Fated

probably the most important of all. You are to wear it at all times. You may remove it to sleep and bathe if you like, but you must always keep it well within reach, well within sight. You must never leave home without it. And you must never allow anyone else to wear it or look inside it, not even briefly, or its power will be lost.”
    I hold it before me—a soft, yellowish piece of leather that hardly looks all that significant, and I’m just not sure I’m on board with it. Not quite sure how to incorporate it into my usual, minimalist uniform of dark skinny jeans, fitted green army jacket, and tank top. I prefer to keep it simple. I’m not all that big on accessorizing.
    Paloma makes for the counter, fussing for a moment before she returns with the pot and places it before me. The two of us gazing at the purple-eyed raven resting on a bed of faded, limp herbs.
    “Since Raven has revealed himself as your spirit animal—this talisman must remain with you at all times. Place it inside your pouch so that you will always be able to access his wisdom and guidance whenever you find yourself in need of it. What he wants may not always make immediate sense, but you must learn to trust him. Over time, you will add other items as well—items that will be revealed to you along the way. For now, it is just you and Raven. Do you understand, nieta ? Do you understand the seriousness of all this?”
    I nod, like I do even though I really, truly don’t. But it’s what she expects, and as soon as I’ve shoved Raven inside, she seems to relax.
    Then the next thing I know, she grabs the small black bag and motions for me to follow as she makes for the courtyard and over to the old white Jeep she keeps in the detached garage.
    “Where are we going?” I ask, straining against the strap of my seat belt as the Jeep bounces down the rutted dirt road. Squinting into the dark, trying to get my bearings, but it’s no use—this town is a mystery to me.
    “To your vision quest, ” she says, tightening her grip on the wheel as the road takes a turn for the worse. Looking at me when she adds, “Please use this time to rest, nieta. You will need all of your strength if you are to endure.”
    “ If? ” I swivel in my seat until I’m fully facing her. My eyes practically popped from their sockets, challenging her to explain.
    “There are no guarantees,” she tells me, her voice calm and sure. “Though I’ve no doubt you’ll prevail.”
    I turn back toward the window, having no idea how to reply. Too wound up by her words to even think about resting.
    We travel for miles. Travel over unfamiliar terrain that grows increasingly rugged the farther we go. And when we finally stop, braking just a few feet from the water, I see we’re not the only ones here—Chay’s luring two horses from their trailer, one that I recognize as Kachina, the other his Appaloosa.
    “I’m afraid I must leave you now,” Paloma says, voice laced with regret. “This part of your journey involves a long ride on horseback, and these old bones aren’t fit for the saddle.” She tries to smile, but there’s something behind it, something I can’t quite grasp. Though it’s only a moment later when she’s turning away, retrieving a tissue she presses over her mouth, coughing up a thick spray of blood she can’t hide no matter how hard she tries.
    “Paloma—are you okay?” I ask, having no idea what’s going on with her, but knowing that coughing up blood never leads to anything good.
    “I am fine, nieta. I assure you.” She waves away my concern. “Chay will accompany you and see you there safely. Though once you’ve arrived, he will leave you as well. A vision quest is a solo journey, and your supplies are quite meager. Though please be assured you need far less than you think to survive. Rely upon the matches and candle only when necessary, for they must last the duration. As for food, there is none. The fast is deliberate—it is how you’ll begin to purify yourself. You will stay for as long as it takes—there is no time limit. And you will head back when it is right to do so. You will know when that is.”
    “You seriously expect me to go, now ?” I fold my arms before me, hugging myself hard around the waist. “But it’s nighttime—it’s cold—and, for the record, I’m starving. I never even got a chance to eat dinner!”
    Though my arguments are all good and valid, the words are lost on Paloma. She dismisses them with a