As the Sun Rises, Darkness Falls … or Does It?: Book 2 of the Katiann Series

By J. D. Kiser

It has been nearly two years since fate led Katiann to a Native American village, and eventually into the arms of her true love and future tribal leader, Mat, and the family she had always wanted. Unfortunately, their happiness is short-lived when they realize there is more to their pasts than they originally believed.

The Grand Spirit (Tika) has entered the final stages of fulfilling the prophecy of the spirit world, leaving the tribespeople unprotected. While Katiann works to keep Tika safe until his transformation is complete, Mat struggles to protect the tribe from the destructive Dark Spirit who has come to convince the Grand Spirit to join his side. But what Katiann does not know is that her friends, who have not heard from her since she left home to temporarily live in the Native American village, have launched a determined search for her. As the Dark Spirit terrorizes her people, Katiann, who does not want to be found, faces an agonizing decision. Should she abandon her tribe to save the people she has grown to love or fight for the right to stay?

In this suspenseful tale, a white woman and her Native American husband must face the challenges between good and evil as the Dark Spirit arrives in their village to unleash destruction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Nov 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781480893900

J. D. Kiser

J. D. Kiser has two children and six grandchildren that live within walking distance. After spending her life caring for others, she is now focused on caring for herself. Kiser lives with her husband and dog on a farm in North Carolina. Katiann is her debut novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Come In

Darkness was everywhere. Katiann could not see what was coming. All the hair on her arms stood straight up, telling her danger was near. In every direction she looked, a dark mist appeared to be coming toward her. It was thick and smelled of rot.

Run! she shouted. Run! Get up, run as fast as you can, and do not look back!

Katiann tried to run herself, but the mist was too thick. Soon it encircled her, and there was nowhere to run. Whatever it was, it was holding her back. She could barely move.

Screams came from every direction, but she could not get to them. Then suddenly, the screaming stopped. All was quiet, and the mist was gone. Katiann looked around in disbelief. All the people were lying on the ground, missing their eyes and tongues, with holes where their hearts should’ve been. Blood covered the ground. She looked everywhere but could not find a soul alive.

Mat! she yelled. Where are you?

Katiann ran to her hut only to find a puddle of blood in the doorway. On the ground, she found Mat’s unity necklace but not his body. She looked up to the sky and spotted a bright light hovering just above the tree line. As she watched the light fly off with more speed than a supersonic jet, she was shocked. She cried out when she looked toward the sky: Why! Why do you punish me this way? I have done all you asked of me, and now you take lives and my love away?

Katiann! Katiann! yelled a man’s voice. Wake up. Only a dream. Wake up!

When Katiann opened her eyes, she reached to hug Mat around his neck. She was shaking all over, and sweat dripped from her forehead.

Mat looked into her eyes. What is it?

Katiann shook her head and whispered, Death, Mat. Death is coming.

Knock, knock, knock.

Come in. What can I do for you? Mr. Peterson said as he stood up from behind his desk and put his cigar down to shake the man’s hand.

Good morning. I am Detective Martin, the man said, pulling out his credentials to show Mr. Peterson.

The detective was dressed all in black, with a black cowboy hat with a silver medallion and leather cowboy boots with silver tips. His scruffy, salt-and-pepper facial hair gave the impression that he had not shaved in a few days.

Detective Martin quickly scanned the room, noticing the cigar in the ashtray and the mess on the desk. He spotted a beautiful collection of legal books in a mahogany case behind the desk. Matching display cabinets filled with ancient Native American artifacts stood over toward the right of the room.

With his deep voice, Detective Martin said, So you are a collector? How did you come across such lovely pieces? They look old.

Mr. Peterson walked over to the display cases and said, Yes, they are ancient and priceless. You did not come here to ramble about my Native American artifacts. How can I be of assistance to you? Would you like a seat?

Detective Martin walked over to Mr. Peterson’s desk and said, I understand that Anna May is a client of yours. There seem to be some powerful people looking for her. I am sure you have some information on how I can get in touch with Miss May. It appears that she has been missing for quite some time, and people are becoming worried. Since Miss May has made no effort to communicate with May Enterprises, I was hired to locate her.

