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The Gift

Stephanie's Storyline, Chapter 6.3

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Kyle spoke up quickly, questioning him. Anapa responded in a matter-of-fact tone, at which point the Raven looked back to me. "He said we should start the investigation by searching Billy's room."

Medved snorted. "Niet. Let her rest first. Stefanika slept very little last night and spent the day traveling. There will be time for that after she has recovered."

Tom, who was surprisingly standing outside the house next to my window pushed his massive head through it before objecting. "There will be time for rest later... we must first be certain that this house is safe. If there is someone or something sacrificing energy to a Spirit here then we need to know that Stephanie is not at risk."

Once again, I was being pulled in different directions. Setting my backpack down on the bed I turned back to my companions and I had to admit that Tom was right about that; if there was still a threat out there I wanted to make sure everyone in the house was safe. "I'll rest once I make sure that the house is safe. If whatever happened to Billy even has the slightest chance of happening again I want to make sure my dad and mom are safe."

Medved didn't seem particularly happy that I wasn't interested in taking some time to recuperate but at least he was supportive. "If you will not rest, then at least let us assist you."

I wasn't about to deny them that. "Well, I suppose five sets of eyes are a lot better than one... I just wish I knew what I was looking for."

Tom had an answer ready. Even before I could exit my room he was providing me some insight. "If we are attempting to protect your family from Spirits the best thing is to make sure all portals to your home are secured."

That statement caught me by surprise but I managed to avoid saying anything until I had made it to the bathroom and knew I wouldn't be overheard. "I thought Spirits can't come in unless they're invited."

The Rhino clarified. "Certain evil Spirits can enter through an open window or a door even if not invited. That is why Guardian Spirits and Sentinel Spirits were so important back when Spirits and Humans interacted more."

In accordance with his suggestion I checked the bathroom window, which was indeed closed and latched. Another thought came to mind. "What about the chimney? Or up through the sewer pipes or something?"

Tom shook his head. "No, child-- those are not entrances for Spirits. Doors, windows, and summoning rituals... though we need not worry about the third option as I doubt any in your family is versed in such a thing."

We continued on into my parents' room next after I made sure both of my folks were distracted with their own activities. I checked their window and the one in their bathroom, then went back out into the hall, where Medved was awaiting me. "In old times the people of home often gave gifts to a household spirit, the Domovoy, or Chozyain. The Chozyain provided protection and saw to the well-being of the family living there."

That made me think immediately of Medved. "You mean like you?"

Medved chuckled. "No, Lapushka... though now, in this day, I feel as though I have more in common with a Chozyain than I do when I was valued as a Guardian for all of Rossiya."

I came to a stop, looking to the Bear as I sought any sign of regret or loss. "That must take some getting used to... being acknowledged by just one household instead of a whole nation. I'm sorry people don't still--"

He raised a finger and pressed it to my lips. "So long as I have you I regret nothing. Better to have my Lapushka with me than the distant prayers of a thousand thousands."

What else could I do but blush. The silence didn't last long though thanks to Kyle, who brought my attention back to the task at hand. "So... looking into spiritual security is great and all, but we should consider the traditional stuff as well. If there really is a Human helping Mishipeshu and your family is still at risk we need to think about physical security."

Kyle was right, of course, but Tom spoke up to that effect. "Assuring the doors and windows are secure will solve that problem as well."

The Raven let out a wing-y shrug. "I'd feel better if the Brenner household had an alarm system or something."

It was my turn to shrug. "Well, it's not like I could just get one without my parents asking questions."

I was surprised by a voice calling to me from down the hall; it was my mom. "Get what, honey? And who are you talking to?"

Thinking quickly, I flat-out lied. "A friend of mine from Cherry City... she was telling me I should rent a car while I'm here."

Thankfully, my mom bought it without asking too many questions. "Well that's just silly. It's not like town is that large, and if you really need to go somewhere I can take you."

Kyle's feathers ruffled and he mumbled. "Actually, that's a good point... it's not like you can ask your mom to drive you around on the... uh.... investigation."

The way he sought for the right word made me pause. He was right, of course, but that led me to another idea. "Mom? Do you think I could borrow the car tomorrow?"

It was her turn to fall silent. When she finally answered I didn't get clear permission, but it did get her to return to the kitchen. "Let me think about it, Honey."

I continued checking out the back of the house, peeking into Billy's room, which got a little emotional. Everything looked like it had been left exactly how it had been before the accident and, as such, I touched nothing, except to check that the window was secure-- it was open a half an inch so, just to be safe, I closed and latched it. Returning to the hall, I saw that Kyle and Anapa were talking. Speaking quietly, I asked the Raven "What is it?"

He got straight to the point, which I appreciated. "Anapa said if you're worried about Spirits entering the house then he can lead you on a ritual to do once the moon is up-- it will prevent any spirits from entering except those you have personally given permission to... I guess it's even more powerful than The Sanctity of the Hearth."

Anapa nodded his head. "I help, Hemetinetjer."

Looking around at the other spirits, everyone was nodding their head in thought. I supposed it could have been worth considering. "Okay... so Kyle, ask Anapa what's involved with the ritual and what we'll need."

We returned to my room as Kyle translated what Anapa had to say. "The type of magic involved is called Aptropaic Magic. It is used to ward off evil and protect people, and usually involves wands and amulets. He says the easiest way to start is with a Sa."

I closed the door after all my Spirits joined me. "Okay... and what's that?"

Once again, Kyle translated for Anapa. "It's a symbol that actually MEANS protection, and it will be a good start for the ritual. After that is the Wadjet... which--"

He stopped talking as Anapa reached up and touched the fur around his eye, right near the golden pigment. The Raven continued as the Jackal spoke. "Oh... I guess that symbolizes protection and it can be worn on an amulet to protect people."

Anapa continued speaking, standing as he began gesturing to the floor while walking in a circle. Kyle, once again translated. "He said the most important thing though is called a Shen, and that it's a big circle that is supposed to protect anything it encircles. He says that's the one we need to start at midnight and---" he stopped at that, questioning Anapa in a tone that sounded surprised. Sighing, the Raven looked back. "...and apparently it runs through dawn, so... another sleepless night."

Balking at that idea, I took a second to digest everything I was hearing. Would it really take all night to protect the house? Sighing, I--