According to Legend (8 page)

Yes, this is peaceful and the sun feels so nice.

Birds sang in the trees and a flock of geese honked as they flew overhead. The quiet of the lapping water was soothing and the warmth of the late autumn sun caressed my face. My life was in such turmoil lately that this peaceful moment seemed like a slice of heaven, but the moment didn’t last long.

At first all we were aware of was the murmur of male voices. Half-Breed’s ears perked up instantly and the fur on his neck rose. The catcher came to life over my heart.

I know those voices,
Half-Breed said in a mere a whisper.

Who is it, Half-Breed?

Shhhh. Don’t say a word. It’s David and that cop that I don’t trust.

Do you think we’re in danger?

Princess, we are always in danger, but with any luck they won’t even know we are here.

As they drew closer their voices grew louder and the conversation became clear.

“You met with her today, right?” David asked.

Half-Breed, that ‘her’ has to be me
.

Yes, I’m sure you’re right.

Half-Breed, I’m afraid. We should hide.

Shhh. Stay still and very quiet.

“Yeah,” Williamson answered. “I met with her this morning.”

“Were you able to get her to tell you where she’s staying?” David probed.

“No, she wouldn’t say, but she did say she was going back home tonight.”

They were so close now that I thought certainly they would hear my heart thundering. Half-Breed sensed this.
Stay calm. They don’t expect us here and are so focused on their conversation, perhaps they won’t notice us.”

“No problem,” David continued. “Remember that GPS chip you gave me?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I made good use of it. No matter where she goes, we’ll find her.”

The hair on the back of my neck rose as a new wave of fear passed through me.
Half-Breed, they’re tracking me, as if I’m a criminal. What does this all mean? What’s going on?

Princess, please focus. You have to stay very still and silent. Please,
the wolf pleaded.

“Good thinking, but she’s got protection. What the heck did you give her that wolf for?” Williamson asked.

“Relax, I had to play the game. Besides, the wolf knows me. He’s not a problem.”

“What do you mean he’s not a problem? Are you sure? He’s pretty big.”

“Positive.”

“If he gets in the way, I’ll just get rid of him.”

“How?”

“I’ll just say he went crazy and I had to, I don’t know ... shoot him.” Williamson chuckled.

“Shoot him!”

“Yeah. After all, the crazy animal did jump through the plate glass window at your kennel!”

How dare he?
I thought.
Half-Breed, this isn’t David, not the David I know. David would never allow such a thing. He . . . How? It can’t be.

I’m sorry, Princess.

I crouched down, threw my arms around Half-Breed’s neck, and buried my face in his fur. My entire body shook and my heart hammered in my chest.

“You know,” Williamson continued, “we really blew it the other night. We could have nabbed her, but she made that 911 call and with Martin driving we had no choice but to respond. When will you see her again?”

“She said after tomorrow. That’s when the alarm is getting installed,” David said.

I wanted to run, but I knew I would not be able to get away from these two men.

“Do you think you can get into the house tonight before the alarm is in and have a good look around?” the officer asked.

“I could, but it’s a waste of time.”

“How so?”

“I think she has the stone on her. She wears it on a piece or rawhide around her neck,” David answered.

A scream rose to my throat and I covered my mouth with one hand to stifle it while my other hand went protectively to the dream catcher. I felt trapped and couldn’t breathe. I forced myself to focus. Panic was not an option.

“She said she was staying at the house tonight so if she’s wearing it why not just get in there, overpower her, grab it, and get rid of the evidence?” the officer asked.

Half-Breed, they’re going to kill me
.

“Too messy. Can’t we just do this my way?” David asked as the two men passed by the bushes directly behind me.

Be very quite. Don’t even breathe,
Half-Breed warned.

“With that GPS in place, we’ll get the chance to check things out. Maybe she’ll get careless and take the stone off,” Williamson said. Then after a moment of silence, he continued. “So, hot shot, you have a plan for getting that stone?”

“Yeah, I’m going to romance it off her,” David said.

Ha! Romance it off me, not likely. How could I have been so stupid to trust this guy?
I held tighter onto Half-Breed.

Williamson laughed. “You’re pretty sure of yourself, you cocky bastard.” David chuckled at the remark. Then Williamson continued. “Well, just be careful and don’t get involved with her. You know there’s no future in that and in the end we aren’t leaving any witnesses.”

“Yeah, I know,” David said. “Hey, did you ever sneak those guns out of the evidence locker?”

