Tricked

remained spirits. And the way I figure it is, when a soul turns as black as Black World, these old spirits find them a comfortin’ touch of home, and if they’re called to move in, they will. That’s what a skinwalker is: a mean asshole with a meaner spirit squatting inside. «
    › I’ve run into some of those at the dog park, ‹ Oberon said. › They’re usually attached to Chihuahuas. ‹
    » Hmm. All right, I’ve never dealt with anything like this before, but I’ll see what I can do. «
    The hataa³ii didn’t say anything, merely nodded and turned his attention back to the fire. Granuaile and I exited and rejoined Oberon outside. We walked off a short distance and spoke in low tones so that no one could hear, save perhaps Oberon.
    » You have a way of warding against skinwalkers, sensei? « Granuaile asked.
    I shook my head. » Not specifically. I’ve never been down to First World or run into a skinwalker before. It’s been centuries since I’ve had to deal with any sort of Native American magic. I’ve been hiding in cities to stay away from the Fae, and all the shamans or holy men are hiding out on the reservations. «
    » When was the last time you dealt with any? «
    » Well, there was this rain god of the Maya who gave me a bit of trouble. «
    » The Maya! Do you know what happened to them? «
    » Not for certain, but they might have left this plane. They had a priest who could do it. But this is a completely different belief system, « I said, waving back at the hogan, » and so the rules of the magic are different as well. If I wanted to work up something to ward specifically against a skinwalker, I’d have to confront it first and see the pattern of it in the magical spectrum. General wards against magic from another plane may or may not work. And that’s the problem with wards, Granuaile. « I figured I might as well embrace the teachable moment. » You can’t ward against everything, and sometimes the bad guys will win through or around it despite your best efforts. So you know what happens in that case? «
    » The bad guys win? «
    » What, automatically? Getting past your wards means you’re instant toast? «
    » Well, no, I’d fight first. «
    » Exactly. You fight. The problem is you don’t know how. «
    Granuaile huffed, her pride wounded. » I’ve taken some kickboxing lessons. «
    I grinned at her. » Ah, you have? Bring it. « I set myself in a defensive stance.
    My apprentice scowled at the idea. » You’ll use magic. «
    » I promise I won’t. Not even a little— «
    She didn’t lack for initiative. She pivoted and shot a kick at my gut before I finished the sentence. I pivoted as well and her toes grazed my belly, no more. I knew she was the athletic sort, but I hadn’t seen her exert herself until now. She was fast. Lunging in, I socked her in the stomach before she could recover and she staggered back, wheezing. I didn’t press my advantage, and she didn’t seem eager to continue.
    » You know a bit more than kickboxing, don’t you? « she said.
    I nodded. » Considerably more. We could do the whole Pai Mei thing if you want, but I’d rather not hurt you and I don’t have the flowing white beard to pull it off respectably. «
    › If I grow out the hair underneath my chin until I look like Pai Mei, will you brush it to keep it silky yet intimidating? ‹
    It will drag on the ground and get dirty every time you go to smell something or eat. It will be a mess .
    › Oh. Good point. ‹
    Thank you. Hound 4, Druid 3 .
    › Awww! ‹
    » That’s all right, sensei, I’ll take your word for it, « Granuaile said, clutching her stomach. » Do I have to carry water up the mesa or something? Wax my car? Paint the rocks? «
    » No, « I said, smiling at the movie tropes. » I don’t think I need to break your will. But we do need to train your muscles and get you accustomed to fighting with weapons. «
    » I’m going to need a sword, then? «
    » We will train with swords, yes, but I don’t think that will be your best weapon. Your size and reach will put you at a constant disadvantage in a sword fight. I think a staff would be better for you, and we will see what you can do with a throwing knife. «
    » How will a staff and some throwing knives help against some brute who bull-rushes me with his shield up? Or a smart guy with a gun? «
    » An excellent question. Every weapon has its drawbacks. We’ll prepare you for all kinds of antagonists. «
    » What about