Prologue

Frantically rushing into camp, completely out of breath, Kaleenna cried out, "Kera! Kera, you must help me!" She was terrified and carrying a baby. The baby was calm, unlike her mother.
Startled by the turmoil, Kera ran to her, placing a comforting arm about her shoulders. "Kaleenna, please sit. Tell me what is wrong?"
Nearly hysterical, Kaleenna pulled away. "Kera, there is no time!" She placed a small baby into Kera's arms. "Here! You must keep Shakara safe. I don't care what happens to me, but please, you must keep her safe! Care for her, and let no one know who she is!"
Kaleenna’s forehead wrinkled upon noticing the bewilderment in Kera's face. Swallowing hard she intensified her pleads. "Kera, you helped bring her into this world, you cannot let evil take her out, without a chance! You just can't!” Taking a breath she added, “You can teach her all your special talents and abilities. Kera, she must survive!"
Kera studied Kaleenna’s offer but a moment, then replied, "Kaleenna, I am a medicine woman, yes, but..."
Cutting her off before she could finish the sentence Kaleenna said, "Kera, just listen!" Then glancing about cautiously added, "I must leave before they find me. Just promise me Shakara's safety!"
Still unsure of Kaleenna’s problem apprehension filled Kera’s voice, "Wait, Kaleenna, I'm worried about you!” As uneasiness sudden filled Kera, her voice dropped, "Your vibrations are of fear and death."
With determination written in her eyes Kaleenna stood there, strong-minded, when suddenly Kera heard the crackling of twigs in the surrounding woods. Swiftly handing Kaleenna the back the baby, Kera ushered the mother and child into the deer skin tent and placing them against the far wall said, "Stand here and keep quiet."
Moving to the herb shelve, Kera picked up some amaranth and heliotrope and holding them in her hand tightly, began to chanted. "I call upon your power of invisibility. Powers of life here my plea" Then turning, snatched up a blanket and moved back to Kaleenna. Standing in front of Kaleenna she draped it over both of them, causing it to appear as if the blanket was just a tapestry on the wall then quietly said, “They will not see you. Stand perfectly still."
Stepping back, Kera tossed the remaining herbs into the small fire. Placing her hands in the air at the top corners of the blanket, she brought them down swiftly to the bottom corners with a single swift curved movement. The blanket stiffened, and smoothed out under her palms. Once again she turned to her herbs, gathered up some angelica and damiana then flipping the tent flaps back, she went out. Standing by the campfire, she enchanted the herbs, and then sprinkled them into the fire. As the yellow flames burst upwards, changing to red and orange, Kera glanced down at her stomach and began rubbing it lightly with a circular movement as it began to swell, giving her the appearance of being pregnant.
Within a moment or two, three men broke through the outlining hedge on the right side as they rode up. The one in front was garbed in a long black robe with satanic markings. It was well known that he was a warlock. The other two were clothed in just solid black outfits.
Pointing at Kera the warlock glared with burning red eyes and inquired, "Have you seen Kaleenna?"
Unimpressed, Kera stared at them angrily from across the fire. "What right do you have, riding in here, asking me questions? I live here, so I'll ask the questions. Who are you?"
Sliding off the horses, the two men behind the warlock ran over and seized Kera, while he stepped down nonchalantly. As he strolled over to her, the fire lit up his expressionless face, and his eyes shone like black diamonds.
Kera stood defiantly, staring him in the eyes as rage boiled inside refusing to blink as he drew his hand back to strike her.
A long stressful moment passed before he suddenly dropped his hand. All at once he broke his gaze, laughed and then strolled back to his horse. With an indirect wave of his hand, he ordered, "Search the tent!" Then once again making eye contact with Kera added, “I am Lymon, Master Warlock, of this area. It will be wise of you to remember that!”
Baffled by his actions, the other two hesitated there, staring after him. As he mounted the steed, he noticed them. "I meant now!" The harshness in his voice snapped them both into action. Abruptly turning Kera loose, they both raced into the tent.
Kaleenna’s heart pounded wildly, yet she dared not move, as she heard the tent flap slap open. Her breath stuck in her throat!
Moving here and there the two men glanced about, not seeing anyone they turned to each other and shrugged. "Nothing in here!" grunted one of them.
Hearing that, Kaleenna breathed easier. Relaxing a bit, she hugged Shakara even closer. Now you'll be all right. She thought.
