The Storm Runner (The Storm Runner 1)
With half a smile, she said, “I was built for danger.”
“You’re going to have to learn to swim,” I told her as the waves crashed to the shore.
“No.”
“Yes.”
Pulling her knees into her chest, she shook her head. “Not doing it, Zane.”
Rosie ran into the water like she was demonstrating that it was safe to go in.
Brooks grabbed my hand. I’m glad you didn’t die.
Me too.
If you ever leave me behind again, I’ll kill you.
I stood and backed into the water slowly. “You’d have to catch me first. And in case you forgot, I’m a godborn.”
With a sigh, she shrugged. “In case you forgot, I can fly.”
Grinning, I launched myself into an oncoming wave. When I came up for air, I shook the water from my hair and looked toward the shore. Brooks was gone. She’d shifted into a hawk and was soaring over the sea, wings spread wide, their tips glistening in the sunlight. There was still so much I had to tell her, but it could wait. I watched her fly, thinking she was meant to be a hawk. And I was meant to be a godborn. Like Mr. O had said, destiny comes knocking, and if you don’t open the door, she will come in through the window.
That’s important, because if you’re reading this, you have a bigger destiny than you ever knew.
Remember when Ixtab said all the other godborns died? I’m not so sure I believe her. Why would I be the only one left?
And if there’s even a tiny chance you’re out there, I need to know.
If you can read this, you’ve got magic in your blood. Only another godborn would be able to see the words on these last few pages. Which is why I took the risk to write down the whole truth. I was hoping to find you. Hoping I could trust you with the secret.
If you wait long enough, your destiny will come knocking. Take it from me—someday, when you least expect it, the magic will call to you.
El FIN
GLOSSARY
Dear Reader:
This glossary is meant to provide some context for Zane’s story. It in no way represents the many Maya mythologies, cultures, languages, pronunciations, and geographies. That would take an entire library. Instead, this offers a snapshot of how I understand the myths and terms, and what I learned during my research for this book. Simply put, myths are stories handed down from one generation to the next. While growing up near the Tijuana border, I was fascinated by the Maya (as well as the Aztec) mythologies, and I was absolutely sure that my ancestors were related to the gods. Each time I’ve visited the Maya pyramids in the Yucatán, I’ve listened for whispers in the breeze (and I just might’ve heard them). My grandmother used to speak of spirits, brujos, gods, and the magic of ancient civilizations, further igniting my curiosity for and love of myth and magic. I hope this is the beginning (or continuation) of your own curiosity and journey.
Ah-Puch (ah-POOCH) god of death, darkness, and destruction. Sometimes he’s called the Stinking One or Flatulent One (Oy!). He is often depicted as a skeleton wearing a collar of dangling eyeballs from those he’s killed. No wonder he doesn’t have any friends.
Alom (ah-LOME) god of the sky
alux (ah-LOOSH) a knee-high dwarf-like creature molded out of clay or stone for a specific purpose. The creator of an alux must provide offerings to it. Otherwise it might get mad and take revenge on its owner. Sounds kind of risky, if you ask me.
Bakab (bah-KAHB) four divine brothers who hold up the corners of the world, and all without complaining about having tired arms
Ceiba Tree (SAY-bah) the World Tree or Tree of Life. Its roots begin in the underworld, grow up through the earth, and continue into paradise.
Hurakan (hoor-ah-KAHN) god of wind, storm, and fire. Also known as Heart of the Sky and One Leg. Hurakan is one of the gods who helped create humans four different times. Some believe he is responsible for giving humans the gift of fire.
Itzam-yée’ (eet-sahm-YEE) a bird deity that sits atop the World Tree and can see all three planes: the underworld, earth, and paradise. Imagine the stories he could tell.
Ixkakaw (eesh-ka-KOW) goddess of the cacao tree and chocolate
Ixkik’ (sh-KEEK) mother of the hero twins, Jun’ajpu’ and Xb’alamkej; also known as the Blood Moon goddess and Blood Maiden. She is the daughter of one of the lords of the underworld.