Sacred Ground

by Mercedes Lackey

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Evil Motives and Consequences

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The central theme of Sacred Ground is an age-old truth: the breeding of malevolent intentions and actions begets further evil, a cycle that must be broken for the restoration of balance in the world. This narrative unfolds across both the earthly realm and the mystical ether. Rod Calligan, driven by insatiable greed, embarks on a reckless venture by constructing on an ecologically perilous site. As his plans unravel, he resorts to desecrating Indigenous graves and planting explosives, scheming to frame Native American activists for the destruction. His sinister plot aims to dupe insurers into covering his financial setbacks, a path that leaves a trail of death and spirals into further violence as he scrambles to conceal his misdeeds.

However, his grave-robbing venture awakens the spirit of Watches-Over-The-Land, a revered Medicine Chief from the previous century. This spectral disturbance reignites the Chief's ancient struggle with a formidable, malevolent foe, accompanied by a myriad of vengeful spirits known as the Little People. The unleashed evil medicine now prowls for susceptible souls, claiming victims indiscriminately. In a harrowing twist, Calligan's own son, Rod Jr., falls prey to a fatal lightning strike channeled through a television set. Jennifer narrowly escapes death, teetering on the edge of her own demise, when she is cast, unconscious, into a reservoir.

Limits of Control

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The narrative intricately weaves a theme exploring the boundaries of our ability to dictate fate. Calligan, the antagonist, harbors an insatiable obsession with absolute domination over every aspect of his existence—from his household to his corporate empire. His arrogance reaches new heights as he believes he can manipulate media and law enforcement response to calamities at his construction site, by cunningly fabricating evidence to mislead them into blaming radicals and terrorists.

In stark contrast, Jennifer, who adopts the identity of Kestrel, embarks on a mystical journey as a shaman-in-training. Under the guidance of her grandfather, steeped in the ancient wisdom of all Osage clans, she remains unaware of the final piece needed to emerge as a Medicine Woman. Her relentless drive for perfection spills into her alternate persona as Kestrel, yet she must embrace the art of relinquishment—learn to cease relentless pursuit and allow the unseen forces of the universe to guide her.

Her former lover, David Spotted Horse, similarly grapples with relinquishing control, understanding he cannot steer his friends or shape events to align with his ideological expectations. Upon this realization, he and Jennifer find common ground once more. As they attune themselves to the spiritual ebbs and flows, they both harness a newfound strength. This revelation is not about passive surrender, but rather about refraining from incessantly imposing one's will and predetermined schemes upon the world.

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