Behind the Curtain

by Shannon Ainslie

  “Creatures of Sionnin,” Ondag said loudly. “I present to you our honorary warriors, who fought bravely to restore our beautiful land!” The sound of hundreds of creatures squeaking and growling roared around them. The larger animals parted. Rowdy’s dad approached, beaming. He had been allotted the duty of presenting the gifts. He approached carrying a long shining sword. He bowed at Ondag, kneeled before Rowdy, and held the steel up to him.

  “For your service to Sionnin,” Ondag said solemnly. “You have a courageous spirit, and we ask that you continue to protect us.”

  Rowdy reached out to take the sword and saw he was trembling. He met the proud eyes of his dad. He picked up the sword and held it into the sun. He loved the perfect weight of it and the way it glinted. Its edge was sharp, and its handle was smooth and worn. He gasped when he read the name etched into it. It was Wizard Boc’s sword. His heart raced as he squeezed his hand around the handle, feeling the familiar tingling of his master’s spirit. He exhaled, realizing he had been holding his breath.

  Ondag spoke. “This sword is now yours. It comes from the wise and fearless Boc, my brother and my mentor. It will be kept hidden in the Great Mountain, and only you will be able to hold it.”

  Rowdy held it with awe. He had no words to offer, so he bowed at Ondag. The big bear put his heavy paw on Rowdy’s shoulder and smiled. Ondag turned to Rowdy’s dad again and nodded.

  Rowdy’s dad presented a leather string with a large tooth on it. He handed it to Jordyn, who received it with curiosity.

  “For your service to Sionnin,” Ondag said. “You have great speed and skill, and we ask that you continue to fight for us. This tooth comes from Wizard Boc. With it you may muster his army for assistance should another battle come about.” Jordyn closed her hand around the tooth, and Rowdy knew she felt the tingle of her master’s spirit in her palm.

  “It belongs only to you,” Ondag continued, “but will remain in the Great Mountain until such time comes when it is needed.” Jordyn bowed at the great bear, who put his giant paw on her shoulder. He nodded at Rowdy’s dad, who approached Thomas next and handed him a liathroid. Thomas looked nervous and blushed.

  “For our chemist,” Ondag said gently. “You are the bravest indeed. You now have a window to Sionnin that you can keep with you. This gift comes with great trust. You must keep it safe in your care and alert the warriors if you detect trouble in our land. We thank you for your service.”

  Thomas trembled and turned a deeper red as Ondag patted him on the shoulder. The big bear smiled gently at him. He turned to look at Rose, who was still perched on Rowdy’s shoulder. Ondag held his paw out to her, and she jumped onto it.

  “My dear Rose. You are a guide and a mother to all. For you I offer my protection and counsel for any traveling you do in my land.” He held his paw open to her to reveal a smooth black stone with the symbol of protection etched onto its surface. “Hold this stone in a flame, and my protection will be with you.” Rose picked up the stone in her beak. He patted her on the head with his kind eyes twinkling.

  The world burst into color and sound around them as the animals celebrated. The warriors hugged one another. The sky filled with flapping wings again. Granny turned into a brilliant unicorn and kneeled for the honored warriors to get on. Rose flew on ahead of them.

  They departed like a silver wind and raced into the trees, cheering for Sionnin on the broad swift back.

  The End

  Publisher’s Note

  Please help this author's career by posting an honest review wherever you purchased this book.

  About Shannon Ainslie

  Shannon lives with her husband and daughter in the small city of Kamloops, British Columbia. As a mother and a certified education assistant, she is passionate about child welfare and meaningful public school education. She enjoys writing in the young adult genre, where she can combine creative fantasy elements, humor, and real-life issues that teens often face.

  Shannon spent the majority of her young adult life working in the reforestation industry, planting trees in remote places all over western Canada. She is currently involved in the craft beer industry doing sales, meeting amazing people, and tasting unique craft beverages.

  For the future, Shannon is excited to keep pursuing her writing career with the goal of providing enjoyable and meaningful novels for teens.