Shifters of the Elements

by Lark Sterling

  Althea didn’t answer, just lowered her head and sighed. “I want to believe the answer is no, but I can’t help but think otherwise.”

  Indra kissed Althea on the forehead. “Then let’s get back to the mountains. Whatever it is, we’ll face it all together, as sisters.”

  Chapter Five

  “Splendid to see you all together again,” Redmond said, greeting the girls as they walked into the dining hall. “I can assume you found everything alright?”

  The girls had gone to their chambers in the castle to get dressed and cleaned up after traveling all the way out to the Royal Mountains. Indra was wearing fur lined stretch pants, boots, a sweater, and a fur shawl. Her blonde hair was pulled into a tight ponytail, and she shivered. “I’m always cold here.”

  Iris snickered, elbowing Indra. “We can fill the bath house up for you.”

  Indra stared at Iris’s hair for a moment. “Mom’s going to kill you.”

  Brighid laughed as she walked up beside Iris, looking at her boho chic black dress and Chuck Taylors. “You still have those things? I thought they were disposed of when you moved out.”

  “I bribed one of the library Gnomes to keep them safe,” she whispered with a giggle.

  Brighid pulled her long cape closed, wearing the traditional Shifter gown beneath. She was very old school when it came to customs and looked like a true royal. Her bright red hair was pulled half back with small red flowers perched like a tiara of fire.

  Althea was back in her black embroidered royal guard shirt with her pistol on her hip and her hair pulled back tight. She looked like a secret agent and wore her uniform proudly.

  Redmond cleared his throat and showed them into the dining hall. “I’ll be discussing the matter at hand as we begin dinner. I know you’re waiting to hear why you’ve been brought here.”

  The girls sat in a line from oldest to youngest on one side of the table, and Redmond on the other. They had always sat like that, despite the fact that there was more than enough room to spread out.

  Brighid took a sip of her wine and licked her lips. “I think we can all agree, just give it to us fast and straight.”

  The Royal Polymath nodded and clutched his hands in his lap. “Your mother, the Matriarch, Queen of the Shifters, had a summons for meditation yesterday. During this meeting with the Ancestor Council, she was told that her time has grown short on the mortal plane. The time has come for you to step into your roles as High Alphas, and she’s summoned you here to prepare you for the next steps.”

  All four sisters clutched hands, listening to the Polymath talk. “Your mother is a brave woman, more than a Queen. She didn’t want to go yet, but there is nothing she can do to stop this.”

  Indra sniffled, trying to be brave. “And what’s the process for this?”

  “The process for the path to the Fields of Moribund is the same for every Queen, King, or High Alpha,” he explained. “Your mother will start with a twenty-four hour meditation ceremony performed by a Bear Shifter medicine doctor. The ancestors will then provide her with the messages needed to give to you, her successors. She’ll then begin a journey, searching out her place of ascent. Then, she will meet you in that place to tell you your messages from the ancestors. From there, the ancestors transcend the planes between life and death and take your mother back to the Fields with them.”

  Althea nodded. “Alright, when does the ceremony begin?”

  Redmond glanced at the other girls. “I’m afraid it’s almost concluded. By the time dinner is complete, you will be taken to the place of ascent.”

  Iris furled her brow. “Wait. We don’t get to see her before then?”

  Redmond shook his head. “I’m afraid not. She’s in the middle of the planes, existing only to pass the messages to her daughters. That existence cannot be disturbed. It is instrumental in her safe shift to the Fields.”

  The staff began to bring the food out and the four girls sat silently, clutching onto each other. None of them were very hungry so they picked at their food, flinching every time a door opened. Just after dinner, before dessert was served, the head guardsman came inside and bowed to the girls.

  “I apologize for disturbing your meal, but the four of you have been summoned,” he said sadly, knowing full well what that meant.

  The girls all looked from one to another before rising and following Redmond out to the helicopter. He kissed each girl on the forehead before loading them on board. They all stared out their windows, watching as they took off and sped away from the snowy hilltops. It was a long flight, but as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, they landed in a field with tall whimsical purple flowers blowing wildly from the blades of the aircraft.

  The girls exited and held hands as they walked toward the Matriarch, who sat in the field as a lioness, her golden mane shimmering in the glistening sunset. As they lined up behind her, the Matriarch shifted in a shower of blooming flowers. She stood before them in a fluttering gown of teal and purple satin, her face no longer aged, her hair back to its deep black sheen. For the other girls, it was no shock, but Althea had seen her before she left. She had changed so much.

  “My daughters,” the Matriarch said. “I don’t have time to explain everything to you. The ancestors call to me. But I have left you instructions in the deep underground ritual caves beneath the castle. Those messages will explain everything to you.”

  She moved to the right, standing in front of Althea. “My youngest, my sweetest girl. You have grown from a tiny little Shifter to a brave and valiant soldier. You have many gifts you will discover in the coming weeks. Do not be afraid of them, make yourself one with the powers that be. Know that I will sit with you always.”

  Tears ran down Althea’s face as her mother leaned forward, kissing her forehead. She moved on to Indra. “My sea princess. The swimmer of a thousand leagues. Your bravery and your mind can be a lethal combination when facing danger. Do not overthink things. Let your instincts take hold. Swim free in the seas like we did when you were a child and remember, I am always with you.”

