by Edward Shawn
“We’re set to begin,” Micah said as Olivia returned from collecting her daggers. “Will you watch the horses?”
“I suppose someone should,” she replied. “I shall await your return.” Striding over to James, the woman only a few years older than he straightened the collar of his coat, then placed a hand on his chest. “I believe you will succeed,” she said softly, her face glistening from melting snow. “I believe you are the one to obtain the mantle of Beastkeeper.”
“Let us be off, James,” Micah said.
James stared at Olivia as he followed Micah. He’d never heard that word before, but regardless of what Beastkeeper meant, he knew it was important to everyone involved that he take control of the beast dwelling within the cavern beneath the mountain and pass this phase of his training.
34
The orb lit the way forward as they ventured deeper into the cave. Wandering through a series of tunnels, a glimmer shining off large stalactites appeared ahead of them. Initially, James thought the light dancing along the ceiling came from the orb, but quickly realized his mistake. The orb’s light was yellowy-orange, the flickering above a whitish-blue.
“What’s that light?” James asked.
Micah spoke quietly. “It’s from a pool of water a little further up.”
James mimicked the shaman’s hushed tone. “Micah? What does Beastkeeper mean? Olivia mentioned that word but I don’t quite get what she means.”
“Beastkeeper is the name given to the one who masters the medallion you carry,” the shaman said. “There are things you still have to learn about the item in your possession–properties about the medallions you have yet to discover.”
“For example?”
“For example, as you know, all medallions grant the bearer the ability to communicate with animals and utilize the power and skills of any that are nearby. However,” Micah continued, “your medallion is attuned to warm-blooded animals only, mammals if you prefer.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Then I shall explain further. There are different groupings of animals on Earth. Your medallion cannot interact with all of them, only the mammals. So, let’s say you happen upon a snake or an alligator, or you want to take on the abilities of an ant. Since they are reptiles and the ant an insect, your medallion cannot grant you any of their abilities, nor will you be able to communicate with any of the examples I just gave you.”
“Oh, I see.” James thought over what he just discovered. “These other medallions then, they can talk to snakes and bugs and stuff?”
“Yes, but snakes and insects are obviously different, so each requires their own medallion. Each one is linked to specific forms of life. Yours is connected to the mammals, Shane’s with the birds–”
“Wait a minute, Falconer has a medallion? I didn’t know that!”
“No, I suppose you didn’t.” Micah paused, his eyes losing focus as if watching images unfolding within his mind. “He was your predecessor. I taught him the ways of his many years ago.”
“Wow. And he’s mastered it, I guess.”
“He has, yes.”
“Great! I can’t wait to ask him all about it. I’m sure he’ll have lots of advice to give me.” Finding out Falconer owned a medallion and that he knew how to use it, James felt reassured whatever occurred back at the camp was within his capabilities to handle. Olivia had said as much and believed one woman with a gun could not hold her own against him. Now he understood why.
Micah looked at the faint light adorning the ceiling. Placing a finger to his lips, he let James know the time for talk was over. Retrieving the orb, he placed it into his pouch, then cautiously approached the semi-lit region of the cave.
Anxious and alert, James stayed close to Micah as they crept towards a ledge. Crouching down, Micah motioned for James to do the same. Together, they peered over the side of the short cliff encircling the area below.
Ice covered the bottom of the large pit. A circular pool of shimmering blue water was positioned at the center of the icy floor. Scattered around it were large rocks and chunks of ice that had fallen during the passing of time. Scanning the area, James failed to see any type of animal lurking about.
“I don’t see anything,” James whispered.
“Patience.”
“What do I do when it shows up?”
“Attempt to communicate with it,” Micah said. “After establishing contact, you will suggest an action for it to perform. The key to success is keeping your mind trained on what it is you want done. Emotion has no place here if you are to succeed.”
James listened to the shaman’s words. It didn’t sound all that difficult to accomplish, though, he did remember Micah hinting at an element of danger. But with the shaman by his side, he knew Micah would be watching over him; it provided the courage he needed to carry on.
“Do you have any questions?”
“No,” James replied. “I’m ready to do this.”
“Good. Keep your command to something basic such as stop or speak. Don’t ask it to do something contrary to its nature.”
“Like what?”
“Like never direct an animal to injure itself or attempt a feat it couldn’t possibly do. For example, if you ever ordered a cat to fly, your command would fail. The cat ends up distrusting you and any future attempts to control it will be much more difficult, perhaps even impossible.”
“Okay, okay.” It was a lot to absorb, but James thought it made perfect sense. Besides, he would never command any animal he dealt with–now or in the future–to do anything that might cause it harm.
James’s attention was drawn back to the pool as something large and white suddenly appeared inside. Seconds later, a huge bear broke the surface, then pulled itself out and onto the icy surface. Swallowing nervously, James felt warm even though it was cool within the cave. He’d never seen a polar bear up close before, but he couldn’t imagine them ever being that big.
