The Guard Changed at Dawn
Chapter 26
Adam was so worn out, he felt he could lie down right there on the ridge edge and go to sleep for a week. He along with Joshua, Odette, Samuel and the others had cleared eight caves, including a double cave that linked in the middle. Children were in four of the caves, for a total of twenty-eight kids. Adam was nearly inconsolable with grief for the tragedy. But he needed to push that aside and check this last cave. While he would much rather have returned to the more clinical job of finding a way to treat these kids, he needed to finish this task, this quest.
Taking a deep breath, he turned and looked at Odette. Even her stoic facade had cracked under the tragedy of this assignment. Nodding, he lifted his cup light and stepped inside.
Four young teens, two boys and two girls were huddled around a banked fire, obviously wishing it was lit for warmth. Startled, they jumped to their feet, eyes wide in shock and indecision on what to do. Quickly Adam grabbed two sleeping potion bags and tossed them to the kids. Frightened, the children scattered, running to the back of the caves. The first one fell about three feet in, the others soon after. Adam's heart was in his throat. It was the first time he'd used the spell bags, and he didn't like it one bit.
Odette followed him inside and checked the young teens while he went further down the tunnel. Soon he was in a large cavern within the hillside. His small cup light shone in an otherwise black cave. Shuffling had him turning the light to the side, and if he thought he couldn't be surprised again, he was wrong. Along the wall was about twenty feet of cages with tiny children inside, babies really. Every one of the kids was between three and five years old.
Forcing himself to walk forward, because he wasn't sure he had the strength to continue, he knelt down beside the first cage. "Hello," he said softly. Pointing to himself, he said, "Adam, Adam."
The next moment literally broke his heart.
"Mama," came a soft, plaintive cry.
Adam broke the lock with magic, because he just didn't care anymore. He tossed open the door and held his arms out wide. Stumbling over one another, the children rushed into his arms, crying and weeping, small hands clinging to him with everything they had. Adam had nothing left, and he clung to the children, his own tears joining with theirs.
Joshua walked in and took quick stock of the situation. Turning, he ran out and said to Odette, "Go inside, now." Running past her, he headed out to Samuel and said, "You're needed. Get inside." This was the last cave, so he leaned over the edge and called, "Cheyton, you're needed." Turning, he went back in. Samuel was placing the last sleeping pre-teen near the entrance of the cave. After meeting Joshua's eye, he shook his head and started for the back cavern. Joshua followed.
Inside, Adam was still in the middle of the crying children. Odette had opened the second cage and was trying to get the children to follow her to the entrance. But they were so distraught and wrecked, they merely sat on the ground, crying. It was the most pitiful sight Joshua had ever seen, and it took every single fiber of strength he had not to pick up each child and hold them tight. Moving past Odette, he went to the last cage where the children inside were huddled near the door, crying and reaching out through the rough wooden poles. Popping the lock, the children descended on Joshua just as they had Adam and Odette, clinging to him with tiny fingers and crying. Not able to do anything else, he dropped onto the ground and held as many as his arms could gather in.
Samuel shook his head. There was no possible way they were getting these kids out like this. They were too distraught. Footsteps behind him signaled that Cheyton had entered the cavern.
"Oh," Cheyton murmured, eyes wide in shock. "Oh, no."
Samuel nodded. How was he going to get them out of this cursed place? One small child toddled past Odette and came up to him, holding up his little arms. "Come here, little man," Samuel murmured, picking up the child. Rubbing his back, he held the baby to his chest, soothing the crying tot. Suddenly he looked to Cheyton and said, "Hay rides."
Cheyton frowned a moment, then smiled. Turning, he raced out of the cave, his radio in his hand before he'd cleared the entrance. He hoped he could get the wagon here yesterday.
It was a long journey out of the woods. Caleb was careful, wanting to make sure there were no more witches. Though with seven killed that morning and three dead prior to today, the count supported that both covens were dead. Following the Alpha's death, Caleb, Sam and the boys had spent a few moments resting before JT, Max, James and Ryker headed back to their entry point along the west side of the forest. Caleb and Sam headed east to their vehicle and Dean.
Having stopped to pick up the two children he, Sam and Onida had dosed with Joshua's sleeping potion, Caleb shifted the girl he carried so her head rested more comfortably on his shoulder. Concern for any other children left in the woods was heavy on his heart. Not all were asleep. They'd been in captivity for years, and if he were in a similar position, he'd go back to the caves. But with the barrier in place, their home for the last several years was off limits. He didn't want them stressed or upset, though he supposed they would be both.
"Almost there," Sam said quietly. He too was focused on their surroundings.
Caleb nodded.
Sam glanced over. "Caleb?"
"Just worried about the kids left in the forest."
"Yeah, me too." Sam shifted the boy in his arms. "We need to clear it as soon as possible."
"You think Dean will be able to sense where they're at?"
Shrugging slightly, Sam said, "I'm not sure. If Onida takes back over the canvas, she may be able to."
"But then the barrier would go down," Caleb sighed.
"The Triad portion, yeah," Sam agreed. "But there's still the Yakama part. She should be able to keep that up till we make sure all the kids are rounded up."
"Maybe," Caleb said. After a moment, he said, "If she'd been able to sense the kids, wouldn't she have seen them before?"
"Not if the children were kept in the caves," Sam said. "While people didn't go into the forest, they might have walked the perimeter. If the children were allowed out of the caves before, someone would have seen them, right?"
"Probably."
"Seems like the witches brought out the older children for our benefit. In a fight the children would be a distraction. We wouldn't want to hurt them, so they would have the upper hand."
Caleb nodded.
"There," Sam smiled, pointing at the thinning trees ahead.
Caleb shifted the child again. He was definitely tired and his arms ached. It had been a long morning, and he couldn't believe how relieved he was to be heading out of the forest. While much of their hunting gigs were conducted in wooded areas, he felt he wouldn't be ready to go back inside one for at least a short while.
When they stepped out into the dirt clearing, they saw Onida and the guardian child sitting near Dean, who was staring into the trees, smiling. His face was pale and he looked exhausted, but he was conscious and upright. Caleb and Sam both exchanged looks of relief.
"Welcome back," Dean said, his smile widening. "Well done, men. That was one helluva fight. I'm sorry I missed out."
"You didn't," Sam stated.
Caleb grinned at his white-eyed friend and quipped, "Still hanging around as a canvas, huh?"
"Shuddup," Dean muttered, though his smile didn't diminish.
Caleb and Sam lay their charges down near the log on which Dean was sitting.
"They all right?" Dean asked, reaching down a hand and feeling around until he touched the head of the young boy.
"They're fine," Caleb said, "asleep."
"Are you all right?" Sam asked, Dean's bout with unconsciousness on his mind.
Dean nodded. "But I ran out of silver."
Sam laughed. "You had it when it counted."
Caleb took a seat beside Onida, and the young Yaotlapializli-to-be scooted over to his side. "Hey," he murmured, rubbing a hand over the girl's back.
"She's been amazing," Onida said, smiling. As though realizing Onida was talking about her, the girl looked in her direction. "She walked right out of the forest and has been sitting here quietly ever since."
"Are we taking them to the triage site?" Sam asked.
