Earth called, p.11
Earth Called, page 11
“She’s not mine. She’s the Goddess of—” Her words broke off with a happy gasp. The cave wasn’t large—she guessed only about twenty paces long and a little less wide—but piled in the rear of it was a big nest of dried grasses, branches, and a lot of long pine needles. Some animal had definitely made a cozy den of the cave, but there was no sign of scat and no scent of urine marking its territory, which meant it had been abandoned at least for a full turn of the seasons. Ralina went to the doe, who stood at the entrance to the cave watching them. “Oh, Goddess, thank You.” Impulsively, the Storyteller wrapped her arms around the neck of the deer and sobbed into her sleek coat. “I-I’m sorry,” she told the doe. “I’m u-usually n-not like this.” When Ralina managed to pull herself together, she stepped back and wiped her face as she gazed into the magickal creature’s dark, intelligent eyes. “We’ve escaped Him. If we die tonight, here in this cave, or tomorrow out there, or any day after, please know that we’ll die content because we’re away from Him.”
The doe stretched her neck to nuzzle Ralina’s cheek gently.
As Renard and Daniel made a cooking skewer for the rabbits they’d caught earlier, Bear, Kong, and the beautiful silver-white doe lay beside the fire, watching the flames. From the nest-like pile of dried foliage in the rear of the cave Ralina found a pile of birch bark and grasses, which she placed before the doe—who immediately began to delicately nibble the bark. The smoke from the fire was carried out of the cave by a strange little wind, and soon the cave was filled with warmth, flickering firelight, and the delicious scent of cooking rabbit. Daniel took their one precious pot and collected enough snow to melt for drinking. As they filled their bellies with rabbit and their water bladders with water, Ralina felt herself truly relax for the first time since the deadly forest fire had burned through her beloved Tribe of the Trees, heralding the end of her world.
“I feel like I can finally take a deep breath,” said Ralina.
Renard nodded. “It is as you said to the doe.” He smiled fondly at the ethereal creature. “Even if we don’t make it to the Plains of the Wind Riders, we will be content with our fate.”
“Because it is finally our fate, and not something orchestrated by that monster,” said Daniel.
“I do not believe we’re going to die out here.” Ralina spoke while she stared into the campfire. “The Goddess of Life is guiding us, and it’s not an accident She sent me the dream immediately before Death lost His own guide and then slaughtered the bison to take her place.” Her gaze lifted and went to the doe. “I think I finally learned enough.”
“Enough to for you to stop Death?” Renard asked.
Ralina shook her head. “Not me. I don’t have that kind of power, but maybe there’s someone on the Plains of the Wind Riders who does.”
“I’m going to believe that,” said Renard.
“I believe it,” said Daniel firmly. “After all we’ve seen—all we’ve suffered—there must be a reason for it. I am going to believe that reason involves sending Death back to whence He came.”
“The arms of the Goddess,” said Ralina softly. Then she spoke with more surety. “Death must return to sleeping within the embrace of the Goddess of Life or our world will end.”
“You won’t let that happen, Storyteller,” said her young lover.
“I will do everything in my power to prevent it,” said Ralina.
Daniel smiled across the fire at her. “Sleep first. Save the world after you have rested.”
“I’ll do my best.” Ralina returned his smile. She’d come to think of Daniel as her own father and loved that she could always count on his kindness and optimism.
“That is all that the Goddess could ask of any of us,” said Renard.
A very short time later Ralina could not keep her eyes open, and she curled up between Bear and Renard and fell quickly into the deepest, most restful sleep she’d had in months.
CHAPTER 9
Mari returned to Herd Magenti thoroughly soaked but invigorated by the trip from the pass. The snow that was already blanketing the foreboding mountains changed to rain as soon as they reached a lower elevation—and that rain continued almost all the way to the Herd.
Not that Mari minded. Tulpar had galloped for part of the return trip, and just thinking about the power and grace with which the stallion moved sent a little thrill through Mari. They had only slowed because Rigel had fallen behind. Antreas and Bast had joined them near the end of the pass, and even they had trouble keeping up with the horses.
“They really are glorious.” Mari sighed happily.