Mr. Peterson tilted his head and walked behind his desk. With caution, he said, It is nice to meet you, Detective Martin. You of all people know that I cannot tell you anything about my client because of client confidentiality. I do not discuss my clients with anyone without their consent.

Detective Martin smiled. I spoke with the CEO of May Enterprises, and he gave me your name. He assured me if there was anyone who could tell me where to find Miss May, you would be the man. You are her attorney, and I am pretty sure you can get in touch with Miss May.

Mr. Peterson took a puff off his cigar, blew the sweet scent to the side, and then placed his hands on his desk. He looked directly into the detective’s eyes as he prepared to sit in his leather office chair. Please sit, Detective Martin. Is Miss May in some trouble?

Detective Martin sat down, propping his boots on the corner of Mr. Peterson’s desk as he leaned back with confidence. He pulled out a notepad and flipped it open to take notes.

No, Mr. Peterson. No one from May Enterprises or any of her friends have had communication with Miss May for quite some time. A missing person’s report has been filed. I am investigating that report and would like to ask you some questions about her disappearance. Can you tell me the last time you spoke to or saw Miss May?

Mr. Peterson reached over and pushed Detective Martin’s boots off his desk. I’ve known Miss May all her life. I am the family’s attorney and handle all her accounts, as I did for her grandfather. But I haven’t had any contact with her in nearly a year.

Detective Martin shook his head. He suspected Mr. Peterson was not on the up-and-up. With a serious look, he asked. Is it not strange that a young woman of her stature vanishes as she has, not having any correspondence with her friends or her company?

No, said Mr. Peterson. "You see, Miss May is a very resourceful young lady. She is on a well-deserved vacation at her grandfather’s request. Her grandfather’s last wish for her was to travel the world and take time for herself. I do not know where she is. I did arrange all her affairs and continue to do so during her absence. No one from the company has approached me with any pressing issues that she needed to address. She is to check back with me after one year. Until that day arrives, I have no concerns and neither should the others. Everyone was notified of her vacation and understood the terms of her agreement—that she was not to be disturbed.

She has given me explicit instructions on what to do if she does not contact me. As of now, I doubt she has disappeared. She is having the time of her life, living her life to the fullest and without worry, as her grandfather asked her to do.

The expression on Detective Martin’s face showed how aggravated he was becoming with Mr. Peterson. Both men stood, like two rams ready to butt heads.

I must say it is odd that someone who has not traveled before would adventure out into the world by herself. You know more than you are telling me, said the detective.

Are you sure she is alone? asked Mr. Peterson, sitting back down as the detective began to walk around, checking out the office. I see you’ve done your homework. Miss May is an intelligent woman, and I am sure she is fine. Detective Martin, you are wasting your time at this point. I am confident that Miss May is fully capable of protecting herself as she has her affairs.

The detective slammed both palms down on the desk and glared right into Mr. Peterson’s face. Something does not seem right to me, and I am not giving up until I have some real proof that she is indeed fine.

Mr. Peterson did not take kindly to the detective’s manner and believed he had just been threatened. He stood up once more and in a firm voice said, Detective Martin, if you will leave me your card, I will notify you the first time I suspect anything, or if she contacts me. I promise you will be the first one I call. Now, if you do not mind, our time here is over. You may close the door as you leave.

Detective Martin turned to exit the room. He tilted his hat and closed the door behind him. Once outside, he looked around to see if anyone was watching. Then he took out his credentials and threw them into the trash before walking to his car. He thinks he can fool me, but I can tell when someone is lying, he thought as he drove away. He does know where she is, and he will take me to her. No one is going to get in my way.

Mr. Peterson sat back down, reached for his phone, and dialed a number. Hello, this is Pete. I am calling to ask how my flowers are growing.

On the other end of the line, a woman’s voice said, I planted the flowers outside. The weather here is perfect for them to grow. Thank you very much. I am sure they will last a lifetime, and they seem to work well together.

I am glad you like them. The flowers are one of a kind, so take good care of them.

Yes, I expected so the first time I met them. The flowers are doing well in this climate. Thank you for calling. Talk to you at another time.

Mr. Peterson was sure someone had bugged his phone, so he had prearranged untraceable communication with someone who had eyes on Anna. He was pleased that she was well.

