Song of the Shaman by Annette Vendryes Leach Read Free Book Online

body, draped herself over Louise and Charles’s shoulders. When they finally came upon the canoe, tied to a post by the river, Benjamin swept Maud up and carried her across the slippery landing to the boat. Mud from her shoes flew and caught Charles on his sleeve. Louise brushed the soil off her father, who was flustered at the sight of the young man’s forearm around Maud’s waist. Benjamin stepped into the canoe and lowered Maud onto the wooden seat; her arm lingered a fraction too long around his neck. He then reached out to Louise to help her aboard; his firm hand made her think of last night’s drumming. Charles stepped in last, relieved to be on his way back to civilized society in Panama City. Benjamin untied the rope from the post and pushed off from the riverbank, freeing them from their mystical harbor.
    Halfway across the river, Louise saw a flicker in the sky. A scene from the ceremony came back to her.
    “Father, look! I saw those birds last night!” She pointed to a pair of colorful birds flying overhead. Everyone looked up. The small birds with their iridescent red, green, and yellow feathers were stark against the morning sky. “They circled around and around while Don Pedro sang, like they were dancing!” Louise waved her hand in the air, as if she could flag down the birds.
    “Birds?” Father yawned. “That’s absurd, Louise.”
    “I saw many of them! The patterns they formed were quite beautiful,” Louise insisted.
    “It was the quetzal.” Benjamin had been silent for most of the trip. “They can appear in numbers during a ritual of significance,” he said, dipping the wooden oars in the water. “Not everyone can see them.”
    Maud and Charles looked at Louise. So she wasn’t dreaming. Benjamin took out the bone whistle he had shown to her by the ravine. He blew into the delicate instrument, and again the notes bobbed lightly like her reflection on the river. A delicious thrill rushed through her. She glanced at Benjamin. The sun caught threads of bronze in his hair.
    As they approached land the sight of their coach in waiting reminded her of home. She pictured the narrow labyrinthine streets of San Felipe, lined with humble Spanish terra-cotta-roofed homes that butted up against grand French architecture; the iron balconies that overflowed with bougainvillea vines. She blotted out the inquisitive neighbors who would openly stare at Benjamin and his sack of herbs; her thoughts were wrapped up in the details of his stay. She slid closer to Charles and carefully chose her words.
    “Father, we should have Rosa prepare the upstairs guest bedroom for Benjamin. It’s closer to Maud’s room than the one downstairs, so he can better care for her. That way I can also assist him and observe her progress.”
    Charles mulled over his daughter’s suggestion.
    “I suppose upstairs would be best. It’s only for a few days…Rosa will be there.” He rubbed his bloodshot eyes, pressing his fingers into the sockets. “While I’m at the office you’ll be in charge, Louise. Start a medical journal immediately. Take meticulous notes and keep me informed on all that transpires.”
    “Yes, of course! I’ll create a log of Maud’s treatments,” she replied, remembering her drawing pad wedged between the carriage door and seat. They soon left the canoe, boarded the carriage, and began their journey back to the old mansion in Panama City.

2001
    Brooklyn, New York
    FIVE YEARS OF MOTHERHOOD flew by, bringing to light a new set of skills for Sheri to master alone. Diaper rash and cradle cap, potty training and sippy cups gave way to kindergarten, reciprocal play dates, and hovering peewee soccer moms. Since her promotion to creative director she rarely got home before dark. It was a demanding position; she was part of a consummate boys’ club with long hours wasted in pointless meetings and schmoozing clients that left her little time for herself. In a black town car Sheri took long blinks between