The Guard Changed at Dawn
Chapter 5
The table was crowded as Dean, Caleb, Joshua, Max, JT and Ryker all gathered to eat a late lunch of hot sandwiches, chips and coffee. There'd been a lot of good natured ribbing on how long it takes to get food when JT and Dean had returned.
"We wanted to give Caleb enough time to get his beauty sleep," Dean defended.
"Yeah, I'm the reason you strolled through the store like a ninety year old woman," Caleb chided.
"You do look better now that you've had some rest," Joshua remarked as he peeled the bread from his turkey sandwich. "Sometimes getting older means more sleep."
Caleb looked offended. "My mind was being invaded by someone in a dream and all you can do is make fun."
Dean laughed, looking completely unrepentant when Caleb glared in his direction. "So," Caleb said loudly, steering the conversation away from him. "What have we found out so far?"
"We?" Max snorted. "JT was out grocery shopping and you were sleeping." He wisely left out any reference to the Guardian.
"My contribution was being contacted by someone in my dreams," Caleb stated loftily. "You?"
Max smirked and nodded his capitulation. "Yeah, all right. The Indian stuff I'll leave to dad and Ryker. As far as the Hitchcock side of things, there's been an unusual amount of bird sightings in Washington and Idaho. Several avian sites are talking about it, saying it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see several species in action, especially hawks, woodpeckers and owls." He picked up some rumbled papers sitting by his plate. "Bird watchers from all over the country are converging on Olympic and Rainer National Parks in Washington. In Idaho, the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, and the Idaho Birding Trail as the places to be. But other than the increase in air traffic, there's nothing about birds pecking anyone's eyes out."
"Like that's likely," JT quipped.
"Thanks for the image," Ryker grumbled, putting his sandwich down.
Max took a big bite of his own turkey sandwich and smiled. "Anyway," he mumbled before swallowing, earning himself a reproachful look from his father. "Climate-wise, there are no reports of an increase in abnormal weather patterns; no thunder storms, lightening strikes, no occurrences of freak wind storms, blizzards or hail. Weather in those states has been dead on with past years."
Dean nodded before looking over at Joshua.
"Owls are influential in most Native American Indian Tribes. Native Americans are very special peoples. History, ideas, spirituality are all conveyed through symbols and signs."
"You mean semiotics?" Caleb said with a look at Dean, his eyes wide and innocent.
"Shuddup," Dean muttered.
As usual, Joshua ignored the pair and continued with his briefing. "Archeologists and historians have cataloged many paintings and art depicting celestial bodies, natural phenomenon and animal designs, of which the owl is the most prominent. The Owl hunts at night, which symbolizes darkness. The circles around the eyes of an owl are thought to be made from the fingernails of ghosts. In addition, owls are believed to be messengers from beyond the grave. They appear to tribal members who are thought to have broken tribal laws."
"Basically," Ryker added, "owls are bad, they're cries are foreboding; they symbolize death."
"Foreboding?" Max snickered.
"It means something bad's gonna happen," Ryker stated in a fake stage whisper.
JT laughed while Max rolled his eyes. "Thanks Ryker," Max said drily. "Don't know what I'd do without you."
"You won't have to," Ryker said softly, before taking a bite of his sandwich.
Caleb rescued the boys from having a total chick flick moment by saying, "Dreams, owls and rogue birds. Anything else to add?"
Joshua frowned. "I don't believe rogue was the intent of…"
"Lots and lots of birds doing extreme sports," Dean interrupted. "So we've got an uptick in birds, owls included. Most of the owl symbols and myths are from Native American culture. I think we should focus our attention there."
"Agreed," Joshua said. "We've looked into some Native American myths."
"There are some pretty creepy creatures in Indian culture," Max stated, wrinkling his nose.
"That's Native American culture," Ryker said, "Indian is not PC."
"You know what you can do with your PC…" Max retorted.
"Skinwakers," JT said loudly, talking over Max. That earned him a scowl from his friend, to which JT grinned. "Skinwalkers are Native American medicine men or women who used their powers for evil instead of good. They go through some sort of initiation and first prize is immense magical powers and shape-shifting abilities."
"I met a Shape-shifter once," Dean said. "He shape-shifted into me."
That statement immediately got the attention of JT, Max and Ryker.
"Seriously?" JT questioned, his eyes wide.
Dean nodded. "We were helping a friend of Sam's from Stanford. Thing got the drop on me, took me into the city tunnels and it changed into me." He frowned. "Weirdest thing I ever saw."
"How did you kill it?" Max asked.
"Shot me with a silver bullet."
"You shot you?" Ryker stated.
Dean grinned. "Really rather…"
"Cathartic?" Caleb interjected with grin.
"Very," Dean laughed.
"You guys are twisted," Max said with a shake of his head.
"Guess that means the myth isn't right," Ryker said, eyes on his notes. "It says to kill them you need to find out their human identity and say their full name. Then they get sick and die."
"Nope," Dean said cheerfully. "Silver bullet drops 'em dead." He took a large bite of his sandwich.
"I should point out that a Skin Walker and a Shaper Shifter are two different creatures," Joshua stated. "Same rules don't necessarily apply."
"Aren't they kind of like kissing cousins?" Max asked. "A skin walker shifts into things; a shape shifter also shifts into things…"
"Contrasting and comparing the two sounds like a good research project for you," Joshua said sternly, "for the edification of the Brotherhood."