Sora’s deft hands stilled on her hair. “By ‘they’ you mean the horses?”
“The horses, their Riders, River—all of them. Sora, it already feels so right that we’re here. I only wish we weren’t being shadowed by Death.”
“It doesn’t seem the Herd blames us for that.” Sora continued to braid feathers into Mari’s hair as they spoke.
“River said as much to me,” said Mari. “But I feel guilty. It’s us He’s following.”
“Actually, it’s more likely Death’s following Dove. She was supposed to be the vessel for His awakened goddess. So, do you blame Dove for what the God of Death does to try to capture her?” Sora asked.
“No, Dove escaped Him. I’m glad she did—and it seems the Great Earth Mother is glad as well. If it wasn’t for Dove being Tulpar’s Choice, which also led to Kit and Cleo Choosing River and April, we might not have been so readily accepted by Herd Magenti.” She turned to meet Sora’s knowing gaze. “And that’s the point you’re making, isn’t it? We’re not responsible for the actions of a god.”
Sora shrugged her round shoulders. “Well, we aren’t. What we are responsible for is calling down the moon and caring for our people.” She stepped back and studied Mari. “And now we’re ready. Or at least we look ready. I’m nervous.”
Sora’s pup, Chloe, yapped up at her Companion, which made Sora and Mari smile. Sora scooped Chloe up and kissed her little black nose, and tucked her neatly inside the carrier that held the pup close to her heart. “I hear you, and I know you aren’t nervous.”
“Chloe makes an excellent point. You shouldn’t be nervous, either.” Mari scratched the pup behind her ears before bending to kiss Rigel on the muzzle.
“Why aren’t you nervous?” Sora asked her friend.
“Well, I was earlier, but then I realized that drawing down the moon and Washing our Pack—and whoever else needs it—is one of the few things I’m truly confident about. We can do this, Sora. We have done this—over and over again together for the past many months. Remember, you won’t be alone out there. I’ll be with you every moment. We’re stronger together,” said Mari.
Sora’s furrowed brow relaxed and she smiled. “You sound like your mother.”
“That is a very nice compliment. I feel her sometimes—here with me. Sora, I think she knows we made it to the Wind Rider Plains.”
“I’m sure Leda knows.”
“Hey, are you two ready yet?” Jenna’s head appeared inside the curtain that served as door to Sora’s little room within the Herd’s enormous cave system. “Everyone is already in the Choosing Theater. They’re all waiting for you!”
“We’re ready.” Mari took Sora’s hand in hers. “Right, Moon Woman?”
“Yes. Absolutely. Let’s tend to our people.”
“Oooh, good! I’ll let them know you’re coming. And by the way, you two look beautiful. The Pack is so proud of you.” Jenna sprinted from the doorway.
“I love this cloak.” Mari smoothed a hand down the exquisitely embroidered material that would always remind her of her beloved mother. Then she touched her hair. “Thanks for doing my hair.”
“I enjoy it, and it soothes my nerves. Well, it usually soothes them.” Sora, too, wore an embroidered cloak—one she’d finished for herself on the long trip over Lost Lake. Sora glanced down from her bare, sun-kissed legs to Mari’s. “You’re sure about not covering our legs?”
“Have you looked at the Wind Riders? They wear almost nothing. It helps us fit in. Plus, from the first night you bared your legs to call down the moon I thought how powerful and sensual you looked. A little like one of our Great Earth Mother idols come to life.”
“Really?”
“Really,” said Mari firmly.
“Well, Goddess-like is a good look for us.” Sora tossed back her thick, elaborately dressed hair. “Let’s go show them what Moon Women can do.”
Together Mari, with Rigel beside her, and Sora, carrying little Chloe in her pouch-like sling, walked from the huge cave through the neat, colorful tents to the Choosing Theater. They paused at the gated entrance to take in the sight. It was fully dark. The crescent moon hung low in a cloudy sky. The mighty Herd Magenti filled the viewing stands. All around those stands torches burned brightly. Flames caught the crystals the Herd adorned themselves with, so that the Riders sparkled like living jewels. The Pack waited on the field with Dax and his Lynx, Mihos. The injured Companion pair reclined on a large stretcher around which gathered River, April, and the members of the Mare Council who had decided to remain and retreat with Magenti to the Valley of Vapors in the morning. Mari felt a flutter of nerves as she recognized the wise Mare Council Riders. They will judge us by what we do—and do not do—tonight.
