Page 133 of Shadow Blind

“Taounaha.” It was Wolf’s voice. The title sounded like a protest—guttural and shocked.

“This I like even less than you, Betanee. But time has fled. He is needed. He must listen and learn.” The shaman’s voice was thin and strained, but his gaze caught Aiden’s and held it like a snare. “The Kalikoia spirit gifts were bestowed upon the Hee'woo'nee to repel the elder gods' jealous shadow children. They were gifted to defend us against the younger gods' envy and spite.”

Whatever invisible power Benioko wielded came with effort. And that effort was already showing in the crevices carving up his face and the crackle in his voice.

How long could the old man maintain this invisible fist around him?

“Some among the Kalikoia, those necessary to keep the tribe strong, are double-gifted. I am one.” Benioko continued, his voice cracking. “This, the swaddling, is the first talent the elder gods bestowed on me. The second, the ability to see and hear the Shadow Warrior and cross the veil, while living, and enter the Shadow Realm, came later. That talent, the Taounaha gift, did not manifest until the mouthpiece before me began his journey to the web of his ancestors.”

What the hell did any of this have to do with him?

Aiden concentrated on his little finger, willing it to move. He was rewarded with the faintest of shimmies. He wanted to look at Wolf, see if any of what Benioko was saying was news to him. But his neck wouldn’t turn.

“You, too, are double-gifted,” Benioko continued.

Double-gifted? Bullshit. His one talent was trouble enough. He didn’t need a second one fucking up his life. He went back to concentrating on his finger, urging it to move. It responded with another shimmy, a stronger one this time.

“Even the youngest of the Kalikoia know the purpose of their gifting and how their talents are meant to be used.”

Bully for them!

His finger wiggled freely now. He turned his focus to his hand.

“Your first gift, that of foresight as a means to riches, is meant to profit the Hee'woo'nee.”

Foresight as a means to riches?

Shock dragged Aiden’s attention back to the Old One’s words. That sure described his Midas touch. How did the old man know about that? Someone must have tattled. But who? Only two people knew of his talent for acquiring money. Kait and Demi. Neither would blab to Benioko. Had Wolf guessed what Aiden could do and told the shaman? While that seemed the most likely scenario, it didn’t feel right.

“The gift of succor, the one you squander so recklessly, is prized among the Kalikoia.”

“No shit?” To Aiden’s surprise, he managed to push the snarky question out of his paralyzed mouth.

With a disapproving grunt, the Old One opened his arms and gestured widely around him. “How do you think such things are possible?”

Such things? The old man couldn’t be talking about his quarters. The shaman lived an austere lifestyle. His table was from the sixties. His couch was even older than that.

His disbelief must have showed on his face, because Benioko elaborated.

“The base. The scientists. The labs. The equipment.” He shot Wolf a dry look. “All the flying toys.”

Aiden frowned. He’d wondered who funded Shadow Mountain. The costs associated with running this place must be astronomical.

“No way,” This time the protest came easily. He glanced down. He could move his hand now and his feet. Whatever talent Benioko had used against him was dissipating. “There’s no way this base is run off lottery winnings, stock increases, or horse races. Not without attracting attention.”

His father had insisted on using their gifts sparingly, lest their sudden influx of wealth lead to unwanted attention. Acquiring the kind of money to keep Shadow Mountain operational was certain to catch someone’s eye.

Benioko shrugged, as though the answer was obvious. “Those with the gift of succor knew to buy Microsoft, Amazon and other stocks when each share sold for pennies. These shares are worth billions now and carefully harvested. Those with the succor talent have always shared their visions with the Hee'woo'nee. The riches foreseen are harvested and turned over to the Hee'woo'nee council, where the money is dispersed.” The shaman’s voice turned grim. “This is the way it has always been. Until your father and now you. The elder gods are not pleased with your usage of their gift.”

Well, fuck them. Maybe they should have tagged their gifts with instructions.

“I use the gift for the greater good.” Well, mostly. A burning sensation spread through his chest, almost like shame.

“This is known. It is not enough.” Benioko’s voice flattened. “Your talent is meant to provide for the Hee'woo'nee in our battle against the younger gods. You use it for other purposes. Therefore, your gift brings you no ease.”

Aiden’s jaw set. To hell with that. If the money he foresaw only went to the Kalikoia, what would happen to his foundation? To the people it helped? “The money I get from my gift goes to charity. It helps people.”

Benioko inclined his head with a regal nod. “This is known. There are enough riches for both purposes. But future foresights must also be gifted to the Hee'woo'nee.”

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