"Seriously?" Max exclaimed. "I don't have enough research with the owls?"
"I nominate Jimmy," JT said, throwing his support behind Max.
Caleb rolled his eyes and made a motion for Joshua to continue.
"Another Native American mythical creature is Two-Face," Joshua continued. "That's a monster that tortures and kills unsuspecting victims, mainly children and pregnant women."
"Does a victim ever suspect their going to be a victim?" Max asked, his eyes going between Ryker and JT. "Aren't they all unsuspecting?"
"You boys want to do this or go to your room," Caleb said, his patience wearing thing.
"That would take me back to New York," Ryker murmured under his breath.
Caleb turned a stern eye on the usually level-headed young man.
"Work," Ryker, Max and JT said in unison.
"Well, I got the four-one-one on how two-face guy kills his victims, suspecting or not," Max said. "He kills them by repeatedly stabbing them with his razor-sharp elbows." He gave a shout of laughter. "Who comes up with this stuff?"
"Anything about owls?" Joshua asked, trying to keep the conversation on track.
Max shook his head. "Not with elbow man."
"There are mermen, stiff-legged bears, water serpents, horned serpents, death bats…" JT shook his head. "Too many crazy Native American myths to count."
"There's a really interesting one about an underwater panther," Ryker said. "Just swims around under the water waiting to trap and drown people."
"And one myth about flying heads," JT said, "no bodies; just heads," he added.
"Why don't we stick to myths that include birds or owls," Dean said.
"Man, I really liked the myth about the cannibalistic dwarves," Max mumbled under his breath, not willing to test the patience of the Knight and Guardian, much less his own father, too far.
JT shifted is papers. "There are two that seem more likely. Skuddakumooch," he said slowly. "Means the Ghost-Witch."
"And Tah-tah-kle'-ah," Joshua inserted, saving JT from trying to pronounce that one as well. "And guess what this one means?"
"The Owl-Women," Ryker supplied with a smile.
"The Owl-Women?" Caleb said. "Ding, ding, ding; I think we've got a winner."
"Women, plural?" Dean asked.
JT nodded. "Looks like they come in packs of five."
"The Owl-Women seem our most likely villains, but we should research the Ghost-Witch too," Dean said. "Be prepared."
"We also need information on the Native American Tribes in Washington and Idaho," Ryker said.
JT nodded. "That's where the increase in bird sightings are, so focusing there makes sense."
"Agreed," Joshua said. "We need to bring in the Scholar."
"Sam and Jimmy will be here tomorrow." Dean eyed Joshua. "We'll need talismans."
Joshua frowned. "For the boys?"
Dean nodded. "We're doing this hunt together."
JT stared at his father while Max and Ryker exchanged perplexed looks.
"That's not possible," Joshua said, frowning. "Not in the time we have."
"I know. Do you have another suggestion?"
"Maybe," Joshua said slowly.
JT gave his father a very Guardian-like look and asked the question about which he, Max and Ryker were wondering; "Why do we need talismans?"
Caleb eyed Dean. This needed to be explained if they were to do this hunt together. He waited until Dean nodded before he spoke.
"Years ago before we were officially the Triad, we went on a hunt, a bad hunt." Caleb glanced at Joshua. "A retired hunter was murdered in front of his wife and son, and his son went after the demons that killed his father." Slowly he spoke of Riley and Kathleen, and what happened to them the night Boone was killed. He told of their encounter with Rose and Ruby in Nevada, though he left out anything about hell and what was on the line at that time. He explained about the Triad Trap.
"We were able to escape," Dean said, omitting any reference to the Guardian's alchemic control over water.
"But we don't know anything about the kind of magic Rose spoke about. After she was killed…" Caleb broke off, hesitating over Ruby knifing Joshua, until the later spoke up.
"I was injured," Joshua said softly. "The remaining demon stabbed me in the back with a poison-tipped knife. I almost died."
Max frowned, his face paling as he stared at his father.
Joshua gave his son's arm a comforting squeeze. "Your grandmother used all her skills and was able to counter the poison, as you can see. Your great grandmother, grandmother and mother all worked very hard to make sure I was up and well in the quickest time possible."
"Your mom showed great leadership when she kicked Esme and Jocelyn out so Josh could rest," Caleb interjected.
"What?" Max stared at Caleb, perplexed at the awkward segue into humor.
"He's joking," Joshua said with a glare in Caleb's direction, "though having so many people in one's home isn't as conducive to recuperation as one would think. After a couple of weeks…"
"Thirteen days, twenty one hours and fifteen minutes," Dean and Caleb chanted simultaneously.
"Carolyn," Joshua raised his voice, speaking over the other two, "convinced my mother and grandmother that I would be fine, and urged them to return to their homes."
Max frowned. Something about his father being hurt tugged at a memory from years before; something that involved Harland Sawyer. "And grandpa?" he asked carefully.
