Spirit Walker, page 5
The lead figure, concealed behind the ceremonial cloak, holds out a clay pot painted and decorated with symbols all over it. She uncorks the top, giving it to the apprentice waiting nearby. Dipping a blue jay feather, carved to a fine point into the liquid, she begins. At the first touch of her drawing along my skin, the others begin the Gifting chant. I hold my arms out for her as she draws lines and patterns along my skin with the dye, her own voice joining the soft chanting song as she works:
“From the age when nobody was,
“Mead I serve thee, Wrath of Spirit,
“Blended of sight and great wisdom,
“Charms it holds and Spirit it brings,
“Spells full good, and summon-rune Spirit sings.”
She claps abruptly and all sound ceases, everyone holding their collective breath in anticipation. Graceful, I rise, lifting my now rune encrusted arms to the sky as I release a deep breath, shifting to face the man kneeling, nude, next to her. I focus on this person with all my will. Tingling builds, first in my fingers and toes, spreading through me as I hold my arms aloft, calling the magic to me, asking for the gods’ favor, waiting. The magic fills me as the tingling becomes an ache, shifting to a burn as it moves up my legs, down my arms, lighting the runes drawn along my skin as it goes. Swirling bubbles in my core, as the magic sits, pulsing, waiting for me to command it. I let the magic build, as I call more to me, my runes glowing brighter as I focus.
Lowering my arms, I fixate on the man kneeling before me, lying my glowing hands upon his bowed head. The magic tingling through my body unfurls, as I call it, to life. I wait, letting the magic speak to me, show me what’s possible as I see the outline of his spirit animal forming. Focusing on that vision overlaying the male kneeling before me, I concentrate on drawing it out. Suddenly the magic gives, rushing from me as I direct it into him. His head twists back, his body straining as the magic jumps from me to him, filling him. In the blink of an eye, a flaming ethereal blue panther explodes out of him, roaring in pleasure at being called forth. Sitting back, I smile in satisfaction as it swipes a giant deadly claw-filled paw at the others, making them scatter.
Sitting up in fright, I scream as that giant paw comes for my face. My breath panting, sweat covering my brow as I reach over to turn the light on, and my gaze sweeps the room for the panther. Scrambling, I pull the covers off, looking at my arms and legs. No markings. Rubbing my arms, I sigh in relief, assuring myself it was a dream, just a dream. I work to slow my frantic heartbeats, a shudder running through me as my mind relaxes.
That was so real, it seemed like I was right there. I was the one using magic on that man. Unreal. It was so like the cave, I think, recalling that detail. Glancing at my clock, I realize it’s almost morning and decide to get up and get ready for the day. My mind lingers on the dream as I hobble to the kitchen to make coffee. There’s no sleeping after a nightmare like that.
One of the nice things about living in a small town is almost everything is within walking or bus distance, so no cars. When I moved to Hood River, Oregon, after the accident to be close to Val that was a blessing to me. Plus, it’s quaint and touristy. The kind of place that’s perfect to hide away, working on a new beginning. New you, new town, new friends. Helps me to forget. Trying to start over isn’t easy. Trying to forget even harder. Trying to move on impossible. Some days are easier.
I walk gingerly down the sidewalk making my way to Sam’s. Sam, my boss, is really great and understanding guy. He’s like the town “Dad” a little roly-poly cheerful guy that loves to feed you, not happy unless you're stuffing your face. Seriously, from the minute I met him in my interview, he was shoving a burger at me. The burger shop has been his for at least 20 years’ worth of college kids coming through. He treats us as if we are his own kids, like family, which is what I need right now. Family. He’s the dad I never had.
“Andie! My girl so glad to see you safe and sound.” Sam grabs me in a giant bear hug, forcing air from my lungs with hearty back pats. “Today, you will be on the register until you're recovered, yes?” He says it like it’s a question, but he would never take no for an answer. Smiling at him, I move to get everything set up for the morning rush. I’m feeling almost hungover from the ordeal, still so secretly I’m relieved it will be a mindless day.