“Yeah, and it was easier than I thought it would be, but from here on we’re going to be meeting out in the open so we can’t be overheard. Meet me here at the park after you see her again. You can update me and we can plan our next move.”

They were farther away from us now and it was a strain to hear them, especially over the frantic pounding of my heart.

It can’t be true! He’s a cop!

I knew I didn’t like him, Half-Breed muttered.

When they were fully out of sight, the catcher grew calm, but my heart was still hammering.

Guns? Half-Breed, I’m afraid. What should we do?
We were alone in the park now and the sun had begun to set. I think I would have run away screaming except that I had the protective wolf at my side. Looking down at Half-Breed, I thought maybe those two should be the ones to be afraid.

I can try to protect you, Princess, but I think we must tell Moheeladeck all that we have learned. He has heard my thoughts, but you should speak with him of this for he is wise in the ways of a warrior and will know what course of action we should take.

Of course, Half-Breed was right. But I would have to wait until I slept to talk to my warrior. I forced myself to clear my mind and tried to forget David’s conversation with Williamson.

The afternoon was slowly fading and as we were heading back to the car, I spotted a hotdog vender. Half-Breed’s thoughts turned to his stomach when the aroma hit his nose.

What is that delightful smell?
he asked.

Hotdogs,
I answered.
You hungry?

YOU EAT DOG?
He sounded shocked.

No, silly. They are not made of dog, I assure you. Come on, let’s get one.

After downing a few, I managed to coax him back to the car.

Couldn’t we get just one more?
he whined as I opened the passenger side door and he climbed in.

No, Half-Breed, I don’t want you to get sick.

I could never get sick of eating those.

We drove back to the hotel quietly. I was lost in my thoughts, thoughts of Moheeladeck and I couldn’t help but wonder what he would say. He would show us the way, I was sure of it. As I drove to my hotel, I was no longer afraid, that is, until I opened the door to my room.

Someone had broken into my room and completely ransacked it. Clothes and papers were dumped everywhere. Drawers were pulled out and emptied and even the mattress had been tossed onto the floor.

The fur on Half-Breed’s back stood on end from head to tail and he was baring his teeth as a deep growl rumbled in his chest.

I trembled like a leaf, but couldn’t move. Hot tears ran down my cheeks and I mumbled aloud, “I need to call the police.”

NO!
Half-Breed cut me off. He raised his nose and sniffed in the air.
Williamson has already been here!

I staggered into the room, then slumped into a chair, feeling defeated and totally violated. I don’t know how long I sat there just staring at the chaos.

Half-Breed never left my side.

He nudged me with his nose and in a soft voice full of concern he asked,
Princess, are you okay?

“Oh, Half-Breed,” I sobbed as I threw my arms around the wolf’s neck.

At least we know they didn’t find what they came looking for.

You think they were looking for the stone?

I KNOW they were!

Half-Breed, what should we do? I’m so afraid.

We will speak to Moheeladeck. He will know. He will tell us what to do.

I just want to go home.

Soon, Princess. Soon.

By the time we had everything in order, I was exhausted.

I sprawled out on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Half-Breed, do you think they’ll come back? Maybe we should just go to the house tonight.

I do not believe they will return. They know that which they seek was not in this room.

Half-Breed, what do you think Moheeladeck will say?

I hope he lets me rip that dirty cop’s throat out!

Half
-Breed, how would that serve our purpose? He’s not working alone and we can’t let them know we are onto them even if it’s only in the slightest way. The element of surprise is going to give us an edge!

You can’t possibly believe for one moment that Moheeladeck will allow you to be placed in that much danger.

Not only is he going to allow it, but as you pointed out, he’s going to come up with the plan!
I tussled the hair on the big wolf’s head.

Half-Breed and I agreed not to even think about forming a plan until we could talk to Moheeladeck. Although I was anxious and ideas ran through my mind, Moheeladeck was a Warrior and this was his area of expertise. Half-Breed’s mind was racing with ideas too and it was difficult for either of us to relax.

Princess, I hate to do this to you, but, well, I think we should go for a walk. You know, outside.

Oh, I’m sorry, Half-Breed. I wasn’t even thinking.

Don’t worry, we won’t go far.

After a nature call for Half-Breed’s sake, it was finally time for bed. Half-Breed walked over to the big bed and sniffed at it. He placed his head on the mattress as if to test its softness and then he looked at me.

Go ahead, Half-Breed. You can sleep up there as long as you stay on that side.

Half-Breed climbed up onto the bed and made himself comfortable.