Joshua gave Dean a quick glance. Mac hadn't been with Joshua during his convalescence because he'd been dealing with Dean's deal and subsequent death, and the resulting trauma to the Brotherhood and to Sam and Caleb. The Triad and Advisor had all agreed not to reveal anything about Dean's time in hell until they retired and the new Triad was officially taking office. It had also been a bumpy time for Mac and Esme, as they'd broken off their relationship in order to devote time to their sons. "Your grandfather was in constant touch with me and your mother during the whole recovery, though as the Scholar and sole remaining member of the Triad, he was physically needed elsewhere to handle a very difficult situation that was threatening the Brotherhood."
"Okay." Max hadn't been asking about Grandpa Mac. His eyes remained on his father when he asked, "What about Grandpa Sawyer?"
Joshua blinked. Max's rare reference to Harland Sawyer was a surprise. Even after decades in the public relations business and dozens of years as the Triad Advisor, it was a rare moment when he was caught off guard. "He was also involved in Brotherhood business."
Max's eyes narrowed as he regarded his father. Now he remembered the conversation he and his father had after Harland ambushed him at Pisano's Pies in Louisville about a week after his sixteenth birthday. His dad said he'd cut off contact with his father after Harland had abandoned him when he'd been hurt during a hunt. The two events clicked together in his brain. Knowing Harland hadn't bothered to visit his dad when he was hurt was bad. It was worse knowing his dad had almost died and his own father hadn't cared enough to even visit. His face flushed with anger.
Caleb quickly stepped in and continued. "Over the years your dad, Sam, the entire Brotherhood research staff has tried to find out about this book Rose referred to, but have come up empty. Esme, Josh and the coven worked together to create something to protect the Triad when they were hunting together, so we couldn't be trapped again."
Joshua turned to Dean. "But creating those talismans took months of delicate, intensive work."
"I know. We don't have that kind of time, obviously. Can you come up with something strong with a short time span? Something that will protect the boys and get us through this hunt?"
"Probably. I'll need to consult with Adam and the coven," Joshua said, "get their input on an effective solution."
"While you're there, you and Ryker want to see if the coven has heard anything about this owl thing through the grapevine, or anything about a coming evil?"
"Yes, we can do that. Before we go, I'll need hair, skin and blood samples from Max, JT and James."
"Not Ryker?" Max interjected.
Joshua shook his head. "As the Advisor, Ryker is safe from this trap, as I was decades ago."
"But not from a demon's knife," Max grumbled under his breath.
"No," Joshua agreed, "not from that."
Dean rose. "I'm going to call Jody, let her know when we'll be there."
"I'm not driving," Caleb called over his shoulder as Dean left the kitchen.
"I'm with you," Max stated. Pushing away his dark thoughts, he stood and started stacking plates and gathering utensils to put in the dishwasher. "Flying trumps driving every time."
"I'm with dad, then," JT said as he helped with the dishes.
Caleb turned to Joshua. "Why don't you fly with me and Max into New York? You can get the needed samples from Jimmy, then you and Ryker can head to the coven while the rest of us fly on to South Dakota. I'll send the jet back to get you both when you're ready."
"Agreed," Joshua said. He rose from the table and stretched. "I'm going to call Carolyn. Max, can I have a word?"
Max sighed and followed his father out into the front living room.
Joshua waited for a moment until it became apparent his son wasn't going to say anything. "You have questions?"
"You almost died."
Joshua nodded.
"You almost died and your dad didn't even come to see you."
Echoing words he'd said to his father the night he and Dean went to Griffin's following Dean's return from hell, because they were still true to this day, Joshua said, "Concern for each other's welfare has never been a strong point in our relationship. My father…" he broke off for a moment, "I'm not the person my father wanted me to be. For several years I tried with everything I had to be the man, the hunter, he wanted in his son. But I could never measure up. When I finally accepted who I was, I realized I liked that person. Being true to myself has brought amazing joy and satisfaction into my life, and led me into relationships that brought me to your mother, and ultimately to you and your sister. And I got the father I always wanted in Mac."
Max nodded thoughtfully. "But, don't you wish you could have had a relationship with your dad?"
"Maybe, at one time. But relationships require two people; two people who work on it together, two people who accept one another for who they are." Joshua gave a slight shrug. "My father never could accept me, and in the end, I couldn't accept him either." Studying his son thoughtfully, he asked, "Do you miss having a relationship with your grandfather Sawyer?"
Max pondered that a moment. "Yes and no. I'm curious about who he was, what he was like. The only time I met him was when I was sixteen. He seemed so slimy then, overly eager. He was excited about my being friends with JT and the Guardian. It was kind of creepy. But later, after we spoke, I always wondered what made him act like he did to his only son. He treated you so badly, and Uncle Caleb hated him, not just for what he stood for, but hated him on your behalf, because he abandoned you."
Joshua's brows rose in surprise. He hadn't realized Caleb's animosity towards Harland included the insults to himself as well as to the Winchesters, Pastor Jim and Mac.
"I guess I just wanted to understand better," Max said.
"I'm sorry my relationship with Harland prevented you from knowing your grandfather. But I hope you can take solace from knowing that Harland truly wasn't the kind of person that would have edified your life. He valued being important, prominence and advancement much more than he valued his family. Your grandmother, me, we were incidental to his life if we couldn't bring him the prestige and renown he was after. So he left us. And in the end, he died without anyone."
"Even his friend Griffin?" Max asked softly.
"Griffin had already passed away by the time Harland died. But Silas had kept in touch through the years. He was there at Harland's funeral."
"Did you go?"
Joshua nodded.
