PHOENIX OM

Chapter 1…

It was yet to be known to Phoenix Om that when she was born into the last generation, that she would have her work cut out for her.  The world loomed large like the forest in a fish-eye lens, so Phoenix fastened her buckskin belt and walked in.  Her world was one that synthesized like the clouds, rolled like the waves, spoke like the trees and sang like the wind.  Her mother believed her to be the reincarnation of peace and Phoenix soon found out what that meant. 

It was not until she had met Oxeye that she truly understood what her path was about.  In fact, it wasn’t until she had walked into the Great Forest where he lived did she see that life could mean so much more than she first believed.  But I am getting ahead of myself, let’s start almost at the beginning.

Phoenix was exiting the root cellar with her arms filled with a batch of juicy red tomatoes when she hit her head on the wooden doorjamb.  As she stepped back startled, her arms released her bundle of ripe tomatoes, which tumbled down the cold cellar steps into corners unknown.  “Oh no, what have I done?” she whispered to herself in disbelief.   She carefully wiped off the tomato stains on her white summer dress, which made light red streaks across the thin material.  The tomatoes were bruised and some badly damaged, but she slowly piled them against her chest once again, and made her way across the bright green meadow to her home where her mother awaited her. 

The wooden door to the small dimly lit kitchen made little noise as Phoenix entered with her bundle.  She heard her mother gathering spices in the pantry, so Phoenix quietly placed the tomatoes into a large wooden bowl and, with a wooden spoon, mashed them into a juicy crimson sauce.  Her mother, Forest, entered with a freshly ground blend of aromatic herbs and emptied them into the tomato mixture, and then drizzled pure flax oil from a ceramic jar on top as if applying icing to a cake.  “What’s today’s blend?” asked Phoenix as she combined the earthly elements.  “We have here a fragrant array of lemon basil, roasted garlic, dill and chives,” her mother responded, pouring them each a tall jar of wild ginger and thimbleberry tea.  “Mmmm, smells delicious,” Phoenix said, her brown locks dancing about as she continued mixing the brew that now bubbled like red hot lava.   “I see you have been doing some tomato painting on your summer dress,” her mother said kindly, stroking the embers of the wood stove so the sauce wouldn’t burn.  Forest knelt on the cool earthen floor and watched as the embers seemed to go out, and then suddenly would light up again, yellow, orange and red.  They were like dragon scales, shimmering and magical. “I bumped my forehead on the door frame and let the tomatoes fall,” confessed Phoenix.  “That's okay honey, why don’t you go out and play, get a little more dirty and then I will have supper ready,” suggested Forest, retying her apron, which had come loose.  Phoenix handed the mixing spoon to her mother and leaped to the door and was outside in an instant, her bare feet skipping through the warm sunlit grass. 

The blue sky was splashed with white clouds, as thin as the first brush stokes of a painting.  A bee buzzed, unseen birds chirped to each other, the leaves of the trees were silent except for the aspens, whose leaves were always waving like small green kites.  She reached her favorite tree, a large strong red cedar that had an essence of maternal warmth, her thick branches like arms caressing, which is why Phoenix had chosen to hang her swing there.  She had tied two long hemp ropes from one of the branches and tied them to a flat piece of wood she had found in the firewood shed that fit her perfectly. 

Phoenix’s favorite pastime was letting her mind go free as she swung from the tree, the cool breeze wiping all thought into oblivion.   She jumped on and was soon pumping her small thin legs until she could see over the top of the treetops and beyond.  As Phoenix went higher, the sun went lower, disappearing behind the mountain of lush green trees, leaving behind fiery orange fingerprints. 

Just as Phoenix was about to jump off, she saw something she had never seen before, a large black plume of smoke rising from far beyond Willow’s farm, which was a good long horse ride from Phoenix’s home.  It was the color of the smoke that worried Phoenix.  She had never seen such a thick black smoke before; it looked like a bruise on the horizon.  Suddenly an explosion of water came from the same distant spot, and the thick black cloud slowly dispersed into purplish black shadows. Phoenix flew off her swing and in a few small leaps had reached her mother, breathless.  “You must be hungry!” exclaimed Forest, dividing the now heavenly smelling pasta into two beautifully carved cedar bowls.  “I just saw something really strange,” gasped Phoenix, “A huge black cloud of smoke coming from the North Mountain, beyond Willow’s home, it looked like nothing I have seen before.  Then water shot out and put it out, I think we’d better tell Hail about it, it looked really serious.” Phoenix clamored, hardly taking a breath.   Forest stared at Phoenix in disbelief, her face, despite the warmth of the wood stove, had turned a sickly white as she gripped the table, as if the floor had shifted beneath her. 

