Shadows of the Redwood (20 page)

As they walked up the hill back toward the outer edge of the forest, Keelie didn’t want to go home. She and Sean had never talked to one another as much as they had today. They had opened up to each other.

As if sensing her thoughts, Sean wrapped his arms around her and lowered his lips to hers. He kissed her softly. When their lips parted, Keelie knew that she wanted it to be like this all the time.

Sean trailed soft kisses along her cheek until his lips rested against her lips again. Then he whispered, “Let’s keep walking. Someone is watching us. Don’t look.”

Behind them, the ocean surged and crashed on the rocks that bordered the beach. She couldn’t hear anyone around them, but didn’t want to ask questions out loud. She sensed the magical dark spots in the forest, the same murky energy she’d felt when she’d arrived here.

They hiked up a path that led to the cliff. A small green energy filled her mind. She recognized it as the hemlock. It was suddenly overpowered by an all-encompassing wave of green magic. The redwoods. The green was streaked with darkness, and fear washed over Keelie. This wasn’t the Dread; this was a cannibalistic entity that overpowered those it came in contact with.

Before the fear could overtake her mind, Keelie immediately thought about the calm charm she’d used on Laurie and Knot. She pulled on a thread of Earth magic and from deep within, her fairy magic. Creating a shield, she pushed the fear out of her mind. She would have to say thank you to Elianard for the Compendium.

Sean steadied her when she stumbled.

“Are you okay?”

“I feel the dark magic. It’s very strong. We need to get out of here.”

A loud, discordant jangle filled the air. Keelie had heard the sound before. Sean pressed his finger against his lips, and they ducked behind the spreading rhododendrons.

Keelie caught a glimpse of shiny red among the tree trunks. Sticks crackled loudly on the ground. Sean motioned for Keelie to get lower in the bushes.

Images from serial killer movies featuring teenagers walking alone in the woods flashed in Keelie’s mind. Suddenly, she didn’t want to be here.

There was a sharp snap as something or someone stepped on a stick.

The tension in the air was thick. They could see Peascod step out into a clearing, his bells jangling horridly.

“I don’t like him,” she whispered to Sean.

Peascod was holding a compass and a book in his hand, searching for something. He mumbled to himself and his hat jangled as he moved east away from the beach.

Keelie was about to rise when Sean put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. He pointed. Tavyn now stepped into view. He turned and peered about the path, then lifted his head like he was sniffing the air for his prey. He must have found Peascod’s scent because he too turned east, away from the beach.

This was all so weird. Why was Tavyn following Peascod? The redwood elves must be suspicious of the jester. Keelie wondered if he had anything to do with Viran’s disappearance.

Moments later, Coyote trotted into view.

Peascod, Tavyn, then Coyote. What was going on here?

Coyote’s nose was low to the ground. He stopped, then lifted his gaze to Keelie’s. Their eyes locked. He gestured with his head back to the south, back toward a stand of hemlocks. Keelie detected that something wasn’t right in that direction—somebody needed help.

Then Coyote darted after his quarry, Tavyn and Peascod.

“Come on, Sean. We need to go this way.” She started moving in the direction Coyote had signaled.

“No, you need to get back to Sir Davey’s. I’m going to follow them.” Sean’s eyes were glued to the coyote.

Keelie knew just where to go. It was as if there was a homing signal in her brain. “Coyote will follow them, but he signaled that we’re needed over there.” She pointed to the large group of hemlocks and started walking toward them.

Sean kept pace beside her. “I still think we need to call for help. You shouldn’t be out here if the shepherds are in trouble.”

Keelie opened herself to the hemlocks.
What is wrong?

A small weak voice answered.
Hurry, the shepherd needs you. He tried to help us.

The shepherd! Viran! Keelie broke into a run, leaping over fallen limbs and skidding in the wet soil, Sean at her heels. She saw the body and dropped to her knees. Their search was over.

But when she turned over the still body, she was staring into the unconscious face of Norzan, the Northwoods Shepherd. His skin was the sickly green of chlorophyll poisoning.

“He looks moldy,” Sean said. “Is he sick?”

“No, it’s a spell.We’ve got to get him back to the elven camp.”

Sean lifted Norzan as if he weighed no more than a teacup. Keelie followed, fighting not to look over her shoulder as they hurried out of the forest.

