Shifter Shadows

By Anthony Stevens

From the dawn of prehistory to an apocalyptic day after tomorrow, shifters and their friends have been in the background of every historical event. Shapechangers, healers, hunters, shamans, and great leaders, have always been around. We recognize the legendary ones, but must always keep in mind that Gomer is a good dog.
Note: This novel is about 112 thousand words in length.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anthony Stevens
• Release date: Apr 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386259572

Anthony Stevens

I’m an olde pharte Technogeek, Author, Photographer, Leathercrafter, Gearhead, SCAdian history freak, Cosplayer, and Graphics enthusiast. I’ve gone by the handle Master Anthony Stevens from time to time, or just MAS. In Spanish, that is… MAS que los de mas, MAS de todo o’ MAS que nada. I’m a cat lover (seems to be a writer thing, eh?) and although I have traveled a great deal, I’m currently living in south Florida. My own favorite reading matter is SciFi, Fantasy and of course, Paranormal Romance.

Book preview

Ancient Times

Shivering in sodden furs, Koragh peered out of the cave as hurried clouds shed fetid streams.

It had been the first good hunt in several days. He and his two brothers had killed both the mother bear and her cub as they crept from their den. The winter had been long and difficult, but it looked like spring was finally arriving. He coughed hard as an errant gust pushed some of the smoke from their fire back into the cave entrance. It was not a good cough, and he was worried that it sounded like the elders who had sickened and died over the last two moons of winter.

Last summer, the cave had been very crowded with three generations of his tribe. There had been more people than the fingers of both hands. An equal number of children had scampered among the sleeping furs during that peaceful time. They had enjoyed a wonderful plenty of nuts and berries. Some of the elders warned that so many nuts foretold a long winter. They were proven right. Only old Geenahg and his son, Geenorg, were left to pass on their wisdom. The lack of game, deep snow and the end of their stockpile of grains had weakened everyone. The eldest and the youngest had been first to start coughing. When they were coughing up blood and unable to catch their breath, they eventually just died.

Even though it was still bitter cold, he shook out his fur cloak and spread it on the drying rack in front of the fire.

Koragh. A soft voice called to him. It was his mate, Keena. She was working with two other women, cleaning the bearskins to preserve them. She pointed towards the back of the cave.

He nodded wearily and slipped around the largest fire, heading back to the soft pile of furs where he might find some warmth and rest. His mouth watered when he saw and smelled the strips of bear meat, slowly roasting. When it was ready, Keena would bring his share.

He was huddled under two good furs yet still cold when Keena handed him a clay dish full of bear meat, a few strips of pounded dry berries and another bowl of melt water. Koragh sat cross-legged, and quickly consumed the feast, then let Keena pull him back, under the furs. Her body was much warmer and they fit well.

Skyfire Spring

The last of the storm passed in the night although it was still bitterly cold. Koragh and his tribe woke with the dawn and by the time the sun was high, they had added a couple of rabbits to their food supplies. It had grown much warmer and the women had spread all their extra furs on sunny rocks to completely dry.

The river had risen from the storm and melted snow. It had swollen far beyond its normal banks and was now receding. They were careful as they scavenged the flood line for broken trees and limbs they carried back to the cave to be dried and used to feed their vital fires. Larger logs fell victim to flint axes.

As the sun was setting and they were hauling the last of the spoils back up the well-worn path, one of his brothers called to Koragh and pointed up, at the darkening sky.

The first stars of the evening sparkled in the east but what had drawn attention was a new star. Brighter than the others and a brilliant shade of blue. Koragh remembered seeing a similar shade while staring into the depths of a snow-melt mountain lake. It only held their attention for a moment as it was getting late and they were all weary from their labors.

Over the next few days, the weather continued to improve along with the hunting. Each evening, the new star rose from the east, with the others, and yet was never in the exact same place. It moved and grew larger with each passing day. The creatures of the forest were behaving oddly as well. Several times, the women and children had to kill beasts that tried to invade their cave. Although welcome additions to the larder, everyone was nervous at this unusual behavior.

Geenorg motioned for Koragh to join him, turned and walked around the curve of the cliff to a sheltered ledge. They used this often as a long-ago landslide had cleared the slope immediately below and left a clear view up the valley, towards the head waters of the river. The morning fog had cleared and they watched a small herd of deer crop fresh shoots in the meadow.