“Um, that is strange Phoenix.  I’m sure it is nothing.  Maybe, um, maybe something caught on fire by accident and then they put it out.  I’m sure it is nothing.  You said they doused it with water so obviously whoever did it caught it in time.  Don’t worry about it.  Let’s have dinner, and then I will take a stroll to Hail’s and just let him know what you saw.  How does that sound?” her mother stammered.  “Okay, I guess you’re right.  As long as you let him know because I have never seen that kind of smoke before, not even when Harvest Moon’s house went up in flames last summer,” Phoenix said, digging into her dinner, satisfied that her mother had taken her seriously, and famished from what seemed like the longest afternoon ever.        

Phoenix noticed that her mother had only taken a few bites from her bowl and appeared agitated, but before she could say anything her mother quickly cleared the dishes and announced that she was going to Hail’s, to tell him about the smoke.  Phoenix kissed her mother goodbye, and with a big yawn headed towards bed, with the mysterious sighting still vivid in her mind. 

Chapter 2…

“So what did Hail say?” Phoenix inquired the next morning over a breakfast of thimbleberry pancakes and sheep’s milk.  “He said not to worry, that it wasn’t anything serious,” replied Forest as she scooped some more honey into her chamomile tea.  “I have other things to think about today, like getting some more honey from Harvest Moon’s beehive.” 

Phoenix grimaced, “Is it okay if I stay home, I am almost finished weaving my flower basket, and I need to pick some more chamomile and mint, we’re almost out.”  Forest smiled, “That means lunch is on you, I’ll be back by noon, and my stomach will be growling.”  Phoenix readily agreed since she loved cooking anyways, and the parsley was perfect for picking, which was a favorite ingredient of hers. 

“I’ll even wash the breakfast dishes so you can get an early start,” she offered as she swallowed the last bite and bounced off to the ceramic tub where they washed the dishes and took baths themselves.  The hand pump was made from red cedar and Phoenix pumped some water into the tub, humming to herself as the warm water spilled over her small hands.  Her mother had hooked up the well water into a large stone cistern outside, which was warmed by the sun and then pumped into the house with the help of the hand pump.  The cycle was complete when the tub water was drained into a gravel bed, which emptied into a pond and then was fed to their vegetable gardens as well.  Phoenix loved lying on her stomach by the reeds where she would observe all the magical insects, and listen to the different tones of croaking frogs and watch the stillness of the turtles as they lay on the smooth cool rocks of the pond.

By the time her mother left for Harvest Moon’s, Phoenix had finished the dishes and was heading out to the herb garden to pick some herbs for drying and storing for future use.  She had also washed her stained white sundress, which she wore once again since the sunshine was out in all its warmth once again, and barefoot, she commenced her project.  As she spoke to the fairies, whom she felt all around her, and filled her basket with parsley, chamomile, mint and thyme, Phoenix thought about what to make for lunch, when she suddenly had a craving for parsley pesto on freshly toasted bread.  She had more than enough parsley and fresh tomatoes to layer on top and flax oil that they had cultivated last year to drizzle with.

All she was missing was flour to make the bread with, but she remembered that her friend Fairytail had said her mother could unload some flour she had ground up recently.  Convinced of her plan, she set the herbs to dry, put on her old shoddy straw hat that Hail had made for her years ago, and walked to Fairytail’s house a few fields away. 

When she arrived, she spotted Fairytail’s long red curly hair behind their compost bin.  “Hi Fairytail,” chimed Phoenix, always excited to see her best friend.  Fairytail jumped in surprise, spilling the kitchen scraps she had been carrying in a bucket.  “Whoops! You scared me Phoenix,” she said, grabbing a shovel to scoop the scraps into the compost bin.  “Sorry, I’ll help you with that,” offered Phoenix, layering some grass and leaves onto the pile with the pitchfork. 

“I’m glad you came, I need to tell you something, but we have to be alone,” whispered Fairytail, just as her mother, Leafie, came out from the thimbleberry bushes with a bucket full of small red berries.  “Hello Phoenix Om, what a nice surprise, we were just going to make some thimbleberry jam, would you like to join us?” Leafie asked kindly.  “Thank you Leafie, but I have to make lunch today and I was wondering if you had any flour I could use?” Phoenix asked, as Fairytail was making erratic gestures behind her mother, which Phoenix interpreted as “meet me in the kitchen.”  Of course you can, I have some in a large jar by the wood stove, take what you need,” answered Leafie, heading back into the bushes. 