The big bed was considerably smaller because of the space taken up by the wolf. I snuggled down under the covers and he curled up beside me resting his large head on my stomach.

I felt so small lying next to him. I had never even been close to a wolf before, but he was so much more than a wolf. He was my protector, and my friend.

Half-Breed breathed a heavy sigh.
Good night, Princess.

Good night, Half-Breed
.

Again, as had become ritual since the catcher became mine, I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

I ran across a meadow toward Moheeladeck, who stood smiling and waiting to greet me. His arms flew around me in a welcoming embrace and Half-Breed jumped with excitement.

“Moheeladeck, we have a problem.”

“Yes,” he replied, “the daylight hours when you are away from me.”

“No, I mean Half-Breed and I have discovered something,” I began, but he interrupted.

“I have heard Half-Breed’s thoughts.”

Half-Breed remained silent, which was out of character for him. The Half-Breed I knew had opinions and took every opportunity to voice them. He seemed so different, and so quiet.

“I have summoned Weekatay,” Moheeladeck said.

Weekatay seemed to appear from the shadows. As she approached, Moheeladeck turned to me. “I will leave you two alone.” Then, facing Half-Breed, he continued, “Half-Breed, come let us survey the work being done to fortify the lodges for the coming of winter.”

He greeted Weekatay with a nod and together he and Half-Breed walked away from us.

“Mother,” I greeted Weekatay. She never ceased to amaze me. She was cloaked in mystery and seemed to always be there just behind a veil of secrecy. “I am pleased to see you, but I sense you are here for a reason.”

“Daughter, I have come here tonight to tell you a story.”

Oh great, I thought, I’m facing a crisis and have to endure story time! I wanted to object, but I knew better. “Yes, Mother, I welcome this time together. Please tell me your tale.”

Weekatay took my hand and led me to the central fire pit.

“Let us sit here by the fire and enjoy the warmth.”

I sat on a log close to her. She took both my hands in hers and as the heat of her grasp seeped into mine as she began.

“Many, many years ago when my mother gave birth to me, my twin sister, Teelaktay, was born. It may sound cruel to you, my daughter, but it is not the custom of the People to allow both twins to survive. In this case, we were both spared because the Shaman recognized at the moment of our birth that we were charmed and possessed the signs of the gift of great magic. We had grown together inside our mother’s womb, but from the time we were born into the world, we grew apart. The Great Spirit continued to smile upon us for we were indeed blessed with much magic, but as we grew to maturity the paths we took became divided. I sought the light of the Great Spirit, Mother Earth, and the Spirit of the Sun, while my sister turned to darker ways.

“The time approached for one of us to take our rightful place in the tribe as Spiritual Leader, the one promised in marriage to the Shaman. It was then that the Chief, who was very wise, saw that my twin, Teelaktay, did not possess the light of The Great Spirit. He saw her evil and dark ways. Although she was brought into the world moments before me and she was the rightful heir to the coveted position of Spiritual Leader in the tribe, he did not name her as such. He named me instead. This angered my sister.

“As we grew older and it was time to select a mate, she could not choose the best husband because of her shame and the disgrace of being passed over as spiritual leader. Because I was selected I was promised in marriage to the Shaman. Soon we married and a year later you were born to us. Teelaktay married and she, too, bore a daughter, but because of her shame, her child was not named as the Tribal Princess. The Chief chose you to be the Princess. In the absence of a reigning Princess the Chief’s word was law, just as it is today.

“After this, Teelaktay’s jealousy was fierce and her anger grew strong. For as much good fortune as the Great Spirit sent to our family, only bad rained down upon my sister. She caused more shame to befall her family. When her husband mysteriously vanished, she began to seek vengeance on the entire tribe by burning crops and lodges and slaying animals. The People wanted the Chief to act, but it was not until Teelaktay was caught in her attempt to slay the Chief’s infant son, that he took action. He banished her and her daughter from the tribe. They were sent north to serve another tribe who kept them captive as slaves. She left vowing vengeance, for it was her belief that her daughter, Niviktay, was the rightful Princess and the one who should have been promised in marriage to Moheeladeck.

“We believe Teelaktay was killed trying to escape her captors, but that Niviktay did escape.”

“That is an amazing story, but why are you telling me this, Mother?”

“Just as the spirit of our Tribal Princess was reborn in you, so too was the spirit of Teelaktay’s child, Niviktay, reborn in another.”

“In my present time?”

“Yes, daughter.”

“How will I know her?”

“She has dark magic, child. She could appear in a manner that you would not expect, such as a child, an old woman, or even as a man.”