The day moves along quickly, everyone is glad to see I’m okay and asks after me making me feel loved and I don’t even notice the time when it’s the end of my shift. I’m meeting Val for dinner. Tired, my brain fuzzy after a full day I slowly make my way down to the corner bistro. It’s new to town and we like that it has outdoor seating. It’s also not that far from Sam’s, so perfect for me to hobble to.
Arriving, my eyes travel over the already busy hot spot until I spot Val seated at a table. She spots me at the same moment and waves me over. I edge into the place across from her, peering around as the waitress brings a menu.
“So glad you got a table close to the front. My ankle is killing me.” I sigh.
“I told you to call in today,” she smirks at me, grabbing a chip from the basket on the table.
I just roll my eyes at her. I need the cash, so I have to do what I have to do.
“They don’t call it starving artist for nothing.”
The waitress hurries over to take my drink order and again leaves us in peace.
“Well, if you used the settlement…” she hedges.
“Don’t start with that, please. You know I feel like it’s blood money.” My face heats. I’ve refused to use any of the settlement money from the accident, but Val keeps trying to make me. Thankfully she decides to change the topic.
“Look, I know you went through something weird in that cave. I feel horrible and guilty like it was my fault.”
I shake my head, holding up a hand to stop her. I don’t want my best friend to feel like this is her fault. “It’s not,” but she waves my hand down and interrupts me before I can utter a word.
“I love you, Andie, and you're hurt and confused. It’s too much all at once and I think you need help. Maybe talk to someone?” She pauses, letting that sink in.
I frown, reaching for a chip.
“What about talking to that guy, Vaun?” she grins.
“He’s not a therapist for gods’ sake.” My face heating because she’s trying, again, to set me up.
“See what he thinks, at least? Maybe he knows someone who can help.” She begs, giving me friggen puppy eyes too.
“Fine,” I mutter, crossing my arms. She always gets her way. I’m such a push over. I sigh in defeat.
She reaches over and squeezes my hand in comfort, but when she touches me my vision blurs, turning the area into a smoky cloud. My eyes search around, wondering what’s happening when I look back at Val. She looks normal, not like she’s seeing smoke as well. As I scrutinize her, the smoke gathers around her back. Confused, I don’t move, keeping my eyes locked on the smoke as it twirls around Val. How can she not see this? I pray whatever this is will just go away as I think don’t make a scene, everyone will think you're crazy.
As I watch, the smoke thickens forming into wings on Val’s back. Wings? Like a butterfly… Gasping when that thought hits me, the noise makes Val stop and look at me, concern filling her eyes.
“Andie, what’s wrong?” she asks quietly as she leans into me.
Shaking my head, I grab a chip from the bowl, buying time. How do I tell her I see butterfly wings on her? Butter. Fly. Wings. It’s too crazy to say anything, so I just shake it off, pretending it’s nothing as I try not to stare at her smoky wings fluttering in the breeze.
Seeing through the smoke, I spot the waitress approaching and right when she’s going to pass through Val’s wings, I yell “NO!” jumping to stop her.
Freezing, she eyes me like I’m crazy, shrugs and walks through the smoky wings. I wince, thinking surely Val can feel this, or this will hurt, as I wait for her reaction. Nothing. She just looks at me like the waitress did. My eyes flit around to see that everyone is staring at me, giving me that “You poor dear” look when they think you’ve lost your marbles. I quickly sit and turn my face from all the eyes. I give a little laugh, trying to shake it all off.
“I’m sorry I thought I saw a dog in the street.” I make up so they will move on and go back to ignoring me.
Val frowns, her eyes too knowing for comfort. I know she is holding back, not wanting to upset me, but that shit is crazy.
Attempting to make her feel better, I say, “Sorry. Long day and pain meds” I chuckle, trying to brush it off as just goofy me.
Looking around one last time, like she’s trying to figure out what really upset me, she gives me a slow nod and returns to eating. But I don’t miss the worried glances she keeps giving me. I take that as a cue to eat as fast as I can so we can get out of here. Val drives me home. The car fills with tension as the awkward silence grows. As we finally arrive at my house, I’m quick to jump out, almost yelling my goodbye.