By the time Phoenix got to the kitchen, Fairytail was so wired up that her curly hair was standing on end.  “I’ve got something important to tell you, but I don’t have enough time right now since my mother’s coming in soon.  How about if we meet at your house after lunch?” she asked excitedly.  “Sounds like a plan,” replied Phoenix who couldn’t say no when Fairytail got excited like that.  Fairytail gave her a hug, and then bounced off to help her mother sort the berries.

By the time Phoenix got home, the sun was making its way across the sky, so she had to forgo her basket weaving and get started on lunch so that it would be ready in time for her mother.  Forest arrived home with a bucket of fresh honey just as Phoenix was adding the last touches of fresh tomatoes to the toasted flatbread that was smothered in pesto.  They used the fresh honey to sweeten their chamomile tea, and ate their lunch outside, savoring each bite as they watched the soft white clouds drift slowly by. 

When Fairytail showed up, Phoenix told her mother that they were going to the tree house to play, and off they went together at a skipping run to one of their favorite hangouts.  The tree house sat on a huge beautiful oak tree, three of its thick arms serving as the foundation for an organic shaped house, carefully crafted by Phoenix, Fairytail, Hail and their parents.  Using willow branches, they wove a medium-sized whimsical shaped shelter with a teepee-like roof, and a hemp rope ladder used for entering and exiting. 

It stood at the edge of Phoenix’s property by a creek and was surrounded by fellow oak trees, and a host of sparrows, stellar jays, woodpeckers, chipmunks, tree frogs and a host of other animal and insect friends, which kept Phoenix and her mother company during their daily meditations there.  It also served as a hangout for Phoenix and her friends, since her home was too small to accommodate the high energy that ensued during these visits. 

Fairytail ran to the tree house at break-neck speed, and was out of breath when they reached the ladder.  As they scrambled onto the meditation cushions, which were much more comfortable than chairs, Fairytail was about to burst with her news.  “Thanks for letting me come Phoenix,” she began, “You probably won’t believe this, but it’s true.  My dad was asked to help Hail with something yesterday and it sounded urgent, so he left, saying it was just tree work or something.  Well, he came back this morning, looking really exhausted and he hadn’t eaten.  He told me to help unload some vegetables while he and my mother remained in the kitchen. Of course I pretended to go, but instead I peaked through the kitchen window and although I couldn’t hear what they were saying, my dad pulled out this black container that looked really old and dirty and it was half melted, nothing I have ever seen before, and it had this black substance dripping slowly out of it.  Their expressions were of great shock and my mother looked really worried.  I had to leave my post because my dad looked up and I just escaped in time.  Something strange is definitely going on,” she finished as Phoenix was sitting in total shock, her mouth having dropped open. 

Fairytail often had some wild thoughts, like last month when her dad brought home a bucket full of seeds that he had gotten from a friend, she swore that she had seen a fancy knife hiding in the basket covered in blood, or something dark, she couldn’t tell.  She always had some scheme brewing and she always thought her dreams told of the future in cryptic ways.  However, this story wasn’t so funny since it seemed to fit with the black smoke that Phoenix had seen. 

Phoenix told Fairytail her story and how Hail still hadn’t come back, and her mother was apparently hoping she would forget about the whole thing.  “Wow, this is all very interesting.  I think we need to play some hide and seek these next few days, get as much information as we can and then go from there.  Let’s meet again on the full moon and compare our observations,” announced Fairytail.  Phoenix was a bit unsure of the spying part, but she had to agree that the events were very mysterious, so she accepted the challenge.  Fairytail leaped up, and headed home in excitement, and Phoenix proceeded slowly to her home, deep in concentration. 

Chapter 3…

The next few days were uneventful for Phoenix, which she didn’t mind at all since she always had something creative and practical to busy herself with, and she wasn’t too keen on spying either.  The only news was that Hail had yet to come back.  However, after morning meditation, she heard the all too familiar jingle of bells Hail had attached to the neck of his horse, Thunder, like a necklace. 

After Phoenix took a warm bath in her outdoor ceramic tub, which she had adorned with calendula and chamomile flowers, she was feeling much more balanced and relaxed, and hopped towards her house in her second favorite sundress that was dyed a deep orange.

“Hi Phoenix, you’re glowing today, had a good morning?” Hail asked warmly as Phoenix walked into the kitchen, surprised to see Hail sitting at the table with her mother, looking like he had just taken a bath out of a hose, and hadn’t yet dried entirely.  “Um, yes, I had a really nice morning, how was your trip?” she said trying to sound casual, but Fairytail’s voice was in her head to “get information,” and she now found herself tongue-tied.   “Oh, just some trees caught on fire from the dry spell that hit Gaia the past week, so luckily I could help the Longfellows out.  But I should go now, I’ve got a skillet of onions caramelizing at home.”  And with that he grabbed his straw hat and hugged Phoenix and Forest goodbye. 

