Coyote by Deb Logan

Author:Deb Logan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WDM Publishing

20

Janine joined Winona on the cedar deck that Dad and Grandpa had reinforced to withstand the thunderbird’s weight. Even in the low light, she could see Winona sitting calmly on the deck. Her thunderbird might be invisible to everyone else, but to Janine she was clearly outlined in shimmering blue and teal light. She sparkled in a veil of magic.

“I don’t want to stay in the house while we search,” she said. “It’s too upsetting; I’d never be able to ground myself properly.”

I understand, She Who Care for Thunderbirds, Winona answered, her mind-voice calm and soothing. Do not concern yourself. Will you be comfortable under the oak tree, or would you rather sit in your treehouse?

“Let’s sit under the oak,” Janny said. “The treehouse would be nice, but you won’t fit, and I want to be under your wing, not just next to your head.”

As you wish.

The two crossed the back yard to the spreading oak that sheltered the treehouse Dad had built for the twins. Thunderbird sat beside the wide trunk and spread a wing over Janine. The girl settled to the ground, leaning into Winona’s warm side and sheltered by her arching wing.

Taking comfort from her thunderbird’s nearness, Janny closed her eyes and sought the calm center of her mind. She drew strength from the good earth, Maka’s breast, and peace from the light breeze rustling the oak’s leaves, the cool clipped grass beneath her fingers.

When her breathing eased and her heart beat in a slow, steady rhythm, she opened her mind to Winona and their thoughts flowed together as easily as a stream joined the river.

They shared a single consciousness. What one saw, they both observed.

Janine still knew herself to be a human girl, but their thoughts were one. Without the need to discuss, they sent those thoughts out into the world along a shimmering beam of palest blue magic. Once again, Janine-Winona danced through time and space like a single photon of light, guided by Janine’s love for Dad.

They sought him fervently, yet serenely, relying on their deep knowledge of his essence. His steadfast love for Janine and Justin, his need to protect and care for them. His academic curiosity, his desire to understand humanity’s shared past, to know the creatures that had roamed the earth in prehistory. His sense of humor. Dedication. Trustworthiness.

Their combined consciousness tasted the ether for his essence and followed its distinctive flavor into the night. Their bodies sat at peace while their spirits danced on beads of magical light.

Though they were certain Dad was being held by an enemy, Winona’s calm kept their shared existence free from fear. Worry could not penetrate their belief that all would be well, that Dad would return to them whole and healthy. He needed them, so they would prevail. They had rescued Coyote earlier; they would rescue Dad very soon.

Calmly and joyfully they followed Dad’s trail… and rejoiced when they found him.

Dad sat hunched on a worn out couch. Upholstery that had once been a

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