Koragh lifted his chin towards the herd. We will hide in the trees on the western slope this afternoon. As the herd passes, we should be able to kill at least two, maybe three.

Geenorg nodded. I know and agree. You and your brothers are great hunters, Koragh. But that isn't why I wanted to speak with you.

Koragh noticed the man, only slightly older than himself, had a worn and haggard look. What troubles you?

Father and I have been watching the new star. Have you noticed that it is even visible during the day, now?

Koragh nodded once. I noticed Geenagh went away for two days. Was he speaking with the spirits?

He went deep into the bowels of the Earth, took the sacred herbs and spirit-walked the underworld. When he returned, he told me he was very worried. None of the spirits would speak to him. When he tried to ask questions, they only looked to a bright blue star in the sky, turned away and faded from his sight. When I went to check on him, he was curled like a baby and crying softly.

What are we to do?

Geenorg shrugged and took a moment to gaze around their valley. We only think you and the rest should not hunt far for the next few days. We have much meat that the spirits seem to be driving towards us. Whatever evil comes, it will be here soon.

It wasn't until Geenorg left him to his thoughts that Koragh realized the spirit-walker had treated him as chief. Since the old warrior who had been their last chief was now curled below a rock cairn, deep in a side-passage of the cave, reserved for the last sleep, everyone had naturally accepted leadership in the hunts from their best hunter.

He wasn't sure he wanted to be responsible for every decision, but like it or not, it was his turn.

He gave a wan smile as he watched the herd suddenly alert and cluster together. Several wolves had emerged from the tree line and were stalking dinner. There had been little problems with wolves this winter. For some reason, they had left the valley to hunt elsewhere. They were back now, so he would have to warn his tribe to take care with the children.

Before dawn, the next morning, they were awakened by a scream from deep in the cave. Koragh ordered one brother to the cave entrance to back up the warrior on watch and make sure the sound didn't attract any larger predators. Keena left her cub with an older woman and followed him back, to find the source of the sound.

It took a few minutes, holding torches high, to track the soft sobbing. Geenorg was sitting, knees held tight to his chest as his tears flowed. Geenahg's body was sprawled as if in agony, his eyes wide, staring and sightless and his mouth stretched wide to show a few, darkened teeth.

Keena had tears in her eyes as well. The elder spirit-walker had been well-loved.

Koragh knelt and put a hand on Geenorg's shoulder. What happened?

He said the tribe needed to know more about what was coming. I warned him, as he had warned me, that one should not take too many of the ritual herbs, nor annoy the spirits with repeated questions. He wouldn't listen.

Why did he scream?

A part of him was in the underworld and a part was whispering softly so that I might follow and learn. He stopped talking for a moment, looked right at me and said it was all blue, very blue, like the sky reflected in a lake. Then, Geenahg sat up with a look of horror at what he was seeing. I asked him what it was and he spoke words I did not understand... then he twisted as if being torn by beasts, screamed and fell back, as you see him.

By this time, the rest of the tribe had gathered at the tunnel entrance and heard Geenorg's words. They shivered, held each other close and whispered among themselves.

Koragh stood and announced. Everyone will line up and take your turn, saying goodbye to Geenahg. There will be no hunting this morning. We will take him up to show him the sun when it is high, clean him, dress him in new fur and bring him to the place of ever sleeping.

As he finished speaking they all felt the earth, beneath their feet, move. It started as a small jerk, followed by a muted rumble and some loose rocks fell from the cave walls.

Outside! Now! Run for the forest! Koragh screamed at the tribe.

Those in the lead held torches high and Koragh made sure he was the last to leave the death-chamber. Goodbye old friend.

When he turned, he saw his torch was almost out. It was close to burning his hand. There was still some glow left from those ahead, so he dropped it to use both hands as guides.

That is when he realized that what he was seeing wasn't the glow from torches ahead of him. It was a pale, blue glow that surrounded him. The very walls of the cave were sparkling like crystals in the sun and everything was plainly visible in the glow.

An increase in the shaking of the earth stopped him from worrying about the odd lights. He ran for the entrance.

When he got to the main living area, he was shocked to see the whole tribe clustered together, even the watchers he had left to guard the entrance were hugging their mates and cubs. When they saw him, they pointed at the entrance.

