by Edward Shawn
“Where are you going?” Micah called out.
“I’m leading Sheefa up the slope.” James tried keeping the irritation out of his voice but failed. “She won’t make it to the top with the two of us on her back.” Things were moving much too fast for his liking. He hadn’t even been afforded some time to reflect upon what the polar bear–what Nanukk told him–before something else arose that needed to be dealt with. After being in the company of the bear residing beneath the mountain, James wanted to return home as soon as possible.
Sheefa stepped around a dead wolf. Her distress at having to leave her newfound friend was palpable. “Don’t worry, Sheefa. Olivia will take care of him,” James assured her. He glanced back at the cave, the other horse observing their departure as Olivia prepped him for the trip back to Anarqui.
James led Sheefa up the slippery slope the wolves charged down not long ago. The snowfall was finally letting up and patches of blue sky broke through the overhanging gloom. The boy and the horse waited for the others to join them. After gathering on the ice fields within the shadow of Mount Pipinook, goodbyes were exchanged and then the group split apart.
Riding away, James turned back and watched Olivia diminish in the increasing distance. He liked her and hoped for the chance to be in her company again. “The wolves won’t come back, will they? Olivia’s by herself now.”
“I’m sure they won’t, but she is a capable young woman. You saw that for yourself.”
They rode across the ice and then back through the dead trees. Stopping once along the way, the shaman fed Sheefa the same oversized raisins James had eaten before. Soon after, the horse was filled with renewed vigor and ready to complete the trip back to Micah’s village.
“Wren is your grandson, so he’s Kay’s brother?” James asked as he climbed onto the horse and settled in behind Micah.
“Yes, he’s Kay’s older brother.”
“And this Oracle person...she thinks he’s important?”
“I think she considers what he learned to be of importance.” Micah spurred the horse to ride faster as they left the snow and cold behind and entered the zone of eternal summer.
“Much better,” James said, removing as much winter garb as he could without falling off his ride.
“I agree. The winter zone takes some getting used to.”
“I never will.”
Both shamans mentioned Wren’s return, and if James was to place a bet, he would wager he was returning from Earth. He was also reasonably sure that in the end, everything would center on him, the medallions and the upcoming struggle to convince the Spirit Maiden to spare his world when the time came.
Cresting a hillside, James gazed down into a wide valley. Immediately recognizing Micah’s village, he was mesmerized by the panoramic display of nature’s beauty all around with the quaint village snuggled within. He hadn’t been afforded this view when descending the hillside the portal stood upon.
James saw the intricate system of irrigation canals winding their way throughout the valley. Connected to a lake stretching beyond the horizon, the canals supplied water for the numerous crops and immense tree gardens growing between the lake and the village a fair distance from its shore. Tiny figures tended the fields while others gathered the various fruits and vegetables growing all around.
Sheefa headed down the gentle sloping hill and straight for the village. Making their way through the bustle of the main street, Micah guided the horse towards home.
Approaching the cabin at the end of the dirt paved road, the two companions dismounted and left Sheefa to graze in the front yard. Using his staff, Micah pushed open the front door that hadn’t been properly closed. But before they could enter, Kay was there, her young face looking tired and etched with worry.
“Grandfather! I’m so glad you’ve returned. Wren’s been hurt but I put some healing salve on his wound. It looks like he was shot and, oh! Why was he there anyway! We don’t need any supplies and, oh yeah, your crow spirit is also here and–”
Holding up his hand, Micah signaled for a moment of silence.
Knowing the grimness of the situation, James tried not to smile but had trouble keeping one suppressed. He knew things were serious but that didn’t stop him from thinking how cute Kay was the entire time she spoke. She failed to notice him for which he was thankful; it saved him from having to explain why he looked pleasedwhile she relayed bad news to Micah.
“Where are they?” The shaman stepped past her and gazed around the living room.
“Wren’s upstairs in his room. He’s resting, but I know he wants to speak with you,” she answered. Looking at James, she waved him inside, then shut the front door.
“And Galen? Where is he?” Micah asked before mounting the steps two at a time.
“He’s outside in the back,” she replied as he disappeared up the stairway.
Excusing himself, James went in search of Galen. Kay referring to him as a crow spirit didn’t surprise him at all. During their first meeting Micah indicated Galen was not what he seemed, that he was much more than a man. It would also explain why crows appeared more often than not these days. He had even been saved by them when the bear was about to kill him that day in the woods. It all seemed so long ago now, but it was hardly more than a week ago he was almost killed during the hike with his friends. He would have to remember to thank Galen for saving his life. Ever since finding the medallion, the list of people was indebted to for keeping him safe kept growing.
Taking off the winter coat he still wore, the gloves and scarf Olivia provided stuffed into various pockets, he removed the medallion before dropping the fur-lined coat onto a chair next to the backdoor. Happy to be rid of it, he pushed the door open and stepped out into the warmth of a bright day he imagined wasn’t all that unusual for a place with never-ending summer. Almost immediately, he saw Galen standing nearby gazing at the sky.