As the two ran up to him Lymon stepped back from the fire, the warlock's eyes appeared to glow red in the dark. "Get back to your horses," he snarled, then pointing a long bony finger at her, his lip quivered. "Kera, if you don't wish anything to happen to that child you are carrying, I would advise you to stay away from the bitch, Kaleenna. If she is caught here, you will experience eternal pain for your interference!"
With a slight wave to the north, he led the other two men back into the woods.
Kera stared defiantly after them. Allowing a few minutes to pass, she then went to her herbs, taking out some rosemary, shallot, and thistle. Stepping outside, her eyes carefully and quickly swept the area. Not seeing or hearing anyone she enchanted the herbs, then tossed them into the fire. The flames flared up high, emitting powerful protection and purifying vibrations throughout the camp.
Returning to the tent, Kera strapped a solid silver blade in a leather sheath to her forearm, then picked up a bottle of wine along with a piece of bread. "Kaleenna, stay in here until I return," she commanded while slipping past the tent flap.
Walking out of camp a short distance, Kera found some wolf claw. Leaving the wine and bread there, she went to the nearby stream.
After taking a purification bath, she returned to where she had left the wolf claw, then knelling she offered it, the wine and bread. She then enchanted and uprooted it with the silver blade. She bore it back to camp with reverence for she knew that when gathered right, wolf claw gives off protection powers. It also attracts the blessings of the gods.
Wishing to know all that was going on, Kera pulled some cinnamon from one of her ceramic pots, then enchanting it, she tossed it into the flames, which began to emanate high spiritual vibrations. The vibrations encircled the camp, guarding it from evil. Finally satisfied, Kera decided to bring Kaleenna out.
Standing by the fire Kera inhaled the aroma to stimulate her psychic powers. She allowed it a moment to strengthen her protective powers, and then she said in a firm voice, "Kaleenna, it is clear. Come out and bring Shakara with you,"
Hearing Kera’s voice Kaleenna stepped out from behind the blanket and stepped out of the tent. Spotting Kera, Kaleenna stopped dead in her tracks as her eyes flew wide open. "What has happened to you? You look like you're ready to have a baby." She exclaimed in a startled voice.
Paying little attention to the shock in Kaleenna’s voice Kera motioned her over, “It is not important right now. What is important is the fact that I did it for the protection of Shakara."
Unsure of how Kera looking pregnant could help Shakara, Kaleenna walked over to Kera and in a soft but firm voice asked, "Now will you protect Shakara?"
Kera could see the heart-felt plea deep within Kaleenna's eyes. "Before I answer that I want you to hold your hands out, palms up and calm your mind."
Hesitant, but not wishing to argue, for she knew she wouldn’t win Kaleenna laid Shakara down on a nearby blanket, stepped in front of Kera with hands out and palms up and then she slowed her breathing.
An understanding smile formed on Kera’s face and then she calmly said, "Do not worry, Kaleenna. Just clear your mind and relax. Feel only the energy that flows between our hands."
Frustration was being to build up and suddenly Kaleenna protested, "But…, Kera!"
"Don't worry! This will only take a minute." Kera comforted.
Tentatively, Kaleenna sighed, keeping her hands out as the energy began twirling and flowing between them, all at once a smirk crossed Kera's face.
Dropping her hands, Kera gazed directly into Kaleenna's eyes. "Why did you not tell me you were a High Priestess, Kaleenna?"
A quick shiver of shock ran through Kaleenna as she pulled her hands back, stared hard at Kera and stated, "I don't tell anyone! It is safer that way for people don't take kindly to living next to a witch, good or bad. It scares them. Look, Kera, I just want Shakara to grow up in safety."
Staring straight into Kaleenna’s eyes she exclaimed, "Don’t you mean without the knowledge of who she really is, or the deed she will someday have to perform?"
Gasping, Kaleenna's blood pressure soared. "How deep in my mind did you go?" she demanded.
Kera shrugged, with a slight hand gesture. "Don't worry, Kaleenna. I know of the important deed she must someday face. Yet, she will not find out about it from me. Others will have to inform her."
Kaleenna grabbed Kera's hands, as a tear slid down her cheek. "Thank you, Kera."
"You must go now, and I must have a baby." Kera said rubbing her belly.