"Yes," Onida said. "They need to get checked out."
Caleb climbed to his feet and walked over to Dean. "Can you sense the kids who are turning?"
"The children?" Dean frowned. "I don't know. I didn't try."
"Why are you asking?" Onida asked.
"We don't know how many children are still roaming the forest," Caleb said. "We can find the ones doused with sleeping potion, but we'll need to find the others."
Dean sighed and ran a hand wearily over his face. "Okay, I'll give it a try. Just, give me a minute, okay?"
"He needs to rest and recharge," Onida said quietly. "Monitoring the barrier takes a lot of energy, whether it's your means of keeping the barrier up or not. Does anyone have some food?"
"I think we have some power bars in the SUV," Sam said.
Caleb immediately turned and jogged down the trail to where they'd left the car. When he got to the SUV, he rummaged around for a couple minutes until he found some oatmeal and blueberry power bars. When he returned to the group, he handed them around. Pulling the wrapper back, he leaned down and placed one in Dean's hand along with a bottle of water. Sitting back beside the young guardian child, he peeled away the wrapper and put the bar in the girl's hand.
The child stared at the bar, then watched as Sam, Onida and Caleb took bites and chewed. Frowning, she lifted the bar to her nose and sniffed. Carefully she tentatively nibbled on the edge. Eyes widening, she took a small bite.
Caleb, who had watched her from the corner of his eyes, smiled. When the child had taken a few bites he twisted the cap off a water bottle and made a show of tilting the bottle to his lips and drinking. When he finished a few swallows, he said, "Ahhhh." Picking up another bottle, he twisted the cap and handed it to the girl. She frowned. Caleb touched the bottom of the bottle and guided it to her mouth. When the cool water touched her lips, she grabbed the bottle and started to gulp. "Hey, hey," he said, pulling the bottle gently from her mouth. "Slowly," he said, "slowly." He lifted it again, and she took several more tentative gulps.
Sam smiled. Turning to Onida, he said, "Why don't you and Caleb take the kids to the triage site. I'll stay here with Dean. When Caleb comes back, we'll go in and round up the rest of the kids."
"The car is going to freak her out," Onida said. "How about I drive so she can sit with Caleb. I think he has a more calming effect on her right now."
"All right," Caleb said. Rising, he gently tugged the girl's hand till she was on her feet. Sam lifted the sleeping girl into Caleb's arms, and picked up the boy. They walked back down the trail until they got to the vehicle, and put the sleeping kids in the back seat. Then Sam stepped back as Caleb climbed into the front passenger's seat, the child sitting in the middle.
Onida got in on driver's side and looked over at Caleb. "Ready?"
Caleb nodded and ran his hand comfortingly along the child's arm as Onida turned the key and started the car. The girl screeched in fear and scrambled to get over Caleb and out the window. Onida gently touched the child's shoulder, and within twenty seconds the girl relaxed. A minute later she was asleep.
"You put her to sleep?" Caleb asked.
Onida smiled. "I just sent her soothing vibes. She was so worn out, she fell asleep on her own."
Caleb nodded. "Let's get her to the triage center."
.
Sam watched the SUV drive away, then hiked back to Dean. "Well," he said, "they're off."
"I got ears, Sam," Dean remarked.
"I know," Sam said, looking over at his brother and his blank, white eyes. "How are you feeling?"
Dean frowned, unsure of how to describe his state. One the one hand, he felt a little euphoric from his experience and grateful he'd been able to help his team fight the witches. On the other, he was exhausted to the bone and afraid he was doomed to stay the canvas. "I'm worried," he admitted quietly.
Sam was shocked. "Dean?"
"I don't want to be the canvas forever. How do I get out of this?"
Sam swallowed. "I'm not sure, exactly."
Dean waited a moment, then said, "Out with it, Sam."
"At first I thought, burn the canvas," Sam said. "But if you are the canvas, it would burn you too."
"Let's say no to matches," Dean remarked, with forced bravado.
"You took over the canvas from Onida," Sam said. "I think if we have Onida take back over, she'll be able to disengage you like she engaged from Álxayx."
To Dean that made sense, and he relaxed some. "Okay. I like that plan."
Sam smiled. A buzz sounded on his cell. Reading the text, he said, "JT, James, Max and Ryker are out of the forest with two girls. One…" he broke off.
"Sam?"
"Damn it," Sam said softly. "Sarah's dead. The second Alpha witch killed her when she defended JT."
"Shit," Dean said softly. He knew his son had been invested in getting Sarah out of the forest and back to her life. This was a blow. "Where are they?"
"They're taking the girls to the triage site, then coming here."
Dean nodded. They didn't speak for several minutes until he said, "I'd do just about anything for a burger right now."
Sam shook his head and laughed. Yup, he'd love a burger too.
It took a lot of doing, but Samuel and Joshua finally got all the children out of the last cave and into the bed of the wagon. Poloma, Etenia, Lonan and Nayati – all of whom had insisted on coming along – were sitting inside with blankets and toys for the kids. The children crawled onto the soft covers, some nestling inside the folds, others crawling onto the laps of the older kids and clinging to their shirts, jeans, hands and arms for comfort. There were plenty of stuffed toys, and several were tightly hugging the soft teddy bears, fluffy cats and dogs, and long-eared bunnies. Odette climbed up onto the front perch to sit next to the driver.
Samuel was speaking to the man on the perch, who held the horse reins with practiced hands. When he finished, he returned to Joshua, who stood near the rear of the wagon. "Matt will drive his team slowly down the trail and stop by the triage space. There he'll put up the wagon cover and take the children along a back road to the clinic. We feel it will be less stressful for the kids if we don't unload them at the triage site, only to load them again and take them over."
"Is the back road traveled?" Joshua asked. He didn't want the reservation to know about all these children just yet.
Samuel shook his head. "Not much anymore. The paved alternatives are easier on a vehicle's suspension. I figure that with all the trauma, most of these kids will be asleep by the time we get to the back road." He looked around at the wagon. "We're taking them in through the rear entrance of the clinic as well. I don't want this getting out just now."
"What about your reception staff," Joshua asked.
"I've given the majority of the staff paid leave due to a viral outbreak. We have seven of our most trusted nurses staying on. We'll evaluate the need for more as we get the children triaged and assess the state of their overall health."
Joshua nodded as Adam walked up.
"I'm going in the back of the wagon," Adam said.
"You sure?"
Adam nodded. "I've come this far, I need to see it through." He looked over at the wagon bed and all the children. Two were staring at him with woeful eyes. "I'm not sure how you men do this job," he said, turning back to Joshua, "but you all have my undying respect." Turning, he went to the wagon, climbed inside and opened his arms for the two children to crawl onto his lap, along with about four others.
The driver gently snapped the reins and the wagon took off slowly down the trail.
"You sure you don't want to ride?" Samuel asked, gesturing to the wagon.
Joshua shook his head. "I need the walk."
"Agreed," Samuel said.
They walked in silence for several minutes before Joshua said, "The caves will all need to be checked again, thoroughly."