“Ready?” Micah whispered.
“Wait! I’m not going down there!” James whispered back.
“You don’t have to. Do it from up here.”
Staring at the polar bear from his crouched position upon the ledge, James watched it shake its massive frame and disperse the water from its fur. Groaning, the bear sniffed the air as it looked around.
“Now, James, before he decides to leave.”
Taking out the medallion, James stood at the edge of the cliff and attempted to forge a connection with the bear. The medallion flared to life, the green light leaking through the surface once again. Breathing deeply, his focus free of emotion, James linked his consciousness to the large carnivore’s mind.
He immediately sensed the animal’s wariness; it knew strangers were in his home. He felt its confusion being confronted by smells seldom found in his dwelling. But there was something else about this bear, something James had not expected. There was a presence to it, an aura of intelligence he had yet to perceive in any other animal he bonded with.
The bear turned its head and gazed up at him. Rearing up on its hind legs, it glanced at the medallion, then back at James.
Quieting his mind, James uttered the first command that came to him. “Sit.”
The greenish hue enveloping the medallion flared briefly. Dropping back to the ice, the bear sat on its rear end.
Astonished at how easy it was, James looked over at Micah. “That wasn’t so hard. I thought you said this would be dangerous?”
The shaman grinned. “You’ve concluded you’re done?”
“Umm...”
Micah stood up and pointed out a path James failed to see. “Follow it down. I’ll be right behind you.”
James stared at the trail descending from the cliff to the icy floor below. “You said I didn’t have to go down there!”
“Not while attempting to command the bear. But that’s over with now.” Micah stood next to the pathway. “Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to you.”
Passing Micah, James
took a few steps down before making sure his mentor was behind him. Seeing that he was, he continued following the trail, keenly aware he could no longer see the bear from where he was. But he trusted Micah and eventually reached the bottom.
Stepping onto the icy surface, the first thing James noticed was the smell. It stank of old fish and wet fur which made him even more nervous than he already was. Then he saw the polar bear in the exact spot he saw it last. Still sitting, it stared at him, its lips pulling back into a smile as James took some tentative steps forward.
Micah moved past him. Stopping a short distance in front of the bear, he bowed his head.
Suddenly, a voice boomed from all around. Welcome, keeper of the beasts.
James looked about unsure of where the words came from.
I am here.
Looking up into the bear’s coal colored eyes, he saw intelligence gazing back. It was then James realized the voice wasn’t coming from somewhere around him, but instead, it echoed inside of his head.
The sound of splashing caused James and Micah to look towards the pool. Two cubs, their fur as white as the surrounding ice, started climbing out of the frigid water.
The polar bear stood up from its seated position, then dropped down onto all fours. Wandering over to the pool, it gently nuzzled its massive head against one of the cubs while the second eyed the strangers in their home.
“What’s going on here?” James asked, keeping an eye on the curious cub.
“Nanukk will answer your questions in a moment.”
“What’s a Nanukk?”
Micah chuckled softly. “He is one of several totems that make this land their home. Along with his brothers and sisters, they watch over the land the Spirit Maiden created for us.”
James recalled Olivia telling him he would be judged. This bear had to be the one rendering the verdict.
The polar bear was in communion with the cubs. Separating some moments later, the young bears returned to the pool and disappeared under the surface.
Nanukk turned and faced the youth and his mentor. Young man from beyond this realm, I am Nanukk, leader of the great bears that roam over these ice-covered lands. I see you carry one of the Maiden Medallions.
James stared dumbfounded at the bear. Unsure of what to make of it all, Nanukk’s voice continued ringing in his head.
I understand your confusion. I will do my best to clarify the situation and what is expected of you.
“Please do,” James replied.
You are here today, not only to complete the next step of your training, but because it is your destiny to stand before me. You wield the power the medallion grants with ease. It is obvious to me that it comes naturally to you–I’m sure the Shaman of Eyotamaka would agree. Your command compelling me to obey was strong and free of malice. It came from a true place inside of you. If it had not, you would have failed and your training would end since your character would be considered flawed to take on what awaits you. But, as you stand there, I can sense your strength and your unwavering aura of justice and goodness.
James bowed his head. “Thanks, I guess,” he said before returning his gaze to the bear’s kind face.
You are a direct descendent of the designers that created the instruments housing the Spirit Maiden’s power. Though it is true that with monumental effort and perseverance, almost anyone can activate the basic power residing within, only you and others like you, other descendents of the original builders, can attain full mastery of the medallions in their possession.
Nanuuk paused. James was thankful for the silence in his mind he suspected would be short-lived.
The polar bear’s voice invaded his head once again. And know this...after a medallion has bonded with its possessor, that bond cannot be broken, nor will you be able to activate any other medallion you may come across. The only one you can wield will be the one that you have.
Shutting his eyes, James lost his balance, the voice resonating in his skull making him quite dizzy.
