl who could really understand me. I mostly parle with nature powers, even old gods of the earth, and I have visions. I speak to our wise ancestors at times, but I cannot command them. Spirit girl can command the dead. Still, Stella and I are alike. We have a sharing and a knowing already."

  "Stella is a necromancer," replied Rafe. She can talk to the dead, and she can command them too, he admitted. She is not supposed to do it until after she has more training. She's supposed to wear her grandmother's ring for protection, so the ghosts won't bother her. But I've seen her do it a few times anyway, when she thought it was necessary. Also, only a few people know. Necromancers are valuable and could be kidnapped for their gift. Most of them go insane too. Grandma Lily has been training Stella so far, mostly on controlling her thoughts and summoning the ghosts into a triangle with herself safe in a circle, and banishing them. Things like that for her protection."

  "How do you know so much?" asked Talon.

  "Stella and Blue tell me things about their powers. I try to explain about the Wolven. We're good friends and there's so much history with our families. It's lonely being different and having paranormal powers so we hang together. Blue's a powerful witch, with strong magic on both her father and mother's side. Stella we need to protect, at least for now. Someday she may be the most powerful of us all, but only when her training is complete. Grandma Lily has taught her all she can and now is looking for another necromancer to train her."

  "Grandma Lily then is the right one for me to honor stalk," replied Talon, preoccupied with his honor stalking.

  "There is no one else in the girls's family who would understand. I stalked them all and their auras c'est tout ordinaire. If Grandma Lily and her mate Lou Stone approve of me then things will go smoothly. I count on your father's recommendation as well. Then I also must gain the spirit girl's interest and win her affection."

  "I have to warn you Talon, I'm not sure what Wolven girls think about mating and marrying. Things are probably different in the Canadian wilderness among the werewolf clans. But modern girls here, they are not all about finding a mate and marrying and having pups, at least not the smart ones. And Stella is a really smart one."

  "That is OK. I want equalite. Equal partner. And I am patient. And pups are a lot of work. I don't want pups so soon. I just want to secure the spirit girl's affections so that she'll give me permission to court her. Then we can marry when we are older."

  "Why did you tell me you were hunting when you really are courting," asked Rafe.

  Talon smiled mischievously, "hunting and courtship are the same, cousin, only the prey is different."

  "Why haven't you secured the favor of the witch girl yet?"

  "Blue?" asked Rafe, staring stupidly into space.

  "Oui, Blue. Who else? You and she are already cherished friends and you've known her since birth. Already one of our clan, Lou Stone, has married into her family with success. Her family likes you and your family likes her. Why are you so slow to claim her?"

  "Claim her?," Rafe said, his mouth dropping open. "Blue would pound me if I claimed her."

  "Not if you did it right," objected Talon. "You should stop wasting time. Gain her favor and approval, then court her, before someone else finds her."

  "I've thought about it," replied Rafe slowly. "But she is not a werewolf. I've always thought that I would marry another Wolven, like my mother. Then I would have a mate who could run with me and hunt in feral form. Someone I could truly share everything with. Plus then all of our children would be Wolven. That would be a lot simpler. With Blue there's no telling how our
kids would turn out. Her blood is so mixed. We could have little wolven or witches or sorcerers or any combination of the three."

  Talon considered Rafe's idea carefully. "I can see your point, but you have not had the experience I've had, in meeting many potential mates, pureblooded Wolven mates. Being of the same race is not what makes the heart sing. There has to be a deeper connection. When you find the one who makes your heart sing, so that you long to howl at the moon, then you know that is the girl. You are being foolish worrying about her mixed blood."

  "Blue could never run with me," said Rafe flatly. "She is my best friend, but she could not run with me."

  Talon eyed Rafe sadly. "You may find in time, my dear cousin, to listen to your heart and not your head where matters of love are concerned. It is rare to find a mate who can commune with your soul, even if she cannot run through the woods in wolven form with you."

  Rafe changed the subject. "So what exactly are you doing during your early morning hunt and stalking of Grandma Lily?"