Samuel nodded. "Robert Locklear has been a member of Yakima County Emergency Management for thirty years, Captain for the last ten. He's a trusted member of the tribe and a new member of the Council. Now that the witches are dead, he'll take over the rescue operations. He'll pick a team who can be trusted to keep silent, and they'll search the caves for any child we missed."
Joshua felt his heart twist with anxiety. He couldn't bear the thought of having missed even one child. "When can they start?"
"I called him yesterday and asked him to get organized," Samuel said. "They're starting in two hours."
Joshua turned and stared at the Chief of the Yakama People. "You had a lot of confidence that we could kill the witches today."
Chief Adcox gave Joshua a knowing smile. "I read people. I knew we were in good hands."
Another silence stretched out, and this time it was Samuel who asked, "How are we going to deal with all this?"
Joshua sighed. "Truthfully? I don't know. We've never come across a situation remotely like this one. We came here thinking we were killing witches. We didn't count on finding survivors, so we didn't have a plan for this contingency."
"We've got more than forty children to deal with, at last count," Samuel said. A brief silence went by before he brought up an obvious fact; "These aren't the only children who've been kidnapped over the last several years."
"No," Joshua said sadly. "Some might have been killed in their struggle to get free, several probably died from exposure, malnutrition or illness; either from what they were fed or the elements. Others, when they got too old to control…" he left the sentence unfinished. It was too horrible to say out loud.
Samuel sighed and shook his head. "I feel like I should be dancing with joy at the recovery of so many. But instead, their survival has me saddened for the ones who weren't so lucky." Looking to Joshua, he said, "Isn't that odd? Especially when I didn't expect to find any at all."
"No," Joshua said. "It's not odd. I find myself in the same position." After a few more steps, he said, "Will Robert Locklear recover the bodies, if he finds them?"
"I just don't know," Samuel said helplessly. "If bodies are found, there could be over a hundred, maybe two hundred, most from decades ago."
"They would be nearly impossible to identify," Joshua agreed.
Samuel nodded. "We need to have a meeting, first with your people, then the council. I'm at a loss as to how to proceed. We have more than forty children who've been held captive in caves by witches. We can't tell the public what happened, but we need to place the children back with their families where possible. And we have some older children who are in the midst of some sort of physical change. We can't return some children to their families while withholding information on others." He shook his head. "Then there are the ones who died. When the children found alive are returned home, there are going to be families clamoring for news on their own missing kids. They'll want closure, even if their child didn't survive."
"As of now we're doing the best thing by keeping a lid on the situation," Joshua said. "We'll find out how to help the older children who are changing, and any of the younger ones who might have the anomalies in their systems. Once that hurdle has been overcome, we'll go on to the next."
Samuel nodded.
Together, they kept walking slowly, each taking the time to reflect and rest before the next emotional event.
JT sat in the front passenger seat of their SUV, staring out of the window. He had left Sarah with Doctor Etsitty, who had gently touched the girl's cheek before pulling a white sheet over her body. The entire situation had been traumatic, and he hated that this girl who had so desperately clung to her true name for years had died protecting him and his team.
James eyed his brother and knew exactly when he was thinking. "She fought for a piece of herself, JT."
JT turned and looked over his shoulder. "What?"
"Sarah. She wasn't fighting for us as much as she was fighting for herself," James said earnestly. "In her heart, she was a warrior. She'd been forced to be a pawn of the witches, but she never forgot who she was. Today, she got back a piece of herself; she got back the ability to fight, to take a stand. She was part of our team for a moment, and she helped kill the witch that imprisoned her. She was a hero."
JT stared at James for a moment, then swallowed hard and nodded.
Max met James' eyes in the rearview mirror and he gave the younger man a slight nod. Sometimes, a man needed his brother.
Turning the SUV onto a narrow dirt road, Max drove slowly over the rough terrain until he got to the dirt lot and parked. "Uncle Dean and Uncle Sam are up ahead."
The Triad-to-be hiked up the trail, two of them heading for their father, all four heading for family. When they stepped into the small meadow and saw Sam and Dean sitting side by side, JT gave his first smile since Sarah's death.
"Dad," JT said, moving forward. Then he saw Dean's eyes. "Whoa."
"Wow, Dad," James stated, leaning down. "Can you see me?"
"No, but I can hear you, and if you don't stop waving your hand in my face, I'm going to put it somewhere you won't like."
JT gave his brother a grin as James immediately tucked his hand behind his back.
Max dropped down beside Dean and Sam and asked, "What are we waiting for?"
"For Onida to return and take back over the canvas," Sam answered.
Everyone sat in silence for a few minutes until James said, "I'm starving. How about we go for burgers?"
"Yeah, I'm hungry too," Max said, rising. "Should I bring them back here, or to the triage site?"
"Here," Dean said. "This may take a while, and I'm hungry."
Sam dug his wallet from his pocket and handed it to Max. "Burgers all around, and coffee."
Max nodded, and he and James walked back to the car.
"Are they ever going to remember we're not kids anymore?" Max snickered, holding up Sam's wallet. "I own my own restaurant."
"We're always going to be the kids," James chuckled. "Even when we're the Triad."
.
JT hovered at the edge of the forest. "We need to go back for the rest of the children we left behind."
"We will," Dean said.
Sam leaned over. "Want to try and see if you can see them?"
Dean sighed. "I don't know what to look for. The witches were black spots in the forest. I could see their darkness."
"But you could see us as well," Sam offered.
"Yeah, but I know you."
"Just look for a murky spot," Sam suggested. "The kids in the field are probably turning into witches. Otherwise I doubt the witches would have let them out. Don't look for black; look for gray. I'd start by the ridges. If they can't find the witches, they'll go back to what they know."
"Great," Dean muttered, "Looking for gray." Focusing on the ridgeline, Dean searched for spots of life, small movements through the trees and near the entrapment wall. Eyes widening, he saw three shapes moving along the barrier. "There are three near the wall," he said, his surprise evident.
Sam smiled. "What else?"
Dean frowned and searched through the forest. "There are a couple on the West side…"
"We have a few more to retrieve from that section," Ryker stated.
Dean nodded, his white eyes sweeping the forest. "Oh, there's one more moving toward the caves, fast."
Sam rose and pulled out his cell. "Caleb, we've got four children who are awake and near the ridge wall. JT and Ryker have a few more they'll retrieve from their quadrant." After listening for a moment, he said, "Yeah, sounds good." Closing his phone, he said, "I'm going in with the tranquilizer gun and some sleeping potion bags. I'll cut right up the side and meet Caleb. We'll bring them out."
"We're going back in to get the kids we left sleeping," JT stated. He and Ryker turned and headed into the forest.
Sam looked down at Dean and said, "You're going to be on your own again."
"I'm not twelve, Sam," Dean groused. "I'll be fine."
"You'll be eating a burger soon," Sam stated. "Don't eat mine."
"No promises," Dean said with a smile. As Sam walked away and the sound of his footsteps faded, his smile fell away. Though he could see what was going on in the forest, he really did hate being out here alone.
At the triage site, Caleb walked around the wagon with Samuel and Maska Etsitty. They had raised the cover over the bed and Matt was getting ready to take the children to the clinic. Adam had decided to ride with the kids, mainly because several wouldn't let him go.
"They're ready," Samuel said.