“Moon Women! Our Moon Women are here!” Jenna’s sweet voice lifted into the night.
“Moon Women! Mari! Sora! Blessing to you! Our Moon Women are here!” As the Pack’s voices welcomed them, joy replaced Mari’s sudden trepidation.
“Blessed Third Night to our people!” Mari called, and the Pack—and even some of the Riders—smiled and waved.
“You were right,” Sora whispered as she waved at the waiting crowd. “We know what we’re doing. We have nothing to be nervous about.”
Side by side the Pack’s Moon Women and their Companions entered the theater. River, with Anjo beside her, greeted them. “Welcome.” She smiled at Mari. “I’m glad to see you’re not too waterlogged after our rainy journey today.”
Mari returned her grin. “Getting to ride Tulpar and watch you use crystal power was worth every bit of the rain.”
“And now I’m eager to watch you call down moon power. Do you need anything from us?” River asked.
“The only thing we need is for you to announce that anyone who is not feeling well should come down here to the field. When Sora and I draw down the moon and release its power, it heals.”
River nodded. “That’s what Sora explained while we were in the mountains today. So, we moved Dax and Mihos out here. There was no one else in the infirmary today.”
“It doesn’t have to be a wound as serious as Dax and Mihos’s injuries,” Sora explained. “Should anyone feel a little off—or have an old injury that pains them—Washing in moon magick will help as well.”
River’s smile blazed. “The Herd will love to know that, but I think the invitation should come from you.” She lifted her hand and opened it to reveal the beautiful blue crystal she’d used earlier to amplify her voice. “Mari, I already know you have an affinity for crystals. Please, use this one tonight to speak to the Herd.”
“Thank you, River.” Mari took the crystal, loving the warmth and calm it exuded, and then she and Sora faced the crowded viewing stands. “Herd Magenti! Sora and I are going to call down the power of the moon and then Wash our Pack with it. For those of you who don’t know, every Third Night Sora and I Wash our Pack. We must. Earth Walkers not bonded to a canine Companion become sick if they are not Washed, but there is more to moon magick than the necessity of Washing melancholy and madness from us. In the hands of a Moon Woman, the power of the moon heals and makes whole. So, Sora and I would like to invite any Herdmember—Rider or horse—who might not feel completely well to join us on the field. It would be our great pleasure to share with you our moon magick.”
For a moment no one moved, and then Morgana trotted to them on her ancient mare.
“I have a question,” said the old woman.
Mari bowed respectfully to her.
“Will your moon magick work on, say, an old woman’s bones that ache because of the rainstorm today?” Morgana’s clear eyes sparkled with good humor. “I ask for a friend, of course.”
“Oh, of course.” Mari grinned before turning to the attentively watching Herd. Using the crystal to amplify her voice again, she explained, “Herd, Morgana asks if moon magick works to Wash aches from a Rider’s bones. Our answer is absolutely.”
“Ah, good. Then my friend and I shall remain on the field for the Washing.” Those close enough to Morgana to hear her response chuckled as the old woman kneed her mare around and trotted back to the other members of the Mare Council.
Morgana’s acceptance rippled through the Herd as a dozen or so Riders and horses made their way down to the field—and every member of the Mare Council remained on the field.
“I didn’t expect that.” Sora spoke softly to Mari. “But I am glad of it.”
“As am I. Let’s Wash them, Moon Woman,” Mari said.
“Indeed.”
Mari returned the amplifying crystal to River with a grateful smile.
“You may keep it for the duration of the ritual,” River said. “And if Sora would also like a crystal I can quickly send for one for her.”
“That is kind of you,” said Mari. “But the moon is all the amplification we need.”
River’s brows rose, but she nodded and she and Anjo moved back to stand with the rest of the waiting Pack and Herdmembers.
