Nichole Harris-Shilo
Nichole and Bernard rode up The Highlands’ drive and drew back on their reins. In the middle of the wide dirt yard between the house and corral, two long tables covered in bright white spreads, blocked their path. Nichole recognized her dining room table. Someone, probably her husband, had brought it outside. The picnic bench from the kitchen yard had been placed end to end with another just like it.
Cookie and Jeanne rushed to set place settings. Jeanne waved, then disappeared back inside the house.
“What’s this?” Bernard asked.
“I don’t know.” Nichole shrugged. “Dinner outside, for sure. Looks like we’ll need to ride around the corral to get past.”
As she spoke, Kelly and Bill emerged from the barn and hurried toward the riders. Behind her, Nichole could hear Jason and the wagon turning into the drive.
Bernard dismounted, then helped Nichole from her saddle.
Kelly arrived and captured both reins. “I’ll take care of these.”
Bill hurried past them, waving at Jason to stop. “The yard is blocked. I’ll take the wagon around the back way.”
The afternoon had cooled considerably for late June, and Nichole turned her face to the cool breeze as she waited for Amy and Alyse to walk up the short drive to the house. She fell in between the sisters as they continued along the house to the kitchen yard.
Jim and Merril stood beneath the shade of the tarp with Cookie and Henny.
Nichole slipped her arm around her husband’s waist, and he settled an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close for a brief hug.
“How did it go?” Merril asked.
“Surprisingly well.” Nichole smiled up at him then turned and pointed at the yard. “What are we doing?”
“We, my darling wife, are having dinner with our very large family.” Merril pulled her close again and kissed her forehead.
“With everyone?” Nichole looked to Cookie and Henny. “What a marvelous idea. What can I do to help?”
Cookie shook her head. “Everything’s well in hand. We were just waitin’ for you.”
Henny nodded. “Wash up. We’ll get the vittles on the table.”
Nichole turned to watch the people in the yard. Cat joked with Amy and Alyse as Sam looked on. Jim approached the group, and like a moth to a flame, stopped beside Alyse. Bayard and Kelly talked beside the corral. Behind Nichole, the sound of Katy and Hope-Anne’s laughter filled the air.
Merril’s spoke soft, for Nichole to hear. “I need to do this.”
“The dinner?” Nichole glanced up.
Merril gazed at the people in the yard. A few began to take their seats. “For everyone. These people.” He nodded toward the yard. “I need them to know how important they are to me.” He looked at Nichole. “They’ve filled a place in my heart that’s been empty my whole life.” He wrapped both arms around her and whispered into her hair. “I’m afraid by this time tomorrow—”
“I know you’re newlyweds, but can you smooch with my cousin after dinner?” Jason chuckled as he walked from the house and across the yard toward Amy.
Nichole looked up at Merril and very deliberately pulled his mouth to hers for a tender kiss, then took his hand and led him from beneath the tarp.
Cookie and Henny had placed two bowls of mashed potatoes and two platters of spiced beef at each table, along with fresh baked bread and greens.
Merril seated Nichole at one end of the dining room table, walked to the other end and waited as everyone settled. One by one, faces turned toward Merril, who remained standing. Conversations quieted as he gained everyone’s attention.
Nichole held her breath. Stepping into the role of leader could not be easy for him. She didn’t know what he planned to say, but she trusted his instincts.
“Before we eat, I’d like to say a few words,” Merril began. “The last few weeks have been both heartbreaking and joyous for me. The loss of my family and the gift of having all of you with me today, my new family and my wife. It first rends, and then fills my heart with gratitude. Thank you for taking those of us from The Shilo into your home and allowing us to be a part of the Highlands family.” He gestured to Henny, Katy, and Bill.
They nodded in agreement to those at their table.
“Our family continues to grow, and we welcome Amy's sister, Alyse, and their uncles, Bayard and Bernard James. I’ve never met individuals more giving and caring of strangers, and so willing to share their miraculous talents. Without you and your abilities, I know, beyond doubt, my beautiful wife would not be with us today.” He swallowed, ran a hand across his mouth, and then looked up and smiled. “For that, I am forever in your debt.” He paused, but no one spoke. Then he raised his gaze and looked at Jimmy Leigh.
“Oh, no.” Jim shook his head and leaned back.
Merril grinned. “If Jason and Nichole are the brains of The Highlands Ranch, then you, my friend, are its heart.”