Her mother acted suspicious the whole day, always seeming to be busy doing something so that she was hardly in the same place as Phoenix the entire day.  After dinner, her mother excused herself saying that she had forgotten to return something to Hail and that she would only be gone a short time.

Phoenix could no longer ignore all the strange behavior, so when she saw her mother round the corner of rosebushes that led to Hail’s place, Phoenix nervously slipped on her sandals, tied her shawl around her shoulders and followed her mother.  The night had turned brisk and Phoenix was glad to finally arrive at Hail’s home where she quietly squeezed herself between the branches of a white birch and peaked into his kitchen window.  She knew that spying was very unlike her, but things had never been so suspicious before, and she owed Fairytail some sort of information. 

What she didn’t expect was what she saw before her.  There was a rapid conversation going on between her mother and Hail, Hail looking very intense and her mother with a worried expression on her face.  Hail then drew out a map and was pointing to a location that Phoenix couldn’t see.  Her mother was shaking her head and Phoenix had never seen her so distressed.  Phoenix was getting nervous, and feared getting caught, but as she was about to leave her crawlspace, she caught something at the corner of her eye.  Hail was opening a drawer where he pulled out a knife that had a handle that was carved with what looked like a raven and handed it to her mother.  The last thing she saw was her mother’s eyes welling up with tears, before she squeezed herself out from her hiding place and sprinted home. 

She quickly got her nightdress on, jumped into her bed and wrapped herself in her covers, feigning sleep in case her mother arrived; however, she knew it was going to be a sleepless night as there was so much to think about.  The image of the carving on the knife kept resurfacing and the more it resurfaced, the more she was certain it had been a raven. 

Although she knew very little of her father since he died in a forest fire when she was just about to be born, she knew his name had been Raven and that he had been best friends with Hail, both of them members of the Longfellows who were called upon in any emergency.  Her mother used to tell her that when she saw a raven and there were always a few of them nesting in Gaia, they were looking over her in her father’s spirit. 

Was the knife that Hail gave her mother, her father’s knife?  Why would he give it to her now, and what was on that map?  The answers to these questions were left unanswered as Phoenix drifted off into a fitful sleep. 

Chapter 4…

The next morning was market day, and both Phoenix and Forest looked pale and groggy as they packed their wooden crates filled with herbs, vegetables, tinctures, woven baskets and various potted plants onto their small horse buggy, which their old mare, Lunar would pull to the market.  They were both so caught up in their thoughts that hardly a word was spoken as they hitched up Lunar and meandered down to the cedar grove where fellow Gaia neighbors were setting up their stalls to barter with one another. 

Phoenix had decided to wait until she spoke to Fairytail before taking any further action on the events that had transpired the night before.  She knew that if her mother had wanted Phoenix to know about Hail’s news she would have told her, so Phoenix would have to proceed secretly unless her mother divulged the contents herself.  When they finally got to their stall, Phoenix started to set up as her mother unloaded their products.  Before they had finished, Fairytail’s dad, Fox, showed up at their stall. 

“Hi Forest, hi Phoenix, hope the morning is going swell.  I have those seedlings you wanted Forest, why don’t you come over to our table, and I will tell you all about them,” Fox said, his bright burly red hair prancing about in the sunshine, sending off tones of auburn, blonde and scarlet as it moved.  “Oh, right, the seedlings, I will be right over.  Phoenix, would you look after the stall today, I have a few other people I have to visit as well,” Forest said, already putting on her shawl to leave.  “Um, okay, I guess so,” mumbled Phoenix as her mother departed.             

 Phoenix had planned on talking to Fairytail at the market, but now her mother had left her with the stall for the whole day, which was very unlike her.  She reluctantly tied on her apron and continued to organize the squash into baskets.  There was no time for sulking however, as the market became busy and Phoenix had to focus on exchanging her items for various things such as jams, flour, cooking oil and various nut butters. 

As she was bartering one of her baskets for some lavender oil, the sight of Fairytail coming towards her stall, interrupted her.  Phoenix quickly made the trade and beckoned Fairytail to hurry.  “I’m so glad to see you,” began Phoenix, “I have some news about our investigation.”  “That’s why I came over,” said Fairytail, a little out of breath. “My dad left me with the stall, saying he had errands to run, I only got out of it by complaining that I was hungry, and we’ve almost got everything we needed anyway,” she finished, taking some plums out of her pocket and offering one to Phoenix while she chomped away on the juicy fruit.  “Thanks,” Phoenix said accepting the plum, realizing that she was in fact very hungry, but had been too busy to notice. 