Chapter 2

Vacation

It had been nearly two years since Katiann arrived in the village. She had never imagined that she would find her true love, soul mate, and the family she had longed for all her life.

Katiann and Mat had reunited, and through her determination and sacrifices, their son, Teka, had become a man and started his family with Lily. Over the past two years, Katiann had learned to use her powers with the help of Mother, who was Mat’s grandmother and the leader’s wife, as well as Mat’s mother, Sarah. Sarah had the great spirit like Katiann.

After many months of training, Katiann’s spirit grew stronger than anticipated. It was borderline grand spirit, which Teka possessed. Father, the leader, could not have been happier to see his family grow, even though it had been a long and trying journey. The spirits had allowed their family to come together.

Katiann was hoping it would not be long before Mat would journey into town to trade handmade items for supplies. The trip would take a week or longer there and back, depending on the weather and any interference from other tribes.

Their people had many natural elements to use to make items for trade. Throughout the year, the women wove baskets, made blankets, and created clay items, including pots, dishes, and jewelry. The natives used everything the land and animals had to offer. Pottery and dishes were painted by hand with luxurious designs, all made from the earth. The property was also rich in gold and silver. Throughout the land, they found precious stones for jewelry. They used bones to make combs, knives, flutes, buttons, pendants, whistles, carvings, and medications. They used everything the earth offered. Nothing went to waste.

Katiann had promised her friends that she would contact them each year. It was now nearing the second year; she had to contact them to protect the tribe. If they did not hear from her, they would send for her, and she was not ready to be found. She had found where she belonged and had started a family.

She was free. There were no cell phones, Facebook, or traffic to deal with. She was living a life off the land, a simple life. The land of the free was there, in paradise. She was happy where she was.

Mat, when will you be going to town again? Katiann asked.

Soon. Why? Are you traveling with me? he said with a slight grin, knowing she would not go.

Yes, I would like to go with you to town.

Mat’s expression turned from cheerful to solemn. Katiann, he said in a high pitch. What you mean?

There are some things I need to take care of with my friends back home. It has been nearly a year since I sent any communication to them, and I am sure they will be expecting me to keep in touch. We do not want to give them any reason to come search for me.

Mat tried to remember when she had communicated with her people the last time. Katiann, I no like this. What about Aika? She is too young, only one. She needs her mother here with her. You should stay and care for her.

Mat, she will be fine traveling with us. We have safe passage across the land. I see no problems. I can speak to the animals; they will keep watch over us. And with the power to get into one’s mind, it gives me peace of mind. What will it hurt? We can make it a family vacation. Katiann smiled as she jumped up to put her arms around Mat’s neck to persuade him to let her go.

Mat pulled his head back to say, Vacation? I no understand.

A vacation is where one goes to get away from work, to relax and have fun together.

Life is work. You relax me.

Katiann gave him a little tease of a grin.

Katiann, I no think it wise to leave village with little one. The more we mingle with whites, more they seek us out. It dangerous for my people.

Katiann, knowing he could not resist, pulled him closer to nibble on his ear. She whispered, What could happen? We are so far out here. And besides, we own the land. We can make them leave. What if we go as far as the store? Will you consider that option? I need to send my friends a letter and pick up a few supplies. Come on, Mat. It will be fun. You will see. Here we are not alone; someone is always watching. Please, Mat. I would love to spend time as a family alone, away from all the macho warrior stuff. Just us, all alone, free to do as we please. No worries. Lie in the meadow, picking flowers, take a swim with nothing on, free as an eagle.

She sighed as she kissed his neck. Mat tilted his head back, enjoying her advances.

I no good with this. We free here. I take you now, have my way with you if I choose. I get supplies and send letter. You need not go. It takes ten days or more with a little one. Mat tilted his head slightly to the side, raised his eyebrows, and grinned. Macho warrior you will need to explain to me, but it sounds good. Then, unable to resist her, he gave in. Okay, we leave at first light. Pack light.

I understand. This time I won’t need my shower.

No. I like shower. We take. I put show on for you. Mat leaned Katiann back as he kissed between her breasts and up to her soft lips. Woman, what shall I do with you? You will be the death of me one day.

Katiann gave Mat a silly grin, remembering the first time she had used the shower as Mat watched her silhouette from the other side of the curtain. That will be nice, and maybe we can share to save on water.