Jim wagged his finger at Merril. “I’m not,” he protested over applause from both tables. “I've done nothing special. I just do my job.”
Hands on his hips, Merril turned to Jim. “You went out a second-floor window, without hesitation, to save my wife. How can you say you’ve done nothing special?”
Jim’s face flushed. “You don’t think I intended to go out the window, do ya?” He shook his head at Merril and grinned. “I was just too big, and movin’ too fast, to stop.”
When the laughter around the yard died down, Merril bowed to Jim. “Nevertheless, thank you, my friend.”
“You're welcome,” Jim replied with a dip of his head.
Then Merril looked to Sam. “I’ve also been reunited with a man I thought of as family many years ago. It amazes me how years can part us, and yet when we find each other again, it’s as if no time had passed at all.” Merril walked toward Sam. “I never had the opportunity to tell you how important you were to me, and how much I cherished our friendship. Allow me to say thank you now, for putting up with a foolish lost kid, and for being a mentor and an example of the man I hoped to become.”
Sam stood, and the men gripped hands.
“Welcome Samuel Kline. I also welcome your sister, Catherine. You are forever a part of my family.”
“Thank you, Merril.”
“You better wrap it up,” Lloyd spoke up from his seat beside to Nichole. “Your wife is crying, and I can hear Tom's stomach growl from here.”
Nichole motioned for Lloyd to hush as she laughed and dabbed her eyes.
My husband’s a natural leader, whether he sees it or not.
She sniffed and smiled at Merril.
“You're right.” Merril nodded to Lloyd as he returned to his seat. “I've said more than I intended. But there’s one more thing. We don't always say a blessing before our meals. Today—especially today, I think we should say two.” He looked around the table, and his gaze landed on Katy.
“Katy, would you say our first grace please?” Merril smiled at the girl and took his seat.
Katy looked from Merril to her mother.
Henny nodded.
Katy folded her hands together and closed her eyes.
“From the sky above look down on me.
Save my soul from sin and greed.
Bless our food and bless our home.
Show us that we’re not alone. Amen.”
The group echoed, “Amen.”
“Beautiful, Katy. Thank you.” Merril looked down the table. “Bernard, would you say our second grace?”
Bernard inclined his head.
“Lord and Lady, be welcome at our table.
Watch over us and bless us.
Bless this food we are about to receive
from the bounty of your earth.”
Those seated around the table hesitated when Bernard finished, unsure if he had finished his prayer.
Amy quickly added, “Amen.”
“Amen,” echoed around the table, and then people helped themselves to the dishes nearest to them and passed the plate down.
Eating took precedence, and once everyone filled their plates, conversation slowed. As the meal wound down, talk began to turn to the coming evening and the preparations still to be made tonight.
Nichole laid her napkin beside her plate and spoke down the long table. “I’m going back to The Shilo tonight, Merril. It seems I have a few special abilities myself. I can help them fight, and I owe them my life.” She reached over and took Amy’s hand. “Any help I can give, I will.”
“I’m going, too.” Jason leaned his elbow on the table and turned to Merril. “I thought you might decide to join us, as well.”
Merril nodded. “Wherever Nicki goes, I’ll be beside her. I thought she told you that already.”
Jason gave an amused huff and shook his head. “As a matter of fact, she did.”
“Your guns will not be unappreciated.” Bernard pushed back from the table. “To speak plainly, we don’t know precisely what we’ll face.”
Jim stood. “If there’s room for another, I’d like to tag along.” He gave Alyse one of his rare and wonderful smiles. “Whatever you need.”
“I’ll stand with you.” Sam rose and nodded to Merril.
“I’m coming too,” Cat announced.
“You will not. You’ll stay here, where you’ll be safe,” Sam told his sister.
Cat came to her feet beside her brother and hooked her arm with his. “I’m safer beside you than trailing behind. Besides, I already spoke with Amy and Alyse. They welcome my help.”
Nichole covered her mouth with her hand and locked gazes with Merril. Almost half of those seated around the tables planned to stand with the James family at The Shilo. The rest would protect The Highlands.
How can I ever repay such devotion and friendship?
Merril stood and laid his napkin beside his plate. “Everyone, whether you come with us or protect our home here, you have my gratitude.” His gaze met those who would shelter at The Highlands. “I recommend everyone stay in the main house overnight—even if your rooms have been warded.” He looked from Kelly and Bill to Henny and Lawna. “You’ll find strength by being together.”
