For those about to embark on an epic, life-altering quest to prevent nine ancient Aztec Lords of Night from awakening, we can’t recommend the services of a Jaguar Warrior highly enough. These elite soldiers use their superlative archery skills to keep allies safe and dispose of foes quickly. They never miss their targets.
Unfortunately, finding a full-fledged Jaguar Warrior on short notice can be near impossible. But worry not–we know of the next best thing. Meet Montero, AKA Monty, descendent of the great Aztec king Itzcoatl. Even as a warrior-in-training, she’s more than ready to handle anything an evil renegade godborn can throw at her.
(As long as you ignore the fact that she’s younger than some of the food in the back of your fridge.)
Runs in the Family
Okay, so the age thing is a big point of contention for people who meet Monty for the first time. After all, eleven-year-olds aren’t exactly renowned for their hand-eye coordination. But Monty comes from a long line of warriors and, like some members of the Montero family, she’s also been granted the gift of the hunt. This means she can track down anyone or anything at any time. But don’t dare ask her to go after any animals. She takes her vegetarianism very seriously.
What’s in a Name?
In case you were wondering, yes, Monty goes by her last name only. Her first name? We’d love to tell you what it is, but we can’t. It’s one of those annoying family curses you hear about from time to time. If Monty were to share her real name with anyone outside of her family, she would lose access to all her power.
At least that’s what she says. For all we know, she’s just trying to hide the fact her name is something embarrassing, like Schleppy, or Walpurgis. Place your bets now!
Straight Shooter
In addition to having awesome tracking powers, Monty is armed with a quiver of magic arrows. What makes them magical? Well for one, these bad boys never, ever miss. For two, the feathered shafts can sense when Monty is in danger, and they turn blue to warn her. And three, they can be set to either “paralyze” or “slay.”
But the best part? After her arrows hit their target, they fly back into her quiver safe and sound. Thank the gods. We all know that the worst part of hanging out with our archer friends is having to wait for them to run around the battlefield gathering their arrows.
One and Done
No, there’s only one way that Monty would ever lose sight of her arrows. If she doesn’t succeed in her quest, Monty must give up her name, her magic, and her arrows to the next hunter in line. That’s the way it’s always been in her family. For five generations, no Montero has ever succeeded in their first quest. All they ever got was one shot. Needless to say, Monty is determined to beat that record.
Also, all the Maya gods (and the world at large) would be at total risk if she fails in her quest and the Lords of Night are awakened. But obviously, that’s secondary.
Want to learn more about Monty and the Jaguar Warriors? Be sure to pick up The Lords of Night: A Shadow Bruja Novel, on sale now!