"Why didn't you tell anyone? I would have gone with you."
Joshua smiled. "I know you would have. And your mother knew. I went because I needed that closure. In the end, we both said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, even if the parting was years before."
"I still wish I'd been with you. Goodbyes can be lonely things," Max said softly.
"They can indeed."
Ryker handed the lunch dishes to JT as they rinsed the plates and loaded the dishwasher.
"Looks like some issues have been stirred up," JT said quietly.
"Family is complicated."
"I think Max has always been curious about Harland Sawyer, who he was, why he did the things he did." JT rinsed a dish and placed it on the bottom rack. "I know I miss not getting to know my Grandpa John. Seems like he was an amazing man."
"I've read about him in hunter's journals and researched him some at the Citadel," Ryker said.
"You read about my grandfather at school?" JT asked, surprised.
Ryker nodded. "In my senior year I had access to some classified information. I was curious about the former knight and your namesake. Since I had the opportunity, I did some research. He was involved in some impressive operations during the Vietnam Conflict; Operation Starlite and Operation Piranah."
"You can talk about that?"
"Now, yes. Those battles have been declassified. There are several in Corporal Winchester's files that remain classified, but a few are open for viewing. Like Operation Dye Marker. It was the idea of US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. He feared that increased bombing in North Korea would bring greater Chinese involvement into the conflict. Operation Dye Marker was the creation of a defensive barrier along the demilitarized zone. It was secured by trip wires, mine fields and barbed wire entanglements. But the big guns were the constant radar, motion and acoustic surveillance. It stopped the flow of Vietnamese troops and supplies through the demilitarized zone during the decisive years of the Vietnam War. Corporal Winchester was a huge part of that operation."
"Wow," JT murmured. "Impressive."
"He was a marine. His combat record is imposing. As a hunter, a Knight, he would have been a formidable taskmaster."
JT stared at his friend. Hearing Ryker talk about John being a formidable hunter was an eye-opener. He knew his grandfather had been a tough marine and Knight. But somehow in his mind he'd always separated "marine" from hunter and dad. Ryker's assessment of Corporal Winchester, coming from another Armed Forces Vet, had managed to merge the roles. "You think Grandpa would have been tough?"
"Considering Caleb is very tough and he was taught by John, I'd say yes."
JT frowned as he slowly placed a mug in the dishwasher. "So his training would have been tough."
Ryker held off handing the plate in his hand over to JT. "Your dad," he said softly, understanding what JT implying. "Yes, I imagine being raised by a former marine who was traumatized by the death of his wife at the hands of a demon would have been extremely difficult."
JT slowly took the dessert plate from Ryker and put it in the dishwasher. "Yeah, I guess that's true."
"Dad said Dean started hunting young."
"What have you heard?" JT asked. His father had never gone into a lot of detail about hunting as a kid. His reminisces about his childhood usually involved Sam.
Ryker faced his friend. He knew the Guardian had wanted his children to have a childhood, one he'd been denied. Now that JT was older, he wanted to know more about his father and the past. But he didn't feel it was his place to give the younger man details Dean hadn't shared. Carefully, he said, "I don't know a lot of details. The Guardian's life is private."
JT leaned back against the counter. "I know. If you're breaking a confidence, forget I asked."
"No," Ryker said slowly. "Not a confidence, and I truly don't know much. But I've been out in the field more than you, and I have connections in the military that knew John Winchester." After a moment of thought, he said, "John was known for hunting with his children. He wouldn't leave them with Pastor Jim, at Bobby's or with friends. I know that from a young age, Dean went on hunts to back up his father."
"How young?" JT asked, knowing the information would forever change his own view of his childhood.
"From what I heard, nine or ten."
JT's eyes widened. "What?" He couldn't wrap his head around his father hunting in the field at ten. For Dean to have backed up his father at that young age, meant he was capable of it. Dean would have been in fourth grade. "I…"
"His childhood was not an easy one. But it made him the man, the Guardian, and more importantly, the father he is today," Ryker said.
Just then Max walked back into the kitchen. JT frowned, but gave Ryker a quick nod and they all pitched in with the dishes. When they finished, JT jerked his head in the direction of his old bedroom and the boys climbed the stairs.
Once inside, JT dropped onto his bed. There was no time now, but he needed to think more about what Ryker had, and hadn't, said.
"There seems to be a lot more to the past than we've been told at this point," Max said, eerily foreshadowing JT's thoughts.
"I think there've been more hints about the past than we realize," JT said thoughtfully, "about how tough it was. Face it; we grew up in a different world than our parents. How could we relate? If any mention was made, would we have caught it, would we have understood?"
"They should have made it clear," Max stated, his anger rising again.
"Why?" Ryker asked. "As JT said, what they went through as children isn't your reality. Your parents wanted to make your childhoods better than their own. Isn't that the dream of parents everywhere?"
"We were raised with all the noble ideas of the Brotherhood," JT said softly. "Now, as adults, we know things aren't that simple. We're dealing with people and all their idiosyncrasies. That means jealousies, greed, fear, anger; all the emotions and motives that come with humanity. But we can't let that get in the way of the ideals and nobility we were raised on."
"I want the true story," Max declared.
"We'll get it someday." JT rose. "When we become the Triad, we'll know the whole story."
