Prologue

Frantically rushing into camp, completely out of breath, Kaleenna, a beautiful twenty-one year old woman with athletic build and hypnotic deep brown eyes cried out, "Kera! Kera, you must help me!" She was terrified and carrying a baby. The baby was calm, unlike her mother who stood there in tattered clothing.
Startled by the turmoil, Kera, an Indian medicine lady of forty-five with high cheek bones and long black hair with a white strip about two inches wide on the left, ran up to Kaleenna. Staring at her with deep set brown eye, she quickly placed a comforting arm about her shoulders then in a soothing voice said, "Kaleenna, please sit. Tell me what is wrong?"
Nearly hysterical, Kaleenna pulled away and with a slight nod of her head, flipped her long golden blond hair out of her face then wiping her eyes said "Kera, there is no time!" Then placing the small baby in Kera’s arms, added, "Here! You must keep Shakara safe. I do not care what happens to me, but please, you must keep her safe! Care for her, and let no one know that she is not yours!"
Kaleenna’s forehead wrinkled upon noticing the bewilderment in Kera's face. Swallowing hard, she intensified her plea. "Kera, you helped bring her into this world, you cannot let evil take her out without a chance! You just cannot!” Taking a breath she added, “You can teach her all your special talents and abilities. Kera, she must survive!"
Deep grooves formed on Kera’s forehead as she studied Kaleenna’s offer and stared down into Shakara's sea green eyes. Seconds seemed to past like minutes as Kaleenna nibbled on her lower lip awaiting an answer. Momentarily Kera 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 am worried about you!” As an uneasiness suddenly filled Kera, and her voice dropped, "Your vibrations are of fear and death."
With determination written in her eyes Kaleenna stood there, strong-minded forcing Shakara in to Kera’s arms, then suddenly Kera heard the crackling of twigs in the surrounding woods. All at once Kera’s facial features became more defined as she flipping her long black hair over her shoulder in a nonchalant manner and swiftly handed Kaleenna back the baby. Then ushering the mother and child into the deerskin tent to the left side of camp placed them against the far wall and said, "Stand here and keep quiet."
Moving to the herb shelf, Kera picked up some amaranth and heliotrope then, holding them in her hand tightly, began to chant. "I call upon your power of invisibility. Powers of life here my plea" Seconds later she turned, and snatching up a colorful blanket, 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, “No one will 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. All at once 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 lightly rubbing it with a circular movement; instantaneously it began to swell giving her the appearance of being pregnant.
Within a minute or two, three men broke through the outlining hedge on the right side of camp and rode their solid black horses towards Kera. 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 through blood red eyes as he snapped in a demanding voice, "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, I will ask the questions. Now who are you?"
Sliding off the horses, the two men behind the warlock ran over and seized Kera, while the warlock stepped down nonchalantly. As he strolled over to her, the fire lit up his expressionless face, and his eyes now shone like black diamonds.
Kera stood defiantly with head held high and shoulders back, staring him in the eyes as rage boiled deep within. She refused to blink as he drew his hand back to strike her.
A long stressful moment passed between them, then all of the sudden his hand dropped. At the same time he broke his gaze, laughed, and strolled back to his horse. With an indirect wave of his hand he ordered, "Search that tent!" After running his fingers through its mane a few times he patted it on the back end. Then he turned suddenly and headed back to the fire. Standing once again by the fire he again made eye contact with Kera, huffed then almost as an after thought said, “I am Lymon, Master Warlock of this area. It would be wise of you to remember that!”
Baffled by his actions, the other two hesitated there, just staring at him. As he stood directly in front of Kera across the fire pit, he noticed their lack of movement. "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. "No one in here!" grunted the one on the left in a somewhat high tone.
Kaleenna’s breath came easier after hearing that. Relaxing a bit, she hugged Shakara even closer ‘Now you will 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 once again in the dark. "Get back to your horses," he snarled. Pointing a long bony finger at her, his lip quivered as he snapped. "Kera, if you don't wish anything to happen to that child you’re carrying, I would advise you to stay away from the bitch, Kaleenna. If she is caught here, I guarantee the price will be high and you will experience eternal pain for your interference!"
In a single effortless motion he mounted the beautiful black stead. Sitting tall he gave a slight wave to the north, then led the other two men back through the hedges and into the woods.
Kera stared defiantly after them. Allowing a few minutes to pass, she then went to her herb shelf and took out some rosemary, shallot, and thistle. Stepping outside, her eyes carefully and quickly took in the surrounding 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 just before 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.