Mat winked at her and grinned. Did you not once tell me you no like to share?

I might be able to make an exception, she said, reaching around his neck and wrapping her legs around his waist as he carried her to their bed. Come share with me now, she said, and then she took his breath away.

Early that morning, Mat got up, made his rounds around the village to gather their needs list, said his prayers, and took his morning run on the beach. Soon everything was packed and ready to ride. Mat prepared three horses for the journey, packing two with blankets, baskets and clothing to trade. The third horse carried their clothing, cooking supplies, food, and bags to carry back the supplies they needed.

Katiann searched through her items to find the cash she had brought with her last year. She left her credit cards behind for fear of giving up her whereabouts if someone traced them. One day she would have to use her cards, but not this time. Katiann would have loved nothing more than to disappear forever. She was the owner of a multimillion-dollar company. At some point, she would have to make an appearance to take care of business. If only she had some way to communicate with the outside world from the village, but there was no cell service or power. Without phone service, mail was the only way to communicate with rest of the world, and the nearest mail service was at the general store.

Mat had never spoken much about his time in the city, except to say he attended a white school. She understood it was not a good time for him. She needed to send a letter to notify her friends and Mr. Peterson, her attorney, that she was well, that they shouldn’t worry, and that she would get back in touch with them later. One day she would need to return home, but a letter would do for now. As long as she had a little one to care for, and possibly another on the way, she was not going back.

There was no way Mat would allow her to travel if he found out she was with child. She wanted to be sure before she told him. She planned to get a pregnancy test at the store, and then she would share the news with him when they returned. She had to make this trip to protect the tribe. Both Katiann and Mat decided it would be best to wear civilian clothes on the journey so they didn’t draw attention.

Mother and Father sat with Mat and Katiann at breakfast, along with Teka and Lily. Mother, with much concern in her voice, asked, Katiann, you sure you must go? Let Mat deliver your letter. I bad feeling about your travels.

Yes, Mother. We will be fine. And besides, we are going to have some downtime, just between the three of us. We are going to take our time, enjoy our surroundings, and relax. It will be a wonderful time for us. Please do not worry. I can always send word to Teka if we have trouble. I will speak to him daily if that makes you more comfortable.

Mat looked at Teka and said, Son, look after things while I’m away. Help Father with rounds. You be leader one day, and time you take on more responsibility. Mat turned to Father. Father, it time for you take it easy. We talk when I return.

Katiann walked over to Lily and whispered in her ear. Take care of Teka and watch over the little ones for me. Take Little Miss to your hut. She will watch over you, keep you safe. Lily, it is time to make more little ones. Do not tell, but I think I am with child. I am sure Teka knows already. Please help him understand I need to take this trip. I will tell Mat when we return.

Lily smiled and nodded in agreement.

After they finished eating, they all walked over to the horses. Father chanted as Mat got down on his knees and motioned for Katiann, who was holding Aika, to do the same. Father puffed smoke on the three of them from his peace pipe. He tapped each one with an eagle feather and reached to the sky to bless their travels. Father said in his native language, Go in peace. May spirits guide you on your journey and bring you back safely.

Little Miss was Katiann’s wolf. She stood by Katiann’s side during the entire ceremony. After the blessings, Father and Mat shook hands and embraced. Mother hugged them and kissed each of them on the cheek. Katiann gave Teka and Lily each a hug and a kiss as well. Then she got on her knees to hug and kiss Little Miss. Keep my family safe and watch over the tribe, she said in the wolf’s mind.

Katiann wrapped Aika up tightly, swaddling her with a beautifully decorated woven blanket, and then placed her in a leather bag filled with moss to keep her dry. She put Aika into her cradleboard, which was decorated in beadwork that symbolized their bloodline. The board was made from woven tanned leather strips with a leather canopy to keep the sun out of Aika’s face. On the canopy, Mother tied herbs to keep the mosquitoes away.

Mat laced Aika securely in the cradleboard and secured her on his back. Both Mat and Katiann mounted their horses and rode off. Mat looked back one time to wave goodbye. Once they started their journey, it was peaceful. The sun was bright, but the air was still cold after the rain. Katiann enjoyed the fresh smell after a good shower. She looked across the clearing. Mat watched elk grazing in the tall wet grass. Eagles soared through the blue sky.

