“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to jump to conclusions. It’s just I had another visit from the black wolf.”
I nodded at my daughter, “Yes, and once the meeting begins you may speak. You’ll need to tell Cavin precisely what happened.”
“Of course,” said Starla sitting back down. I got up and pulled out a chair for Jenson to join us.
After everyone had finished eating and the plates had been cleared Cavin clapped his hands to silence us. “I would like your attention. We have three guests with us today. The Crusaders are here to listen in on our idea’s and plans for the trial. I’d like to introduce you first, to Jun, she is half human and wolf.” Jun stood bowing to us.
“We’re pleased you trust us enough to allow us to help. We’re not here to interrupt your proceedings. All you need to know is we’ll be assisting you, should anything go wrong. My partner Amer is a full wolf. He’s capable of most human functions except for changing into one. Please, stand up Amer.”
I observed Starla engulfed in this lecture. My eyes fell on Jenson, holding her hand. It was mildly amusing that Tri didn’t seem nervous at all. She looked comfortable with her clan. I brought my attention back to the meeting. Amer was now pointing to a human. What?
“This is Sensi. She came to us. It isn’t explainable. I’ll let her introduce herself,” he said, sitting back down.
“I came to the group two years ago. The Crusaders took me in. I’ve been training in martial arts for a while. The plan was to stay out of the human world. I’ve got this problem.” She held her hands and began twisting them together. Then looked back up at the crowd. Amer gave her a thumbs up.
“It’s alright, go on,” he urged her.
“At night, I turn into an Owl. It’s great, for keeping an eye on each and every one of our members. It’s why I feel guilty about all that has happened.”
Sensi sat down as Jun reached for her hand to comfort her. Automatically I glanced at Tri who managed a weak smile. Turning back to the front of the room, I noticed Cavin. He stood up while Kaya stayed seated.
“I want you to observe that this room is now set up for the trial. In front of us, is what will be the jury seats. A big thanks to Dan, and Ranger Mike. They helped set most of this up. With the hearing only one day away. I want to hear from clan members.” Cavin paced back and forth staring at the floor. Occasionally he looked up at us.
I rose to speak. “The planning is nearly finished. I’ll be questioning the bandits and Jones will cross-examine. If it's needed Cal and Starla are to testify as to what happened during the rescue from the entity. We will not be releasing it. The point is to get Sika to admit who killed Martin Du-Vance. Then, if that doesn’t work Lance will further interrogate them. What I’m concerned about, are the warnings I’ve experienced. This black wolf has appeared to myself and Starla Ariana. It’s cautioned me not to attempt to locate the scientists. It promised Jones would find a way to bring us justice.”
“That’s absurd!” Cavin screamed, slamming his paws onto the table.
I touched my daughter’s shoulder and with the other hand motioned for her to stand while I sat back down in my seat.
“Cavin, according to the wolf, Du-Vance planned to infiltrate the scientists. He was going to go after them himself. There was no peace treaty.” Starla lowered her eyes to the floor. The next part would not be received well. “What’s confusing is this spirit told me we need to get Sika on our side. The scientists are preparing to attack us.”
“Is that all Starla Ariana?” he asked in a low growl.
“No, this spirit claims it’s soul is trapped. I’m not sure if it’s by the scientists or someone else.”
“This is more unsettling than I anticipated. I’ll contact Jones this evening. If this spirit guide-wolf, was not so cryptic,” Cavin pressed.
“Tell me about it,” Starla answered. I pulled out her seat for her, and she sat back down. Afterward, Tri got up, taking her position on the floor.
“Why would this guide advise us not to protect ourselves? Is it in any way shielding us from danger? Does it assume we’d stir up trouble trying to stop it ourselves? How do we know those that created the bandits won’t pay us a visit during our integration!”
“We don’t. We trust that this wolf has been placed, as a protective barrier. It’s defending us for the time being. I don’t believe we are meant to know the reason yet. It sounds like it’s doing everything in its power, its able,” Star responded.