Max sighed. "It irritates me, that they're keeping stuff from us."
"Depends on what they're keeping silent about; and whether it's any of your business," Ryker added.
JT eyed Ryker and sighed. "You're right. Not everything that happened to dad, Uncle Sam and Uncle Caleb growing up is our business. They have a right to their privacy."
Max frowned. "I just don't like secrets."
"In life there are always secrets," Ryker said. "None of us know all the truth about any situation. We'll never know everything; we'll never really know what it was like for them growing up."
"And if the secrets were of the need-to-know variety," JT said, "they'd tell us. What we do know is that Dad, Uncle Sam and Uncle Caleb are the best and longest running Triad in Brotherhood history. There are more things to being the Triad than we could possibly know. When the time is right, when we're ready to step into their shoes, we'll know what we need to know."
"I still don't like it. How do we keep all the noble ideas when we don't know the dirt?"
"'I am an American Soldier,'" Ryker quoted softly.
Max and JT stared at their friend.
"'I am a warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.'
Giving his friends a small smile, Ryker said, "You don't need to know everything to uphold the values we've been raised on. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage. The military embodies these values because they keep their soldiers to the highest possible standards of conduct. We need to maintain those values and exceed them."
JT smiled. "Something to strive for."
"And achieve," Max said with a confident smile.
Ryker gave a rare laugh. "Confidence is good; determination is better."
Max waved a dismissive hand at his friend. "Always with the sage wisdom."
"You need it," Ryker smirked.
JT laughed at Max's affronted expression. Standing, he bent over to grab his duffle. Pulling some clothes out, he said, "I'm going to do a load of laundry before dad and I leave for South Dakota."
"Guess I'll see where Uncle Caleb is. After meeting up with Uncle Sam and Jimmy, I need to stop by the brownstone before we head out."
"I need to pack as well." Ryker pulled open the door. He, James and Max shared the brownstone Caleb had given Max when he'd gone to college in New York. JT often slept there when he was visiting the city. "I want to call mom, let her know I'll be at the coven with Parrain."
Adam had named Joshua as Ryker's godfather when his son had been born. Ever since he'd been able to talk, Ryker had called Joshua parrain, which in Cajun meant godfather. When Caleb heard about the name, he'd given a shout of laughter, fondly remembering Jim's frustration with his and Dean's Godfather obsession when they were young.
When the boys clamored downstairs, Caleb and Joshua were sitting at the kitchen table, mugs of coffee in their hands.
"About time," Caleb commented dryly. "You boys finished bonding?"
"Just discussing the hunt," JT said, as he bypassed the table and headed for the laundry room.
"We ready to head out?" Max asked, dropping into the chair next to Caleb.
"The Ames jet is on its way back from Texas and won't be available until morning," Caleb said. "We'll need to book a flight into New York."
"How about…." Joshua started just as Dean walked into the kitchen
"I told Jody about JT's dream and what we thought we might be dealing with. She doesn't know if they're the same hunt, but I'm banking on Pastor Jim. Seems like they're connected." He grabbed a mug and poured himself some coffee.
"You should leave in the morning," Caleb stated, noting the dark bruises around Dean's eyes and the pallor of his skin.
Dean shook his head. "It's a sixteen hour drive without stops. We should hit the road. JT and I can share the driving."
Caleb stood. "It's going to take a few days for Josh to get the talismans for the boys. It'll be a couple days before we all get there after flying to New York for Sam and Jimmy. You can sleep one more night in a bed then drive to Bobby's."
Dean felt the tug-of-war between wanting to get on the road immediately and the idea of taking another night of sleep and rest. "Do you feel like this person who's popping up in your dreams has a couple days?" He knew the person was a woman, but was following Pastor Jim's advice to let Caleb find out about her on his own.
"I know they need help," Caleb said thoughtfully. "But I didn't get a sense of desperation, like this person was in immediate danger. More a sense of…" he fumbled a bit, trying to convey the right feeling, "of … tiredness, I guess."
"We need to be prepared, especially if we're all going," Joshua interjected. "If Pastor Jim thought this was a hunt for both current and future Triads, then it's complicated and dangerous. Everyone needs to be on their game." He looked at Dean and Caleb. "You both just came off a difficult and strenuous hunt. And you," he pointed at Caleb, "haven't had an uninterrupted night's sleep in a few days." Looking back to Dean, he continued, "I'm leaving a soother for you tonight. It'll help you sleep and rejuvenate any muscles you strained taking on that Wendigo. I'll give the same to Caleb."
"It's also late afternoon," Ryker added, his eyes on Caleb. "You said the Ames jet will arrive in New York tomorrow morning. We don't need to take a flight to New York today. Sam and Jimmy can sleep at the Brownstone then take the jet here in the morning. It's only a two and a half hour flight"
"We can all get a good night's sleep at your place," Joshua agreed. "Once Sam and James arrive, the pilot can register a new flight plan with the FAA and you can take off as soon as I collect hair, skin and blood samples from James."
"But I need clothes," Max said, pointing to his well worn jeans and the shirt he'd worn for the second day.
"There's a Walmart in town," JT suggested.
"Jimmy can pack some of your things before flying out with Sam," Caleb said.