“I don’t understand.” I shook my head in confusion.

“This person will try to get close to you and approach you as a friend, but she is the most deadly of enemies. Guard yourself well my child for this person is a great danger to you. She wishes you dead and will stop at nothing to take possession of the stones. Do not forget, she believes them to be rightfully hers.”

My hand went protectively to the dream catcher lying over my heart. “How will I know who she is?”

Weekatay stared into my eyes. “You will know, my daughter. In time you will know.”

Just then, Moheeladeck and Half-Breed returned. “Come, let us all sit by the fire and you can tell us what has happened,” he said.

We sat together, Weekatay, Moheeladeck, Half-Breed, and I. Moheeladeck listened patiently as I told Weekatay the events of the day. Half-Breed remained silent. When I finished, I looked up into Moheeladeck’s dark eyes. He was quiet for a few moments, concentration etched upon his face. He leaned forward and picked up a stick that was lying at his feet and with it he began to draw in the hard-packed earth. He etched what looked very much like the dream catcher. Finally when he was finished, he met my eyes.

“Look here,” he began, now using the stick as a pointer to illustrate his drawing. He pointed to the circle representing the stone in the center of the catcher. “This is where you stand,” he said. He then motioned to the circle around the edge of the outer rim of the catcher. “This is where your enemies stand.”

I nodded and he continued.

“It is not wise for you to leave the safety of your position to seek out your enemies, who could be anywhere. You are most wise to remain in your small circle of safety, the center point of the circle, and let your enemies come to you. Here, you have more control and waiting will allow you time to prepare. When your enemies come, and know that they will come, you will be ready to defeat them.”

“Okay, wait a minute, Moe,” I said.

“Moe?” he interrupted with a stifled laugh.

Heat stung my cheeks and I smiled. “So, what you’re saying is, do nothing?”

“That is not what I have said. Hear my words, Takshawee. I said we must prepare. We must not seek to find our enemies, for in that lies our defeat. We must watch and wait and allow our enemies to move into the inner circle where we maintain control, have the upper hand, and the greatest chance for victory. They are unaware that we know of their identity, is that not true?”

“Yes, I believe that to be true.”

“This is good, they will take no care as they make their move and we will be ready to defeat them when they do,” he said with a knowing grin.

“You keep saying ‘we’ but back in my world, there is no ‘we.’ There is only me,” I stated.

A low grumble came from Half-Breed. “And Half-Breed, of course,” I rushed to add.

“This is true and this is why you must now focus on your quest,” Weekatay said.

“My quest?” I asked, shifting my gaze from Moheeladeck to Weekatay.

“In your world lays the other half of the stone—the twin to the one that you already possess,” she answered. “Long, long ago you were abducted. All that was found of you was the half of the stone you had been wearing. Moheeladeck searched for you until his last days. It was only then that he took his half of the stone from around his neck and buried it in hope that one day your spirit would be reborn and drawn to the stone. He gave the one that hung around your neck to me and asked me to fashion it into a dream catcher so that when your spirit arose and the stone was placed again into your hands, you would be reunited even through time. He chose a dream catcher so he could summon you back to him through your dreams. The stone he wears around his neck now, although powerful, is but a shadow of that which you must find. Your quest is to locate that twin stone in your world.”

“How will that help?” I asked.

“The two stones have much power and magic when united,” Weekatay answered.

“Once you hold both halves of the stone in your hands in your world, you will not only hold the key to the Cave of Secrets, but also the power will allow you to summon me and my warriors to your side,” Moheeladeck said.

I gasped. “Wow! No wonder everyone wants it!”

“That is only a small portion of the power of the stones,” he said, “but only the rightful Tribal Princess holds the knowledge of how to use them.”

I thought this couldn’t possibly be me because I had no clue of what to do with the stones.

“So, what you’re telling me is even if I find the other stone in my time, it could turn out that I’m not the rightful Tribal Princess and the stones wouldn’t work anyway?”

“That is impossible. You are indeed the true Tribal Princess,” he said. Then he looked deeply and knowingly into my eyes. “You have felt only a fraction of the power the stones possess when our bodies are united as one. If you were not the true Princess, that most cherished and intimate act would not awaken the power.”

The music of Weekatay’s laughter made my cheeks sting with the heat of a blush.

“We must now use our time together wisely,” he said. “Tonight we will continue with your training. I will show you how to protect yourself.”

“I will leave you to your lessons,” Weekatay said, rising to leave.