“How can you presume that? Trust is, built. All it has done is notify us. It hasn’t shown us any truth, or reliable facts,” Shellena interrupted.
Nayla hopped off her seat. “We shouldn’t attack the unknown. Any premonitions or even Deja Vu’ should be reported to me immediately. No one is to act without consulting me, or Cavin first. Dan, Friday will continue as planned. If this spirit visits any of you, please contact me.”
“Yes,” I answered, observing Kaya who laid a reassuring hand on Nayla’s back. This wolf would have its say even if it didn’t directly show itself.
“What if it’s in the middle of the night?” Starla asked.
“Meditate, it’s fine. If you experience anything odd, you’ll report to me. I can’t believe I said that!”
“Thank you, Will we be training again? I have work and class tomorrow. There’s this project for Myth class.”
“I’d hoped Minder would be able to join us for a session. Perhaps Friday, before the hearing. In the morning?” Nayla asked.
“That works for me. I’d be happy to help the girls prepare. I suppose you’d like me to brush up on some of my skills too,” Minder chimed in.
“Yes, exactly. Cavin any guidelines until we next meet?”
“Be on guard. The Trinity and Crusaders are looking out for us. Jones is acting as security. Mike, keep the visitors out of the woods til the end of the trial. I don’t need them stumbling upon us should we have to leave abruptly.”
“Not a problem,” he answered.
Jenson. The boy hadn’t said a word. I looked over at him and my daughter, her head rested on his shoulder. She slightly slouched into him. He’d wrapped his arm around her waist.
“You alright,” I heard him murmur to her.
She shrugged her shoulders and then pulled away, sitting up straight.
“I’m ready to find out who killed Du-Vance. I agree with Cavin on the whole cryptic wolf thing,” she said a little too loudly.
I tried not to chuckle. It came out as a snort.
“Dad, why are you laughing. It isn’t funny,” Starla answered.
“No, it’s not,” I responded. Tri shot me an angry look.
Lance got up from where he sat, “I want to know if Sensi saw anything? Do you have any idea who might have been in the forest, the night Du-Vance died?”
Sensi scuttled back to her chair nearly knocking it over. Then re-arranged it upright. “I heard noises. I’d been hunting for mice. That’s what I told Mike when he asked. Too scared to investigate anything I fled from the area. I saw flashes of red. As if, something was running. Quick, like lightening. Maybe it had on a cape,” she stammered.
“And you’re just telling us now!” Lance shouted.
“I only recalled it, at the moment. I cannot control when I remember things. Whoot-Whoot...” Sensi’s eyes darted back and forth in a crazy frenzy. Amer pushed his chair aside quickly assisting her.
“Calm down before you turn,” he told her.
“Sensi is not on trial here. When and if more pieces of the puzzle emerge you’ll know,” Amer said glaring at Lance.
“He’s right. There is no need to attack each other,” I stated, pushing my chair back. I turned to see Rascal, standing against the door to the mud room. How long had he been there? A scowl appeared on his face.
“Right in the middle of chaos. It’s how I like to show up. How’s it going Cavin?” he asked, unfolding his arms. He shimmied towards the table. “It seems things are getting stirred up. This wolf business,
then the girl having seen flashes of red lights, the bandits, and now the scientists and an army! It just all keeps coming at us.”
Cavin threw his paws up into the air out of frustration. They fell onto the table where he laid his head on the slab. He appeared hopeless for the moment.
“Are you here to save the day Rascal?
“No, but at least we're on track. Friday Owl, and I will come together.” He turned to Sensi, “Thank you for the information.” Rascal took out his card, placing it on the table. “We’ll fit these pieces together. Do you suppose The Bandits did this?” he asked.
“It’s possible, however, unless one of them likes dressing up in a red cape, is red, or carries a red flashlight.” Sensi shook her head in dismay.
“Well, it wasn’t little red riding hood,” Starla admitted.
Jenson laughed, and I glared at Starla. Tri stifled a chuckle.