Joshua nodded. "Once you, Sam, Max and James arrive in Sioux Falls, I'll know about how long it will take to make the new talismans. If possible, the Ames jet can go to West Virginia and be available for when Ryker and I finish. Hopefully you all will have a better handle on what we'll be fighting when we join you at Bobby's."
"I'll make sure it's available," Caleb said. "The Ames big wigs take the backup jet or fly commercial for a day or two."
Dean forced his hands to hold his mug lightly as he fought his feeling of being handled. Ever since his dream with Pastor Jim telling him both Triads needed to be involved in this hunt, he'd felt off balance. Through the years, his Triad had taken great care when occasion called for them to hunt together. Even after they had Joshua's talismans, they were still cautious about the Triad Trap. Now both current and future Triads were supposed to go on a hunt together. It felt dangerous, reckless even. Every instinct in his body told him this was a bad idea. But Jim told him they were all needed. So what it came down to was whether, after all these years in the saddle, he trusted turning over the reins of this hunt to Pastor Jim. He wished he could have another dream so he could pour out his concerns again, ask for more clarification.
"Dean?"
Dean looked up and saw that every face in the room was watching him. He had a feeling Caleb had said his name more than once. Pushing himself to his feet with deliberation, he said, "All right. JT and I will head out in the morning. Caleb, that leaves you to coordinate everyone and get them to South Dakota. Joshua, I know you don't have the time to make the talismans as specialized as you did for us, but make them as strong and layered as possible. Also, gather any supplies you may need to contain or overtake a dangerous evil, one that may be psychic or use psychic powers."
Caleb frowned. "You think the evil is psychic because of the person sending me the dreams? Did Jody say something?"
Dean shrugged. "If whoever is contacting you is psychic, stands to reason the thing they're fighting could be as well."
Dean attempted to warm his coffee, but since the pot wasn't hot, it wasn't a promising effort. With a sigh, he sat back down at the empty kitchen table. Dinner had finished a few hours ago and the house was quiet.
When Juliet had come home from the clinic, she and Dean had put together dinner while everyone else continued to work in the Tomb. Soon, however, the delicious aroma of chicken and hot bread had everyone following their noses into the kitchen. After eating platefuls of chicken gumbo, hot biscuits, southern green beans and salad, Caleb, Max, Ryker and Joshua left to spend another night in Caleb's palatial home. Within minutes of the team leaving, Juliet received the call to help deliver the Holder's foal.
Dean took another mouthful of lukewarm coffee and glanced up at the clock. It was approaching eleven and Juliet was still out. While birthing mares wasn't usually difficult, it appeared that tonight, mama wanted to take her time.
More than an hour ago, JT had retrieved his clothes from the dryer and gone upstairs to repack his duffle. His lack of reappearance indicated he'd probably gone to bed, something Dean should do as well if he wanted to be rested for tomorrow. The truth was, however, that after all these years of sleeping next to Juliet, he didn't sleep as well without her there at his side.
Pulling the legal pad sitting on the table towards him, he read Tah-tah-kle'-ah; The Owl-Women. Angling himself face on with the table, he read the beginning of JT and Joshua's bio.
The Owl-Women were five supernatural women who resemble giant owls. Dean frowned. Resembled them how? Did they have wings and beaks? His eyes went back to the page. They lived in caves and flew out at night to prey on creatures the Native American's found repugnant: lizards, snakes, frogs and the like. Dean unconsciously wrinkled his nose and wondered if fly meant actual flying. It also seemed as though these Owl-Women had something in common with Wendigos; like mimicking voices.
Dean turned the pad over and put the bread basket on top. It was a promising start, but far from enough to take on these things, if Owl-Women existed and were the evil they were meant to hunt. But Owl Women seemed so … campy. Could this be the great evil Pastor Jim meant for them to hunt? So far, these Owl-Women didn't seem like some earth-ending baddie. Again, he wished he could speak to Pastor Jim. There were things he needed to know about this hunt.
Realizing he was stalling, he picked up the soother Joshua made and dumped it in his coffee mug. After examining the tepid mixture, he quickly downed the liquid. Grimacing, he placed the mug in the sink and went upstairs.
By the time he got to his and Juliet's room, he was already yawning. "Damn," he mumbled. That stuff was strong. He expedited his bathroom routine, slipped into a comfy pair of sweats and crawled into bed. His head had barely hit the pillow before he was out.
It took several moments of willful focus and concentration before Dean realized he was sitting at the table in Pastor Jim's kitchen. The room was barely lit with the beginnings of sunrise. Frowning, he rose and walked slowly to the sink, where he saw his mug waiting to be placed in the dishwasher. "What the…?" His eyes darted around the kitchen as he tried to figure out how he'd gotten down here. He'd never sleep walked before, but maybe if Juliet was still gone, he'd been restless. He was just about to go back upstairs to see if she was in bed when he heard footsteps outside on the back steps. Warily he moved to the side of the door, ready to take on whatever intruder was about to enter his home. When he heard the whistling, he relaxed and an incredulous smile spread across his face.
He'd just stepped clear of the door when it opened and Pastor Jim walked inside.
Jim glanced over, saw Dean and his face lit up. "Twice in as many days," he exclaimed. "I'm honored."
"I was hoping to speak with you again, old man," Dean murmured, moving over to give the pastor a big hug.