She found it odd that Fox had also left his stall, but she didn’t have time to ponder that at the moment, since she had to tell Fairytail her adventure from the night before.  When she had finished telling Fairytail about the knife and how she had escaped after that, Fairytail’s eyes were wide with amazement.  “Wow, this is definitely bigger than what I had imagined.  Our parents are keeping something pretty important from us, which is very unusual, which can only mean that there is danger involved.  They have never been so secretive, and your mother always shares everything with you,” Fairytail said, twirling her ringlets around her fingers, a habit she had when she was deep in thought.  “And your dad’s knife, what is that all about?  Why would Hail give it your mother now?  This is all very mysterious.”          

 Phoenix nodded in agreement, “I know, but I can’t ask my mother because she would have told me if she wanted me to know, but obviously she is trying to keep me safe from something that is going on.  But now that we know this much, we can’t just sit and do nothing about it,” expressed Phoenix in dismay.  “I’m glad you feel that way, I was worried that you might want to forget the whole thing, which I would have respected, but our parents don’t realize that we are mature enough to handle whatever is going on, so we must take matters into our own hands,” reaffirmed Fairytail, taking a bite out of another plum. 

“So, what do you propose?” asked Phoenix. “Well, The first thing that comes to mind and I’m not sure exactly how we are going to do it, but somehow we need to get a hold of that map that Hail and your mother were looking at.  It should be somewhat easy since you saw the cupboard that it’s in.  All we have to do is monitor Hail’s movements and then copy it when he has gone out,” advised Fairytail.  Phoenix’s stomach started to tighten.  She knew that if she agreed to do this it meant that she was taking on something that was likely to be dangerous, something she had never done before, but she also knew that if she didn’t go through with this she would drive herself crazy thinking about all the unexplained events the past week.      

“I’ll do it.  I’ll monitor Hail’s movements and then I’ll visit you when I am ready.”  “Great!” cried Fairytail.  “What’s so great?”  Forest asked, surprising the two girls as she popped into the stall.  “Oh, hi mother, you scared me.  We were just talking about getting together to weave some baskets,” Phoenix said, giving a sideways glance to Fairytail.  “Well, I’ll see you soon then Phoenix,” Fairytail chirped as she pranced back towards her stall.  “You two have been having a lot of fun together lately, it’s so good to see,” Forest said warmly as she slowly started to pack up their goods.     

“The coming of Fall always brings so much to do,” explained Phoenix as she loaded their baskets on the wagon, trying to push the thought of her and Fairytail’s plan out of her mind.  “You’re right, I’ve been so busy, I forgot we were only a week away from the Equinox.  Wow, that’s a bit frightening,” reflected Forest.  “I’m excited for the Fall, it means more creative projects to work on and yummy Fall food to look forward to, but I guess I’ll miss the warmth,” Phoenix said.  “Should we saddle up and go now?  I have a delicious soup coming up for you,” Forest said laughing, as she gently bade Lunar to take them home. 

After they had come home, eaten a bowl of pea soup, and the barter items had been stored in their respective new homes, Phoenix grabbed a handful of cherry tomatoes and slices of their homemade sheep cheese and headed outside to curl up on the hammock with her journal, which was a wad of parchment bound with hemp.  Phoenix’s journal was more of an idea book since she always had thoughts of new projects and fun creative ideas; however, they would often get lost if not written in her journal daily. 

This week she had a lot of thoughts to collect and reflect on, especially now that she had agreed to observe Hail’s movements and think of a plan of how to get her hands on his map.  With the Autumn Equinox coming however, her task might not be as difficult as she thought since Hail always helped the community with firewood collection and he had his own harvest to tend to.  As well, Hail and her mother had also volunteered their cooking talents with the Equinox thanksgiving meal, so they would be extra busy. 

With her renewed confidence, Phoenix lazily swung in the hammock, feeling the gentle sun rays warm up her skin.  Hibernation would have to wait, she thought to herself.

The next morning, the sun had barely glimpsed Sunflower Peak when she heard her mother calling for her to come to the door.  Phoenix quickly threw a dress on and ran into the kitchen, where she found her mother at the front door with Hail looking excited.  “I have an early Equinox gift for you Phoenix,” he said happily, “You just need to get your shoes on and come outside.”  Phoenix swiftly slipped on her hemp sandals and ran outside to see what this was all about. 

There were no words that could describe the moment Phoenix laid eyes on Hail’s surprise.  There stood Hail with his hands patting the mane of the most beautiful horse Phoenix had seen.  Phoenix was so speechless that Hail asked, “Well, do you like her?”  “Is, is she really for me?” said Phoenix as she slowly approached the horse.  “Yup, I thought it was time for you to have your own horse, and you have helped me out a lot this summer with all the weeding, composting and hay baling.  I wanted to show you my appreciation,” Hail explained shyly, not used to all the attention. 

