Tricked

They—and I—revere all life. Even if significant portions of that life seem too stupid to live, we have to let them live anyway. Unless they try to directly kill us. «
    Granuaile squatted on the ground beside me and considered the marble. It was an excellent opportunity for me to stare at her without getting caught, so I did. She spoke after a few golden moments of sunlight on a troubled brow. » I think I see what you mean. When Sonora was speaking to me and pointing out the plants and animals that lived along the Verde River, she loved the gnats and the boring little weeds as much as the native trout and the sycamores. She made me love them all too. I wanted to keep them all safe. « She looked up and had one of those teary smiles on her face, and it was ridiculously precious. It quivered and crashed into a sob after a few moments. » I couldn’t do it though. I had to kill this javelina, and I was so mad at the goddesses for making me do it. « She paused, took a deep breath, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. » But I think I understand the wisdom of that whole process now. « The smile returned, but weaker. » It’s good. You can’t just say the words and be accepted. You gotta have the great responsibility before you get the great power. «
    It was easy to see why she’d passed muster in Brighid’s eyes. With that range of emotion at her command, she would be a fierce protector of the earth—and most likely a badass. The Baolach Cruatan required quick thinking and didn’t allow weapons, so she either killed that javelina with her bare hands or made do with what was around her. Something didn’t add up, however.
    » Look, I’m glad you had that revelation, but I still don’t understand why you’d refrain from telling me about this—about meeting Brighid and Flidais in particular. «
    » Well, there was so much uncertainty in my mind about what happened. I didn’t know if I’d behaved in a way that would make you proud, and—you know what? It doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t have done it. You’re completely right, and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. «
    » Fair enough, « I said. » Apprentices have kept secrets from their masters since the whole system began. It’s an annoying but persistent tradition, and everyone does it. I did it when I was an apprentice. The archdruid beat me bloody and called me a poxy shitweasel, because that’s how he communicated. I’m hoping I don’t have to do that here to communicate how important it is that you never neglect to mention the appearance of a god again. Do I? «
    » No, « Granuaile said, shaking her head. » I am well aware how badly I’ve screwed up, and I hope you’ll forgive me. «
    » Considering how brilliant you have been in all other respects, I believe I can do that. And regarding your stepdad, I understand, believe me. If you still want to take down your stepdad’s oil company after twelve years, I’m not going to stop you. It won’t take you long, though. Think of what else you’d like to accomplish. «
    » Right now I’d like to find a safe place for me to finish my training. «
    » Yeah, « I said, » I’m working on that. « A silent conversation with Colorado sent Sonora’s turquoise into the soil, and Granuaile gave a tiny, wistful » Oh. « Shortly afterward, a new marble arose, a whorled sphere of rough sandstone in a range of earth tones, kind of like a gas giant in miniature.
    » Colorado would like to say hi, « I said, and her face brightened as I picked up the marble. » But no more English. You need to use your Latin headspace for him—I mean, her. I’m holding on to this until you’re ready. «
    Disappointment washed over her features for a moment as I pocketed the marble, but then it cleared away, replaced by determination.
    » I’ll be ready soon, sensei, « Granuaile said.
    I grinned. » I’m sure you will be. «

Chapter 23
    We stopped to check on the coal mine well before dark this time; it was running again, though not quite at full capacity. Some equipment was still en route, no doubt, but they were determined to scrape out everything they could as soon as they could. Whatever I did today I would most likely have to do again tomorrow, or soon thereafter, and again and again until their costs finally exceeded their profits.
    Corporations might be harder to kill than gods.
    I left Granuaile in the SUV with her laptop and promised to be back in a couple of hours. Security around the mine was beefed