Inside Kalix’s tree house, the unconscious form of Norzan rested on the couch. Grandmother, in her Queen Elizabeth costume, stood in a corner of the room and spoke with Kalix in whispered tones. Keelie sat at the oaken table as Sariela brought them tea. Sean was looking around, taking in every detail.

Keelie was worried about Norzan. The Redwood Forest’s elven healer hadn’t been able to awaken him.

The windows blew open as a cloud rushed into the living room. Sean pushed his chair back, ready to protect Keelie. Somebody’s adrenaline was pumping overtime. Keelie reached out and grabbed him by the wrist. “It’s a tree spirit.”

“A tree?” Then understanding filled Sean’s face. He nodded and sat back down. They watched as Bella Matera materialized in her wraithlike tree form.

“What has happened?” Bella Matera floated over to Kalix and Grandmother.

“We do not know.” Kalix bowed to Bella Matera.

“I will take him with me, and I will have Bloodroot see what he can do to awaken the Northwoods shepherd.”

Fear for Norzan’s well-being and distrust of Bloodroot filled Keelie, but Kalix nodded.

Grandmother stepped forward, her face was as hard as stone as she faced Bella Matera. “He needs to return to his home forest as soon as possible. There, among the trees that know and love him, will he be restored.”

Go Grandmother.

Bella Matera grew until the top of her branchlike “hair” vanished through the ceiling. Her voice deepened into a loud thrum that they could feel in their bones. “Bloodroot will heal him. Norzan goes with me.”

Grandmother lifted her head and glowered, fiery determination flashing in her eyes. “The Northwoods elves and healer are on their way. They will be here in two hours.”

Bella Matera’s eyes darkened. “Who gave you authority? We are the Ancients, and we are the ones who determine what happens and does not happen in our forest.”

“Am I hearing tree speak?” Sean asked Keelie, his voice low and excited.

“No, these trees can actually talk out loud.”

Sean stared at Bella Matera’s ghostly form and a frown slowly settled on his features. He held Keelie’s hand tightly in his.

“I am a tree shepherd, and even the Ancients mind the accords of the Great Sylvus,” Grandmother was saying.

Bella Matera lowered her eyes, away from Grandmother’s blistering gaze. She bowed her airy branches. “Then so be it.”

Relieved that Norzan was going to the Northwoods, Keelie sat back in her chair and picked up her tea, holding it with trembling fingers. It had been so close. She was sure that if Norzan had left with Bella Matera, he would not have returned.

Bella Matera drifted toward the window, but turned suddenly to face Grandmother. “Lady Keliatiel, Norzan’s death will be on your head. The Ancients will ask for blood price.” She vanished in a dramatic swirl.

Kalix turned around, anger lining his face. “How dare you disrespect the wishes of Bella Matera. You must do as she says. It is our way.”

“It may be your tradition to follow the trees,” Grandmother retorted, “but when the trees no longer obey the rules of the Great Sylvus, then it’s time a shepherd guided them back to the path. I will speak no more of it.”

Kalix turned to Sariela. “We must call a Council meeting immediately.”

Sariela nodded stiffly, glancing at Grandmother with fear on her face.

Grandmother slumped into a chair the minute the two elves stormed from the room. She seemed every one of her hundreds of years.

“Are you going to be okay?” Keelie kneeled at her grandmother’s feet. “I’m so proud of the way you stood up to them, and to Bella Matera.”

A faint smile brought life to Lady Keliatiel’s face. She put a hand on Keelie’s head. “I just beat you to it, and I’m more powerful than you. I could see your outrage at their suggestion to move Norzan into the forest.”

“What can I do to help you now?”

Grandmother opened her eyes. “I have to go to the Globe. We’re doing a special fundraiser performance tonight.”

“They’ll find someone else to play Queen Elizabeth.”

The look Grandmother shot Keelie would have drilled holes in steel. “They will not. I’ll be there.”

Keelie turned to Sean. “Will you walk with us to the theater?”

Sean nodded. “I’m glad you invited me, because I would have come anyway.” He looked worried, although his tone was light.

Grandmother looked at him. “Keelie cannot go. She must remain here to guard Norzan until the healer arrives.” She glanced toward the doorway. “I’m not sure he’ll be safe, otherwise.”

“I’ll stay as well, then,” Sean added quickly. He winked at Keelie, but went to the doorway and casually looked outside.

“I trust you to behave with decorum.” Grandmother looked toward Sean.