Phoenix, still in disbelief, ran up to him and gave him a big hug, and then gently stroked her new horse and let it sniff her hand.  “Does she have a name?” she inquired.  “Well, I traded for her, so she has already been named and broken into, and is as gentle as ever.  I made sure of that.  Her name is Keewaydin.  Although she is gentle, she is also very tough and as fast as the North wind,” Hail said, giving the reigns to Phoenix, “She’s all yours.”  Phoenix walked the horse in a circle and gently stroked her mane. 

“Keewaydin, what a beautiful name.  I don’t remember ever seeing her around, where did you get her?”  Phoenix asked.  “From a very nice young man who needed a trade.  Now, I’ve got to go pick the plums off my plum tree before the bears beat me to it,” he said, and with that he waved goodbye and trotted back home.  “I’ll leave you two alone, you can come in for some breakfast when you’re ready,” Forest said, disappearing into the kitchen. 

A light breeze had picked up, making the trees whisper all around her.  The morning fog had just cleared up, leaving a crisp blue sky, harkening the new Fall season that was fast approaching.  Phoenix was in love.  Keewaydin had a warmth that Phoenix had never felt before, and when she looked into her deep brown eyes, there was a great wisdom about them.  Finally, Phoenix was ready to mount her, which she did with great ease.  She felt as though she was meant for this beautiful horse, and as she trotted amongst the whispering birch trees, whose leaves were being kissed by tinges of golden yellow, Phoenix Om felt as though great changes were ahead of her. 

Chapter 5…

Forest rarely saw her daughter the next few days, for Phoenix was enthralled by her new horse and was enjoying the last days of summer trotting by the creeks and riverside.  Every day after morning meditation and a small bite of breakfast, Phoenix would brush Keewaydin’s silky brown hair, change her bedding and then was off in a trot, showing Keewaydin her new home and its surroundings. 

Phoenix was so wrapped up in her new gift that she had forgotten about her and Fairytail’s mission.  However, as she was grooming Keewaydin after a long morning walk, Forest appeared and announced that she was taking Lunar for a small journey since her, Hail and Fox had to collect firewood and wild sage for the Autumn Equinox festival.  “How long will you be gone?” asked Phoenix, who on hearing the news, suddenly remembered her quest to retrieve Hail’s map.  “Don’t worry, I’ll only be gone for a couple of nights at the most, but I do need your help in harvesting some of the garlic, squash and onions.  And if you still have time, I need to start preparing the apples for cider, you can’t have a harvest festival without apple cider!” Forest said as she prepared Lunar for the trip. 

After hearing her new responsibilities, Phoenix wasn’t sure how she was going to manage all of this in two days, plus get the nerve to go into Hail’s cupboard.  She grimaced at the thought of it.  “Don’t worry, you will still be able to enjoy Keewaydin after the craziness of the festival is over.  I know how exciting it must be to have a new horse,” Forest said, misunderstanding Phoenix’s grimace.  Phoenix nodded absentmindedly, giving Keewaydin a pat on her back before leaving the stable, her mind swimming with thoughts.

Soon after, Forest was all packed to go, and giving her daughter a big hug, steered Lunar towards Hail’s home and was on her way, while Phoenix waved goodbye.  She decided to put off any thoughts about the mission, and instead, put her energies into pulling out garlic bulbs from the cool earth and hanging them in the shade to dry. 

Phoenix loved harvest time; it was a magical time, as the seeds that had been sown so long ago had now become delicious vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs.  Each garlic bulb brought out a sense of wonder within and she couldn’t help but get excited for the many delicious meals that were coming ahead.  Kale and potato soup, squash and wild yam soup, freshly baked garlic bread, and lots of fruit deserts.  The colors of harvest seemed so poetic as well: fiery tomato red, sun-kissed pumpkin orange, warm apricot yellow, and hundreds of more colors blessed the landscape of nature’s bounty that surrounded her, and made her feel that she lived in a magical wonderful place. 

As she was watching a stellar jay peck at some cornhusks, a voice from behind her made her jump in surprise.  “There you are Phoenix, I’ve been looking all over for you!” cried Fairytail who was wearing a bright yellow dress over bright orange pants, making her hair look even redder then usual.  She had a smaller girl with her, whose hair was a little darker shade of red and just a little less curly than Fairytail’s.  “Hi Fairytail, Hi Lyric, it’s nice to see you,” greeted Phoenix, motioning Fairytail’s cousin for a big hug.  “Hi Phoenix, Fairytail told me about the mystery we have to solve, it sounds exciting!” Lyric said, her cheeks rosy from excitement.             

