“Do you know who it is? I mean several of our wolves have been involved in fights. How do we confirm an identity?” I asked.
“Jinx has a torn ear. He’s the only one who does,” Star spoke.
A hush came upon the dining hall. Everyone looked at one another in utter silence. What would happen to Jinx? We couldn’t punish him. If the scientists had this power, then why hadn’t they annihilated our clan? Why were we still here?
A fog like substance formed in the middle of the room. I backed up, confused at what was occurring. Jones wasn’t as startled. Did he know what was coming? The black wolf, Trigger materialized. He nodded to us, then spoke.
“The shadows were only in their experimental-form at the time of Du-Vance’s death. I was with him when it took place. I couldn’t make out who they were controlling nor could I divulge this information to you. I had to let you figure it out yourself. I can only appear to you now because I’ve escaped my tether for the moment.”
“How were you captured if you’re a spirit?” I asked.
“When Du-Vance died, I had nowhere to go. I was set free. That’s usually a good thing. Afterward, I'm supposed to wait until instructed by the head wolf spirit for the next attachment. The shadows sensor’s picked up on me. Trapping a spirit is tricky. I didn’t know they had that kind of power. All I knew is that Du-Vance was dead, I’d failed him. Soon after I’d hid, I felt a pull. I fought against it trying to disappear, run, or transport. I couldn’t stop it. The Shadows pulled me into a vacuum. Since I am a spirit, I move where the shadows move. I’m not sure how much longer til they pull me back in.”
Blasted! We were dealing with something much greater than the entity. This mission would take all we had. Spirit guide? Perhaps Starla would now receive two. It couldn’t hurt. She and Cal could protect each other. But if a spirit-guide, could be caught that meant these shadows were deadly.
“You were Du-Vance’s spirit animal? His guide? Did he not know you were there with him?” asked Owl standing up from his seat.
“Ah, the best friend. I guess you could say I too had been a shadow in the darkness. A few weeks before Martin began contemplating changing his plan of a peace treaty to that of infiltrating the scientists. His father had taken him to a pow-wow. At this gathering he told him that coming of age, he’d gain a spirit guide. There they held a ceremony where I attached myself to him. I wandered beside him for a few weeks. By the time I’d planned on revealing myself, it was too late. That night on his walk while he muttered to himself. That’s when I was going to do it! Then I saw this figure overtake a wolf. I shuddered at it, then backed away into the forest. I hid like a fool instead of protecting him. I was supposed to guard him!”
“Why couldn’t you?” asked Nayla. She’d begun to pace back and forth.
“Fear, they had used another of my kind. They could easily have found a way to pin the crime on me. It’s another reason I had to lead you to the answers. I only knew what I’d seen. I’ve been following Starla and her father. I wanted to make sure they were safe. I may not have been able to shield your son, Rascal but I didn’t want to let down the clan. That’s when I decided I should help Starla Ariana as a spirit-guide.”
“I see. That does make sense. You would have been the prime suspect. No one, though, even knew you existed until recently. I presume you’ll assist us?” asked Nayla.
“Yes. I projected my spirit from Grandville, Illinois. Recently I’ve been moved wherever the shadows move. I’m almost free. I need you to meet me half way. Once done, we’ll form a team to go in after them,” said Trigger.
Rascal exhaled noisily, as he shook his head. He looked like he didn’t know what to say. How to respond to what this black wolf had told us. There was no reason not to believe him. Where did we go from here? How could we escape what was outside of this hut? Would they leave, or would we have to dive right into another mystery? How would we protect ourselves? Was this another dead end.
“And Jinx, he wouldn’t remember killing Du-Vance at all?” Rascal asked, standing up.
“No, he won’t be able to give you details. Helping him remember might cause more damage. It's important to take that into consideration prior to doing so. A Wiccan might be helpful. One who would know how to initiate complex spells. I’ve been unable to locate anyone of that level nearby,” Trigger replied.
“Star has various Shamen abilities,” I admitted.
“That will be useful. Now, calling on spirits to protect us will only last for a short time,” Nayla interjected.
“That’s accurate,” Star commented, maneuvering around chairs to the front of the room.
“Now you need to send them away. The shadows have a more difficult time appearing in well-lit areas. Call the sun goddess, Igaehindivo to illuminate the park it will keep them at bay. However, those in this clan, including individuals involved might want to remain here in the evenings. During the day be on guard. This is until we can move on to infiltrate the scientists as a team,” suggested Trigger.
“What? My mom, will freak? What am I going to tell her!?” exclaimed Molly out of the blue.
“My old apartment has not yet been leased. I’ll speak to your folks and see about you moving closer to the college. You should be relatively safe there. It’s close by,” I added.
Owl placed his hand on Molly’s shoulder. Starla stood up, “You told me not to involve Maine.”
“She’s barely begun to practice Wicca. She’s not even a full fledged witch, but it would help wouldn’t it?”
I gave my daughter a stern look. What choice did we have? I didn’t know any other witches in town. Star’s the closest thing we had.
“She’s right. I’ll look into it. Check her out if you don’t mind. She’ll never know. Afterward, I’ll give you an update,” answered Trigger.