“Of course.” Keelie smiled and put her hand on Grandmother’s shoulder. “You’re the Queen, right?”

Grandmother’s eyebrows rose. “Perhaps Knot is the wrong guardian for you. You seem to be picking up his ways.” She smiled and stood up, wincing. “Perhaps I need some of this coffee you speak of with such fondness.”

“Radical.” Keelie smiled. “You might never be the same. But be careful, okay?”

“I shall.”

Keelie stood by the window and watched Grandmother walk through the forest below. The faint sounds of a harp wafted by. Sean came up behind her and they stood together silently.

“I’m getting used to being alone with you.” Keelie leaned back against him. “Could you live way up in the trees like this?”

“I’m sure it would be fine if you grew up with it.” He put his arms around her waist. Keelie loved the feel of his strong arms next to hers and his warm body behind her. He smelled spicy, but more like soap than the forest. “Of course, I’ll be happy anywhere you are.” He spoke into her ear, making her shiver.

Keelie turned her face toward him, hoping he’d get the hint. He did. His green eyes darkened and he touched his nose to hers, then kissed her.

Oh, god. Keelie was going to die of bliss. All thoughts of tree spirits and missing shepherds vanished. She turned in his arms and kissed him again, snaking her arms around his neck. His hands pressed the small of her back, squeezing her closer.

“Let’s find a way to be alone more,” he whispered. “We’ve managed fine so far today, despite our responsibilities.”

“I’ll make it a priority. You’ll be number one on my agenda.” She stopped talking as he nibbled her jaw.

Someone rapped on the door three times.

Sean swore, and Keelie swatted him on the shoulder. “And what’s with the ‘you’ll be happy anywhere I am?’ Sappy, but good try.”

He groaned. “Was that an awful line?”

The knocking started again, louder this time. Keelie reached up to smooth Sean’s mussed blond hair. “There. You look better now.”

He straightened his tunic and cautiously opened the door. Three tall elves bowed to him. “We are the healers of the Northwoods, come for Norzan,” one said.

Keelie sighed. Her romantic moment was over. “Welcome, healers,” she said. “I’ll show you where Norzan lies.” How did they travel, cross-country sap?

Sean stepped aside and, as Keelie passed him, he swept a hand down her shoulders in a delicious caress, a promise of more to come.

The Northwoods elves seemed familiar. Keelie walked down the hall ahead of them and saw Kalix duck back from a doorway.

The healers surrounded Norzan, and then one turned to glare at Keelie. “You may wait on the forest floor.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Sean grinned. “Why the frown, Keelie? We’ve been ordered to wait alone, together. Doesn’t sound so bad to me.”

“Come to think of it, you are absolutely correct.” Keelie linked her arm through his. “Let’s go.”

They were interrupted again an hour later, when Wena the tree gave a great groan. The wicker gurney bearing Norzan’s still form appeared near them at the base of the tree, flanked by two of the healers. Wena’s spirit was suddenly there too, leaning against the rough bark of her physical form. She looked exhausted.

“Too many traveling the sap,” Wena gasped to them.

“Yeah, it’s sort of a hotel these days, isn’t it?” Keelie sympathized. “I’m sorry, Wena.”

Wena waved them away with one spectral, stick-fingered hand.

The tree creaked as the third healer appeared. The female healer gave Keelie a curious look. “You are the half human, Keliel?” Her tone was snooty, as if she’d been looking for a lioness and found a possum.

Keelie inclined her head regally, as she’d seen her grandmother do. “I am Keliel, Daughter of Zekeliel of the Dread Forest.”
Take that, blondie.

The elf woman sneered, and Keelie suddenly knew why these elves seemed familiar. “Are you kin to Elia, daughter of Elianard?”

The woman’s eyes darkened. “She is kin.”

Oh yeah, they’d probably heard that their precious elf princess had married a unicorn. Uncle Dariel, that is, when he took a human form.

“Dear Auntie Elia.” Keelie didn’t even pretend to hide the fake fondness. Even though Elia had somewhat redeemed herself, Keelie could never consider her a true friend. She was wandering around the Dread Forest right now, making everyone fetch things for her just because she was the first elf woman in a generation to get pregnant. And elf generations were three times as long as human ones.

The Northwoods elf woman sputtered, probably trying to think of something mean to say, but then one of the others called her and she hurried to catch up with them.