“Thanks for dinner!” I exclaim, a little shrill, as my nerves are now shot to hell. I hate silence. I read too much into what everyone is thinking.
“Are you sure you’re, okay?” she asks, lingering.
“I’m fine. Sorry about tonight. It’s just exhaustion. I’ll text you in the morning.”
Blowing her a kiss, I quickly shut the door, making my escape. My limp-hobble to the front door is less than graceful and I slump back against the door as I close it. Val waited until I was safely inside, and I hear her car rumble down the road as she leaves.
I slump to the floor in relief, but also despair. I don’t know anyone that would understand what’s happening to me. I must be hallucinating, right? How could I tell this to anyone, never mind Vaun? He would think I’m making this shit up. How could I not be? Maybe I am crazy. Maybe I’m right over the edge.
Gathering myself, I head to the kitchen. I need a drink. As I pass by the card stuck to my message board, I eye it warily.
Three glasses of wine later, I’m feeling more confident and perhaps a little desperate. I stand in my hall, staring at the card pegged to my message board as I play out what the conversation would look like in my mind. I just go around in never ending circles until I finally snatch up the card and dial the number before I chicken out. Besides, it will just go to voice mail, I reassure myself. I’ll just leave a little message.
When he answers with a rumbling, “Hello?” I’m speechless. I gulp, thinking to hang up, but the wine kicks my chicken little ways to the curb.
“Hello, Vaun?” I ask timidly, silently praying he can help. Please lord.
“Yes, who is this?”
Biting my tongue, I decide to go for it. “This is Andie, the girl from the cave.” I cringe, the girl from the cave. Stupid. “…erm. The cave accident.” I clarify sounding even dumber. I hang my head in shame.
“Ah yes, I know who you are. How are you doing?” His voice is smooth like velvet.
“I’m well… I don’t know.” I sigh. This is much harder than I thought it would be.
“Are you hurt? How’s your ankle?” He sounds groggy and I’m sorry I woke him. Great thinking checking the time first. I roll my eyes, shaking my head.
“I’m sorry I woke you--I should just go,” I stammer out, nerves taking over.
“No wait. It’s fine, talk to me. I’m a good listener,” he says patiently.
Gulping down my anxiety I forge forward “Val, that’s my best friend, she said to call you. She thinks I need someone to talk to,” I mutter as I pick my nails.
“I see. Talk about what?” He hedges.
“The cave, what happened to me in the cave.”
“What do you mean?” his voice fills with a note of curiosity.
“Something happened, I can’t explain it but now…” I falter. For a moment, my mind panics, trying to do everything it can to make me keep my mouth shut. I barely know this man. Will he even believe me? Am I going to confess everything? Do I honestly have an option at this point? No, at least he already knows some of the information. I tamp my panic down.
“So, this is going to sound weird.” My little uneasy giggle fills the air. Great like that doesn’t already sound insane.
“I’m listening,” he says, trying to encourage me to keep talking.
Taking a deep breath, I just blurt it all out.
“The cave lit up all neon blue with strange writing on the walls.” I hold my breath for his response to that bit of the news.
“Really?” He sounds intrigued. “What kind of writing? What did it say?”
“That’s just it, I’ve never seen anything like it and well, I’m kind of freaked out about it.” Understatement of the year since I haven’t even brought up the visions and smoky stuff.
“Understandable.” He rustles about some more. “Listen, I have a buddy at the College, he is an expert on cave writings among other things.”
“Oh?” My heart beats faster, swelling with hope.
“Let me drop his number off to you tomorrow. I’ll stop in for lunch, Sam’s, right?”
“You remember that?” I laugh incredulously, I don’t recall telling him that.
“I have that weird kind of memory,” he teases.
“Well, that would be great. I mean, if you don’t mind, of course.”
“It’s no trouble at all, I love Sam’s burgers.”
“Thank you, Vaun, that would be a relief.”
“Good night, Andie,” he says softly, hanging up.
With a sigh of relief, feeling like there’s light at the end of the tunnel, I carry my tipsy ass to bed.
