Page 67 of Arresting the Warlord

“The only ones allowed here are shamans and elders.” I lowered the ramp and stepped out of the shuttle. “Can you feel it?”

Jake raised his face to the sun and smiled. “Energy. Peace. Well-being.”

“Correct. This is a holy site that can awaken your soul, increase your power and allow you access to the esoteric plane.”

“You’re talking woo-woo shit?”

I laughed. “In a way. Many ancient spirits still reside here.” I gestured toward the hogan. “Enter at your own risk.”

“Warlords like a challenge.” Jake grabbed my hand and headed for the hogan.

“After Father rescued me, he brought me here to keep me safe from the bounty hunters.”

“Let me guess. They found you anyway.”

“They did. They bribed one of the tribal members to guide them.” I smiled grimly as memories of the ancient ones attacking the intruders flashed across my mind. “It was my first introduction to spirits manifesting.”

“The first?”

“I had seen Uncle Max and my mother go into the light, but these ghosts assumed physical forms and damn could they fight.”

Jake hugged me. “Must have been pretty damn scary for a five-year-old.”

“I wasn’t afraid of them. I knew they were here to protect me, and I’ve been talking to them ever since. The biggest surprise was when Father called down the lightning. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a shaman like him.”

“And you are,” Jake said.

“I don’t have all of Father’s powers. Yet.”

Jake stopped at the entrance. “Are you sure about that?”

“I am.” I opened the door and stepped inside. The room contained an old potbelly stove, a handmade pine cabinet, a table with a lantern and two beds.

Jake examined the Navajo blankets covering the beds. “Nice workmanship.”

“Thank you.”

“You made these?”

I grinned at Jake’s surprise. “Weaving’s great therapy and it soothes the soul.”

“You’re full of surprises.” Jake planted a gentle kiss on my mouth. “Did the spirits teach you?”

“Nizhoni, a master weaver, taught me. She had a thing for Father.”

“Did she manage to snare him?”

“No. Father’s heart will always belong to Chooli.”

“Chooli?”

“His wife. The Tai-Kok captured her.”

“God.” Horror filled Jake’s eyes. “Was she alive when they took her?”

“She was, but Father brought the ship down before they could butcher her.”

“Better a quick death than being eaten alive. I lost my parents to them.”

---