  Indra held tight to her tears as her mother kissed her forehead. Moving down and standing in front of Brighid, she grinned. “My child of Fire and Light. From your hair to your soul you have always been the one that could light the world on fire. Remember, when you’re facing hard choices, when you’re tempted to use anger as a justification, your gifts will guide you. You just have to trust them. And know that my spirit simmers in every lake of lava, and every spark of lighting way up on the mountain tops.”

  Brighid bit her lip and let the tears flow as her mother kissed her on the forehead. Lastly, she stepped in front of Iris. “My Griffin. You skip to the beat of your own drum. You soar with the birds and the Dragons and are just as mighty.” She lifted a piece of Iris’s hair. Everyone held their breath. “Purple suits you.”

  Iris smiled and broke into tears. “I’ll miss you.”

  The Matriarch gave her a peaceful smile as she ran her hand over her cheek and kissed her forehead. “And I will miss you. All of you. Remember, go to the caves, you will find your answers there. Take care, my daughters.”

  She stepped back into her place and the earth cracked loudly, almost shaking the ground. From around her, the four great ancestors emerged, wrapping themselves around the Matriarch as they led her to the Fields of Moribund. Sparks spiraled around them and the sky lit up in shades of blues and purples. You could hear Shifters all throughout the fields and mountains in the distance calling out in reverence to the Queen.

  When the plane closed and the skies simmered back to blue, the girls stood, silent in their loss. What laid ahead was unsure, but forging forward was the way of the Shifters. From that point on, they were the new High Alphas.

  Chapter Six

  Iris wrinkled her face, wiping a spider web from her forehead. “I am pretty sure no one has physically been down here in the ritual caves since the castle was built.”

  Indra stepped over some fallen rocks and push
ed her glasses up her nose. “Actually, the ritual caves were used up to two hundred years ago. In fact, the sanctity of this cave was well known as a protection place. Several Shifters used it as a protection spot when they were hiding from the hordes of maniacal Dragons…no offense, Brighid.”

  Brighid shrugged, walking behind Althea. “No offense taken. My ancestors were thieves and jerks. They pillaged because they were bigger than everyone else. They died off because they didn’t use their brains.”

  Althea sighed, using her forearm to move a large cobweb to the side. “I should have shifted for this. My Bear doesn’t mind the smell of sewer rats.”

  Iris giggled. “What does that say for your Bear?”

  Althea turned around, walking backward. “You want to ask her yourself?”

  Iris shook her head, knowing how angered Althea’s Bear could get. “Nope. I’ll pass on that one.”

  The sisters walked through the caves and down the passages marked on the map given to them after returning from their mother’s ascent. Everything felt like a dream to them, like it hadn’t really happened. They wanted to take the time to mourn, and they knew eventually they would be given it, but it had to come after they fulfilled whatever journey or task was asked of them. In the Shifter world, those with royal blood will ascend to High Alpha, but they also have to prove themselves worthy as leaders for not only the Shifters, but for all creatures across the lands.

  Althea pointed. “I think we’re almost there. I can see a light up ahead.”

  The girls hurried through the narrow cave which opened into a large room. On one side, it looked as if it were a training facility, and on the other, there were two thrones and a large oval stone table. Sitting on the table was a blue orb the size of a melon, glistening and rotating.

  The four girls gathered around, glancing at each other as they reached forward and put their palms on the orb. It was warm from the energy surging inside of it. As they touched the magical object, it began to roll faster in place until it was spinning so quickly, they couldn’t keep their hands on it.

  The orb began to shake wildly on the table and they stepped back. It rose in front of them and burst like a bubble, releasing a shower of teal and purple sparks that cascaded down onto the table. As the sparks piled onto the stone, an image of their mother appeared. All four women were speechless, not knowing exactly what they were seeing. They knew it couldn’t be their mother in the present; they watched her crossover to another plane.

  “My daughters,” the Matriarch began. “I know you must be hurting, but know I am in a beautiful place I’ve visited hundreds of times throughout my life, and I am once again reunited with family and friends from the past. You’re probably wondering what comes next as this time in a High Alpha’s life is understandably full of questions. But do not be too hasty in asking them, as the Shifters expect a certain level of understanding from their new leadership. Trust that your answers will come in time.”

  Their mother waved her arm, creating a magical screen that seemed to show the girls the future. “From here, you will be called upon by the Council of Shifters. During that meeting, each of you will take part in an ancient ceremony that will help draw your three destined mates to you.”

  Iris gave the others the side eye. “Um...what exactly do we need three mates for?”

  Althea shushed her. The Queen continued, “Your positions are paramount within the community of Shifters and of all Fantastical creatures in the world. In order to succeed as the High Alphas of the Elements, you must be tolerant women, built from strength and valor.”