 Phoenix gave Fairytail a questioning look, but Fairytail replied, “I thought we could use some reinforcement since I hadn’t heard from you, and well, I thought you might need some help, you know lookouts or something.”  “Right,” said Phoenix, “That bright outfit of yours will be pretty conspicuous at Hail’s cabin.”  Fairytail flushed, “I hadn’t thought of that.  I guess I will have to borrow something of yours.  Anyway, this is the perfect time to do it since my dad, your mother, and Hail have gone to collect supplies for the harvest festival.  It’s too perfect,” Fairytail said smiling.   

Phoenix reluctantly agreed, however, she wished she could just go back to picking squash and not have to think about breaking into Hail’s cabin.  “So what do you say?” Fairytail asked, her face filled with the spirit of adventure.  “Okay, but we better get you changed and make a plan of what we’re doing,” Phoenix said, wiping her soiled hands on her pants and leading the other two girls back to her bedroom.          

 Lyric could hardly contain her enthusiasm as they headed towards Hail’s.  Fairytail had changed into dark green pants and a brown dress, and Phoenix was carrying her hemp bag, which contained her journal and her reed pen, refilled with berry ink.  As soon as they arrived at his home Lyric went around to the back and crouched down behind a large group of giant sunflowers while Phoenix and Fairytail first knocked on the front door, and checking that there was no one around, they opened the door gently and scooted into the cabin, shutting the door behind them. 

Fairytail took her post at the kitchen window where she could watch the front in case anyone came, and Phoenix strode over to the large wooden cabinet where she had seen Hail put the map away.  Phoenix pulled at the drawer, which was heavy.  It didn’t budge, so Phoenix used both of her hands to tug at the handle.  Finally, with a lurch, the drawer fell open and in it, there were a number of large maps on yellowing pieces of parchment.  Phoenix had never seen anything like them; they seemed ancient, the words all written in calligraphy. 

As she was carefully lifting them out of the drawer for a better look, a small piece of paper fell out and landed at her feet.  She bent over to pick it up when she heard a loud banging from the back door.  “Abort, abort!” cried Lyric’s voice from outside.  “Do you have it?” yelled Fairytail, opening the door quickly for a fast getaway.  Phoenix swooped down picked up the piece of paper, rolled up the pieces of parchment since she didn’t have time to copy them and ran out the door with Fairytail. 

They saw Lyric hiding behind a trellis of grapevines and ran towards her.  “Hurry!” she beckoned.  Phoenix stuffed everything in her bag and the three girls made their way to a wooded area where they could hide without being seen, as it separated Hail’s land base from Phoenix’s.  “What happened?” Fairytail asked Lyric as she caught her breath. 

“Look,” Lyric replied pointing towards Hail’s home.  It was Sky who lived quite far, almost as far as Willow’s, near the edge of the Great Forest where West Mountain rose from a small valley.  He was dressed in his Longfellow gear made from buckskin, from deer that had been found dead or sick, his belt outfitted with a special long hand-carved knife for defense purposes and a large canteen for water.  He looked like he had ridden from quite a ways, his clothes soiled and his long straight hair stuck to his forehead with sweat.  After knocking on the front door repeatedly, he got back on his horse, looking extremely flustered and then seemed to be looking for tracks in the soil.  A few moments later he was back on his horse and slowly made his way towards the woods still looking down at the ground. 

“He looked pretty intense,” said Fairytail as the three of them made their way back to Phoenix’s home.  Phoenix nodded, her mind caught up in a thousand thoughts.  “Let’s pick some apples and go into the tree house where we will be safe from visitors,” proposed Phoenix.  “And then we will recount everything we know so far.”  The other two nodded and followed Phoenix’s lead. 

However, as they got to the willow arch, which marked the entrance to the Om’s land base, a familiar voice greeted them.  “Hello girls, I was hoping to find you here,” said Lyric’s mother, Spring “Unfortunately, I’ll have to take Lyric home, she must have forgotten to look at the sun, since it is quite past her lunch time.”  Lyric’s face fell as she begrudgingly said her goodbyes and followed her mother to their horse, who was waiting down the path for them. 

“Maybe it ‘s for the best, since I don’t know what we’ve gotten ourselves into,” said Phoenix when Lyric and her mother were out of sight.  “Don’t worry I didn’t give her many details, but she did save us from being seen at Hail’s and she is trustworthy,” replied Fairytail, skipping down the lane, snapping off some leftover grapes from the vine that hung from the trellis, and popping them into her mouth.  “You’re right,” agreed Phoenix, whose stomach started to growl with the call of lunchtime. 

