“You have come here to be trained, yes?” Kalwyn said suddenly. I looked up, startled.
“Jana Farseer sent me,” I said.
“Why?”
“I had a vision. I Know and See things before they happen.”
A rapid burst of questions followed. “Are you after seeing pictures, or can you read the sky and stars? Or do you just have feelings you cannot explain?”
“I see pictures. I smell and hear them, too. Sometimes I have feelings.”
“Are you often right?”
I thought about that. “Yes. If what I see does not happen, it still – almost happens… if you understand…”
Kalwyn nodded. “Are you skilled at healing wounds?”
“I have never tried,” I answered honestly.
“Do you often remember what you see?”
“Not always. Sometimes I do not know that anything has happened to me. One of my friends has to tell me what I said.”
“Common in the young ones. We can be solving that problem.” Kalwyn tapped her fingers on the jacket of a book that rested on the wooden table with its three chairs.
“Learning magic and the ways of a shaman is not easy, child,” she said, not unkindly. I noticed that her eyes, which were a pale blue, seemed to grow brighter. Her white hair fell about her shoulders in thick, spilling strands. She was an impressive sight, I realized.
“Magic is a responsibility. You have to choose what to tell, when to interfere. You are having power over others that most do not even realize. Magic can do great good, but it can also do great harm.”
“Please,” I said, surprising myself with my eagerness, “I want to learn.”
Kalwyn nodded, took a seat on one of the three legged stools, and gestured at Larna with her stick. “I will start with her, young pup. Off with you, there is food in the kitchen.”
Her eyes brightening at that idea, Larna wandered towards the kitchen door that I had already passed through. I could not help staring after her as she went. “Sit,” Kalwyn said, interrupting my silent pleasure. I sat in the chair across from her. “Listen.”
…
“Long ago in the Western Lands, where the World began, there lived seven brothers. The Maker gave them gifts at birth, and as they grew, each one proved to be different than the others.
“The first son was a Wizard. He used writings and incantations to call water from the sky and sea, cause the earth to shake, and make fire and wind from nothing. And so it was that he controlled the elements, and even man, because man is made from the elements. And so it was that many followed him. Some made crops grow and villages thrive and some burned these villages to the ground. For magic is only as good as its user.
“The second son was a Shaper. He could take flesh in his hands and twist it, breathe life into stone, and create creatures beautiful and terrible to behold. And so it was that he controlled magical beasts. And so it was that many followed him. Some made the gentle stone giants and the mermaids in the sea and some made the demons of black fire and the goblins under the earth. For magic is only as good as its user.
“The third son was an Enchanter. He could forge armor and mirrors and instruments with strong enchantments on them and make all manner of magical objects. And so it was that he controlled the many things of power in the world. And so it was that many followed him. Some made magical swords to aid the light and flutes and harps to soothe the animals and some made evil weapons and mirrors and rings to kill or curse or maim. For magic is only as good as its user.
“The fourth son was an Oracle. He could read the stars and know what had been and would be and watch the leaves and the movements of beasts to understand the secrets of the world. And so it was that he had great knowledge of patterns and signs. And so it was that many followed him. Some used their knowledge to help good kings and warn of disaster and some used their knowledge to cloud men’s minds and create chaos throughout the land. For magic is only as good as its user.
“The fifth son was a Druid. He could speak with the animals and trees and lived with the mountains and streams and valleys. He could call on them all for aid. And so it was that, like his eldest brother, he knew of nature and its many secrets. And so it was that many followed him. Some used the secrets of the earth to make the forests bloom and care for the beasts and the land and some used them to poison and kill and destroy. For magic is only as good as its user.
“The sixth son was a Necromancer. He could see ghosts, speak with the dead, and even bring them back to life. And so it was that he could call men back from the brink of death and even beyond its gate. And so it was that many followed him. Some used their powers to heal those almost gone, or put the walking dead to rest and destroy magical beasts. Some used their dark energy to raise corpses and spread chaos and destruction. For magic is only as good as its user.
“The seventh son was a Shaman. He – or, as some say, she – could travel into the spirit world to talk with the ancient spirits of people and animals and channel their powers. And so it was that the seventh child learned all they could and sailed far away from the Western Lands to Amendyr. And so it was that many followed that child. Some healed suffering and brought wisdom to their kingdoms and villages. Some used their powers to control the minds of others with their mysteries. For magic is only as good as its user.
“You are a daughter of the seventh child. You have been called, Cathelin Raybrook, to be a Shaman. Your grandmother was a shaman, though not fully trained. Magic is in your blood, but it will only do as much good – or as much harm – as you command it to do.”
And then there was silence. As I re-examined the story that Kalwyn had told me in my mind, I discovered that I could remember word for word what she had said. Perhaps it was magic or perhaps the story was just enthralling, but I knew that I would be able to repeat it exactly if asked.
“Teach me,” I said. “Teach me to be a Shaman. I want to Know like my grandmother.”
“That is where the word Shaman comes from, Acha. To Know.” I flushed pink when I realized that she had called me ‘Acha’ – student. Kalwyn had accepted me.