“Galen!” James couldn’t believe he was actually happy to see the strange old man. And even if he’d come to realize that he wasn’t a man at all–which accounted for his behavior and the stilted way that he spoke–he knew Galen was someone he could trust.
Dressed in the same red shirt and jeans, Galen looked his way. Holding his straw hat in his hands, he nodded at the youth walking towards him before turning back to the sky full of puffy clouds.
A warm breeze raced through the grassy fields and rustled the nearby trees. Reaching the old man’s side, James also looked up, and without a word, the two of them stared at the flock of multi-colored birds passing overhead. James relished this moment of peace. He knew the road ahead wouldn’t provide many more of them.
“Nice to see you, Galen,” James said, ending the moment.
The old man glanced at the youth mimicking his behavior. “I have news.”
“I was hoping you would.” Now that he was close to learning about the fate of his friends, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear it. If Galen had good news or bad, one had no way of knowing by the dispassionate look on his face.
“Where is Micah? I must speak with him.”
“He’s inside with his kid, I mean, grandson.”
Galen started to leave, but James grabbed his arm. “Wait, I have to know. Are they alright?”
The old man stared at him but remained silent.
Having to deal with Galen’s incomprehension, his frustration came pouring out. “Tell me! Is my dog okay? What happened to Castle and Shane, you big dumb spirit!”
Galen nodded. “I will speak on the fate of your dog, but the other matter, that will be dealt with when Micah is present.”
Fate of my dog, James thought. His heart felt constricted as those words penetrated his soul. For the first time ever, he saw a trace of emotion on the old man’s face. James braced himself for bad news.
“Your dog has been killed.”
Ice pierced his chest and his stomach suddenly ached. His vision blurring, James wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “How? What happened?” he asked
softly.
“I arrived after he received his mortal wound. He was shot by the woman with the gun and eventually passed from physical existence.”
James turned and stared at the sky. Tears streaked his face as he attempted to regain his composure; this wasn’t the time or place to properly mourn. Fighting to get his emotions under control, he put away his sense of loss unwilling to face it at this moment in time. But now, something else was surfacing through the turmoil in his heart. A cold rage encircling his mind and imprisoning all thoughts of forgiveness, he prayed for the chance to see this woman again. He had power now and intended to show her just how lethal he could be.
“Are you alright?” Galen asked.
James had momentarily forgotten where he was. The old man was looking at him, his eyes searching the boy’s face as if seeing someone he didn’t recognize.
“There is more.” Galen paused, waiting for permission to continue.
“What is it?”
“Your dog is dead but his spirit lives. It dwells on Earth and refuses to leave. Perhaps there is some task that it needs to carry out, although I cannot be sure. Your dog is still bonded with you, and the medallion you carry ensures that bond can survive even beyond the physical realm.”
James heard the old man’s words but they didn’t help extinguish how he felt. At least now, he may have an opportunity to tell his loyal companion how sorry he was for leaving him alone so far from home to be needlessly gunned down.
“James! Galen! Please come inside. We have things to discuss,” Micah said, holding open the backdoor.
Galen walked towards the cabin but stopped when realizing James hadn’t moved. “Are you not coming?”
“I’ll be right there. I just need a minute.”
“I understand.”
Galen left him alone in the windswept fields. The warm breeze felt pleasant against his skin, but James found everything much harder to enjoy now. He regretted not being able to share this place with Castle. He was sure his friend would have appreciated this fresh and clean world with its wide open spaces.
James felt guilty for enjoying most of his time here while others suffered because of some destiny, that up until a week ago, he never could have imagined. He thought about Danny but pushed him from his mind. He didn’t want to pursue that dark train of thought.
Pulling out the medallion, he fought the urge to throw it as far as he could. His attention entirely on the circular piece of wood turning his life upside-down, he failed to see the person coming towards him until they reached his side.
“I have something for you,” Kay said, looking at the medallion and then at James.
Glancing at her, he could see she held something behind her back.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
James wiped the remaining wetness from his face. “I just got some bad news.”
“Can I help in any way?”
“I don’t think so. What are you hiding behind your back?” he asked in order to change the subject.
Kay smiled at him. He was sure he’d never seen one so radiant in his entire life, and for a moment, all his troubles seemed distant and less important.
“I made this for you,” she said, revealing a dark brown leather strap.
“What is it?
“It’s a belt,” she told him while handing it over, “for your medallion.”
Taking it from her, James admired the craftsmanship. It could easily slip through the belt loops of his pants. He noticed a circular frame of hardened leather attached to the middle of its length. With dual gold and green clasps shaped as acorns holding the spherical piece in place, the hardened leather circle looked about the right size for the medallion to slide into.
Kay took the belt back and demonstrated how it works. “See?” She unhinged the top clasp. “You put the medallion in here. Now you won’t have to carry it around in your pocket or hold it in your hand. You could lose it very easily that way.”
James could see the medallion wouldn’t fit with the gold chain attached. Unfastening the chain, he dropped it into a back pocket, then slid the medallion into the open end of the circular sheath. After Kay refastened the clasp, she handed the belt back.
