“There.” the priestess said, as she finished tucking Shade into his bed. Before she had finished settling him on the feather mattress, the worn out cub had fallen asleep. “He will not be troubled for the remainder of his stay, here. He will sleep through the night and when he wakes, he will be able to move about the island without burden. You may leave him here. Come for him in the morning and he will be able to return with you to the palace on the hill.”

“But…but he can’t!” Tod exclaimed, worriedly. “He was so upset. I wasn’t able to help him at all. No one could, so he was…he was…”

Gently, the woman placed her hand upon the young lion’s head and brushed her fingers through his hair. “You love him, dearly.” she said, sweetly. “But, do not worry. A talisman will be bestowed upon him. It will keep the spirits that flock to him at bay. It will help him to control his power. He will no longer have to witness the presence of the spirits if he does not wish it.”

“Really?! You can do that?”

She smiled once more and said, “Yes. All will be well. You have gone through much, yourself. The island’s beauty has restorative properties. You should indulge in the peace of this land and refresh yourselves. This young one will be watched over until he awakens, so do not be troubled over his comfort. Go and replenish your bodies and spirits. We will see you upon the dawning of the next day.”

Leaving their child behind while they relaxed was not an appealing notion for Night and Mhina, but they knew that he was in good, safe hands with the priestess. Moreover, he was finally able to escape the chaos in his own mind. He was able to rest, so perhaps it was a good idea for them to do the same. Yet, there was still a nagging mystery that had yet to be explained and until it was disclosed, the unknown was more than a little unsettling.

“Priestess,” Night began, “forgive me, but the powers you possess are rather extraordinary. They are like the powers that the first ones were said to have wielded. I have come across many shamans, mystics, and the like, but their abilities do not even come remotely close to comparing to yours. I must ask, why is that?”