Maska tucked a blanket around one more child and stepped away. "We won't have enough beds for them all."
"All we need is one large room with several sleeping bags, stuffed animals, pillows and dozens of blankets," Adam said. "These kids have been living and sleeping on the ground for months, years. It will be less stressful if they're together."
"Food," Odette said, before climbing back onto the perch next to Matt.
Adam nodded. "Can we get something for these kids to eat, something with some protein."
"We'll get the bread basket to bring over stemmed rice with chicken and strawberries," Maska said. "It'll be easy on their stomachs, give them protein and something sweet to eat."
Adam smiled. "Do you have a cafeteria?"
Surprised at the question, Maska nodded.
"Why don't you have all the tables put up or pushed aside so the kids can eat on the floor. I imagine there'll be quite a mess when they're finished. Then we can take them to sleep on the sleeping bags and blankets."
Maska nodded. "Good idea." Cell already in hand, she walked away to make arrangements.
"When the wagon returns, we'll take over the rest of the kids," Samuel said.
Adam nodded. Turning to Caleb, he asked, "How about the children still in the forest?"
"Sam, Johnny and Ryker have already gone in," Caleb said. "I'm heading in now." Lifting his radio, he told Samuel, "I'll contact you if we need help in carrying the kids."
Samuel nodded and watched him walk purposefully toward the forest before turning back to Adam. "We're going to need more people to help."
"This is your town. What do you suggest?"
Samuel frowned. "I'm not sure. The more people we bring into this, the more chance there is for leaks. Considering the number of people involved now, I'd say we have two days at most before word gets out."
Adam nodded. It was the way of people; they got curious. "How about using the kids from the ridge today? They're already involved and know the score."
"They're not medically trained."
"We don't need them to be trained," Adam said. "We need people who can sleep with these kids, sit with them, to be with them. They're socially deprived of adult contact and they're traumatized. We just need people around to hug them, play teddies with them, rub their backs and brush their hair."
Samuel smiled. "You're right."
"I'm flying my wife out, so she can help."
"Joseph's wife and my own will help as well," Samuel stated.
Adam clapped the other man on the shoulder. "It's a good start."
Sam walked through the woods toward the ridge, angling east where he would meet up with Caleb. He hated the thought of using sleeping potions on already traumatized children, but he didn't know how else to get them out of the forest. Maybe they would come willingly like the young guardian child did. He could hope.
After hiking for almost forty minutes, Sam looked up and saw Caleb in the distance, moving in his direction. A few minutes later the older man did a loping slide down the side a deep ravine and land nimbly at the bottom.
"Ready?"
"Yeah." Sam lifted the potion bags. "Just hate the idea of traumatizing the kids further. They're going to be frightened."
Caleb nodded. "I know. Hopefully they'll come willingly." He pulled some sandwiches from his jacket pocket.
Sam's brows rose. "PB&J?"
"Is there any other kind of food that appeals to kids everywhere?"
Sam grinned. Suddenly things didn't look so bleak. "Ryker and JT are going after the rest of the kids they put to sleep."
"Joshua said Samuel had already made arrangements for skilled rescue operators to thoroughly search the caves, make sure all the kids are found."
"Seriously? He's letting outsiders in?"
"No, the newest member of the Tribal council has worked rescue and recovery for over thirty years. He's pulled together a small team of rescue workers that are going in within the hour."
Sam trudged beside the older man for a minute before murmuring, "Not all the kids will be found."
Caleb nodded solemnly. "No, not all."
Sam nodded slowly. Though they were used to tragedy in their line of work, this hunt had been particularly difficult. So many lost. But he could take solace in the fact that some of the lost had been found, and would go home.
Dean was eating a cheeseburger when Onida returned from the triage site. "You bring me one of those?"
James nodded and fished inside one of the large bags sitting nearby and pulled out a burger.
Grinning, Onida dropped down beside Dean and said, "Thanks." She peeled back the paper wrapper and took a bite. "Oh, this burger is amazing. I love the Edge of Town Diner."
They ate in silence for a couple minutes before Onida asked, "Where are JT, Ryker and Max?"
Dean swallowed the last of his burger and said, "Went in to retrieve the kids they put to sleep." He wanted another burger, even if it was Sam's.
James smiled. Reaching into a bag, he pulled out another cheese burger and put it in his father's hands. He knew his dad.
"This Sam's?" Dean asked, unrepentedly peeling away the paper.
"No, I bought you two."
Dean laughed. "Nice."
James and Onida's eyes met and they smiled.
"So," Dean said, swallowing the first bite of his fresh burger. "When can I quit being the canvas?"
"When we've finished eating," Onida said. "I'll try to take the canvas back the same way I took over from Álxayx."
Dean lowered his burger. "Try?"
Onida hesitated. "We've never had anyone else but a Yaotlapializtli in control of the canvas, never anyone with your skills."
Dean's appetite was completely gone and he moved to set down his burger. James rescued it before it ended up on the ground. "You're worried you won't be able to take back control."
"Not worried, exactly," Onida corrected. "More wondering."
Dean didn't say anything to that. She was splitting hairs.
"We'll figure this out," Onida said. "I don't see any reason why I shouldn't be able to take back the canvas. But if I can't, we'll figure out how to separate you some other way."
Dean nodded. "What do you need?"
"I'm heading back to my place to get the minerals and solutions I used to take over the canvas forty years ago. I'll be back within the hour."
"Sooner the better," Dean said.
Sensing Dean's anxiety, Onida patted his arm soothingly, then rose and jogged down the trail to the parking area.
James looked at his father. "Don't worry, Dad. She can do it."
A small smiled quirked Dean's lips. "You think?"
"Yup. Pastor Jim sent us here. He wouldn't let anything happen to you."
The unexpected answer had Dean's pulse calming. "You know," he said. "I think you're right."
"I graduated college Summa Cum Laude. I know I'm right," James boasted.
"You can't take all the credit, you got good genes from your mom and Uncle Sam," Dean remarked.
"Not only from them," James countered. Then before the moment could dissolve into chick flick territory, he said, "You going to eat the rest of that cheeseburger? Cause it was amazing."
Dean smiled. "Hand it over."
"Greedy," James groused with a smile.
When Matt drove the wagon up to the rear of the clinic, Odette was down from the perch in record time, jogging to the doors. She smacked her palm against the door once, and it opened.
Seven nurses came outside and hurried over to the wagon.
Adam climbed down awkwardly. He was holding a sleeping child in his arms and wasn't quite ready to let go. "You have a place for them to eat?"
One of the nurses nodded. "Are they all asleep?"
"Most of them," Adam said, looking back into the wagon. "But they do need to eat something and get cleaned up before we bed them down."
Cheyton climbed from the back of the wagon and stood beside Adam. "We'll get them out. They seem to be comfortable with us. Are we taking them to the cafeteria, Beth?"
The nurse nodded.
"Okay." Cheyton looked back to see Etenia and Poloma watching him. "Let's get started."
It took nearly thirty-five minutes to get all the kids from the back of the wagon. Many were afraid they were going back to the caves and refused to leave. It had taken considerable soothing, comforting, encouraging and many back rubs to get the kids to leave the wagon and enter the building. When they were situated on thick floor pads in the cafeteria, everyone helped pass out bowls of steamed rice and chicken to the kids. They didn't bother with utensils, figuring the children hadn't used those since they'd been taken.