“No! What if it’s not safe? Maine and I may have our differences, but I don’t want her in harm’s way. How would you feel if it was Jenson,” argued Molly, turning to Starla.
“She has a point,” Jenson stated.
“I realize this, but we have to do something! If she can help us, we should let her,” Starla snapped.
“Enough,” shouted Cavin. “Star will lead us in a prayer to the sun god. We’ll ask her to illuminate the forest until we go on our journey. Jones, how much longer will you need to be free, for the college?”
“I could end the semester early. The dean won’t like it,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Starla, Jenson, Owl,” he nodded at them. “The assignment must be completed by the end of next week. I’ll notify the other students by e-mail. Then the dean of my ‘family’ emergency.”
“Thank you, Jones. Where’s Trigger?” asked Cavin.
“Vanished, he has a habit of saying what needs to be said then parting,” I acknowledged.
“We’ll deal with him later. I want the bandit's in their quarters. Everyone else, if you’ve been milling about please join us.”
“I.. I don’t want to go back out with the shadows!” Gavin howled. “Bonehead, you’re going back to the bench,” snapped Gladiator.
Chapter 55
(Starla)
That evening...
Jenson sat beside me while I fixed my shoelaces.
“How are you holding up?”
I managed a weak smile. Then looked over at Megan astonished she hadn't freaked out. I almost had a gut feeling that somehow she was fitting in better than me. I shrugged it off.
“Starla?” said Tri.
“Yeah, I’m Okay. Megan doesn’t appear shocked by any of this. It’s kind of, creepy.”
Jenson chuckled. I lay my head on his shoulder. My eyes wandered across the circle. Mango, now sat near Eva. Molly and Owl situated themselves next to us on the floor. I noticed Ranger, Mike lean over to Jones. He had a few words with him and then exited. He must have left to check the park. Before I could turn my head, I felt a hand rest on my right shoulder. Mom lowered herself down to the floor and sat between Molly and me.
The circle we had formed took up the entire area free of chairs and tables. Star placed herself in the middle. My dad? Where was he? My heart raced. My eyes darted back and forth across the room. Calm down Starla, calm down, I told myself. My eyes discovered my dad beside Cavin. Jenson took my hand in his. My heart rate lowered a bit. Glancing at Molly, I could tell she wasn’t happy about our need to include Maine. I let the thought pass. My concern was finding a way to free Trigger from his hold. Would we have to defeat the shadows before we could free him? Trigger hadn’t explained himself. Star cleared her throat. Then stood in the middle of the ring.
“Listen carefully. I need everyone to take caution. When out walking, or if you're away from Hunter’s Park, try avoiding places of shade. Open areas are the most desirable at this point. I don’t believe they’ll attack there. If you can’t, please take an alternative form. If you run into a shadow, you’ll most likely be able to outwit or outrun them. Do not hesitate to call for help! Starla, this means you. Tri, you too!”
My mom let out a loud gekkering sound! I imagine you didn't have to be in fox form to produce it in her case. She wasn’t happy regarding this. I’d be walking on pins and needles until the mission.
“Now bow your heads, a minute of reflection, create a picture of serene light.” Star paused, allowing us time to conjure our images. Then began to speak, “I call upon the sun to arise! Take over the night, let our moon rest until we complete our purpose. Hear us, now,” she stated.
Was that it? I peeked out into the room. Everyone else’s eyes remained closed. Shadows drifted back and forth watching us through the windows. Minutes passed, I patted my mom on the shoulder. She pushed me back opening her eyes. Star had positioned herself in an odd stance with her hands to the sky motioning for the sun to overtake the moon. Jenson gripped my hand. Gradually a light emerged out of nothingness. I was in awe. How long would it last? Would it give us enough time to sort this out? I closed my eyes fast before Star saw mine opened. I”m not certain if she’d seen mom gazing outside the window either.
“Open your eyes. This condition will last less-than-two-weeks. In these Starla, you and your friends will complete your college classes. Molly, we’re going to want Maine on board. You'll have to trust us to keep her safe. Rascal, we will be informing Jinx of his involvement. He’ll be under the watchful eye of Cavin. We need to make sure he doesn’t go into shock. You know what a softie he is, this will be difficult for him,” Star admitted.
“You’re right everyone, be on guard. Stay close with family, friends, and the clan. Molly, you should discuss the apartment Dan spoke of with your parents. It’s a lot to ask, but we need you,” Cavin confessed.
“I know, I have been considering moving out. I've worried about my mom being alone,” she replied.
“You'd still be close.” Star reminded her.
“True, I'll look into it.”
“Alright then. The shadows have moved out of the way. Everyone should be safe to leave if you wish. Star, thank you for leading us in the prayer,” said Cavin.
“This takes the Cake! Funnel Cake! I can’t believe all the excitement in one night,” hollered Mango.
“Mango, calm down. We'll need you to help the elders with preparations. You have two weeks.”
“What for?”
“Those incredible mirage tricks, your gift. They’ll come in handy when we’re away. If the sun goddess fails us we might need you sooner,” Cavin suggested.