Micah steadied him before the boy succumbed to his loss of equilibrium. “Are you alright?” Taking out another large raisin, he handed it over to the pale looking youth.
Eating the dried fruit, James felt better after doing so. “How do you know all of this?” he asked, his vertigo subsiding.
I have this knowledge because I was created by the Spirit Maiden. I reside in this land, as do others like me. We are here to guide any deemed worthy. But most of the medallions have yet to be found and remain hidden on your world–on Earth. You are only the second descendent to come to our land. The man possessing the medallion linked to those that fly was the first.
“I know him. He helped me when I was in trouble and needed to get away.”
From those who would take your medallion. Yes, I have been made aware of this. You know there are others seeking out the medallions but you do not know the reason why. It is because, as each medallion is discovered and activated, the Spirit Maiden draws closer to awakening. And when she is fully awake, she will pass judgment on your world. She will behold it and see if the world she left behind is one she finds acceptable.
“That doesn’t sound good,” James said.
It is not for us to say whether good or ill will come from her verdict, but her judgment can be swayed by those owning the medallions.
“Meaning?”
She will look upon the ones in possession of the medallions, and thus portions of her energy, as trustworthy. If they are dissatisfied with the ways of your world and desire change, she will consider their words when passing her final verdict. And if that bodes ill for your societies and its peoples, I’m afraid little regard will be given to that. It is safe to assume the ones after your medallion are aware of this, and in order to enact their agenda, they will scour the Earth to find as many of her energy infused relics as they can. The more they own, the more influence they will have over her. It will be up to you, the Avianlord and others willing to help you to show the Spirit Maiden the goodness of your world and its people. When she awakens, show her the abundant beauty of Earth and convince her to leave it as is...or perhaps just a small change or two. That decision I leave to you and those following you.
James listened to the words bouncing around in his skull. “Just so I’m sure, the Avianlord is Shane, right?”
Yes. Just as you are the Beastkeeper, he is the Avianlord, friend of all that make their home in the sky.
“So...this is the destiny I’ve heard so much about.” James looked at Micah who was staring intently at him. “I have to stop some people from trying to change the world.” James stayed quiet for a moment. “The way things are today, who’s to say changing the world is such a bad idea?”
That is your head talking. Lead with your heart and you will find the lie in your words.
“I know, I know. You’re right, you’re right.”
Nanukk stared at James. You are a boy willing to help those in need. If you were not this way, you would never have been brought before me.
“I suppose that’s true.” Averting his eyes, James gazed at the icy floor. “I guess I really don’t have a choice if I want to help my family and friends.”
No, you do not.
“But how do we know if the other’s agenda is really all that bad? Maybe they’ll change things for the better?”
Micah stepped forward. “I wish that were the case but when meeting with the Oracle of Nilvanya, she told me otherwise. She spoke of a great evil masquerading as a leader of men and the driving force behind what opposes us.”
No matter what you may hope for, an altruistic side of the enemy is something that doesn’t exist.
A shadow passed overhead followed by the screech of a bird of prey echoing through the chamber.
“Hmm.” Micah gazed at the polar bear, then bowed his head. “Wise Nanukk, you are familiar with the sign of the Oracle. She would not send it unless it was a matter of importance. If there’s nothing left to discuss...”
Nodding his la
rge head, Nanukk sauntered over to the pool. Child of Earth, I wish you well. If the opportunity arises, come and visit me again. The bear climbed into the water, waded about and then slipped beneath the surface.
“Come, James,” Micah said, heading for the path leading out of the icy pit. “The Oracle has summoned us.”
35
James spotted Olivia pacing by the cave entrance. Sheefa stepped forward at the approach of the youth and the elder shaman.
“You saw the sign of the Oracle,” Olivia said as they arrived. “Good. I had little interest in searching for you if you had missed her summons.”
“Do you know what she wants?” Micah asked, prepping his horse to leave.
“Yes. She said your grandson has returned.”
“Wren has returned? Something must have happened for the Oracle to consider it a matter of importance,” he said, attempting to mount his steed.
Olivia frowned at Micah. “That horse is in no condition to make the return journey to your village. His wound has not yet healed enough to travel such a distance.”
“Then what do you suggest I do?” Releasing the reins, he stepped back from the injured animal.
“We return to Anarqui. You can acquire a fresh horse from there and then continue on to your village.”
Micah shook his head. “No! James and I will ride Sheefa from here. The Oracle would not have contacted us unless Wren’s return was of vital importance. Too much time will be wasted returning to Anarqui just to procure a sturdy ride. No Olivia,” Micah said, bringing Sheefa up alongside him, “I’m afraid this is where we part company.”
She stared at Micah, and after a few tense moments, nodded in agreement. “You are right, of course. It has never been wise to disregard the Oracle. I, of all people, know that.”
James didn’t know what the shamans were talking about, which was often the case when it came to matters pertaining to this land he was visiting. Taking the reins from Micah, he led Sheefa out of the cave.