…
My first lessons were not in Shamanism, but in History. For the rest of the day, Kalwyn told me more about Amendyri’s past than I had ever read in any book. She spoke of the great magical people of the past. There were the High Wizards of the king’s court, who had fallen and allowed half of Amendyr to be seized by the Serians. Umbra had been the last of their leaders.
She told me of Lyr, the powerful Shaper, who had been corrupted by his own creations, making more and more monstrous creatures until his own monsters killed him. He had been the first to call demons like the Shadowkin and the Kerak. He had made the Liarre (named for him) in a bizarre magical accident, trying to fuse animals and humans together. Interestingly, he had also been the first to create a Wyr. It was his path that Mogra was following.
I learned of the great Enchanter, Grath, who had made the Red Lion Shield that the Kings and Queens of Amendyr had carried into battle for centuries. Grath had invented Sorcerer’s Chains for his wizard brethren and had made many objects of power like the pipes of Nemoth and the Silverglass Mirror.
I also asked Kalwyn about Ellie, who could speak to animals. She told me that, from my description, it seemed like she had some druidic powers. I was eager to write to Ellie about this, seeing no reason to keep what I had learned from her. I blurted out so many questions that my head began to swim. There was just so much to take in!
By the time Kalwyn reached a pause in the lesson, the sun had already set. Larna, who must have been listening at the door, entered during the break in our conversation and said, “Cate and I should be after getting home.” Her tone was polite and respectful.
Kalwyn, who obviously knew Larna, smiled. “Take this one home, then, young pup. Make sure she sleeps. Tomorrow, we will be learning about the Spirit World.” My head spun. The spirit world? I had so much to learn…
I must have mumbled a go
odbye to Kalwyn because Larna led me from the small cabin by the hand and out into the night. I was grateful for my Wyr blood because it made traveling in the dark much easier. I did not stumble and I always seemed to know which direction we were going in. Larna did not let go of my hand, sending a pulse of warmth through me that kept my face hot for several minutes. This time, I did let her carry my pack and she carried both over one shoulder by the straps.
“Did Kalwyn teach you many things, little bird?” she asked, seeming genuinely interested and not just polite. I did not blame her – magic was fascinating. I had sensed no magical energy from Larna, but I was not an expert in the subject. Maybe she practiced it herself and I had no idea. If she did have any powers, she must have used them to read my mind because she said, “I am knowing almost nothing about magic, but I find it interesting. I find you interesting.”
That sentence made my face even hotter. I was glad that it was dark and my blush was not too noticeable. Night-seeing is different than day-seeing. You are less aware of color and more aware of movement.
“It is interesting. Magic, I mean,” I stuttered. “It – it feels like a great weight has lifted. I can talk about it now. Are you sure you do not mind coming with me?”
Larna squeezed my hand. She must have heard the insecurity in my voice. “No. But how are you feeling about your grandmother?”
I frowned, a little of my good mood leaving. “I miss her,” I admitted. “I have not seen her for several years, but I have good memories of her. I am glad that Kalwyn told me what happened, though. It is better than not knowing.”
“I lost my family, too,” Larna said. “They still live, but I be not welcome with them. Someday, I will tell you about them.”
I was too shy to say anything else to her as we walked back that night and camp was not very far away. We traveled as humans because we did not want to leave our clothes and packs, but I could tell that we moved faster than I had been able to a few weeks ago. My body had changed.
Although my thoughts never completely left the subject of Larna, I began thinking about Kalwyn’s parting words. She would be showing me the spirit world tomorrow. I needed to rest well that night. But I knew that I would probably dream of Larna’s eyes.
…
Chapter Ten:
Through my heavy sleep, I felt a strange tingling. I was blossoming outward, swelling inside my skin, stretching to the low ceiling of the dark hut. My muscles burned. Flesh rippled and crawled around my bones. I started scratching, trying to gouge out whatever was inside of me.
A large, square hand caught my wrists, stopping me. I noticed warm, wet blood leaking from the cuts on my skin, but as soon as they opened, I felt warm fire knitting them back together. I could not see it, but I could feel it in the dark. Squinting up, I could only make out a black shape above me. It was Larna. I knew her scent. But something about her smelled… different. There was a heavy musk, a primal smell sharp with magic.
There was a flash of silver and I could see two eyes above me. They were like, and unlike, Larna’s eyes. I imagined that I could see a reflection of the moon in them. It was a heavy gray moon. My heart felt the pull.
Larna helped me up from the bed. I followed her, naked, out of the front door. There was no one else outside, but the strange smell was everywhere. I realized what was happening.
“Half shape?” I asked quietly.
“It is time.”
“The others?”
“Running.”
So we were alone. I was glad that no one but Larna would see me naked and afraid. Together, we looked up to the sky. The moon was a flashing white disc, almost painful to watch. My heart beat heavily in my ears. I imagined that I could hear Larna’s heartbeat, too. She held my hand.
My shoulders broadened. My back rippled with muscle. My arms became like tough, knotted ropes and my legs were tree trunks. Everything swelled and ached and burned. I lifted my heavy head to the sky and howled. My voice was not my own. It was deep and resonating. Beside me, Larna howled too. From around the forest, there were answering calls. Some were close by, some were miles away.