Mari and Sora took position in front of the group gathered in the middle of the field. Mari caught Nik’s gaze. He smiled at her and Laru barked encouragement. Then the Moon Women drew several deep breaths together, easily falling in sync as they grounded themselves. Once grounded, they raised their hands and gazed up at the crescent above them. As they’d discussed before, Mari began, speaking the ancient conjuring as the power of the moon magnified her voice and carried it throughout the Choosing Theater.
“Moon Woman I proclaim myself to be.”
Sora continued in a voice likewise amplified:
“Greatly gifted, I bare myself to Thee.
Earth Mother, aid me with Your magick sight.
Lend me strength on this Third Night.”
It was Mari’s turn again, and as she spoke she felt the cool light of the moon cascade into her body.
“Come, silver light—fill us to overflow
so those in our care your healing touch will know.”
Together, Mari and Sora completed the ritual.
“By right of blood and birth channel through me
the Goddess gift that is my destiny!”
Mari gritted her teeth as frigid moon magick filled her to overflowing. As always, there was a moment when she was afraid she couldn’t contain the power—that she would lose the connection and vomit sickness and failure into the grass—but beside her she felt Sora’s steadying presence. Mari turned her head and met her friend’s gaze. Sora’s gray eyes glowed the same silver that settled over her skin. Sora’s thick ebony hair lifted around her, just as Mari felt her own shorter, lighter locks play around her shoulders as if they were caught in wind made of moonbeams. This Goddess gift is our destiny.
Before them their Pack went to their knees, and Mari and Sora moved forward to their people. As Sora began working her way through the Earth Walkers, starting with Jaxom’s younger brother, Mason, Mari went to Dax and Mihos. She placed her hands, which radiated moonbeams, gently on each of their heads and recited, “Brave Dax and faithful Mihos, I Wash you free of pain and gift you with the love of the Great Earth Mother.” Mari concentrated and imagined that she sketched a picture where healing moonlight flowed from above her into her body and, like a waterfall, cascaded through her into Dax and Mihos. She kept the icy stream going until Dax gasped and looked up at her. His face was flushed, and he stared at her incredulously.
“I—I don’t believe it. My hands!” Dax opened and closed his hands. “They feel so much better!” His gaze flew from Mari to Mihos, who was purring loudly as he licked his paws. Dax laughed—a sound filled with relief. “Mihos’s paws aren’t so painful. It’s such a relief for him! Oh, thank you, Moon Woman.”
Mari smiled down at him and then moved to the next person, who happened to be her Nik. He bowed his head and she placed her hand lovingly on it. “Nikolas, I Wash you free of pain and sadness and gift you with the love of the Great Earth Mother.”
He lifted his head. “Thank you, my beautiful Moon Woman.”
Mari went to Morgana next. The old woman had dismounted and was standing beside her ancient mare. As Mari approached, she began to drop painfully to her knees, but Mari caught her arm.
“You need not kneel. I can see it causes you pain.”
Morgana straightened with relief, and said quietly, “I would ask a favor of you, Moon Woman.”
“If it is in my power to grant it, I gladly will,” said Mari, curious about the Lead Council Member’s request.
Morgana rested a well-aged hand on her mare’s slick gray neck. “If possible, I ask that you Wash Ramoth as well. Her joints pain her, especially when it is damp.”
Mari realized that Morgana hadn’t been kidding when she’d said she asked for a friend about the power of the moon. She’d been thinking of her mare first.
“Yes, of course.” Mari placed one hand on Morgana’s shoulder and the other on Ramoth. The mare snorted at Mari’s cool touch but held very still as she stared at the glowing Moon Woman. “Morgana and Ramoth, I Wash you free of pain and gift you with the love of the Great Earth Mother.” She concentrated, shifting her focus to the pair and guiding the healing light of the moon through herself and into them.
Morgana sighed in relief. “May you be blessed with a mare’s luck for your kindness, Moon Woman.”
Your touch has given me great relief, Moon Woman, Ramoth’s voice echoed in Mari’s mind. I sincerely thank you.
Mari bowed her head. “It is my pleasure and my honor.”