* * *

Some time later after taking a purification bath, Kera returned to where she had left the wolf claw, then knelling she made an offering to it, of 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 gave off powers of protection. It would also attract the blessings of the gods.
Wishing to know all that was going on, Kera pulled some cinnamon from one of her ceramic pots, enchanted it, and tossed it into the flames, which began to radiate high spiritual vibrations. The vibrations encircled the camp, guarding it from evil. At last satisfied that it was safe Kera decided to bring Kaleenna out.
Standing by the fire Kera made slight hand motions drawing the aroma into her nostrils. She then inhaled the aroma to help stimulated her psychic powers. Allowing it a moment to strengthen her protective powers, Kera called out in a firm voice, "Kaleenna, it is clear. Come out and bring Shakara with you."
Upon hearing Kera’s voice Kaleenna stepped out from behind the blanket, as Shakara cooed happily. Walking over to the tent flap she threw it open.
Stepping out she spotted Kera. Flipping her long blond hair back over her shoulder she stood there a moment as her brown eyes enlarged in wonderment. ‘How could I have missed that,’ she wondered, while clearing her throat. Taking a deep breath, in a startled tone, she exclaimed. "What has happened to you? You look like you are ready to have a baby."
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 rather firm voice asked, "Now will you protect Shakara?"
Kera could see the heart-felt plea deep within Kaleenna's dark brown 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 then slowed her breathing.
An understanding smile formed on Kera’s face as she calmly said, "Do not worry, Kaleenna. Just clear your mind and relax. Feel only the energy that flows between our hands."
Frustration was beginning to build up and suddenly Kaleenna protested, "But… Kera!"
"Do not 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. Displeasure filled her voice as she asked, "Why did you not tell me who you are, Kaleenna?"
A quick shiver of shock ran through Kaleenna as she yanked her hands back, stared hard at Kera and stated, "I do not tell anyone! It is safer that way for people do not take kindly to living next to what they perceive to be a witch, good or bad. They do not care where the power comes from; they just think witch and it scares them. Look, Kera, you know of the powers that the Lord placed in herbs, so teach her. I just want Shakara to grow up in safety."
Staring straight into Kaleenna’s eyes Kera exclaimed, "Do you not actually mean, without the knowledge of who she really is, or the deed she may 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. "Do not worry, Kaleenna. I know the truth and all about the important deed she might 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," she gasped.
"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 and 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. Now 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 the 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, glancing about camp Kera decided it wasn't safe for her and the baby to stay in the area, especially if Shakara was not to find out about her mother or her heritage. Kera quickly began packing everything of importance then went about her normal routine in case someone was to show up again before evening. As the sun went behind the hills, she grabbed up everything she had packed as well as Shakara and left camp. Knowing the woods so well made it easy for Kera to be well out of the Cascade Mountains before morning and heading 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, other then a black mountain cat she called Cuddles 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, Princess, Princess!"
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’s fine lines and muscular physique was breathtaking.
Gasping, Shakara said, "She is wonderful. Why have you not shown her to me before?"
"She is more than that! As far as I know she is the last of her kind." Kera stated proudly.
Puzzlement filled Shakara’s voice. "The last of her kind? Kera, I do not understand."
Raising her hand, Kera waved it once over Princess’s head. "It is time to reveal the form that you conceal!" she exclaimed.
Stepping back, Shakara's mouth fell open and her bright sea-green eyes twinkled in delight as Princess turned into a Unicorn with wings.
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 hunt her down and probably kill her. This is our secret only, Shakara! You must never reveal her secret. She showed up at camp the 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 winged Unicorn.
Shakara continued to pet Princess, as if in a trance. A special closeness between them had happened 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 plainly.
A feeling of serenity surrounded the Unicorn. 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. "Your true mother’s name was Kaleenna, and she loved you very much. Some men were hunting her as if she were an animal, yet the only thing she could think of was keeping you safe, so she left you with me. If she would have lived I am sure she would have come back for you."
All at once deep grooves formed on Shakara’s forehead. "Why were they hunting for her?" She questioned while continuing to pet the Pegasus.
"Kaleenna did not go into details. She only 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 will speak of this no more, just know in your heart that your mother loved you."
Stepping back from the Pegasus, Shakara felt weak. "I will believe what you have told me, but you will always be my mother, as far as I am concerned." She said solemnly.
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 moved close to Kera. As they headed back to the campsite, Shakara flipped her long black hair back over one shoulder then slipped an arm about Kera lovingly.