“Let’s all stand down,” Kaya declared. “We’ll meet here on Friday morning 10 a.m. Starla, please bring Molly. Cavin will call Sika to the stand first. Then we’ll go down the line of importance. For now, there's to be no harassment based upon suspicion. Nayla is here if you need her.”
Chapter 39
(Starla)
Pandemonium, my head was spinning from the madness. I sat on my bed. Jenson rubbed my back trying to soothe me. Dad and mom were downstairs sorting things out. She’d done well during the gathering. I reached behind myself with one arm moving Jenson’s hand off of my back. Then, turned to face him.
“It felt like nothing came together at the assembly. Sensi having seen a red light only adds to the craziness of the black wolf. We’re not any further than when I stood in the clearing where Du-Vance was killed,” I complained.
“Don’t beat yourself up. It will come to you, relax. Maybe you should pull out one of your magazines, cut out pictures for a collage.”
“Why, what good would it do?” I argued. “I can’t be focused on art when I need to figure out how to help the clan. I didn’t see Du-Vance get killed. We don’t have any leads.”
“Come on, Buffy wouldn’t give up,” Jenson teased me.
I grinned, “You know how to make me smile.”
He got up and pulled out a few magazines off of my dresser leafing through them. “Should we order a pizza.”
“We just ate a few hours ago.”
“My stomach must not remember,” Jenson joked.
“What about everyone else? I’m sure Megan will want some,” I commented.
Across the hall, a door slammed shut. I heard footsteps approaching. Abruptly the door to my room swung open. Megan slipped in and stood with her arms crossed.
“Hey, Megs is something wrong?” I demanded.
“I heard you discussing pizza. It sounds fantastic. Do you think I can get in on this?”
Jenson smiled as he walked over near the bed. He set down the magazines next to me. Then took my hand. I got up and stood beside him.
“Well?” she demanded, her hands now on her hips.
“Why don’t we go downstairs. Your mom and dad are probably famished. What time is it?” Jenson asked Megan.
She pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Eight O’clock. No wonder my stomach wouldn’t shut up,” she said. Then stuffed the phone back into it.
I would have laughed at my sister, but my stomach had started to grumble. Jenson gripped my hand tighter. My eyes darted to the floorboards. I needed time to contemplate everything. Nayla had warned me not to contact the wolf again. Still, I wasn't sure if waiting was the right thing to do. If she was there during contact, she might consider it. What would Nayla think if I brought Molly with me? Should I involve her in this or just ask Cal?
“You OK sis?” asked Megan.
I had been staring off into space.
“That’s how your sister gets when she’s trying to make a decision about something,” Jenson commented.
“I’m irritated. We can’t figure out who this black wolf is, or who killed Du-Vance. These are the missing pieces of the puzzle. You remember the information I filled you in on after Thunder Head Bay.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t tell me about the black wolf! I only knew about Du-Vance. I’m sorry sis,” she stated, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“I’ll be OK. There isn’t anything you can do about it right now. Let's go downstairs. We’ll see if we can talk mom and dad into ordering a pizza. I didn’t realize how late it was getting,” I said, glancing at Jenson.
He nodded to me. Megan pushed the door open wider.
We stood in the kitchen not sure what to make of the scene. Mom and dad had flour all over the place. It was on the counters, floor, and the table.
“What happened? Flour doesn’t explode,” I commented.
Jenson and my sister had their hands over their mouths trying not to laugh. Both my mother and father were covered in the stuff.
“I was trying out a spell. All of a sudden the kitchen cupboards flew open. The flour immediately burst everywhere! You know how many bags of flour I’ve been storing,” said Tri.
“Mom, when did you become interested in learning spells? And ah, what are these?” I asked, pulling out the stack of cards from the pocket of my jeans.
“Those are Tarot cards.”
“Ah,” I acknowledge examining them. Yep, definitely what they were. Mom didn’t need to know I’d had some before. I muffled a snicker.
