Shadows of the Redwood - By Gillian Summers Page 0,94

of the Grove. Hurus moved to the southern point of the circle, and Dad took the north. Grandmother stood to the east of the two in the center, and Keelie walked slowly to the last place, on the west.

As they stood in the four cardinal directions, faint gold light was beginning to illuminate the east. Clouds seemed to be dipped in pink, as if some supernatural being had finger painted in the sky. The pale rays seemed to create a celestial crown over Grandmother’s hooded head.

Viran faced Bloodroot’s spirit.

Dad’s voice boomed as he spoke, lifting his arms to the sky. “May our brothers, tree and shepherd, become as one. May their unified wisdom guide this forest. May the Great Sylvus bring his blessings upon them.”

The wind began to blow, and the green magic of the trees flowed across the ground, then surrounded them. The entire forest was present, great trees and small. Grandmother raised her arms, and Keelie did as well, as did the tall tree spirit and Dad. Keelie felt the sizzle of green magic spark from hand to hand until Bloodroot and Viran were in a circle of green power that pulsed with the heart of the ancient forest.

For the first time, Keelie could hear the redwoods in her head. The chiming voices of the tree spirits joined in song, a harmony of celebration for their brother the tree shepherd. Keelie wanted to be a part of this song forever. She felt herself lean into it, letting her magical essence open fully. Across from her, Grandmother made a motion, and the song abruptly vanished. She saw Grandmother exchange a look with Dad.

Now she knew what the tree shepherds meant to their forests. Keelie shivered with pride in her father, as well as with reverence and sadness as she watched Viran’s body fade away until there was nothing but a bright light.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the light of Viran’s spirit melded with Bloodroot’s, and Keelie could see both of them, one superimposed on the other. Grandmother stepped aside to let them drift to Bloodroot’s tree and enter into it. Bloodroot went first, and then Viran. As Viran’s spirit entered the tree, he turned and touched his chest, then pointed at the tree shepherds. A spark flew from his fingertip as he faded, forever marking the bark in the exact spot where a human heart would be.

The other tree spirits faded as the sun’s rays touched the treetops, chasing the sea mist in the forest below. Around them, a mantle of green and a sense of peace filled the Grove of the Ancients. Birds sang and flitted and swooped.

Keelie lowered her hood and lifted her face to the sun’s warmth.

Dad walked over to her, a big grin on his face. “Time to go, kiddo.”

“So that’s it? That’s an Involucrum? I sort of expected something bigger,” Keelie lied. It had been profoundly awesome.

“Like what?” Dad asked.

“I don’t know. Something with more fireworks.”

Dad tousled her curls. “The Great Sylvus likes to keep things simple.”

Grandmother blinked several times and held her head high as she joined them. “I agree. Keeping to the basics keeps everything closer to the heart.”

A surprised Keelie looked toward her grandmother. When had she become so philosophical?

Grandmother caught Keelie’s gaze and sniffed, suddenly remembering her true nature. “Zeke, I need to return to the village. I need my rest for the performance tonight.” She lifted the hem of her robe and strode forward.

Dad arched a questioning eyebrow toward Keelie.

She shrugged. “The show must go on.”

After breakfast, they walked to Heartwood to open up shop. Dad smoothed his hand over the counter as if greeting an old friend. Keelie knew he was sourcing the wood. Somewhere around here, Lord Elianard was in a meeting with the redwood elves, having a serious discussion about the use of magic and the aftermath of the goblin’s taint. The appearance of goblins in the forest complicated the Lore Master’s job. He’d have to update parts of the Compendium. Keelie groaned at the thought of all the studying she had yet to do.

“I heard you were doing well with the shop,” Dad said. “I took a look at the books this morning. Very impressive.” His hair was loosely tied in a ponytail now, out of the way, but still covering his pointed ear tips.

Keelie beamed as she tallied the sales numbers. She’d been wanting to demonstrate her efficiency at handling the business. “So am I good enough to get a bigger