A sparkling, brilliant blue light filled the cave. It was much brighter than any noon-day sun. He held his hand up to partially shield his eyes and tried to see what sort of fire was causing it.

The answer was too strange for him to comprehend, so he huddled, partially hidden behind a large boulder and watched as the pre-dawn sky was covered with brilliant streaks of light. The lights were all blue, but the left orange, white and blood-red smoky tracks in the sky. There were many, many hands of them. Some much larger than others. They were accompanied by roaring and screaming sounds like animals running from a fire. One sound, seemed to come from behind the mountain that sheltered their home and it got louder and louder. With an indescribable white flash and a concussion that knocked everyone off their feet, one of the largest of the blue stars fell from the sky and crashed into the upper end of the valley.

Koragh shook himself, winced at the ringing in his ears and blinked to clear the specks from his eyes. Then, another shudder of the earth tumbled him from the cave entrance. He hit his head and passed out.

Blue Rocks

Koragh woke up coughing and aching all over from his tumble. Nothing was broken, thank goodness. The sun was now up and he realized he had been lucky to land in some brush.

He stood up, shook himself off and cupped his hands on either side of his face. Keena? Geenorg? He called out.

They both answered and headed down the trail, to meet him.

One of the women had been hit on the head by a falling rock. She was still unconscious. Everyone else wore minor cuts and bruises.

His brothers had brought his axe, atlatl, and darts.

One brother had been up to the lookout ledge where they had watched the deer herd. He wouldn't say what he had seen, only that Koragh and the others had to see it for themselves.

A smoky haze that stank of green wood took the place of the usual fog. A hot, gusty wind was blowing it away when they stopped to survey the valley.

They had been very fortunate in that their cave entrance faced west and the blue rocks the spirits had thrown down from the sky had all come from the east. It was as if the sun, itself had been angry with them. The largest rock had torn down the top edge of their mountain, starting a couple of rock slides that framed their cave entrance. Below the mouth of their cave and a bit farther out then where Koragh had fallen, trees had been thrown down. The tops of many were scorched and a small fire still smoldered in the swampy area were the river curved tightly. A much denser cloud of fog obscured the river gorge.

Koragh, what is that? Keena pointed towards a nearby patch of fog.

He realized it wasn't a normal river fog, but seemed to be rising, like steam, from a small glen, only a short distance from their home. He ordered the rest of the tribe to remain near the cave while he and Geenorg took a look around. His brother, Kegahn, said nothing, but followed his chief and remaining elder.

Another straight line of broken and smoldering trees marked the passage of whatever had crashed down from the sky. At the end, a small rise of boulders had been shoved aside to form a blackened crater. A constant hissing and occasional cracking sounded as clumps of snow and ice fell down the slope and melted against an oblong, smooth black rock the size of a large man. It was already half submerged in the melt water that bubbled and steamed from the sides.

They squatted on their haunches and stared at it for a few moments, then Koragh spoke. Tell me Geenahg, why does it shine like the moon, reflected in a lake? Is it a part of the moon, torn free and hurled down from the sky by an angry spirit?

Kegahn grunted and shook his head. What are you talking about? There is no shine. It is only an ugly, black rock. It might have been belched from the earth. I heard of such things from a far western tribe we met at a gathering two summers ago.

Geenagh looked at his chief, shook his head and whispered, Don't speak of the glowing blue, Koragh. It is something only spirit-walkers are supposed to see. I will tell you more, later.

He looked at the spirit-walker in disbelief. He was a warrior, hunter, and now chief. He had no time for mystical herbs and communing with spirits.

Several days passed and the weather continued clear and gradually warmer. Aside from the death of the woman who had been hit on the head, things were looking good for the tribe. Game that had been displaced by the small, smoldering fires had all but jumped in front of their weapons. Green shoots were coming up everywhere and the women had been collecting some of the softer greens and digging tubers to augment their diets.

Geenagh had been keeping mostly to himself, hurrying off at first light, each day, to search the surrounding area for smaller rocks that he carried back to a small chamber deep inside their cave.

He was growing thin and weak and Koragh was worried for him. He had been Geenorg's only apprentice and if anything happened, all that knowledge would be lost. When the chief saw the spirit-walker struggling with a rock that filled his leather bag, he took the load and accompanied him back to the storage chamber.