It was a joy to watch the dozens of children touch the lukewarm rice, tentatively at first, and then shovel the food into their small, hungry mouths. Cheyton, William, Hinto, all the young people sat on the floor with the kids, joining them in eating rice with their fingers.
When eyes started to droop, the nurses brought out bowls of strawberries for the children to enjoy. Most of the children ate in silence, wary yet hopeful. But a few of the youngest giggled delightedly over the strawberry treats.
When the food had been consumed and their thirst quenched with cups of water, Adam and the young people led the children to the showers. The nurses had several sizes of soft pajamas available. Directing the children to sit down along the wall outside the shower stalls, Poloma, Etenia and two of the nurses who had already changed into scrubs walked the children inside in groups of eight. Before taking them into the shower, they held up the pajamas so the kids could feel the soft material. Then they slowly helped them out of their filthy rags. Gently they took each child under the warm water. Though some were afraid, most were soothed by the gentle care and the warm meal. Poloma and the others carefully washed their matted hair and used naturally scented soap made on the reservation to suds the dirt from their small bodies. Doctor Etsitty and Collins took the time to give the children a cursory examination for wounds, cuts or lesions, and malnutrition.
Adam watched as the pajama-clad children were led into a large room. The floor was wall to wall sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. How the small staff had gotten it all together so fast was a mystery, but he was thrilled. At his request, there were sparkling ropes of twinkling lights hung all around the room so the children wouldn't be in darkness. He'd been inside those caves, had seen the utter blackness in which the children had been caged, and he wouldn't have it. Not here, not ever for these precious babies.
The children were enchanted. They walked inside with their mouths hanging open, several still clinging to the young people and to Adam. Hinto sat down near the wall in one corner of the room and several children joined him, touching the soft blankets. He helped get them covered, put pillows under their heads and stuffed animals in their arms, then he lay down right with them. Soon they were all asleep.
The other young people followed his example, taking children to different areas and helping them get settled. The two little boys Adam had connected with right from the first tucked their hands in his, and he walked over to a corner and sat with them. They were joined by other children from that last cave, all scooching in close to Adam's side. He was their savior, and they weren't ready to be anywhere he wasn't.
Three of the nurses came inside and sat with the children. But it was Beth who set the tone when she started singing When You Wish Upon a Star. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. Children's eyes went to the young woman, riveted on the singer. She moved onto to All the Pretty Little Horses, then started In the Arms of the Angels. There wasn't a child at that point who hadn't fallen asleep.
Samuel stood in the doorway for several minutes, then sighed and stepped quietly back out into the hall. Doctor Collins followed, gently closing the door. "The next wagon load will be here in five minutes."
"The older children," Samuel said.
Doctor Collins nodded. "Ages six or seven, to what looks like twelve or thirteen."
Samuel looked back at the closed door. "We'll feed them in the cafeteria just like these kids, then let them come in with the other children. There's plenty of room."
"Some of the oldest have been changing," Doctor Collins said. "You want them in with the other children?"
"Adam found four of the older ones apparently watching over the younger," Samuel said. "I think all the children will be more comfortable together." He patted Doctor Collins comfortingly on the arm. "We'll keep an eye on them; make sure all is well."
They heard wagon wheels outside.
"Let's get them settled, shall we?" Samuel said.
Though somewhat calm when Onida had gone, Dean's nerves were stretched tight when she finally returned.
James stood when Onida appeared on the trial, and he went to help her with her supplies. "What took you so long? Can you do this?"
Onida gave James a healthy side-eye. "I had to drive all the way home, gather the supplies I need, and get back. Did you expect me to fly?"
"Don't be offended," Dean called out. "He's always been impatient."
James looked insulted. "I am not, and how did you hear that?"
"I'm the All Powerful Canvas," Dean stated. "And you're not too hard to figure out, kiddo. You always opened your presents the night before your birthday."
James' mouth dropped open. "How did you know …?" Then he caught himself and stated, "I did not."
Onida laughed out loud.
Dean grinned. "A great wrapper you're not, son."
"You never said anything," James muttered petulantly.
Onida put her things down and said, "Okay, I'm going to mix the ingredients I need, then I'll explain what I think will happen when I take back over the canvas."
Dean merely nodded.
James sat next to his father and waited for Onida to finish. Hearing a car in the distance, he said, "I'll check it out," and he jogged off down the trail.
Dean and Onida sat in silence for a few minutes, then Dean asked, "What time is it?"
Onida checked her watch, and said, "A little before noon."
Dean shook his head. He couldn't believe it wasn't even twelve yet. He felt like it had been three days since he'd risen this morning. Suddenly he was more tired than he could remember.
Onida eyed the younger man. "The canvas isn't easy. You're probably exhausted."
Dean shrugged. "A bit."
Sam and Caleb walked into the small clearing with James.
"Ready to be human again instead of the Great and Powerful Oz?" Caleb asked.
Dean grinned. He and Caleb were scarily in sync sometimes. "Definitely. How are the kids?"
Caleb dropped down next to Dean and said, "Johnny, Ryker and Max retrieved the children they left sleeping. They're at the clinic having some food and getting some rest. We rounded up the four children near the barrier."
"We had to use the sleeping potions," Sam said regretfully.
"I'd hoped some food would help, but they were too stressed," Caleb added. Looking up at Sam, he said, "They'll recover once they see the other kids."
Sam nodded.
"What about our little guardian?" Dean asked.
"She's with the children," Onida said, placing her bowls near the canvas. Sitting up, she said, "All right. This is what's going to happen. I have a mix of ingredients here that act like a conduit to help me connect with the canvas and the barrier. I'll put the ingredients on my hands, then touch the canvas, and pour my energy through. Hopefully that will disengage you and I'll take over."
"Hopefully?" Caleb repeated.
"Never done this before," Onida answered. "But when Dean took over the canvas, he touched it and pushed silver through. That disengaged me as Guardian and he took over. If I do the same, I should take over and Dean will be released."
"Sounds reasonable," Sam stated.
"Let's get it done," Dean interrupted.
"All right." Going to the canvas, Onida knelt down and arranged her bowls. Then she bowed her head in a silent prayer, took a deep breath and slowly started mixing ingredients, chanting softly. The musicality of her movements and voice mesmerized the men watching. After a few minutes she lifted a silver knife and made a small cut in her left palm. Slowly she scooped up the paste from the bowl and smeared it on her palm. She then rubbed both hands together and placed them directly on the canvas.
Dean gasped. It was like going on a roller-coaster backwards and falling at the same time; he felt off balance and flailed around for something to hang on to and stop his fall. His hand landed on a sturdy forearm and a strong hand grasped his own, and he held on for dear life as lights of all colors whirled past him at breakneck speed.
Onida continued her recitation, eyes closed, her entire focus on reclaiming her position as Yaotlapializli of the Yakama people. Energy flowed down her arms and into the canvas. After three minutes, she sat back and smiled.
Caleb and Sam immediately turned to Dean, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, face now a pale, unhealthy white.