“I’m not leavin’ the animals,” Lloyd stated. “They’ll need my care.”
Merril nodded. “I agree, but you’ll need to stay put. Take what you need into the barn for both you and the animals tonight.” He looked around the group. “No one should leave their shelter until at least sunset tomorrow night.”
“I’ll make food baskets for Lloyd and Tom, as well as your group.” Cookie pushed herself to her feet. “I don’t want anyone to worry about food or water. Enough for one day, you say?”
Merril nodded. “Our adversary should arrive sometime between sunset tonight and tomorrow night.”
“I’m surprised Hunter hasn't arrived,” Sam said to Merril. “He uses a map and a pendulum to find people. I've worked with him before, and his ability is, well—unnerving.”
Bay and Bern exchanged startled glances.
Nichole caught their exchange and sat forward. “Speak up, gentlemen. We hold no secrets at this table, not today.”
Bayard cleared his throat and looked from Nichole to Sam. “The power to track people, or souls, using objects held by or owned by those individuals is usually associated with spiritual magic. Similar to what we saw this morning in Nichole.”
Nichole’s gaze shot from Bayard, touched on Cat and ended at Merril.
Merril’s brow furrowed. “Spiritual magic?”
Lloyd stood and stepped away from the table. “Yup. That’s all very interesting. We’ll keep an eye out for this Hunter fella.” He brushed at his shirt. “I’d best get movin’. By sunset, you say?” He patted Tom’s shoulder as he passed. “Time to get busy.”
Lloyd’s words set the people in the yard in motion.
Cookie picked up several empty plates and headed toward the kitchen. “I’ll get those baskets ready.”
Lawna handed Hope-Anne to Katy, then began to clear the table with Jeanne and Henny.
Merril spoke above the commotion in the yard. “Bill, Kelly, would you saddle four horses and hitch up the buckboard? We’ll leave for The Shilo as soon as Cookie packs our supplies.”
Nichole took hold of Merril’s arm. “I’m going to pack a bag. Do you need anything?”
“I’ll come with you.” He followed her across the porch, his hand resting on her lower back.
In their room, Nichole pulled the carpetbag from the base of the wardrobe and opened it on the bed. “I’m not sure what I’ll need.”
“Not much of anything. We’ll be back tomorrow night.”
Nichole paused when Merril closed the door and turned to her. “Tell me about this spiritual ability Bernard says you have. What happened?”
“Oh, that.” Nichole put her brush and several hairpins in the bag. “I can see and interact with spirits.” She opened the dresser drawer and tossed a camisole and underdrawers into the bag on the bed. “I should have suspected, of course.”
Merril stepped forward and touched her arm. “Stop. Tell me what happened.” He wrapped his arms around her waist.
Nichole looked into his eyes and pushed a strand of hair behind is ear. “We found Kevin’s spirit lost in the house. I helped him find his way out.” She laid her hand along his face. “I could see him, the same way I saw you in my other life.”
Merril kissed her hand, never taking his gaze from hers. “How is that possible?”
Nichole's sighed and tried to relax in Merril's arms.
Trust he will understand.
She bowed her head to the soft voice in the back of her mind. “My future self, the one who came back to be with you—her name was Courtney Veau. My father—Courtney's father—had a strong spiritual ability. He tried to trace our family history, but the furthest ancestor he could find was Alexander and Catherine Veau.”
Merril’s brows lifted, and his eyes widened.
“I suspect the bounty hunter Cat is so taken with may be Alexander Veau.”
“You think Sam's sister and this Hunter fellow are your ancestors?”
“Courtney's ancestors, but yes. The ability to hear and see spirits must be inherited. Courtney’s father had this ability, and she could hear you—see you. It’s how I knew I could find my way back.”
Merril studied his wife's face but remained silent.
“I thought I recognized Cat. I even asked her if we’d met before. She must be my great, great—something, grandmother. Courtney looked very similar to Catherine Kline.”
Merril shook his head and smiled, love shone in his eyes. “You astound me. Continuously.”
She tipped her face up and rose on her toes to kiss him. “And you are the very beat of my heart.”
“Enough, in there.” Jason rapped two times on the door. “We’re ready to go.” His boots beat a staccato down the stairs.
Merril closed the bag and opened the door. “Come, my dear, let’s go meet the Devil.”
Nichole preceded him out the door and down the stairs, song lyrics from another time playing inside her head.