I turned my head to see Larna. Beside me was the most beautiful and terrifying creature that I had ever seen. She had coal black fur and familiar brown eyes. Her coat had a wiry layer on top and a downy soft layer underneath. Her body was long and tight, the sheets of muscle were sleek like a hunting dog’s. She stood on two legs and her small black nose was dainty against the rest of her long head.
My claws shifted in the dirt. My legs twitched. I wanted to run. I wanted to feel my blood rushing. I wanted the warmth of Larna’s body against mine. I wanted Larna inside of me, taking me. These thoughts excited and frightened me. Larna’s ears perked up. She pushed her head forward, asking Play? There was something in her face that reminded me of a puppy. I could not mate with Larna yet. I was not ready. Play seemed like a good idea.
I realized, with a fierce joy, that my mind had not left with my human body. I could still reason and analyze and make decisions. The urges were just… stronger. The last of my fear dissolved.
I nipped Larna’s ear and crouched down as she swiped at me with a large paw. She chased me all the way through the camp and we crashed through the forest trees together, heading for the river. We ran until we were so tired that our bodies crumpled back into their human shapes, resting on the ground.
The evening was calm and still beneath the full moon. Silver threads of light from the stars wove to the ground in soft beams. It was a beautiful night, but Larna was even more wondrous to me. She looked lean and powerful in the white light. I felt warm and safe as I walked close beside her, our arms just touching. I was still exhausted from changing into my half-shape, but my heart was happy and full.
We wandered beneath the treetops together, not following a set path on our way back to camp. Instead, we made our own, drawing close to save heat even though it was not too cold. “Cate,” she said, as if she wanted to ask a question. Her voice was like a deep river; it had many currents. Hearing her speak made me shiver. She noticed and wrapped her arm around me. That simple gesture touched me. Belladonna was always doing that sort of thing for Ellie, and Ellie always found little ways to surprise her, too.
When I first discovered their secret, I thought Ellie was half-mad to start a relationship with her stepsister. Now, I understood. Inconvenience meant nothing to love, that deep-rooted need. Larna was a fighter, a warrior. If I gave her my feelings, she might reject them. Worse still, she might accept them and then die fighting some great injustice. But it seemed worse to be without Larna forever than to lose her after having her. I had to try.
“What is it, Larna?”
“Nothing.” We smiled at each other and she blushed. Dancing around our feelings was silly. We both knew it. Her brown eyes reflected the moon like dark glass, almost glowing. “Little bird.” Her face drew closer. My heartbeat doubled. I melted as she wrapped her arms around my waist and bent her head. I forgot to breathe. Finally, she kissed me. My lips twitched, smiled, and relaxed against hers. My eyes stayed shut. I knew that hers were closed, too. For the first time, I realized that we were both naked. Strangely, I was not embarrassed.
It was my first kiss. Luciana had not been interested, I had not wanted to. Not knowing what to do, I just held still, feeling her mouth over mine. It was warm and soft like the rest of her. Larna did not move either. We stayed like that for a long second, not moving an inch.
We pulled apart, only a breath between us, and kissed again. “That was my first kiss,” I whispered against her mouth. Larna looked surprised, then pleased. Her dark eyebrows lifted on the pale curve of her forehead. “I never loved anyone enough to kiss them before.”
“Is that meaning what I think?” Larna whispered back. Her pale cheekbones were dusted with twin spots of pink, barely visible in the silvery light. My warrior was so tender sometimes.
“That I love you? Yes.” I felt brave. Larna’s kiss had given me strength. I wanted anot
her one, I thought to myself, but I was not sure if I could be that brave right away. But Larna gave me a kiss instead and it was just as good as the first one. That is the wonderful thing about being with someone you love. Every moment is better than the one before.
She did not have to tell me that she loved me back with words. The hand on my side, her thudding heartbeat, and her warm lips said everything.
…
“How can you love me when you hardly know me?”
It amazed me that Larna could think of such a deep question so early. The sun did not shine through the open windows yet, but it smelled like morning. Larna’s voice did not sound hesitant or afraid. She seemed curious, almost hopeful.
I reached across the small table where we sat and rested my hand on top of hers. She let me keep it there. “But I do know you,” I said. Larna looked at me with thrilling brown eyes. She waited for an explanation. It took me a moment to find the words. “I know that you are honest. I know that you are brave. I know that you care for me. You are interesting and smart. And I also think you are very handsome.” That made her eyebrows lift, but she accepted the compliment. “The rest of it – your favorite color and that sort of thing… it will come later. But I do want to know.”
Larna smiled, teasing a lock of my hair with her left hand, the one that I was not covering. Her fingers toyed with it gently. “My favorite color is red.” My face turned exactly that color. Larna’s hand moved down to stroke my cheek. My heart pounded harder. Her fingers were so soft.
“Have you ever felt,” I asked, “that two people can fit? Maybe as friends. But maybe as something else? They are tied together by something invisible, something…”
“Tuathe.” Larna guessed the word that I was afraid to speak. “Yes, I have been thinking of things like that before. From stories…” Both of us were too shy to say more, but the thoughts hung heavy between us. We could sense them.
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