  They watched as the screen disappeared and three shadowy figures stood next to their mother on the stone table. “The three mates that belong to you are somewhere out there in the world. Each man was chosen by the ancestors for their specific abilities to help you with the things you struggle with most. Each one of these men will stabilize you and help you to grow in your powers. They will serve as protection for you in dark times, and each of them will symbolize either a protection for the mind, the body, or the soul. These three men are to be treated with honor and dignity within your presence and they will do the same. While your powers do not rely on these men, you will find that when your circles are complete, you will be stronger than ever before.”

  The three figures disappeared and the image of the Matriarch looked around at the four girls as if she were there in front of them. “Be wise in your choices, never jump into them without thoroughly thinking them through. Be careful who you trust. In our world, the good are more difficult to find than the bad. And lastly, my four sweet daughters, I will always be here for you. You know how to call on me, and you may do so at any time. However, I cannot stress enough how important it is that, while you’re searching for your individual powers and circles, you look to each other for safety and guidance. You are the four High Alphas of the Elements, the supreme protectors of all living creatures, and your job is to continue the flourishing beauty of all Fantastical beings. I know you can do this, you have my blood in you, and you are all worthy of this honor. I love you, good luck.”

  Her image disappeared from the table and the four girls looked around at each other. After a few moments of silence, Iris began to giggle. “Well, all I can say is they better have picked some hotties for us.”

  Chapter Seven

  “Althea, kneel,” the leader of the Council of Shifters commanded.

  Althea smiled and took a knee, bowing her head. This time, she was dressed in a long flowing robe, her dark hair perfectly curled and falling around her shoulders. The leader placed a thin golden crown upon her head. “You may rise, Althea, High Alpha of the Earth Shifters, Noble Protector within the Shifter Guard, and mother to all Earth creatures.”

  He turned and took a scroll from the tray, handing it over to her. “This scroll is your first clue to find one of your three mates. Think long and hard on your choices, and remember that the enemies are always on watch.”

  Althea curtsied and stood, smiling over at Iris. The leader walked in front of her and nodded. “Iris, kneel.”

  Iris knelt down and closed her eyes. The leader placed another thin golden crown upon her head. “You may rise, Iris, High Alpha of the Air Shifters, Noble Flyer in the Shifter Guard, and Protector.”

  He handed her a scroll. “This scroll is your first clue to find one of your three mates. Think long and hard on your choices, and remember that the enemies are always on watch.”

  Iris did an awkward curtsy and winked at Althea. The leader moved down the line to Brighid. “Brighid, kneel.”

  Brighid knelt, keeping her eyes on the leader. He placed a third crown upon her head and summoned her up. “You may rise, Brighid, High Alpha of the Fire Shifters, Noble Dragon in the Shifter Guard, and Protector.”

  She took the scroll from him with a smile. “This scroll is your first clue to find one of your three mates. Think long and hard on your choices, and remember that the enemies are always on watch.”

  Lastly, he stopped in front of Indra. “Indra, kneel.”

  She gracefully lowered herself down on one knee, pushing her glasses up her nose. He gently placed a crown upon her head. “You may rise, Indra, High Alpha of the Water Shifters, Noble Swimmer of the Royal Guard, and Protector of the Seas.”

  He took the last scroll and placed in it her hand. “This scroll is your first clue to find one of your three mates. Think long and hard on your choices, and remember that the enemies are always on watch.”

  The leader bowed to all four High Alphas and rose with a serious look on his face. “The clues in those scrolls will lead you on a journey. Where that journey will take you, only the ancestors know. Remember that while you search for your circle of mates, you will face challenges, and not just physical ones. You will face adversity that has the ability to test your mind, body and soul. You must be strong, and guard yourself every step of the way. The enemies are always watching, even here in this citadel of sacrament. Good luck to each of you. Peace to the Que
en, and long live the High Alphas.”

  “Long live the High Alphas,” the guests repeated back in a chorus.

  The four women finished out their ceremonies and were presented with gifts from the Shifters of each element. They dined with the various Alphas under each of their sigils before they were left alone to contemplate their clues. Not a single one of them got any sleep that night, both grieving and thinking about everything that lie ahead. They were taken from their lives suddenly and now had to venture out to search for the men who would complete their puzzles.

  The next morning after breakfast, the four girls said goodbye to the Council and took a helicopter to the coast where the water met the deep forests. They stood looking out at the calm seas, the sky tinted with the same colors their mother left when she crossed over to the Fields.

  Indra unrolled her scroll, wrapping the blue ribbon around her hand. “You will find this man where the sweet meets the sea. Where the ants move with ease. He will be your first mate.”

  Iris let out a deep breath, untying the white and silver ribbon from her scroll. “Oh good, I’m not the only one with an impossible clue. Mine says, ‘The wind whips wildly through the creeks and caverns. No turn is too sharp, even for a Griffin.’”

  Brighid took the red ribbon from hers and put it in her pocket. “‘You have always known things aren’t what they seem. Going far would be too extreme.’ Huh…so, close to home. Interesting.”

  Althea tied the green ribbon around the grip of her pistol. “Valor and bravery are not the only traits you will need. You must walk the thin line of fear and hope to find your noble steed.”

  There was silence as all four girls listened to each other, contemplating the meaning of their scrolls. It sounded as if the search for their mates would lead them in different directions. They knew to expect that, but nonetheless, it was hard to say goodbye.