“Thank you,” James said. “That was very thoughtful of you.” He looked the belt over once more making sure the medallion fit snuggly with little chance of accidently slipping out.
“This part comes off,” Kay continued, taking the belt back from him. Pressing down on both clasps simultaneously, the circular housing popped loose from the belt. “And see here,” she said as she attempted to bring another detail of the belt to his attention, “these holes allow you to change this part into a necklace. Just slide a chain through and wear the whole thing around your neck.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” James examined the two holes drilled into the top portion of the leather, then looked at Kay who was watching him closely. “It seems like a lot of work. Why did you do all this?”
“I don’t mind, really. Do you like it?”
“I do, very much. Thanks, thanks a lot.” Slipping the belt through his pant loops, he reattached the circular component and locked it into place. He had to agree with Kay’s opinion. It was much easier carrying the medallion around this way than having to constantly fish the thing out of his pocket each time he needed it. And with the medallion secured but exposed at the same time, he could still access its powers by touch.
“James, are you ready for our meeting?” Micah asked, his head jutting out through the rear door.
“Yes. I’m coming now.” He looked at Kay before leaving. “Duty calls. Thanks again. I really do like it.”
Kay smiled and James did the same. Hesitating for a moment, he quickly remembered the reason he was here. He had a job to do and feelings had to be pushed to the side until then. Besides, he had yet to find out what became of Shane, the man he called Falconer but also known as the Avianlord. He hoped the news regarding his newfound kindred turned out to be better than what he received about Castle.
As James reached the door, Micah stepped aside to let him through. Looking at the strap around the young man’s waist, he nodded in approval. “Ah, I see you have the belt. She does good work, doesn’t she?”
“Yeah, she’s excellent.” Looking back, he watched Kay stroll towards a group of children playing nearby.
“Yes, well it’s time for us to formulate a plan. And I’d like you to meet my grandson.”
James followed Micah into the living area. He immediately recognized the man lying on the couch, his right shoulder bandaged in gauze. He saw him the day he first came to the village. It was the same man Micah spoke to when the hunters on horseback rode by. He remembered their embrace and how close they seemed. Now he understood the bond between them.
Galen stood behind the sofa, his face placid and hat still in hand. He nudged the couch causing the injured man to open his eyes.
“Wren, this is James,” Micah said.
“The Beastkeeper.” Wren looked him up and down as if judging his worthiness.
Hearing that word again, James thought he was the last person in the land to know of the title everyone labeled him with. He didn’t like being called Beastkeeper but decided to keep that to himself. He was willing to accept it if it pleased the others to call him that, though, it seemed as if Wren had some doubts about him.
“Tell James what happened.”
“Yes, grandfather.” Wren propped himself up. “I was sent to your world to meet with Galen and find out what happened to the ones left behind after your escape. But when I arrived through the portal, there were men, men with guns–soldiers and others. One saw my arrival and tried to alert his brothers so I had little choice but to put an arrow through his heart.” He paused, looked down, then gazed at James. “Unfortunately, the others heard his death scream, and soon I was in a battle for my life. I had to kill all of them. I’m not happy having done so, but the secret of the portals must be protected. Your world can never know o
f their existence.” Reaching for a cup, he took a healthy gulp of its contents. “Soon after, Galen arrived. We placed the bodies beneath some branches in order to conceal them.”
“Who were they?” James asked.
“They belonged to the woman with the gun,” Galen said.
“You’re sure?” Micah asked.
“They would not have been there unless she wanted it so.”
“Hmm. Yes, I believe you’re right.”
“Okay, so then what? Where is Shane?” James wanted to resolve this quickly. He needed to get home as fast as he could. The longer they lingered here, the more of a head start the forces against them would get to acquire another medallion. If he was to succeed in stopping them and convince the Spirit Maiden to spare the world when the time arose, he would need Shane’s help.
“Not long after we arrived at Shane’s home, the woman with the gun came with soldiers,” Wren explained. “They had weapons and gas and they drugged him and took him away.” He stopped and looked out a window. “She also has his medallion. We couldn’t stop her–we couldn’t stop any of them. If not for my injury, I may have been of some use...”
James did not want to hear that. Without Shane, he didn’t know how he could overcome an organization employing assassins, soldiers and who knows what else.
“The soldiers left as the law arrived,” Wren continued. “We escaped the notice of the officers and summoned the Mist horses to take us to the nearest portal.”
An uneasy quiet flowed through the room. James looked around and found the others staring at him. “What!” he said loudly. “Don’t look at me! I don’t know what to do!”
“It’s not expected of you,” Micah said. “We will figure it out together.”
James bowed his head and stared at the floor. “I want to go home.”
“And you will, but first we need a plan. Even though your training is unfinished, I cannot deny the fact the situation has now changed. I did not foresee our adversary being able to find, much less overcome a man like Shane. Our enemies now have two medallions. We have to make sure another doesn’t fall into their hands.”
