Weak in Body, Strong in Mind and Spirit

We were soon at the end of the conveyance trail and everyone withdrew from the conveyance. Puyallup, Ouragan, and I scooped up our Little People and ran back to the Five Brothers. Gilyuk saw us and signaled us to pass, knowing no Little People could possibly follow at our brisk pace.

We arrived at the long house and placed our Little People on the ground. All except Caesar who insisted that Ouragan pick him up again, which pleased them both.

“Hi!” said Ady, approaching.

“Hi kiddo,” said Kimberly. “Have you seen Okie?”

“Yes, I have,” said Ady.

“Well where?” laughed Kimberly.

“He’s visiting with the Elders,” she answered.

“Quickly,” said Pamela, running off as we all followed.

We were soon in the crowd with the others at the Circle. Windago saw the look of alarm on Pamela’s face and motioned for her to approach.

“What is it, Pamela? Something is distressing you?” he projected.

“Yes, I have terrible news for everyone, especially Okie,” said Pamela.

Everyone looked concerned, but Okie looked at Pamela with a stunned look.

“Okie, I spoke to one of David’s friends, a fellow author and expert on Sas... Forest People, and Skunk Apes,” she began. “He says that Skunk Apes are moving north and encroaching on the lands of the People of the Forest.”

“We know of this. But the Earth Mother provides for all,” said Okie. “We will simply move on.”

“No, that’s not all the news,” she continued. “He’s seen signs of terrible battles.”

Okie seemed shocked and squatted down on his haunches.

“How can this be?” he asked. “We’ve never battled before.”

“I don’t know,” said Pamela. “Exactly what are Skunk Apes?”

“Skunk Apes are closely related to us Forest People,” said Okie sullenly, “but extremely violent and cruel animals. It has been said that they will even fight among themselves, and kill one another.”

The Elders and the crowd muttered in awe.

“This can’t be,” finally said an Elder. “Pamela, are you sure?”

“Well, that’s what Scott Marlowe said, and he is very wise,” said Pamela.

Okie was obviously distressed.

“I need to return,” he said gloomily.

“I will take you,” said Pamela.

“That will take much time,” said Okie. “I wish there was a faster way.”

No one said anything for a few moments. Finally, Aurora stood.

“There is,” said Aurora.

All eyes fell upon her.

“Sprites,” stated Aurora.

“What?” asked Windago. “The strange lights in the sky we sometimes see?”

“Yes,” she answered.

“How...”

“Sprites are not of this world . They are spirit beings that make their home here. They possess great powers not understood by the People of the Forest.”

“But how...”

Aurora placed raised her arms over her head and placed her hands together. She closed her eyes and was quiet. Nothing happened for a time, but then a bright light descended from the sky. It slowly lowered itself to the center of the Elders and hovered.

“We need your assistance,” said Aurora.

“What is it you need?” asked the Sprite.

“We need to be transported a great distance. I wouldn’t ask otherwise, but it is extremely important,” she answered.

The Sprite spun in a circle and shot up and out of sight. Aurora sat down. All eyes were fixed on her.

“I don’t understand what just happened,” said Windago as the others sat in stunned silence.

“Wait,” said Aurora.

Within a very short time, the Sprite returned. It was joined by hundreds of other brightly colored Sprites who all hovered within the Circle of Elders.

“Pamela, focus on where we need to go,” said Aurora.

Pamela concentrated.

“Focus harder, Pamela,” said Aurora.

Pamela closed her eyes and concentrated. Florida. Eureka. Florida...

One by one, the Elders vanished. And then the audience, one by one. And then Pamela, David, Kimberly, Megan, Bishr, and even Caesar. Soon, no one remained at the Five Brothers. Not even the Goats or the Beasts or the Baddogs.