"Dean?" Sam said, leaning over to get a better look at his brother's face.
Caleb frowned. "Come on, open your eyes. I want to see if we need to move here to be near the forest or not."
Slowly Dean opened his eyes and looked directly into the beautiful face of his son, who was staring anxiously at him not fifteen inches away. It was James' arm he was gripping, and it was James who held his hand in his own strong clasp. Sighing, he gave his son a smile and murmured, "I'm fine, kiddo."
Seeing his father's green eyes was all the confirmation he needed, and James sagged back onto the ground, his head down.
Dean put a comforting hand on his son's neck while smiling at Caleb and Sam.
Onida stood, staring at the canvas, frowning.
Caleb looked over, then rose and went to her side. "Onida?"
"It's odd," she said, her head tilted in concentration. "I don't feel anything. They're gone."
"Is the energy still there in the barrier?"
Nodding, Onida said, "Yes. But there's no…" she struggled to find the words to describe phenomenon she'd never witness. "…vibrancy."
Caleb couldn't stand the lost look on Onida's face. Carefully he turned her away from the canvas. "Are you saying the canvas is at rest?" he asked gently.
Onida's head jerking up in surprise. Suddenly a wide smile spread across her face. "Yes, at rest."
Caleb laughed. After a moment, he said, "You're still connected though. When will you truly lay it to rest?"
Onida turned to view the canvas. It had been a part of her life for forty years. "At home," she murmured. "On the balcony."
"Now?"
Onida looked over at Dean and Sam laughing, at James digging more burgers from his seemingly endless supply. "No, not now. Tonight." Gazing up at Caleb, she took his hand in hers. "Just us."
"The end of something old, the beginning of something new," Caleb murmured.
"Who knew such a tough guy could be so romantic," Onida smiled.
"I've got layers," Caleb remarked.
Onida laughed. Turning, they started picking up her bowls, pistils and ingredients.
Caleb hefted up the canvas and called out to Dean and the others, "We're going to take this stuff to the car. When you're through dining, let's get going."
Sam shook his head, standing. "He's such a drama queen." Holding out his hand, he pulled Dean to his feet. "Why don't we head back to the hotel? Onida said you needed sleep."
Dean shook his head. "Not yet. I want to go to the clinic."
Sam nodded. "JT, Ryker and Max are there. Joshua as well."
"I want to see the kids too," James said.
Sam got to his feet and said, "Then let's go see the children."
Two hours later, Joshua stood outside the large room, watching the children sleep. When the older ones had gone inside, they'd gone immediately to the younger ones and bedded down with them, many of the younger children turning to the older ones to cuddle or in habit for warmth. Joshua watched as Adam slept beneath a pile of little children, and worried for his friend. Hunting was a difficult job, and being able to detach from the trauma was a necessity. He hoped his friend would be able to separate himself from this tragedy.
Doctor Tamaya Collins touched his arm. Smiling, she said, "There's a little boy who's been pining away for his friend."
Joshua smiled and immediately joined her in walking down the hall. "How's he doing?"
"He's well, except for missing you." She punched in her code on the keypad and opened the door.
Joshua stepped inside. His eyes went immediately to the bed and his heart stopped when he saw it empty.
"He's over by the toys," Tamaya said, pointing.
Joshua smiled when he saw the blond head bent over some blocks. The two dark haired children were sitting at his side. Before he went over, he nodded to the young girl alone in her bed. "How's she doing?"
"It's been difficult," Tamaya admitted. "Maska's mother has been amazing, and she's opened up a bit, but for the most part she hasn't been very responsive."
"You might consider putting her with the other children. Their presence may help ease her trauma."
Smiling, Tamaya said, "An excellent idea." Turning, she hurried to the young girl, and soon they were heading out of the ward, hand in hand.
Joshua smiled and turned his attention back to the young boy. Walking over, he said, "Can I play?"
The child whipped around, a huge smile blossoming on his face. Scrambling to his feet, he jumped into Joshua's arms as the older man laughed. "Back," he whispered into Joshua's neck.
"Yes," Joshua murmured, hugging him tight. "Back." So much for detachment, he thought to himself. After several minutes, he let the boy down gently and sat down on the floor with the child on his lap. The other two children were watching, somewhat forlorn. Joshua looked at the boy and pointed to the other kids. The child looked over for a moment, then back to Joshua and nodded. Reaching out his hand, he tugged on the closet child and brought him near.
Joshua smiled at the big and generous heart of this lost boy. He reached over to small dark-haired boy and pulled him to his side, then the small girl, who quickly scrambled over.
One of the nurses leaned over and handed Joshua a book. Smiling, she said, "Five minutes, then I'm making you get up and setting you on his bed. You can finish reading from there."
"Thank you," Joshua said fervently. He was too old to be sitting on the floor for long. Opening the book, he started reading, "The sun did not shine, it was too wet to play. So we sat in the house all that cold, cold wet day…"
By the time Dean got to the clinic, he wondered if he should have heeded Onida's advice. He was dragging. But he wanted to see the little boy, and to check on the other kids.
"Adam suggested we put the kids all together in one large room," Doctor Maska Etsitty explained. "They've been living and sleeping together. He thought they'd be more comfortable that way."
"You've got enough beds?" Sam asked.
Maska shook her head. "They're sleeping on the floor. Another suggestion of Adam's. He figured since they'd been sleeping on a cave floor for months, and in many cases, years, that they'd be more comfortable there. We laid dozens of sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and stuffed toys all over so they'd be comfortable."
"Great idea," Sam stated.
Dean yawned widely as he followed.
"We fed them some steamed rice with chicken and strawberries, and they're asleep. You want to check in on them?"
Sam nodded, "That would be great."
Sam and Maska continued their conversation while Dean and James brought up the rear. When they had turned round a few corners, Maska stopped outside a double door.
"Just be quiet," Maska said with a smile.
She unlocked the door and stepped aside.
Sam, Dean and James took a look inside, and Dean smiled. It was magical. The twinkle lights all around, children in puppy piles all over. It took some effort, but he finally found Adam asleep down the left wall, at least six children all over him. He could make out Lonan nearby and figured the other Yakama kids were in there somewhere as well. Quietly they stepped back outside the large room.
"This the kitchen?" Dean asked.
Maska shook her head. "No, it's the physical therapy room. We removed the equipment in record time."
"How are the kids?" James asked.
"Wary," Maska said. "In their position, I'd be afraid this was all a dream, that I would wake up back in the caves." Looking back at the door, as though she could see the children sleeping inside, she continued, "It's going to take time, but they will put this behind them; the youngest sooner than the older children. That stands to reason, as the older children have been in captivity longer."
Dean nodded, and after a brief pause asked, "Can I see the boy?"
Maska nodded. "Joshua's been in there with him, but I think he'll be happy to see you. Your teddy has been in his arms since yesterday."
"You're teddy?" James asked, a wicked glee dancing in his eyes.
"Shouldn't you be looking for your brother?" Dean asked in his best no nonsense dad voice.
"They're in the cafeteria helping to clean up the mess left by the children," Maska said, indicating the way with a pointed finger.
James grinned and walked off.
"I'll check on the others," Sam said, following James.
