Aimée Thurlo - Restless Wind

The second book in the Brotherhood of Warriors series, 2007

Ranger Blueeyes sat with the small gathering of brother warriors inside the cave of secrets, a natural recess in a sandstone cliff high above the tree line of the forest. This site, nearly at the center of the vast Colorado Plateau region of the southwest, had been the Brotherhood of Warriors gathering place for over a hundred years.

The Brotherhood of Warriors had been established during the time of Kit Carson. Undercover warriors bound by loyalty and traditions, they stood between the tribe and its enemies-an unbroken line of defense. Never seen but always felt, theyd each been hand-selected and tested to the breaking point until only the best of the best remained. The Brotherhood of Warriors existed for one purpose only-so the Din, the Navajo People, could go about their lives in peace and safety.

Tonight, something bad was going down. Ranger could feel the tension in the air. Even the pitch-filled pion wood fire in the center couldnt push back the chill in the cave. That penetrating cold had more to do with the reason they were here than with the temperature.

Ranger had known the medicine man, Hastiin Sani,

Old Man in Navajo, for many years. Hastiin Sani was their leader and also a very gifted crystal gazer, a seer who could foretell the future with uncanny accuracy.

The fact that Hastiin Dl, Tall Man in Navajo, was also here tonight told him that his instincts were right on the mark-trouble was heading their wayor had already arrived. Security measures passed down through generations of warriors dictated that their leader and his second were never to be in the same place at the same time unless there was a dire crisis that demanded it.

Hastiin Dl would be Hastiin Sanis successor someday. There were no secrets kept from Hastiin Sanis second-except one. Only the leader of the Brotherhood of Warriors knew the identities of all the warriors, who also never assembled at the same place and time. In case of an emergency that left Hastiin Sani incapable of passing on the names, there was another secure, but lengthier, process in place. In the Brotherhood of Warriors long history, it had never been necessary to use that alternate method of verification.

Ranger glanced across the way and saw his fraternal twin brother, Hunter, take a seat to the left of Hastiin Sani. Hunter now served as HTO, Head of Tactics and Operations.

Hastiin Sani stood and faced those gathered there. Ive seen something deeply disturbing, he began, his voice low and commanding in the nearly total silence inside the cave. Soon, well all be testedand some of us will fail. Our resources will be taxed to the limit, and our faith in this brotherhood pushed to the breaking point. Youre the leaders of our special units so Ive called you tonight to prepare you. Although no specific images came to me, just impressions, I can tell you this-the danger I speak of is almost here.

Hunter Blueeyes stood up as the medicine man sat down. Look, listen, and reach out with your other senses to search for any signs of trouble. Ill be ready to help anyone who encounters a situation. You know how to reach me. Ill be available round the clock until the crisis has passed.

Ranger looked at the light and dark shadows that played on the warriors faces. He could feel their readiness for action and their desire to fight this new threat.

Hastiin Dl stood up next. Youre the tribes protectors-the last line of defense. Youve all trained hard and have special skills. Wind, youve been chosen to lead this fight because you excel in unclear situations, he said, looking at Ranger and using his code name only. Your many lessons at the side of one of our most respected medicine men has heightened your intuitive skills and gives you certain advantages. Prepare yourself, because youll need to be ready at a moments notice.

Just say the word, Ranger answered.

Hastiin Sani brought out four leather pouches, fastened at the top with drawstrings. These bundles contain medicine from Bears Ears, he said, referring to a well-known rock formation associated with power and protection. Theyll help protect you against lies, and treachery. He came around the fire to join Ranger, whod stood to accept the bundle.

Wind, you bear the name of the guardian of The People. Stay alert. Your beliefs in everything-including yourself-will be challenged.

Ranger nodded somberly. Evil was in the air. Hed sensed that himself at dawn this morning when hed stood on top of the mesa and listened to the Wind People. Wind carried messages to those who had ears to hear. Wind had warned Youngest Brother of the approach of danger. It would do the same for him.

Once the medicine man left the antechamber, the four remaining warriors nodded to each other then, one by one, left the cave of secrets. No words were exchanged between them. What more was there to say?

Before Ranger could begin the climb down, his brother signaled him. Ranger followed Hunter into one of the smaller caverns.

I envy you, Hunter said once they were alone. I miss being out in the field in the middle of the action. Want to flip for this assignment? Hunter added with a quick half grin, reaching into his pocket.

Before his fingertips touched the coin, Ranger swept his outside leg into Hunters inside knees, then with a quick hook of the neck, flipped his brother onto the ground. Tails, I win. Marriages making you soft, he said with a grin.

Hunter scrambled up, ready to continue the challenge, but Hastiin Sani suddenly appeared at the entrance to the side passage. He cleared his throat and, once he had their attention, looked at Hunter. I need you at council, he said, then disappeared from view.

Hunter grumbled softly, We should pick this up again sometime. His gaze locked with his brothers. Be careful, be smart, and if you need me for anything, Ill be there.

I know.

Ranger left the cave, climbing down the ladder to the pion-juniper forest below. The threat of imminent danger stirred his restless spirit. Pausing to zip up his jacket, he gazed at the eagle soaring above him against the backdrop of a gathering thundercloud. Using the supporting power of Wind, the fourth guardian of Suns house, the eagles flight was unhampered by the violent currents.

Ranger took the eagle fetish he wore around his neck and slipped it inside the medicine pouch. During a mission he always kept the stone carving out of sight in order to safeguard it. Eagle was his spiritual brother. He gazed upward, lost in thought. The eagle, now soaring between the strong up-and-down drafts, had faced his challenge and won. Ranger wondered how hed fare when his time came. Although hed been on dangerous missions before, hed never been pushed to the limits of his skills and endurance.

That would change soon. Many weeks had passed since his brother had led the battle to bring down those whod stolen a unique antiquity of power, the obsidian dagger, from the Din. Yet, Ranger had sensed that parts of that struggle werent quite over.

Of course he had no proof-except vague rumorsand the whispers of Wind.

Dana Seles placed her grade book into the top drawer of her teachers desk, then locked it up for the evening.

Hastiin Sani, as Kevin Cohoes grandfather was known by the tribe, stood near the door waiting for her. Although shed been scheduled to meet with Kevins parents, theyd been called away on an emergency. Hastiin Sani had volunteered to attend the conference on their behalf. Things had gone smoothly and theyd discussed arrangements for Kevin to transfer to a more advanced math class.