“Gee, she didn’t even say goodbye.” Keelie waved cheerily.

“Let’s see how they got here.” Sean’s hand closed around Keelie’s. Ahead, flashes of silver marked the movement of the first two healers as they made their way out of the forest, Norzan between them. The woman healer walked behind, holding a glowing light ball aloft and glancing back at them every third step.

In the clearing by the road, a helicopter waited, rotors whirring almost silently.

“Is it electric?” Keelie thought electric helicopters were just for toys. “I didn’t think elves were big on motors.”

“I don’t know much about them myself.” Sean’s arm draped over her shoulder as they watched Norzan get loaded into the back. The female healer turned and walked back toward them.

“Our thanks to Lady Keliatiel for calling us. It will take Lord Norzan long to heal, but he will recover. We shall see you at the Quicksilver Faire.” She bowed, all business, and Keelie and Sean returned the bow.

Keelie wasn’t so sure she wanted to attend the Quicksilver Faire. The snooty factor promised to be high there.

A loud “huzzah” echoed from the direction of the Globe.

“I wonder if the play has started,” Keelie said.

“No telling.” Sean put his arm back on her shoulder, pulling her close to him. “Let’s watch Norzan off and then we can head that way.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

If the healer elves thought it strange that the daughter of the Dread Forest’s tree shepherd considered kissing her bodyguard’s face to be an important part of their farewell, she’d hear about it later. Right now, she enjoyed it too much to care.

Sean and Keelie watched the helicopter vanish above the trees, then cut through the festival grounds to the Globe. They passed Heartwood and Tudor Turnings.

Scott appeared at his doorway. “Are you heading toward the Globe?” He fell into step with them. Sean didn’t seem pleased that Scott had joined them.

“I asked Laurie to join me for a late dessert and coffee after the show,” Scott said. “Want to join us?”

“We might.” Sean dropped his arm over her shoulder. Keelie smiled at the possessive move. “We have to check on Keelie’s grandmother first.”

Laurie met up with them as they passed Sir Davey’s RV in the parking area. A smile erupted on Scott’s face when he saw Laurie. “Guess what? Sean and Keelie are coming, too.”

Laurie grinned. “Great. It’s a double date.” Her eyes widened when she got a good look at Keelie. She pretended to straighten her hair.

Had she gone nuts? Then Keelie realized that Laurie was signaling that Keelie’s hair was messed up. She reached up and quickly finger-combed it down. She wondered what the Northwoods elves thought of her ’do.

Keelie saw Coyote standing at the edge of the forest, camouflaged by the trees. He lifted his head, then, nose to the ground, took off in the direction of the festival. She hoped he stayed out of garbage cans and out of trouble.

The Globe was packed full of jostling, good-natured theater-goers. Luckily, the fundraiser show was running a bit late, and the ticket takers recognized them and waved them inside. Sean led the way, his height letting him see above the milling crowd in front of the stage.

As in the real Globe Theater, there were no chairs in the area directly in front of the stage. The groundlings had to stand, just as they had in London hundreds of years ago. Several of Sean’s jousters were guarding the backstage entrances.

Keelie wondered how her grandmother was doing. “I’m going to check on the old lady,” she told the others. She chinned herself up onto the stage and walked toward the doorways in the back.

“Please, milady, actors only back here.” A wide woman opened her arms to shoo Keelie away. Keelie ducked under her arm, scooted through the doorway, and froze. The carefully aged look of the Globe was all for show. Back here, walls were made of raw lumber and a water cooler hummed in a corner. Actors and actresses, some dressed, some half-dressed, buzzed around, concentrating on the upcoming performance. A few muttered lines to themselves like crazy people.

A girl with long, flowing golden hair leaned against the doorway, watching the action. She smiled at Keelie.

“Excuse me,” Keelie asked. “Have you seen a lady dressed as Queen Elizabeth? She’s my grandmother.”

The girl laughed. “I certainly have.” Her voice was startlingly deep. She pointed a thick finger toward the left, and Keelie realized that she was a he. “Through there.”

Keelie rushed in that direction, anxious to get away from the confusing place. Why did Grandmother like this so much? A discordant feeling rippled through her body.

She heard a familiar jangle and turned, searching for the source of the sound. Peascod. She expected to see him in his familiar red and green suit. She didn’t see him, but she sensed him nearby. Keelie shivered, but kept moving. She didn’t want to meet him in a dark hall tonight.