On the path, they met up with Mat’s half-brother, Kowl. Kowl lived in the next village, where Mat’s mother, Sarah, lived after being abducted and forced to live and start a family with a hostile tribe. The tribes had reconciled their differences and were no longer hostile, thanks to Katiann’s spirit. They had been hospitable toward each other since Sarah had come forth and told Mat she had not died.

Mat held his hand out, stopping the horses, and said, Peace, my brother. We travel to town for supplies. You need supplies? I get for you.

Yes, brother. Mother sent list and note. Kowl handed Mat the list and a small leather-tasseled drawstring pouch with an arrowhead attached to the front that dangled from his neck. Mat and Kowl nodded and shook hands. Kowl reached behind Mat to kiss Aika on the forehead. My niece growing. You, my brother, blessed. Spirits good to you. Kowl rode over to Katiann and nodded to her, and she nodded back. Once more, the two men nodded and went on their way.

Katiann asked Mat, What did he give you in the pouch?

Mat opened the pouch and poured several gold nuggets into his hand.

Let me look at that, she said. Mat, this is gold. We cannot pay with this.

Yes. Great value. Trade for many things.

No, Mat. Gold is of great value. Once people find out you have gold, they will stop at nothing to take the gold away from you, even take your life. It has happened many times in my country, and bad things occurred. Thoughts of gold make men go crazy. People were killed, homes burned, and the Indians were forced to leave their land. You must not tell anyone where you acquired this gold. Trust me, Mat. What I speak is true. We will use my cash and not the gold.

We use gold, silver, hides, baskets, and jewelry we make to trade for goods. We get good trades for these items.

I understand, but the gold and silver need to be your secret. You have no idea how valuable gold is in my country and how it leads men to do the unthinkable. Please, let me use my cash. Save the gold for another day.

Mat thought about what Katiann said but did not understand her concern. Knowing Katiann and how adamant she was in her beliefs; he gave in to her request. No harm. But for you, I no pay with gold. I use your money.

They stopped five times to feed and clean Aika. Mat was a great father. He loved caring for Aika. He never thought he could be as devoted to another child as he was to Teka, but Aika was different. Somehow girls seemed to wrap their fathers around their little fingers, and that was true of Aika. She was the spitting image of her mother, with the attitude to match. He had accepted the fact that his hands would be full if she were anything like her mother, but he did not mind. He loved both Katiann and Aika so much that he would lay down his life for them.

They made good time traveling that day, even with the stops. Katiann remembered how cold the nights could be, so she had brought enough blankets to keep them warm, but that did not prevent them from sleeping skin to skin. Once Aika settled down and fell asleep, Katiann asked Mat, "Did you read your mother’s note Kowl gave to you?

No. I read another time. This our time together.

Katiann looked softly at Mat and then said, She cares for you. You need to give her a chance to bond with you again. It has been nearly two years since she returned to you. I still sense there is some tension between the two of you.

Katiann, please, you no understand. I grew up without her, and after all this time, I cannot bond with her. I tried, but it no there. What I do? She lied to me, deprived me my childhood with her.

Try! Do not close Sarah out. I can’t imagine what I would do if Teka turned away from me. I missed everything with him, but you had a few years with your mother. You can remember the times you spent together, and I am sure they were good memories.

Teka better man than I. He no turn away from you. I promise to try harder. Let’s sleep now.

In the distance they could hear the sounds of the night. Crickets chirped all around them. Frogs croaked, and wolves howled. An owl perched itself on a branch above their heads and started to hoot.

Listen to the owl, Katiann said. Mat tensed. Mat, what bothers you? You are worried about something.

Yes. Sound of owl is symbol of death. This bad omen. Owl carries message from beyond grave. Warns one who breaks tribal taboo. I remember stories from great-grandfather about how owl brings death. Elders warned children stay inside at night, keep from being carried off by owl. This owl stands above us. Sign of death to come.

Do you believe it has something to do with my dream?

Owl means death. You have seen death. I fear sadness coming. Now love me as if last time.

"Yes, Mat. We are not promised another day. We shall love each day as if it is our first and last.

Chapter 3

On My Own

Early the next morning, Katiann fed Aika while Mat tended the fire