A Trip Southwest to Meet Rachael Barker by Mary Montague Sikes

Rachael Barker, the heroine of Eagle Rising
By Mary Montague Sikes

Rachael Barker, a photojournalist for a North Carolina newspaper, is the heroine of Eagle Rising, a novel by Mary Montague Sikes. Rachael was interviewed while sitting in a Sedona, Arizona restaurant that features a stained glass window of the prominent landmark, Bell Rock. For many months following the tragic death of her fiancé, Berg Henley, Rachael went through the motions of her life as a lost soul. Then the editor of her newspaper saw a chance to bring her out of her gloom and invited her to travel to Sedona where she was assigned to interview her favorite author.

Well, Rachael, I understand I’m turning the tables on you today since you’re the lady who usually asks the questions.

You’re right, and I feel a little self-conscious.

Are you having second thoughts about taking this assignment out here in the desert country?

Yes and no. For many years, I’ve been a fan of Arch Adamson and his books about Stone Knight. When my editor offered me the opportunity to come to Sedona and interview Mr. Adamson for our newspaper, I jumped at the chance. But, now I’m not sure I’ve made the right decision.

Why is that?

The first day of his week-long seminar, Arch Adamson began to behave strangely. He didn’t act at all like the smooth, charismatic author I expected to see. In fact, his behavior was so bizarre I began to have doubts about interviewing him.

Really?

Still I was mesmerized when he told me to look for a medicine wheel.

A medicine wheel? I’ve heard there are quite a few along the paths in the Red Rock Country around Sedona.

There are a few, but Arch Adamson wanted me to look for one specific medicine wheel—one with special meaning for me. Since Mr. Adamson is an expert on the energy vortexes for which Sedona is well-known, I have to respect any advice he has to offer about this area. For years, he has sponsored vortex retreats and he has written several books that explore scientific theories about the vortex energy.

I see. You do have mixed emotions about this man.

Yes, I do. Arch Adamson is a brilliant man. I don’t want to interview him and write anything that will jeopardize his career or his standing in the community. Look, please don’t quote me on this. I just want you to understand the reasons for my concerns.

Let’s switch to a different topic—one that I understand is painful for you. A few months ago, you lost your fiancé in a tragic accident.

Yes. I…I don’t like to talk about this. You see, I can’t help but blame myself for his death. I…I keep thinking I should have insisted he not fly that day. He didn’t need to fly in those dangerous air shows. He had a great job, flying with a major airline. But…that was Berg. Living on the edge was what made him the funny, charming guy I loved. I know that, but I still can’t let go. Please … please let’s talk about something else. Let’s talk about Sedona.

What is it about Sedona that makes people want to live here?

That’s an interesting question. I’ve met several couples who say they’ve been revitalized after climbing to the top of Bell Rock. Look, you can see it through the window. One couple I talked with while walking in Boynton Canyon was from New Jersey. They were grinning after their trek to the top and said they never dreamed they would make a climb like that. At Airport Mesa, I met a woman from British Columbia who had been camping in the area for three weeks and was heading up to see the Grand Canyon. (That’s only a couple of hours from here.) She told me she comes back to Sedona each year to be revitalized, but she doesn’t plan to move here because she would miss the ocean too much!

One of the reasons I enjoy Arch Adamson’s books is that he sets many of them in this area of the world. In fact, in his latest book he appears to be obsessed with Bell Rock. That’s one of the things that have made me a little uneasy about him. In fact, I’ve spoken with my new friend, Derek Ryder, about my concerns.

Derek Ryder? Is there a new man in your life?

No. He’s just someone I’ve met at the conference. He’s helped me out, but he has his own problems … Besides, I’ll never forget Berg …

Thank you for talking with me, but I have to go back to the conference. Maybe this afternoon, I’ll get my interview with Arch Adamson.

Thank you, and good luck!

Eagle Rising by Mary Montague Sikes is available directly from the publisher, at www.oaktreebooks.com, www.amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or your independent book store.

Author’s note: Rachael Barker entered my world of characters a few years ago after our first visit to Sedona, Arizona. I was so entranced by the glorious Red Rock country that I knew I had to set one of my books there. Then I began to think about the tragic loss of a close friend in the crash of a small airplane and the effect that loss had on his family and all those left behind. Rachael and this book are a tribute to him.

Eagle Rising is dedicated, “To those who fly high and dream.”