“That’s great! I mean, yes sir. I’m on it.” Mango leapt to her feet. Then hurried out the door.
“What about us?” asked Gavin.
“They’re going to use us,” grumbled Sika.
Star and Nayla trotted to them.
“Of course we are boys! You owe us after killing our family members and kidnapping. I’m not certain if you were involved in more than Cal’s disappearance. There were others,” stated Nayla.
“Others, what others?” asked Sika.
I shook my head in dismay. The punishment didn’t seem to fit the crime. We knew where the scientists were hiding. So why did we need the bandits?
“Because we will,” said a voice. I turned around looking behind me. No one there. Had it been Trigger? I glanced at Lance, who picked himself up off of the floor. He shook his body in a frenzy and howled. Shellena joined him.
“Stop! You’re going to whip these monsters into shape. If they do not obey. We’ll take it to the last resort,” announced Cavin.
“Aren’t we going to testify?” I asked in a shaky voice.
“Under the circumstances no. Unless you have anything to add we’re not already aware of,” said Nayla.
Cal’s face was red with anger. She dug her fists into her thighs. “Cal?” I asked.
Eva placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder as she whispered in her ear. Then pulled away.
“I don’t trust The Bandits. I’m not certain they’ll be useful to us at all. This Trigger seems trustworthy. Cavin, why would we train the enemy? Shellena and Lance are correct We cannot place any trust in them,” she spat, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“What if we used them as bait? We could lure the shadows and scientists out of hiding. We’d need back up. Dad? You'd have to ask for reinforcements. That means involving humans. There must be a way to destroy the shadows. The scientists won't get a trial, will they? We can't eliminate.”
“No, not by death. I'll begin the paperwork to take those on board who worked Du-Vance's case,” Dan answered.
Cal smirked slightly. “An idea I agree with, it’s better than training them, bringing them along, and expecting compliance with us.”
I observed my mother nod in agreement with my father. She took my hand and squeezed it, then let it go.
“While I identify with your anger. The Bandits did not kill Du-Vance. On the other hand, they do not seem at all remorseful regarding River Rogue. I’m going to agree with your proposal Starla,” said Cavin.
My dad gave me a thumbs up sign.
“Shellena and Lance, please take the accused back to their chambers. They’ll remain there until needed.”
“What! We gave you all of that information, and now we’re just cattle to you!” Gavin exclaimed.
Sika spat at him. “I told you, nothing good comes from us, nor them.”
What an awful attitude to have about yourself and others,” I thought. Whatever had led them, to hate us, and themselves, must have been pretty awful.
After we’d departed, dad drove us home. Megan wouldn’t keep quiet about all that she was learning regarding our clan. I sat in the back seat watching the street lights fly by. Jenson had offered to take Molly home. Owl had come with Rascal. No one, actually got to say goodbye. I wouldn’t say Molly hated me, exactly. Nothing was the same, and now we’d be going on another mission. I loved them, though, didn’t I? Mysteries, the brilliance of bettering the world, the excitement? So why did this feel different? I slumped down in my seat, closing my eyes.
“Starla it’s going to be Okay. Nayla’s going to hold a few more meetings with you before we leave on this operation. Then she has to go back to her home. You and Cal, are almost ready. There’s nothing to be afraid of,” said my dad.
“I want to believe that everything will come together, and the nasties will get it in the end. A nice clean shot similar to a stake through a vampire’s heart.”
“Where does she come up with these things?” asked Dan.
“Buffy, remember?” Mom coached nudging him with her elbow.
Megan giggled to herself. I quickly sat up peering out the car window. Maine was heading towards the bookstore also known for supplying herbs. It was fairly late. I smiled to myself, definitely a Willow. I wondered what kind of family, she came from.
“Everything Okay, back there?” asked my Mom.
“Yes, I thought I saw Maine is all,” I answered.
“Well, you’ll have to speak to her soon, work things out with Molly. Things are good with Jenson?”
Dad pulled into the apartment complex and parked. Then opened the car door getting out. “Are you girls coming? Tri asked.
“Yeah, mom give us a minute,” said Megan.
What could Megan possibly want? I eyed her curiously. Then immediately unbuckled my seat belt.
“Sis, it’s going to be okay. We know Jinx killed Du-Vance. We have to get Maine in on this. I can help. We’re a team.”
Megan was already tearing up. She started to choke attempting not to cry.
“Sorry, I’m just happy, emotional. Gah, sometimes I hate being a girl sis.”
I grabbed my sister in a bear hug.
She pulled away from me, then turned to exit the car, but before she did, she turned back to me.
“It’s going to be all right. We’ll get through this.”
It almost resembled a promise, and I believed her.
Author’s Note:
Thank you for reading Spirit-Guide, book 2 in the Myth series. I'm currently working on book 3. Writing brings me a lot of joy. It's where my passion lies. It is my hope that these books will encourage the reader to think outside of the box. The one each of us often lives in. If you liked this book, please leave a review @ amazon.com or the site where this book was purchased. Outside of my day job and writing, I enjoy taking walks with my dog, Butters. I also have two cute kitties who keep me company while I’m busy at my computer.
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