Once reaching camp they walked towards the tent and Shakara's face filled with bewilderment as a thought entered her mind. "Will Princess now stay a Unicorn, or will she change back into the horse I first saw?" She asked curiously.
Stopping they stood out side the tent as Kera said, "Princess will never again be able to appear as a mere horse, for she was only to stay that way until she was turned over to you."
A line formed across Shakara’s forehead as worry filled her voice. "But, Kera, will she not be in greater danger now?"
"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 reassuringly.
"Oh, Kera, I would never do anything to endanger her." Shakara assured her.
At that moment Kera's legs weakened and began to wobble beneath her. "I know that, my child. Now, I am very tired. Help me to lay down, please." She said just as her legs gave way.
Swiftly stepping forward Shakara wrapped her arms about Kera just in time to let her down slowly to the ground. Seconds later, getting a better grip, Shakara lifted Kera up as if she weighed nothing. While pushing the tent flap out of the way, she carried her into the tent.
Walking over to the feather bed she laid Kera down gently and leaning over close to Kera’s ear whispered, "You will be fine, just lay here. I will be right back." 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 am right here,"
Shakara enchanted the herbs, then rubbed them on Kera, just the way she had watched Kera do many times in the past. This time, however, they were not working.
As pain and agony flowed through Shakara, she burst in to tears, gently shaking Kera’s shoulders. "What have I done wrong?" she sobbed laying her head on Kera’s chest. “I must have done something wrong!” She murmured.
At that moment she heard a faint sigh over her own jagged breathing, and sat up. Shakara gently held Kera’s head in her arms close to her chest, much as a mother holds a child. At that moment Shakara saw Kera open her eyes and heard Kera whisper, "You have done nothing wrong, my child. It is just my time. God is calling me home. My work here is done." Her eyes slowly closed.
Shakara watched as Kera swallowed hard and, with her last breath, forced out, "Shakara, I love you!"
As Kera's body went limp against Shakara’s chest she rocked Kera gently, letting tears fall softly upon Kera’s face. "I love you too, mother." Shakara softly cried.
Shakara sat there, holding Kera and crying for quite some time, when suddenly a thought came to mind. Nibbling softly on her upper lip, Shakara remembered Kera’s words from years ago. ‘My dear child, death is only a part of life. It is a time to rejoice for the soul escapes its fleshy confinement and is free to spread its wings and fly. So when it is my time to go, please rejoice for me because I too will be free to fly and learn all that I could not in this body.’ Inhaling deeply Shakara whispered, “I love you, Mother. Fly free!” as she softly wiped the tears off of Kera’s face. Laying Kera's head down, she got up, wiped her eyes and went outside. Once there she built a pyre then, picking up Kera’s staff, drew a circle of protection on the ground around it.
Shakara then headed into the woods to gather 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 passage to the new life. Shakara then turned towards the tent and, with slumping shoulders, headed towards 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. Forcing the thoughts to the back of her mind Shakara knelt down and picked Kera's body up. Turning, another tear fell as she carried Kera out of the tent.
A moment later, Shakara placed Kera on the pyre. ‘You might need this mother, for you never know when someone will need your special kind of healing,’ she thought putting her medicine bag at her side.
Shakara leaned down to kiss Kera’s cheek one last time, stepped outside the circle, and lit a torch. Standing proud with head held high Shakara inhaled deeply and started to chant 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, “Princess! Princess girl!”
After a few minutes, Shakara spotted beautiful white wings spread out across the sky in effortless and gracious motion, as Princess made her approach.
Moments later, as Princess’s hooves touched down, Shakara ran to her side and, gently petting her, said, “Oh my God, what happened to your horn?”
Princess looked at Shakara as tears formed in her eyes and then lowered her head onto Shakara’s shoulder. Both hands went up about Princess’s neck and they both cried.
Sometime later Shakara whispered, “Did you lose your horn as a sign of respect when Kera died?”
Princess slowly nodded her head.
“I loved her too and you know I love this area, 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.”
Princess nudged the side of Shakara’s face and nodded her understanding. Turning slowly, Shakara walked way.

* * *

The next day Shakara tore down the campsite that she had grown up in and thought, ‘I do not really want to stay in that small town where I went to school on the outskirts of the forest either.’ Clutching the tattered blanket of Kera's, she gathered up all the spell books that she had studied out of for years, as well as the Cloth of Gold even though she knew them by heart, for she wasn't willing to part with any of the memories of her childhood. ‘I do believe that these will be a constant reminder of mother's wishes as well as a source of comfort and strength when I feel alone,’ she thought then began to walk away from the campsite.
Some fifty 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. 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 night she had her first real good sleep since she had moved.
The next morning Shakara got up and made ready to go find a job.
Weeks turned into months without incident. Then, on her nineteenth birthday, she got a call to go work at the local herb shop doing what she liked most, working with natural herbs and crystals.


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