Surprise and concern filled Kaleenna's face. "What do you mean? If it is your time, I must stay and help!"
Smiling faintly, a slight chuckle escaped Kera's lips, while she began rubbing her stomach faster. Watching closely, Kaleenna just shook her head. "Great disguise," she said as Kera's swollen abdomen flattened under her hand.
Kera pointed to Shakara. "You see I have a baby. Now, kiss her good-bye and hurry on your way. It is time to face your destiny and I have a child to rise. Go with love and friendship."
Kaleenna hugged Kera in appreciation and her heart was lifted. She kissed Shakara for the last time then whispered, "I love you, and always will!"
Satisfied with knowledge that her own fate would not be Shakara's, Kaleenna headed out of the camp proudly with head held high.
Kera stared after her in admiration as she went to face her own destiny, never to be seen again.
Moments later, Kera decided it wasn't safe for her and the baby to stay in that area, especially if Shakara was not to find out about her mother or her heritage. Kera quickly packed everything important and moved out under the cover of darkness. By morning, they were well out of the Cascade Mountains and headed towards Florida.
Over the years, Kera raised Shakara as her own, teaching her magical principles, enchantments and procedures. She also made sure Shakara understood and used the powers of the Cloth-of-Gold, which enabled her to understand animal languages.
Shakara grew up happy in the woods, loving animals and nature. She took pleasure in gardening and meditation as well as her close relationship with animals. It was the appreciation of these simple things that brought joy into her life. Staying mainly to herself, she had no friends, and only a few acquaintances that she met while attending school in a town near the Ocala National Forest.

Seven months after Shakara's eighteenth birthday, Kera became ill and decided it was time to give Shakara the secret to the only possession Kaleenna had left her. Kera took Shakara deep into the woods. Checking the wind, she faced into it, calling out, "Princess," several times.
Moments later, a magnificent milk-white horse walked up. It had a golden mane that glowed in the sunlight, like a crown.
The beauty of the animal was breathtaking. Gasping, Shakara said, "She is wonderful. Why haven't you shown her to me before?"
"She is more than that! As far as I know she is the last of her kind."
Puzzlement filled Shakara’s voice, "The last of her kind? Kera, I don't understand."
Raising her hand, Kera waved it once over Princess’ head. "It's time to reveal the form that you conceal!" she exclaimed.
Stepping back, Shakara's mouth fell open as Princess turned into a Pegasus.
Shakara briskly rubbed her eyes as amazement took over. "How did you do that?"
Kera's features became firm. "This is her true appearance. But if anyone were to find out they would hurt her. This is our secret only, Shakara! You must never reveal her secret. She showed up at camp a day after your mother disappeared, with a note telling me what to do in order to see her true appearance. I just figured she was your mother’s, and a gift for you."
Princess's transformation created a feeling of tranquility within the air. Stepping forward, Shakara raised her hand to pet the Pegasus.
Shakara continued to pet Princess, as if in a trance. A special closeness between them had happen at once, one she could not explain. Even though she was full of doubt, she remained calm. "What do you mean, my mother?" she asked.
A feeling of serenity surrounded the Pegasus. Kera decided quickly that this was a good time to tell Shakara about her mother too. Yet she kept her word to Kaleenna and did not mention Shakara's heritage. "Her name was Kaleenna, and she loved you very much. Some men were hunting her, yet she wanted you to be safe, so she left you with me. If she would have lived she would have come back for you."
"Why were they hunting her?" Shakara questioned as she continued to pet the Pegasus.
"Kaleenna did not go into details. She requested my help in making sure you were kept safe and in raising you. Now, I am old and my job is complete. My time here on this earth is almost over. We'll speak of this no more, just know in your heart that she loved you."
Stepping back from the Pegasus, Shakara felt weak. "I will believe what you have told me, but you'll always be my mother, as far as I am concerned."
Kera smiled and replied, “You, young lady will always be my little girl as well.”
Shakara said good-bye to Princess with a vow to return, then turning and as they headed back to the campsite, she placed an arm about Kera.
On the way to the tent, Shakara's face filled with bewilderment. "Will Princess now stay a Pegasus, or will she change back into the horse I first saw?"
"Princess will never again be able to appear as merely a horse, for she was only to stay that way until she was turned over to you."
A line formed across Shakara’s forehead. "But, Kera, won't she be in greater danger now?" She asked in a worried voice.