"I'm always here if you need me." Pastor Jim put the eggs he'd gather in the sink. He then reached for a pot of coffee suddenly percolating near the stove and filled two mugs with the hot, black liquid. Moving to the table, he said, "What's on your mind?"
Dean accepted the cup of coffee as he sat. "It's about this owl hunt."
Jim's brows rose. "An owl hunt? Sounds interesting."
Dean frowned. "Uh, you were the one to tell me about it."
"I was? When was that?"
Frustrated, Dean said, "The last time I was here. You, Gideon and Julian were here eating pie, and a huge, big owl landed on the table. You said an evil force was coming, and that we all needed to work together to defeat it."
Jim smiled. "So I did. So, why are you back here? I thought something had gotten lost in translation."
Dean rolled his eyes. Cupping his mug in his hands, he sat across from Jim. "I have a problem."
Jim nodded.
"For this hunt, you said both current and future Triads needed to work together to banish this evil. But it goes against every instinct in me to place both Triads in danger for one hunt. I trust you more than anyone I know, but I can't help the feeling I'm being rash and irresponsible." He shook his head. "Can you help me?"
Pastor Jim took a sip of his coffee, his face reflective. After a minute he said, "I understand how you feel. If I were in your shoes, if I'd gone through what you have, I'd feel the same way." He hesitated, "There is only so much I can reveal and still maintain this place for us to speak."
"Then don't say anything," Dean said quickly. "After all the years I missed coming here to see you, I'd never jeopardize this again."
Pastor Jim smiled and patted Dean's hand. "Nor would I. What I can say about this hunt, is that this evil has been growing steadily more powerful during the last several decades, and there's not much that can defeat it."
"We've taken on very big bad guys and survived."
"You have taken on dangerous evils," Jim agreed. "This one, however, is different. It will require all your expertise. There are things about this hunt you will discover when you meet the guardian. You will need Caleb and Sam's psychic skills, James' clairvoyant and clairaudient abilities as well as Joshua, Ryker, even Max's crafting prowess."
Dean smirked at Jim using the word crafting, Joshua's preferred terminology for magic. Then he suddenly realized Jim had named everyone as valuable to the hunt except him and JT. Feeling not a little indignant, he said, "So I guess me and JT will just stay at home."
Jim laughed. "Not at all. Both of your Guardian skills and abilities will be key to the successful completion of this hunt."
Dean frowned. "How so?"
Jim merely smiled. He slid a wedge of apple pie that had suddenly appeared on the table onto a plate in front of Dean.
"But you're not going to tell me that," Dean said, shaking his head ruefully. "That's okay. Just being here again is the best thing. I've missed you, Skin Horse."
"And I you," Jim said. "You've done so well. I'm so proud."
Dean felt his face grow hot and looked down at his coffee. "I…" he swallowed. After a moment he took a deep breath, looked up and met Jim's eyes. Quietly, he murmured, "Thank you."
"You're most welcome, my boy; most welcome."
Dean felt a warm body near his. Turning in bed, he pulled Juliet close and sighed himself back to sleep.
When Dean woke, he felt warm and rested. Leisurely he stretched, then immediately noticed he was alone in the bed. Frowning, he sat up and looked around. Yup, there were Juliet's clothes from yesterday on the chair, so he hadn't imagined her coming home and climbing in bed with him last night. When he looked at the bedside clock his jaw dropped open. It was after ten in the morning. He never slept this late. Cursing, he jumped out of bed and pulled on a clean tee shirt. Shoving his feet into his boots sans socks, he headed for the stairs.
He'd gotten no more than a couple steps before he heard voices in the kitchen. When he stepped inside, it was to see Juliet and JT sitting across from one another, both holding mugs of coffee and talking.
Juliet smiled when she saw Dean in the hall. She immediately noticed his skin was a healthy color and his eyes were clear. Standing, she said, "Good morning. I'll make you a plate of pancakes."
JT turned and smiled. "Hey, dad."
"Morning." Dean gave his son's shoulder a comforting squeeze before crossing over to Juliet to deliver a kiss. "When did you get in?"
"Not too late; around two."
Cup of coffee in hand, Dean sat at the old kitchen table. "How did it go?"
"It was a difficult birth, but the foal is adorable, all knobby-kneed and skittish. She's got gorgeous golden brown coat. Her face is white and she's got a white mane and tail. We'll see if those colors stick as she grows."
"How's mama?"
"Worn out. It's going to be a long recovery. I hope the Holders will give her the time."
"And if they don't?" JT asked.
Juliet set a plate of pancakes in front of Dean. "If the Holders try to breed her too soon, she probably won't live through the next pregnancy."
Dean's fork hovered over his breakfast. "Is there something we can do to prevent that from happening?"
Juliet loved the solidarity Dean showed with the we in his question. Even with all his responsibilities to the Brotherhood and his business, he was always there for her as well. "I'm not sure how." She sat back down. "If I hear they're planning on breeding her too soon, I may contact the US Equestrian Federation or the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. But at this point I just hope the family will see reason and let her heal."
Finally cutting into his pancakes, Dean began to eat his breakfast.
"So you're both going to South Dakota?" Juliet asked, directing her question more to JT so Dean could eat.
JT nodded. "Yeah. It'll be interesting to see Grandpa Bobby's place again." Sighing, he said, "I miss him."