“Hmmm, why are you laughing? A lot of people, won’t understand. They'll tell you they’re evil. It's not accurate. The readings give you guidelines, what might happen. It's a way to prepare for what may occur. Please don’t start waving them around in college. I’ll have to show you how to use them correctly. Not today, though,” she said.
I put them in my pocket for safe keeping. Then changed the subject. “So can we order pizza? We’re kind of, hungry.”
My dad dusted the flour off of himself turning to my mom. “We should clean up. Have them order pizza. We can get two large’s and then have left over’s later. Tri, the next time you want to attempt, a finding spell we should consult the books first.”
“You're right,” she answered him, glancing at us. “Go ahead. You can order what you want. I”m up for anything. Oh, and we’ll pay. Don’t go overboard!” she warned us. My mom took my dad's hand, leading him out of the room.
“What kind of pizza do you guys want?” I asked, taking my phone out of my other pocket.
“Anything but anchovies, little fish. Sick!” Megan exclaimed.
Jenson shook his head in disbelief. He slung his arm around my shoulders. Then looked at my sister. “Dan said to order two large pizza’s.”
“If only we could eat that much,” I replied gently removing his arm from my shoulder. I wandered over to the refrigerator. Then, removed the magnet holding up the menu. Pillar’s Pizza. It features some of the best pizza in town. That’s what mom claimed.
“We could try the BBQ veggie and then go with a regular supreme,” I suggested, biting at my fingernail. “Mom says it’s always good to try new things,” I admitted, taking my hand away from my mouth. I was almost ready to dial. “What do you think?”
Megan shrugged, “Sure, I’ll try it. If I don’t like it, I’ll just eat the supreme.
“Me too,” Jenson offered.
I placed the order and told them we’d pick it up, setting my cell on the kitchen counter. “What should we do now? Mom and dad are apparently still cleaning up,” I answered dusting the flour off the counter with a dishrag.
My sister bounced over to the table and sat down. Jenson automatically started to take plates out of a cupboard.
“We, usually use paper plates,” I said, then stopped dusting. I opened one of the drawers below the countertop to retrieve them, then gave them to Jenson. He shut the cupboard door he had opened.
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I replied, grabbing some plastic cups. I placed them in the middle of the table.
“So are you goi
ng to tell me about the black wolf? What’s going on?” Megan demanded.
Jenson and I situated ourselves at the table. I guess I might as well tell her. She’d find out sooner or later. “Cal and I have been training. This black wolf has made itself known to me. So far I’ve figured out, it’s a guide of sorts. It’s trying to warn us of what not to do and to help us solve this case. Something is trying to keep it from reaching me. It’s holding it hostage. It’ll work itself out somehow. You shouldn’t worry.”
Megan's face went from curious to pouty. She pushed her chair back from the table. She almost stood up but stopped.
“I’ll watch out for your sister. It seems as if this beast is too. If he wasn’t; he wouldn’t be shadowing her,” said Jenson.
“He’s right. Now it’s your turn. Who’s this new girl you’re hanging with, what happened to Carol?”
“Oh, Tasha’s cool. Carol and I, still go skate now and again.”
My dad glanced into the entry way of the kitchen.”Did you order the pizza yet?”
“Yes, two large’s. One BBQ veggie and a supreme. I figured we should try something new,” I replied.
“Sounds good.” He ambled over to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.
“We have to pick it up in... five minutes,” Jenson said.
“Okay, not a big deal. Ah, Starla is Molly still looking for a place?” he asked.
“Not sure, why?”
“I’m looking for someone to take over the apartment. I was going to put out flyers. In fact, Ranger Mike said he’d help. We got sidetracked therefore it never happened. I thought if Molly still wanted to move out it would be a great location for her. It’s near the college.”
“I’ll let her know tomorrow. She’s going to help me with the project for Jones. Funny, he wasn’t at the meeting,” I added.
“Starla, he’s undercover. He’ll be at the trial.” My dad patted his pocket, then shoved his chair backward. “I’ll go get the pizza.” He stood up, grabbing his coat from behind the chair, and walked Fonzi style to the back door.
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 18