What is all this for, Geenagh? Koragh pointed at the piles of rock, ranging from pieces the size of his fist to several that the chief was amazed the scrawny elder had been able to lift. And why is it that there are no torches in here and yet I can see almost as clearly as outside. Are these really pieces of the moon?

Greenagh sat back, on his haunches. Join me for a telling, Koragh. What I am going to share with you is only to be shared with other spirit-walkers.

But I'm not a spirit-walker.

You can walk around this chamber without tripping over rocks, can't you?

Yes, but...

Tell me of the markings on the wall.

Koragh looked around and realized he could make out figures of men, women and beasts on most of the flat surfaces. That looks like a bear and a cub. He pointed to a group. And that one looks like two warriors with spears.

Good choice. That was drawn by Geenorg two days before you and the others killed that mother bear and her cub. Their meat saved us from starvation.

But... How did Geenorg know we were going to kill them?

He drew that as a request to the spirits to give us some food and that was the image that came into his mind. He continued. But that isn't the reason I asked what you were seeing. We have no torches here and yet you can walk around without tripping and you can easily see the drawings on the walls. That is because of the blue glow from all these smooth, black rocks. Most of the rest of the tribe need a torch just to find this part of the cave. Right now, only you and I can find our way back here. Normally, rocks that have this blue glow are very, very rare. Geenorg had two. One he kept in here that he used as a light when he was drawing and another that he kept in his sleeping furs. When I was very young, I asked him about the pretty blue rock. That is when he knew I was to be his apprentice. His first orders to me were to learn to hunt and track with the rest of the boys, but also to watch for another blue rock. Since the spirits have chosen me, they would leave one in my path. It took three summers before I found mine.

Besides giving light only we can see, what good are they?

They can help us commune with the spirits of the underworld without requiring herbs. That is part of our gift. In here, with all these guide stones, you and I can help the tribe to prosper as never before.

Koragh shook his head. I don't know. It seems to me that if it is dangerous to take too many herbs and bother the spirits too much, having all these guide stones, as you call them, might be even worse.

Slipping back, off his haunches until his back was against the wall, Geenagh let his legs straighten in front of him. I know. That thought had occurred to me, as well. These stones may be dangerous. And that is why I have gathered all of them from around our camp to hide them, here.

Well, I need to get back. There is still much light outside and I'm going to make some new spears.

Geenagh looked very tired and shook his head with a wry smile. There is so very much to tell you, Koragh. But I'm afraid you are going to have to learn it for yourself. I have been hearing the spirits calling me for days. Last night, Geenorg stood right over there and smiled at me.

Geenorg is dead. We covered his body with stones less than a hand of days ago.

I know. I know. He shook himself and his eyes suddenly snapped around to stare into Koragh's. Your totem is wolf. You know that, don't you?

The chief nodded.

Never kill a wolf. Other warriors may do so, but you are to always let wolves go in peace when you see them. His stare slid aside and he closed his eyes. So much to tell... so very much.

Koragh waited a few more minutes until he realized the elder was sleeping. Rest, my friend. I shall bring you some food and drink this evening.

Strange Storm

Their luck changed the following morning. Winter still had one last storm to test the tribe. The night had been cold and clear, with a sky full of stars and a quarter moon.

Just before dawn, a thunderstorm rolled through, and the freezing rain quickly turned to sleet, leaving shards of ice hanging from every tree limb. The cold and wind lasted all that day and the following night.

The dawn of the third day was crystal clear, cold and a light dusting of snow covered the treacherous layer of ice. Koragh warned the hunting parties to be extra careful.

As they were getting ready to leave, Koragh heard harsh coughing from deeper in the cave. He turned to his mate. Did you call me?

She shook her head. No. Why? Did you hear someone?

But... Nevermind. It must have been the wind. He turned to go, then again heard a whispered voice. There it is again. But where? He signaled the hunters to go off without him.

Where are you going, Koragh?

Have you seen Geenagh this morning?

She shook her head.

I'm going to look for him.

As soon as Koragh saw the first blue stone, set into a crack in the cave wall, he doused the torch and followed the guide stones.

Geenagh was coughing and his voice was barely a harsh whisper. I see you heard my call, chief.

You can barely speak, you should not have been shouting loud enough for me to hear at the entrance.