"No, she is safe here in these woods. She will not leave them unless you call into the wind for her. Then she will go to you trusting that you have a safe place for her. So, whatever you do, think of her safety first." Kera said.
"Oh, Kera, I would never do anything to endanger her." Shakara insured her.
Kera's legs weakened and began to wobble beneath her. "I know this, my child. Now, I'm very tired. Help me to lay down, please." She said as her legs gave way.
Stepping forward Shakara was barely able to catch her. Letting her down slowly Shakara then lifted Kera up and carried her into the tent. Placing her on the bad Shakara leaned close to Kera’s ear and whispered, "You'll be fine, just lay here. I will be right back," then turning she swiftly moved to the herb shelf outside the tent, and nervously snatched up just the right amount of each of the herbs she had watched Kera use over the years. Turning, she raced back into the tent, swiftly kneeling beside Kera she brushed a strand of hair out of her face and lovingly said, "See, I'm right here,"
Shakara enchanted the herbs, then rubbed the herbs on Kera, just the way she had watched Kera do many times in the past. This time, however, they weren't working.
Bursting into tears, Shakara shook Kera gently. "What have I done wrong?" she sobbed laying her head on Kera’s chest..
Right then she heard a faint sigh over her own jagged breathing, and sat up. Shakara gently held her head in her arms close to her chest, much as a mother holds a child, and then heard, "You've done nothing wrong, my child. It is just my time." Closing her eyes, Kera swallowed hard and with her last breath, Kera forced out, "Shakara, I love you!"
As Kera's body went limp, Shakara rocked her gently, letting tears fall softly upon Kera's face. "I love you too, mother." she softly cried.
Shakara sat there, holding Kera and crying for quite some time. Then, laying Kera's head down, she got up, wiped her tears and went outside. Once there she built a pyre then picking up Kera’s staff drew a circle of protection on the ground around the pyre. Shakara then headed into the woods and gathered sticks and full size branches. Bringing them back to camp she outlined the circle with them as well as with herbs to help Kera on her way. Shakara then turned towards the tent and with slumping shoulders headed to it as tears once again streamed down her cheeks.
Entering the tent, Shakara wiped her face as she thought. Mother always said that one never dies only transforms into their spirit form, so I must be strong for her, because I know she is watching.
Moving to the bed Shakara froze for a moment, staring down at Kera while flashbacks of her childhood tumble about in her head. Then forcing the thoughts to the back of her mind Shakara knelt down and picked Kera's body up, yet turning, another tear fell as she carried Kera out of the tent. A moment later Shakara placed her on the pyre. You might need this mother. She thought putting her medicine bag at her side.
Shakara leaned down to kiss Kera’s cheek one last time then stepped outside the circle, and lit a torch. Standing proud with head held high Shakara inhaled deeply as she put the burning end on the branches, lighting the fire that would carry Kera's spirit upwards.

Shakara rambled about aimlessly for a few months, taking care of things as well as Princess. Until loneliness set in to the point where she could stand it no longer. I must leave this place. She thought then walked into the woods. Once there she faced into the wind and once again called out, “Princes, Princess girl!”
After a few minutes Princes showed up and she gently petted her and said, “You know I love, but I must get away from here if my heart is ever going to mend. Once I find a place and it is safe I will call for you so listen for my call.”
The next day Shakara tore down the campsite that she had grown up in. Shakara decided not to stay in the small town where she had gone to school on the outskirts of the forest. Clutching the tattered blanket of Kera's, she gathered up all the spell books that she had studied out of for years, even though she knew them by heart, for she wasn't willing to part with any of the memories of her childhood. They would be a constant reminder of her mother's wishes and a source of strength when she felt alone.
Moving about 50 miles away, Shakara purchased a two-bedroom mobile home, forest green with brown trim located on the edge of a huge forest. To keep her company, she went out and bought a lot of realistic looking stuffed animals and placed them about the house. She tried the bed that came with the place however she found it almost impossible to sleep on, so after a week of trying she went and bought a feather pillow and mattress and wrapped them in furs, rabbit, shrunk, squirrel and even a few rat pelts were put together to cover them both. That was her first real good sleep since she had moved months went buy without incident then on her nineteenth birthday, she got a job doing what she liked, working in a crystal and herb shop.

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