  "I caught and dressed two young rabbits. These I left hanging on her door, then I knocked and disappeared, and watched the door open. Lou Stone then came out. He sniffed the air and I'm sure he caught my scent, but I'm also sure he knows it was an honor stalking. He knows the old ways."

  "So long as he doesn't think you're trying to steal Grandma Lily from him," smiled Rafe. "Yet it shows great prowess leaving the game hanging on their door, and for another wolven not to have caught you."

  "Yes, I did well," agreed Talon. "Traditionally I should have entered the home and left it on her table, or even in her bed, if I wished to win her as a mate. But I did not wish to anger Lou Stone by crossing his threshold. That could be seen as a threat."

  "What is this," Grandma Lily had asked Lou. She'd heard a slight tap-tap and went to answer the door. "When did you have time to hunt?" Lou Stone stiffened as he looked at the dressed game hanging from a leather thong slung over the doorknob. A small wreath of green groundcover, complete with berries, was also hung with the game.

  "You have an admirer, he told Grandma Lily, handing her the wreath, sniffing the air. These are from the young wolven Talon, next door. Looks to me like he is doing an honor stalking for us, mainly for you I judge, due to the wreath. That's the type of thing to leave a lady whose favor you wish to win.

  "Why?," asked Grandma Lily, admiring the wreath.

  "Traditionally the reason is to win you as his mate," Grandpa Lou said with a sly smile pulling Grandma Lily toward him. "Don't you recall all the rabbits and ducks I left in your bed when I was courting you?”

  “How could I forget? Dead game in my bed was both startling and memorable. Scared me silly at first, until I learned about the wolven custom.”

  “You are the prettiest lady in this county but I doubt he'd want to tangle with me. So it must be he wishes to win your favor for another reason."

  "Whatever for?" asked Grandma Lily. "We've already met and he seems like a fine young man. He doesn't have to leave me dead rabbits."

  "It's tradition," replied Lou. "Talon was raised in a northern wilderness clan, so follows old Wolven traditions to the letter. He most likely wants your help with winning the affection of a young lady and recommending him to her as a potential mate."

  "Goodness!" replied Grandma Lily.

  "Remember, the Wolven place great importance on finding a mate and mating for life. The entire business is undertaken with the utmost seriousness."

  "Who could it be?," asked Grandma Lily. She stopped short. "Stella," she said decidedly. “Her aura is similar to his and he just met her. He can see auras too, being a Wolven shaman, so he could tell that they have similar powers."

  "Yes, that is most likely the deciding factor. Plus she is a darn pretty girl with engaging manners. Plus she’s smart, caring, and honest. Just the sort of wholesome charms that most fascinate a young wolven thinking of love."

  "They'd be a good match," mused Grandma Lily. "Though they're far too young of course."

  "Of course," nodded Grandpa Lou.

  "Well, the rabbits are here now nonetheless and rabbit stew is one of your favorite dishes, so I will make you that for lunch today."

  "That would be nice," smiled Grandpa Lou. "There is a full moon tonight, so you may have special visitors after lunch."

  The term 'special visitors' was a euphemism Grandpa Lou used to describe the forlorn local residents and others who heard of Grandma Lily's scrying and spellcasting powers, and came to ask for her help. Word got around that the afternoon of a full moon was the day she expected and welcomed visitors for tea. Then she would listen and weigh the visitor's problem and do a scrying on their behalf. On occasion Grandma Lily felt a need to go further and spellcast for the visitor, but this did not happen often, for casting spells was not taken lightly.

  Grandma Lily had just finished washing up the lunchtime dishes. The rabbit stew had turned out well and she was glad that Grandpa Lou had enjoyed it. Food was important to a wolven and Grandma Lily made every effort to make enticing meals. Grandpa Lou had just put away the last dish, reaching high over Grandma Lily's head.

  "You have a visitor," he said lowly.

  "Have I?"

  "Yes, a wolven, a strange one. I do not know her."

  "Her?"

  "Yes, a she wolven. Not from around here. I caught her scent a minute ago, and I've heard her light footfalls as she's circled the house. Grandpa Lou opened the door and said, not loudly, for wolven have excellent hearing.

  "I know you're there, she-wolf. State your business. If you don't have any business here then be off with you. I don't care for strange wolven sniffing around my property."