The sick man gave him a wry smile. I had no need to shout when you are such a fine student. You merely knew I needed to speak with you before I go.

Go? I don't think you're going anyplace soon. Come. Let me take you back to the sleeping furs and Keena can give you some food.

No! It is way too late for me, my friend. I've already been to the underworld this morning and I have glimpsed the wonders our tribe will experience in the generations to come. And it is going to start with you, the great chief who will lead and protect a new people. His voice cracked and he coughed hard for a few moments.

Please Geenagh. Let me take you from this place. You've seen too much already. You must eat and rest and become strong again. The tribe needs your wisdom.

The elder didn't answer and as Koragh watched, his friend took a last, shuddering breath.

This time, his brother, carrying a torch, found his chief huddled with arms on knees and tears on his cheeks. The body weighed almost nothing and Koragh carried it to be cleaned and to see the sun for the last time. When the time came, he returned it to the cave of guide stones and the tribe helped him to seal the entrance to the chamber that glowed with a light only he could see.

As he followed the rest of the tribe back to their camp at the cavern entrance, Koragh picked one of the smallest guide stones from its crevice. Perhaps he could shape it into something a bit more useful.

Koragh's Underworld

Another unseasonable blizzard drove the tribe to huddling around their fires. When it cleared, they had to deal with a few more inches of fresh snow.

The hunters scattered, following fresh game tracks. Koragh found rabbit tracks and followed them to the edge of the small pond, created by melt water filling the crater with the large sky stone at the bottom. The hollow was all but hidden in a swirling fog and was warmer. Koragh knelt when he saw a movement in the shadows on the other side of the pond.

A large wolf stepped from the shadows. It's jaws held the broken body of a rabbit. The beast saw the other hunter and froze in place.

Koragh almost thought he heard a question in the air. Don't worry, brother wolf. You caught it and it is to feed your cubs. He remained on one knee while the two of them locked gazes for a long moment. Then, without a sound, the wolf turned and ghosted into the brush and out of sight.

After dark, Keena's cub was restless, so Koragh slipped deeper, into the cave, to escape the noise. He found a secluded shelf, spread his furs and stretched out. He knew that some of the tribe were nervous when he didn't seem to need a torch to explore dark places, but he let them wonder. When he had tried to work the small guide stone, it had shattered into several pieces. One of them was curved like a crescent moon with two sharp points. He had fashioned a leather cord into a necklace to hold it close. The smaller pieces were in his medicine bag.

The moon stone lay warm against his bare chest and he closed his eyes. For some reason, his heartbeat sounded like a soft, distant drum, and he felt himself stand and turn towards a small crack in the wall. It felt as if he was in a dream and yet everything around him seemed very real. As he watched, the crack in the wall widened until a man could easily pass. Without knowing why, Koragh took one, and then two steps forward.

Each step seemed to come faster until he was almost running down glowing blue tunnels. Deeper and deeper into the bowels of the Earth. Each one was more beautiful than the last, until he burst out of the cave and into bright sunlight.

He stopped. Not believing his eyes. Even though he knew it was the middle of the night, he was standing in a beautiful, grassy meadow. Someplace far off, in the distance, he could hear the soft, slow beating of a drum.

Welcome, brother. The voice was friendly and he turned to answer. That's when he saw the great wolf.

I didn't know wolves could talk.

The beast turned up its lip and chuckled. Don't be so surprised. We spoke earlier, by the new pond.

That wolf was much smaller than you, my friend.

It was just one of our faces. You have another, why shouldn't I?

I am Koragh. I only have one face.

That same soft chuckle. When the time comes, you will understand. The wolf turned and walked toward the trees. After a few steps, it stopped and looked back, over its shoulder. It is time for you to go. We shall speak again, when you have more questions. Good hunting, my brother.

Before Koragh could respond, the drumming got louder. It sounded as if it was right behind him. He turned and realized it was coming from the cave. Without seeming to take a step, he felt himself drawn back, into the blue-tinged darkness. He was hurtling forward, as if he was falling up. The drumming was deafening now and he felt a scream building in his throat.

Koragh! Wake up! Wake up!

His eyes snapped open and he realized he was crouching on all fours and the drumming was only the pounding of his heart. He was breathing hard, as if he had been running from something.