"Kids," Dean grumbled good-naturedly. "Can't live with 'em, can't give 'em away."
Maska chuckled. "Come on."
When Dean stepped into the children's ward, he immediately noticed the bed with the little brown-haired girl was empty. When he turned to Maska, she said, "She wasn't responding in here. We took her to be with the other kids and she lit up. She needed them."
Nodding, Dean walked over to the boy. The child was asleep, Joshua seated nearby. The older man was also asleep, his head tilted at such an angle Dean knew would result in a sore neck.
Moving to the far side of the bed, Dean sat down on the mattress and leaned back against the headrest. It was almost fifteen minutes before the child opened his eyes and blinked sleepily up at Dean. Then his face lit up and he held out the teddy.
Dean smiled. "Thank you." Carefully he looked over the small bear, making sure he was in good condition. Nodding, he said, "Well done. You took good care of him." Then he made the teddy say, "He took great care of me."
The child smiled and opened his arms. Dean leaned into the warm embrace. When he finally broke away and pointed to Joshua. "You going to watch over him as well as teddy?" he asked, holding up the bear again.
The child nodded, though his lips turned down slightly at Dean's apparently leaving. Dean leaned down and gave the child another long hug. "I'll be back soon," he whispered.
"Back," the child murmured.
Dean nodded. "Yes, back." Standing, he hugged his teddy, then handed him back over to the boy. Running a thumb across the child's cheek, he smiled. "I'll be back."
The boy nodded, his eyes following the older hunter as Dean left the ward.
.
Dean stepped out of the clinic building into the sunshine and yawned. Then his cell buzzed. Rolling his eyes, he reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out the phone. Sam and the boys followed and loitered around the walkway while he scanned his text and yawned again.
"You need to get some sleep," Sam stated.
"I know." Dean squinted into the sunlight. "Chief Adcox called and asked if we could meet him at the Yakama Records Center. He wants to discuss the children."
"I figured he would." Sam tilted his face to the sun. "I'd rather go sit somewhere and enjoy this weather, though."
Dean glanced over at his brother and smiled. "You want a picnic?"
Without looking, Sam quipped, "I didn't even think you knew that word."
"I know picnic," Dean defended. "I've been on a few, at the pond."
"Those are camp outs, not picnics."
"What's the difference?" Dean grumbled, walking slowly to the SUV.
"Picnics don't have fires, Dad," JT observed, moving past the pair and heading for the SUV, Ryker, Max, and James on his heels.
Dean huffed out a laugh. Looking to Sam, he said, "You want to go inside and get Josh?"
"I don't want to walk that far. I'll call Doctor Etsitty and have her wake him up."
Dean started for the car. "Have her tell him to haul ass too," he said as he climbed behind the wheel.
"Yeah," Sam muttered as he found Doctor Etsitty's number and pushed. "Like I'm really going to say that." After a moment he said, "Doctor Etsitty…."
When Caleb and Onida walked into the Yakama Tribal Hall and Records Building, JT, James, Ryker and Max were already sitting in the lobby.
"Bout time," Max groused, rising and moving over to the pair. "We've been sitting here for…"
"Ten minutes," Caleb supplied. "Dean got the text from Samuel after we did."
Max grinned. "Chief Adcox is bringing in lunch. He's already in the banquet room with Dad, Uncle Dean and Uncle Sam."
Caleb nodded. Looking at each young man, he said, "Well done, today. It was a tough hunt, maybe the toughest you'll ever have. Nice job."
"It was definitely one for the record books," Ryker stated.
"And JT didn't even get a photo of one of the witches." Turning to his friend, who had still been somewhat quiet, Max said, "Isn't that your contribution to hunting? Getting pictures of the baddies?"
JT appreciated the effort to lighten his mood. "When would you have liked me to take it? When she was throwing you around?"
"I didn't get thrown around anymore than you, James or Ryker," Max declared. With a sidelong look at Caleb, he said, "I bet Uncle Caleb spent the most time on the ground."
"I was never thrown," Caleb lied blatantly. "I'm just that awesome."
Onida grinned. "I'm a witness. He was never thrown to the ground," she stated. "However, trees, shrubs, old logs, and thickets all got some action today."
James and Max guffawed loudly while JT and Ryker grinned.
Caleb gave Onida a wounded look. "I thought we had something, a connection. Now," he shook his head sadly, "I just don't know."
They stepped into banquet room as Onida chuckled and took Caleb's hand.
Samuel Adcox strode forward, his hand extended to Caleb. Shaking Caleb's heartedly, he said, "I can't thank you all enough for what you've done." He looked at each of the young men, then at Onida. Taking her hand in his, he said, "Onida. Our long collaboration on keeping the Tah-tah-kle'-ah at bay has ended. I look forward to the next chapter in our friendship."
"As do I," Onida said earnestly.
"Come in," Samuel said, motioning to the table. "Provisions will be here shortly. In the meantime, we can get started discussing a pathway through the events of the last few days."
Ryker walked over to a long table and poured himself a cup of coffee. JT and Max followed suit while James dropped into a chair near his father. Both Dean and Sam were holding mugs of thick, black coffee while Joshua sipped from a glass of juice. Max walked to his father and sat at his side. Smiling, the older man gave Max's neck a comforting squeeze.
Samuel took a cup of coffee for himself and looked down the table at all those assembled. "It's not enough, but I want to say thank you again. You've set the Yakama people free from their burden and saved future children. I would like your thoughts on how to move forward. Tomorrow I'll speak with the Tribal Council about the future of the little ones found unexpectedly during this event, and our responsibilities to their care. After that, I'll need to bring in Sheriff Erik Olsen."
"What?" Onida exclaimed. "Why invite Sheriff Olsen?"
"The children," Joshua said.
"Something this big can't be kept quiet for long," Caleb added.
Samuel nodded. "Many of these children are not of the tribe. We'll need the cooperation of the law in dealing with them. Erik grew up around here. While he may not believe in witches, he may buy into a story of some crazy person who kidnaps kids."
"Just a crazy man?" Max asked, frowning.
"A crazy family would be a better scenario due to the volume of kidnapped children," Sam suggested.
"We've run into the crazy family a couple times," Dean stated. "Have Sheriff Olsen talk to Kathleen Hudak in Hibbing, Minnesota. She's retired now, but she was the Sheriff of St Louis County for twenty-five years. Back in…" he looked to Sam, "two thousand-six, I think, we stopped the Bender family from holding their own Most Dangerous Game by kidnapping and hunting people."
"Why haven't we heard of this hunt before?" James asked, his eyes gleaming with interest.
"Not the time," Ryker murmured.
Sam ignored his nephew. "They kidnapped me before we realized they weren't monsters, but people."
Samuel's expression was incredulous. "There really are crazy, just plain human families?"
"There are," Joshua said.
"I think the Carter house in Stratton, Nebraska was weirder," Caleb said with a grimace.
"Let's not relive that sad story," Joshua said before anyone could elaborate further. Retelling the horrific tale of children forced to live beneath the house was just beyond his tolerance today. "I believe the idea of lunatics in the woods is the best explanation for the abductions. From a PR perspective, it's weak. But how would we explain finding forty-eight children rationally?"