  A woman stepped out from behind the juniper hedge. She was of average height with long, thick dark hair that fell nearly down to her waist in a single braid. Most noticeably, she was pregnant. Very pregnant. Her winter coat was six inches too small around the middle. Zippering it was impossible. She turned her sharp amber eyes to Grandpa Lou and bowed her head slightly, a sign of respect.

  "I am Raveen of the Sharp Claw Clan. I have heard of you and I know you are of the Iron Wolf Clan. Our Clans are on friendly terms." The woman paused and looked surreptitiously up at Grandpa Lou.

  "Go on."

  "I heard that there is a great scryer and spellcaster who lives here, your wife I believe. I have business with her. I need her help."

  Grandpa Lou sighed, "You look like trouble to me, but I do not interfere in my wife's affairs. She will decide for herself what she will do for you, if anything. Come inside, in peace."

  Raveen entered the house, bowing her head slightly again in Grandpa Lou's direction as she entered. He gave a slight growl then stalked out.

  "Come in girl," called Grandma Lily. "Don't mind his gruffness, it's his way. Have you eaten?"

  "Not since yesterday," replied Kira. "I was in a hurry to get here."

  "Sit," ordered Grandma Lily, patting the back of a chair. "The kettle is on, and I'll reheat for you some rabbit stew. We'll talk once you are full. I know perfectly well that there's no point talking to a hungry wolven. Raveen dug into the stew and ate two bowls full in a flash, then a third bowl more slowly, along with buttered bread, while Grandma Lily made the tea. Finally Raveen gave a sigh of satisfaction and pushed back from the table. Grandma Lily set down the teapot and two mugs, along with a tray of sliced apples and carrot mini muffins she had made that morning.

  "Help yourself, Raveen. This is orange tea with honey and I you'll like the muffins. Now tell me, why did you seek me out?"

  Raveen looked inquiringly at Grandma Lily. "Is it true you are a great scryer?"

  "Yes it is true," answered Grandma Lily. No need for false modesty, she was a great scryer.

  "Is it also true that you are a great spellcaster?" asked Raveen.

  "Yes, that also is true," replied Grandma Lily. "Though it could be that you don't entirely understand what can and cannot be done with scrying and spellcasting, and what should and should not be
done. But I am one of the best, that much is true."

  "Then I need your help," said Raveen, choking out the words. Grandma Lily nodded. She knew that wolven did not like asking for help. This must be a dire matter for the young woman.

  "Tell me about your problem and I'll tell you what I can do," replied Grandma Lily, taking Raveen's teacup and examining the leaves.

  "There's this boy I love, I mean man," Kira quickly corrected herself. Grandma Lily nodded encouragingly.

  "I thought there was something between us that would lead us to pair-bond, in the wolven way, you know…."

  "For life," added Grandma Lily.

  "Yes. I thought there was something between us and we would pairbond for life. But then he broke it off for no reason. He just suddenly broke it off and he moved far away from me."

  "He just left? Did he say anything? Does he know you are with child?," asked Grandma Lily, sensing more.

  "He said that he saw a vision in the dark smoke that showed him there was someone else, someone who could understand his spirit nature -- a spirit girl."

  "So he is a wolven shaman then."

  Raveen nodded.

  "Talon," stated Grandma Lily.

  "Yes."

  "Did he make any promises?"

  Raveen shook her head slowly. "No, he did not."

  "Regardless, you are with child, so he owes you -- and he owes the baby," replied Grandma Lily. Her eyes glazed over as if she were looking far into the distance. "Unless, he is not the father." Grandma Lily looked intently at Raveen, and Raveen looked down at her hands folded on the table.

  "I really am not inclined to discuss the baby."

  Grandma Lily sighed, "You made the oldest mistake a woman can possibly make. Nonetheless, there is a child involved. You cannot skip meals and go tramping across the northlands at eight months plus a few weeks pregnant."

  "I didn't mean to endanger the baby. I just felt so, so trapped. I felt like this was my last chance to see Talon and find out what went wrong."

  "Since the baby is not Talon's then you have no claim on him. "Grandma Lily said softly.