Dean swallowed with some difficulty due to the sudden lump in his throat. His appetite fled abruptly and the thought of eating even one more bite made him feel sick. Picking up his coffee, he took a stabilizing gulp.
"Caleb and Sam?" Juliet asked, eyeing Dean.
"Heard from Uncle Caleb an hour ago," JT said. "The Ames Jet has landed in New York and is going through the usual maintenance checks. A new flight plan has been filed, and once he's refueled, they'll be on their way. Uncle Sam and Jimmy should be in Louisville about two this afternoon. Next stop is Charleston, Virginia to drop off Uncle Joshua and Ryker. They'll probably spend the night there, then fuel up and fly on to Sioux Falls."
"Maybe Caleb should start a shuttle service."
Juliet snorted out a laugh and pushed Dean's plate back in front of him, silently ordering him to eat.
With a sigh, Dean picked back up his fork and took a bite.
JT smiled. "Sometimes it sucks to have your own jet. Anyway, Uncle Sam also called. He wants to talk before we head out."
Dean finished his pancakes and rose to put the plate in the dishwasher. "We'll be heading out in an hour," he told Juliet. "This one is a bit complicated, but hopefully we'll be back in four, maybe five days." Even after all their years together, Dean never went into detail about their hunts. Juliet preferred it that way.
"Mary asked if she could come and stay," JT said. "She said she needs to avoid Aiden until she decides if she in like or in love." He rolled his eyes.
"Aiden?" Dean said with a frown. "I thought she was dating some guy with the Tarzan name."
JT smirked. "Grayson; his name was Grayson."
"You're thinking Greystoke, hun," Juliet said with a laugh. "From the Tarzan movie."
"Oh. Isn't she going through boyfriends pretty fast?"
"Discarding them like tissue," Juliet said gleefully. "Welcome to the world of young adult women. I'm glad I had boys."
"You haven't been on the receiving end of Jimmy's conquest list," JT grumbled.
"Haven't I?" Juliet challenged.
"Jimmy's got a list?" Dean asked.
Juliet leaned across the table and gave him a huge kiss. "You're so cute."
JT rose. "This is where I go to my room and finish packing," he said, and left.
Dean laughed and gave Juliet a kiss. "You always know how to empty a room of kids."
"I do, don't I." Giving Dean a sultry smile, Juliet bobbed her brows and said, "Want to play before you go?"
Dean grinned.
"Yeah, this thing came up suddenly," Dean said, his phone tucked up to his chin as he pushed open the front screen door and dropped his duffle onto the porch.
"Why didn't you call?" Sam demanded.
"You'd just flown to New York. I wanted to give you one day with Jimmy."
"If this hunt is big enough to pull in both current and future Triads, then I should have been told."
Dean grimaced. He'd known Sam wouldn't be happy if he initially kept him out of the loop. He hadn't expected him to be this angry. "There's plenty of time to get into the research. But Jimmy's important too."
Sam sighed. "He is, I know. But going through his college choices didn't have to be done right now."
"I thought getting his applications in was important to nabbing the best program," Dean said, trying to remember a conversation he'd had with James regarding the challenge of applying ahead of time so his application wouldn't get lost in the shuffle of new candidates. "And you took a paid day off for this. How is that not important?"
"It is," Sam stated, "but it didn't have to be done right this instance. You should have called."
"I'm sorry," Dean said, both contrite and irritated. "I thought we could muddle through for one day, get some groundwork research done before you came in. I can do research, you know."
"I know," Sam ground out.
Dean could practically hear his brother's teeth clenching. "Sam, I don't know what to expect, but we need to do this together, and it's not going to be easy. Plus…." he hesitated, thinking that over the phone wasn't the way he wanted to tell Sam about his dream.
"Dean?" Sam glanced down at his phone to see if the connection had been lost.
"Yeah, I'm here." Dean closed his eyes a moment before saying, "I saw Pastor Jim."
Whatever Sam expected Dean to say, that wasn't it. "What? Like, in a dream again?"
Dean nodded though he knew Sam couldn't see him. "Yeah," he whispered.
"Wow … what was it like?" Sam asked.
Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat, Dean said softly, "Like going home."
"I want to hear everything."
"I'll tell you at Bobby's."
Dean dumped his duffle onto the backseat of the Impala and shut the door. Walking over to Juliet, he smiled and gave her a thorough kiss. "We won't be long. Sal's going to oversee both sites while I'm gone, but Mark's got the garage here covered. JT said Mary will be here tonight. Maybe you both can visit Carolyn."
"I thought we could take Carolyn out for a spa date. She needs a break from taking care of her mother."
The screen door slammed as JT exited the house, his own duffle in hand. He stopped and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek before dumping his bag in beside his father's. "We'll be back soon," JT said as he climbed into the passage's seat.
Dean gave Juliet another kiss before going around the car and sliding behind the wheel
Walking back up the front porch steps, Juliet turned and watched as the Impala grew smaller before it turned onto the county road and disappeared. "Be safe," she whispered, knowing her prayer was definitely heard, by God and by Dean's friend, Castiel.
Author's Note:
Chapter 6 will take a detour away from the Brotherhood crew to a new character whom the team will meet when they tackle the hunt. This chapter is laying the foundation for that character and more depth for the hunt. Chapter 7 will be back with the story moving full steam ahead!