Koragh! Talk to me. Keena was shaking him.

Stop! Woman! Please... just give me a moment to breath. What is the matter?

When the cub was sleeping, I left him wrapped in fur to follow my mate. I thought you might want to share some warmth. I found you like this, shaking and speaking words I didn't know. And when I touched you, your voice sounded as if you were far, far away.

How did you find me? I see and smell no torch.

His mate lowered her eyes. I'm sorry. But it's just not that dark in this part of the cave.

Koragh crossed his legs and sat up straight. Then, he took her hands in his. Tell me the truth, Keena. How did you find me?

I remember you speaking of a blue glow and everyone else saying they couldn't see it. Recently, when it has been very dark, I've been able to move around our cave With just the blue glow.

He smiled at her confession. Don't worry. We shall not speak of this to the rest of the tribe for now. But it is a sign that you have been chosen by the spirits.

But... But I'm not a spirit-walker. That is only done by men.

He shrugged. Maybe there are too few of us now and the spirits don't want to take a chance with only one of us?

One of us? But Geenorg has gone on. Who? Then she stopped and stared at him. You are our new spirit-walker?

Yes. I know it doesn't make much sense, but that is what Geenorg told me right before he passed into the spirit realm. I didn't really believe him, but after what I saw tonight... He shook himself before continuing. I traveled into the underworld and have returned.

She tilted her head in amazement. And what did you see there?

Koragh took his time and told her of his adventure. When he finished, she stared at her mate for a moment, then crawled into his arms. I think we are both cold and tired and it is time for getting warm under our sleeping furs.

Brother Wolf

Another moon had passed and the survivors were well-fed and comfortable. Game had been plentiful and the women had found lots of tender wild grasses, tubers and mushrooms to add to their meals.

Koragh had slept well since his journey to the underworld. He had been spending his evenings making a new spear and a quiver of darts for his atlatl.

Koragh. I have good news. It was his brother.

What sort of news, Kegahn?

Remember the great sloth beast our fathers killed?

The chief nodded. That was many summers ago. I think it was the last, no?

I found strange tracks down by the edge of the swamp, yesterday. When I followed them, they led to that small meadow on the other side of the valley. It is almost directly in front of the entrance to your cave. His grin got even wider. There is a whole herd of them. I counted six adults and two cubs. If we are careful, we can eat our fill and still have enough meat to dry and get us through the winter.

Koragh shared his enthusiasm. Go tell the other two hunters that we are leaving at dawn. It will be a long, but very good, hunt.

The hunters were well-hidden. The family of giant sloths was grazing and slowly moving towards them. When they passed a certain group of bushes, the men would attack from both sides at once.

Without warning, the sloths trumpeted a distress cry and broke into a thunderous rush towards the men. Koragh knew it would be much harder to get a clear shot at one, if they were rushing past at a dead run. He wondered what had spooked them. Then, saw a tawny pelt break above the grasses.

Cat! He cried out to warn the others. The pounding of the sloths, as they lumbered past, drowned out his voice.

One of the beasts stumbled and fell forward with a pair of darts in its side. They had been thrown by Kegahn and his friend and the two were already rushing forward, spears raised to kill the wounded beast before it could get back up. They didn't see the giant cat charging from the other side, with the same kill in mind.

Koragh froze in terror for a moment and then he felt a rush of hot warmth spread from his chest. He glanced down and realized the guide stone was glowing brilliant in the sunlight. His hearing sharpened, his eyesight become incredibly bright and clear and a single breath brought him a whole new set of odors. A movement in his peripheral vision caught his attention and he realized several of the local wolves were hiding in the grass, alongside him.

His brother screamed and dropped into a fighting stance with the spear when he saw the great cat, rushing into the field.

Without thinking, Koragh found himself screaming defiance and rushing to help Kegahn. It was only a bit surprising to realize the wolves were running alongside him.

In the last few paces, they were going to arrive at the fallen sloth as the same time as the killer cat. Koragh felt himself stumble and fall forward, but he caught himself on four sturdy paws and snarled his anger at the huge cat.

One of his brother wolves nipped at the cat's flank and when the beast wheeled about, Koragh bit it on the opposite hind leg. It was only minor wound, but he came away with hot blood and a small gobbet of cat-flesh between his fangs. It tasted good and he was ready for more.

The pack worked as