"Their being in caves help," JT said. "Since the children were in cages, not seeing them would be a given."
"You might mention then Turpin family in Perris, California," Ryker added. "They held thirteen children captive in their basement for years and no one knew."
Sam nodded. "Bringing in very human examples will help, especially ones with a lot of media coverage. No one will believe witches that were held captive within a mystical prison for one hundred and forty years."
"But children have gone missing for generations," Onida said. "A crazy family doesn't explain all those kids."
"Most people aren't going to focus on children missing fifty, a hundred years ago," Caleb said. "They may not even remember back thirty."
"The public may not, but law enforcement will," Samuel corrected. "Once they discover children have been found, they'll go back and check cold cases. They'll know."
"How far will they go back?" Max asked.
"Depends on the police squad," Samuel said. "Erik is thorough. He may go back decades."
"What about adding an element of child trafficking?" Dean suggested.
Sam nodded. "That may work. Some disappearances have been explained as death from the elements or wildlife attacks. What if the others were victims of child trafficking?"
"And if a closed case child is found?" Onida asked.
Dean shook his head and sighed. "A mistake in the investigation."
"That would make me wonder about the rest," Onida offered. Dean seemed so tired, she didn't want to stir the waters, but the question needed to be asked.
"Possibly, but we just can't cover every single contingency up front."
Joshua agreed. "By default we'll need to deal with some contingencies in the moment."
Samuel nodded slowly. "The child slavery angle could work. While law enforcement is dealing with the ones who've been found, we need to devise a way to lead their investigation in that direction.
"We've got kids who are changing," Caleb reminded the Chief.
"I hope we'll have some answers on that soon. At the very least, we can claim the children have a virus that necessitates their being quarantined. It's understandable and will buy us time."
"If you're going with the story that the children have been exposed to a virus," Dean said, "I suggest finding a bad one fast, one with a long contagion period. It's got to be a doozy, cause when parents find out missing children have been found, nothing short of a tank is going to keep them away."
"I'd also set up a hotline to filter questions from parents and press," JT added.
Samuel nodded. "The council will help with the calls.
"What about medical experts to help the children deal with the ordeal?" Ryker asked.
"I have some nurses at the clinic collecting names of psychiatrists and doctors who specialize in traumatic abductions so each of these kids can get help," Samuel said.
"The FBI will come in," Caleb said. "They do in all kidnap cases. They'll want answers on how so many children have been found, and why they weren't discovered before." Looking to Samuel, he said, "The Yakama people are going to be in the line of fire and may come under scrutiny."
"We have the protection of the reservation," Samuel stated. "Law Enforcement in the towns will be in their direct line of fire. Unfortunately, those men and woman will have to explain why numerous children went missing through the years, and they couldn't find one crazy family in the woods." He shook his head.
"It can't be helped, Samuel," Onida said sympathetically. "The children need help and they need to go home."
"Have you heard from Robert Locklear?" Joshua asked.
"Locklear?" Dean questioned.
"He and his team went in to clear the caves," Joshua explained. "He's a member of the Tribal Council, and he's worked in search and rescue for years."
"At last check-in he and his team had cleared four caves and they're currently working on a double cave. They haven't found any more children so far, but they're working methodically and thoroughly, even to waiting outside the entrance to hear any movement inside." Samuel shook his head. "He said the conditions in the caves are horrific."
There was a short silence before Onida prompted gently, "And…?"
"In the rear of one cave…" Samuel broke off for a moment to collect himself, "there are several skeletons. Many of them small."
They knew it was coming, knew what would be found, but that didn't lessen the pain. Though many children had been taken decades ago, the knowledge that their small bodies were still held in the caves was a gut punch to everyone.
"Two covens; there will be another cave with remains," Dean said sadly.
"The FBI will conduct a search of the caves," Sam stated. "They'll find the skeletons."
"The FBI investigation will go where it must," Samuel said. "Child trafficking, kidnapping, those will be our theories. There will be no mention of witches. The excavation of the caves could take weeks. We will work with law enforcement where we can, with an eye to protecting and meeting the needs of the children found alive."
"Local law enforcement will come under the greatest scrutiny," Joshua said. "We cannot simply abandon them to their fate."
"How can that be avoided?" Samuel asked with genuine concern.
"The Brotherhood has a team of clean up specialists," Sam stated. "One call and they're on their way. They deal with situations like this all the time, when the supernatural and the normal world intersect. They can help."
"And wasn't there a gloomy, stay-away-from-here vibe to the original medicine bags?" Max asked.
"Yes, there was," Onida said.
"Is there a way to make that happen again? Maybe it'll speed up the FBI's investigation."
"The barrier will be down," Caleb pointed out.
Onida smiled. "I can make it happen with or without the barrier. I'll work on a mixture tonight and tomorrow we can hang the potion bags throughout the forest, especially near the caves."
Samuel nodded. "An excellent idea." Turning to Dean and the other members of the Brotherhood, he continued, "We would welcome the consult from your clean up team. And when the investigation is finally concluded, we will burn everything in the caves. Then together as a people, the Yakama will plant flowers and climbing vines all along the ridge to commemorate the lost."
A contemplative and sorrowful silence followed, as the difficulties of the coming weeks were considered.
"The next weeks will be a complicated time for the Yakama as well as the surrounding towns," Samuel stated. "But the witches are dead, and there will be no more missing children. We will weather this trial, honor the dead, and do everything we can to help the living."
A that moment the doors to the banquet room opened just then and the employees of The Bread Basket entered carrying several trays of food. It wasn't long before the mood lightened and everyone was enjoying hot sandwiches and Tiswin beer.
Sam eyed Dean. His brother wasn't eating much, and his eyes were half mass. He glanced up and noticed that Caleb and Onida were watching too.
Talk was general during the meal, and Samuel asked Dean how he liked being the Yaotlapializtli for the morning.
"I think I'll leave the guardianship of the Yakama to Onida," Dean smiled.
When the food was consumed and everyone more relaxed, Samuel said, "I want to thank you all again for risking your lives for the Yakama, and for the children."
Sam leaned forward and said, "I received a text earlier from Alison, our lead researcher. For the last two days she and her team have been tracking all the children missing from this area. They've gone back four years so far. They have names with pictures. They even have documentation on the families, whether they've moved or have remained in the area. The further back they go, they'll include age progression pictures for the older kids. I'll print up the information directly after the meeting."
Samuel's eyes were wide. "Excellent!" he exclaimed. Looking around, he said, "I think we're done." To Dean, he said, "I know this is where your team usually heads for home, and though you've done so much already, I would ask that you stay another couple of days to help deal with the children. With so few people involved at this time, these kids could use all the love and attention we can give."
Dean nodded immediately. "We'll stay."
Samuel nodded. "Thank you. Now, I would like to invite all of you back here tonight for a proper feast. The Tribal Elders and the Council wish to thank you. Let's celebrate the lost being found and the end to the Tah-tah-kle'-ah."
TBC
Author's Note:
Joshua reads from "The Cat in the Hat" by Doctor Suess (1957)
Thank you so much for the reviews on Chapter 25. There were a lot of intertwined storylines in a long chapter, and I was worried about how it would be received. I'm so glad it was enjoyed!