~ Andie ~
My ears buzz with distant fighting, the howling growing louder. There’s a storm in the air, but not just from the weather. I feel the magic in the darkness gathering and it worries me. My brow furrows as my troubled gaze takes in the brewing storm. Turning to Brakken, my First Guardian, in question, I realize his eyes reflect the same growing sense of worry.
“Idunn, we must hurry. There is no more time,” he states, taking my arm and rushing me to the cave.
“I know! But we must do it right if it will stand the test of time,” I hiss.
“The Gods will honor you for this service. They see your sacrifice.” I call to my few loyal tribesmen who follow, knowing they will look after and defend us until the ritual is complete at all costs.
“Guard the opening,” Brakken orders and the people move out of the cavern to the opening of the cave, leaving us alone in the great room. Carved out over time, this area has been used for our most important ceremonies.
Dampness chills me making my hands shake, at least that’s what I tell myself. I lay down the elements for the ritual on the altar as the distant shouts of fighting echo through the cave.
“I can’t believe they are taking his view on this.” Brakken growls with fury and rage, making his eyes flash dangerously.
“It’s simpler to believe in the Darkness in some situations. I forgive them. They are misled,” I reply, my voice calm before his growing anger.
“It makes no difference!” Brakken roars at me.
“Easy Elskan mín. Your turn to draw blood is soon at hand.” My hand reaches out to soothe him.
Checking over the lay of my ritual items once more, satisfied everything is ready, I close my eyes and begin chanting the ritual:
“Hear my plea, heed my warning.
When the earth rumbles and the sky cries.
When there are no waves nor sand to greet them,
When the stars no longer burn in the dark to guide,
Let this sacrifice abide. Let this journey not end,
Until blood meets blood, Bond unbroken,
Blood to blood, life to life. May they remain to protect.
Hear my plea, Heed my warning.”
I light the candle and drip sea water over the shrine.
“Quickly now, come.” I gesture my protectors close.
Each man holds my eye for a moment as I draw my ceremonial dagger. They stand before me, their expressions filled with love as they gift me a silent nod of understanding as I’m quick to draw a cut across each arm. They each move to dribble their blood into the bowl placed upon the altar, as smoke from a cleansing bundle wafts up from beneath the grate. The scent of sage and mint fills the air as their blood mingles in the bowl. Once filled, I gently set it aside as I place another bowl in the smoke.
With my dark rune-stone in hand, I gesture. My protectors fall to their knees their spirit animals flashing out of them in a rush of blue smoke.
Each animal yields to me, moving forward, offering their paw to my outstretched palm. I cut a nick across the pad of each of their paws, again collecting their blood in the bowl.
Lastly, I slit my palm open, allowing my blood to spill into the bowl as well. Rushing now as the blows of fighting grow closer, I mix all 3 bowls together. Raising my arms, I call to the Gods to gift me with purpose:
“I bestow upon you the power to gift your spirit animal with breath.
Drink of life eternal as my magic flows into your veins.
From now until time turns to dust, may your bond never break.
May you ever be my honored protectors.”
With this complete I give the bowl over to Brakken, who then passes it around to the others, each drinking from the mixture. I watch as they drink, my magic flowing to them with each sip. The bowl is returned to me after each of them has taken a drink and I direct them to go and rejoin the fighting at the cave opening as I finish. They turn, dashing away as I take the last drink from the bowl my magic now fading fast. When I hear their footsteps echo down the tunnel a safe distance away, I grasp my earth rune-stone, and with a broken heart I chant:
“Dust to dust, Power to Power,
“Blood to blood, may it never be broken,
“Bonded in death, so it shall be in life.
“Hear my plea, Heed my sacrifice.
The ground gives a mighty shake as I hold my earth rune aloft focusing on the escape tunnel. The walls supporting the tunnel crumble and with a final crack like thunder the tunnel itself collapses, falling in on a cloud of dust to seal the tunnel. As the dust billows into my face, I know my fate is sealed. But this is what I must do. Dust settles all around me as my eyes burn, adjust to the cavern that has now become my tomb. With my final breaths I draw my dagger across my arm, using my blood to scribe my runes upon the wall.