Outside, the tables were gone, and the wagon and horses stood ready. Jason and Amy took the buckboard seat with the James family. Cat sat in the back of the wagon with the food and weapons. The rest mounted and trailed behind the wagon down the drive.
Nichole rode beside Merril, but they didn't speak. Instead, they listened to Sam and Jim discuss the finer merits of the various firearms they carried in the wagon.
The setting sun tickled the distant hills as they arrived in The Shilo yard. Merril directed Bayard and Sam to move the wagon and horses to the large, empty barn. The rest carried supplies into the house.
Bayard secured the barn with protection satchels, weaving magic and prayers together, and laying down the salt barrier at each opening. When he finished, he and Bernard shut and secured the barn doors, and then followed Sam back to the house.
Alyse and her uncles worked quickly to ward the house. Everyone else stayed out of their way and remained on the front porch as the color faded from the sky, east to west.
After he secured the house, Bernard called everyone to the dining room to discuss his strategy for the coming battle. He brushed his hand over the drawing of the pentacle to press it flat. “You all saw the circle in the yard. When the demon arrives, we’ll move out there. Although the circle will be warded against evil, people and animals will be able to cross the boundary.” He met the gaze of the gunmen. “Your main job will be to keep anything from crossing that line. Guard our ward, and our backs.”
“What do you expect to attack us?” Sam asked.
Bernard gave a partial shrug. “He’ll use animals. He uses them already. We’ll aid the gunmen with our magic, but I believe our main task will be to counter the demon’s powers.”
“What powers does he have?” Merril checked the chamber of his Colt, then holstered his weapon.
“We don’t know.” Bernard shook his head. “My hope is, with the warded house behind us, he can only approach from the direction of the corral and bunkhouse. Remember, you can move freely within the circle, but do not cross the warded line.” He looked around the room and stopped his search at Cat. “Your role will be to reload the weapons from your place in the center of the star. I also ask that you maintain the warded boundary line.”
Cat nodded, wide-eyed. “I can do that.”
“Will we post guards tonight?” Jim asked.
“You’re welcome to do so. I’ll leave the lookouts to you.” Bernard tipped his head to Jim. “While you assign duties, I’ll cast the ward boundaries for the circle. Please—after I cast the ward, be careful of the salt circle, especially as you rush across the boundary once the demon arrives.”
The empty library became their ready room with the basket of food, a cask of fresh water, as well as their extra weapons and ammunition. Bernard picked up his warding supplies, then went outside.
Jim set the watch schedule and assigned which items each person would bring to the circle at the first sign of trouble. When he finished, everyone returned to the porch to watch Bernard cast the ward.
He moved from compass point to compass point, calling the elements for each direction and invoking their protection. He ended with a blessing, and asked the God and Goddess to be present during their battle. When he finished the ward, he turned to his audience on the porch. “Would those of you wielding magic join me in the circle?” He spread his arm wide and stepped into one of the far angles of the star.
“Bay, I’d have you up front with me. Amy and Alyse, please take the air and water points. Nichole, you will have the Goddess or spirit point in back.”
Once the casters stood in place, Bernard tossed Alyse a box of matches. “We’ll keep the fire burning throughout the night.”
Alyse smiled at her uncle and struck the match. Fire ignited in her hand and jumped into the pit.
“Gunmen and Miss Kline, there are no assigned places. We stand now in the elements each of us will represent, but we are not limited to those elements. As we are free to move about the circle, so will you be. These are but our starting positions.”
Nichole hid her trembling hands in the folds of her skirt. Bernard had taunted Amy with being the weak link, but deep inside her heart, she knew herself to be the untrained weak link.
Be brave, a voice whispered. When the time comes, you will know what to do.
“Those of you on the porch will bring the items from the library and place them in the center, here.” Bernard indicated the large open area in the middle of the star. “Catherine, keep the bag of salt and pouring bowl with you, in the center. Keeping the circle secure will be our best defense.”
Cat nodded. Her wide-eyed stare caught Nichole’s, and they gazed at one another for several moments.
“This could be a long fight—I don't know. I believe we’re as prepared as we can be.” Bernard crossed the pentagram and stepped over the salt circle. “We should try to get some rest.” He turned back to the circle. “Oh, Alyse, if you would lower the flames and bank the coals before you come inside?” He smiled at his niece.
The rest of the casters in the yard stepped carefully over Bernard’s ward and followed him inside. As they passed the library, Sam stepped inside. He had been assigned first watch.