By the time they were settled in the tree house Fairytail had collected an array of goodies to snack on.  A juicy red apple, a large ripe peach, the last of the snow peas, plums, and a handful of grape tomatoes graced her snack basket. 

“Okay, so let’s review what we know so far since the black smoke outside Willow’s land,” started Phoenix with reed pen in hand and her journal open on her lap.  Fairytail picked up the peach, and with a big bite, began.  “Well, there’s the incident of my dad showing my mother that melted thing with the leaking black liquid.  That was extremely strange, even for my dad who likes to find unusual things; it just didn’t look natural.”  Phoenix agreed.  “It must have come from somewhere, just like that black smoke.  And then there was the meeting between my mother and Hail, which brings us to those maps,” she said, carefully pulling them out from her bag.         

When she had laid them flat on the floor of the tree house, both Phoenix and Fairytail gasped at what they saw.  The larger part of the map was the loose boundaries of Gaia itself, which Fairytail and Phoenix were well acquainted with.  It was what was North of Gaia that made them gasp.  Outlined in faint ink were two areas the girls had never heard of before.  The small area Northwest was marked Nopoming and the area Northeast was marked The Great Barrens, and underneath, in brackets (Wapaho). 

“I’ve never heard of these places before.  My mother said it was just the Great Forest that extended outwards from Gaia and beyond, with the Great Waters that feed our rivers,” Phoenix whispered, thinking out loud.  Fairytail nodded.  “That’s exactly what my mother and dad told me.  Those maps look pretty old though, it could mean anything,” she added, popping a couple of grape tomatoes in her mouth.  “I suppose so, let’s look at another one, while I copy them into my journal,” Phoenix said as she lifted the second of the three maps and placed it on the floor. 

“This one looks like a Longfellow map,” Fairytail said examining the contents.  It was a map of Gaia and the surrounding Great Forest; however there was a number of X’s surrounding the community and the forest.  “Your dad used to be a Longfellow, right Fairytail?” Phoenix asked, taking the first bite out of her apple.  “Yup, he was stationed about here I guess,” she said pointing to the area at the base of the Western Mountain.  “That’s how he learned to mountain climb.”              

Phoenix frowned, “I never really thought about why we have Longfellows.  I mean, I know they make sure the forest fires don’t reach us, and they provide the community with wood and the skins of dead or hurt animals they can’t help, but do you think they might know about those two areas we’ve never heard of?”  “I don’t know about that Phoenix, my dad has never mentioned anything like that before, and he talks a lot,” Fairytail answered.

“Let’s look at the last map.”  Phoenix brought out the third map.  “Look, this one shows a trail from Gaia to Nopoming!” exclaimed Phoenix.  “Wow, maybe it does still exist, I wonder what’s there,” mused Fairytail as her eyes traced the path, which led from the Western Mountain, around a large lake and into the boundary of the area called Nopoming.  “Your dad must know about this, but it must be secret, I wonder why?” said Phoenix. 

Just as Phoenix was finishing copying the maps into her journal, the sound of a horse came from outside.  The girls nearly jumped out of their skin.  Phoenix quickly rolled up the maps and stuck them into her bag as Fairytail tripped over her basket as she scrambled to the entrance of the tree house to see who it was. 

“Wow, whose horse is that, she’s beautiful,” she said poking her head out the door.  Phoenix looked over her shoulder, “Oh Keewaydin, it’s only you,” she said with relief as she nimbly descended the rope ladder.  “I forgot to tell you because of all the excitement.  Hail gave her to me as a thanksgiving gift,” Phoenix said, stroking Keewaydin’s smooth dark mane.  “Wow, you are so lucky.  How exciting, your own horse!  She’s gorgeous, I’ve never seen her before,” Fairytail said, offering the horse an apple from her basket. 

“That reminds me,” Phoenix said, “Hail had said he traded for it, but he didn’t say much more than that.”  “Well, there are a lot of horses in this valley, I’m sure we haven’t seen all of them,” Fairytail replied looking up at the sun.  “Speaking of horses, you want to give me a ride home?  I’m already late for dinner, and we have done a lot of detective work today, my brain is exhausted.”  Phoenix couldn’t help but laugh, “You are always thinking about food.  You’re right though, it is getting late and I haven’t even started making the apple cider for the festival.” 

With that, both girls mounted Keewaydin and with a gentle pat on her neck, they were off.  By the time Phoenix dropped Fairytail off and was making her way back to her home, the sun had sunk into the mountains, leaving only a pink glow that seemed to illuminate the scattered white clouds that looked as though they were sleeping.  Phoenix took a deep breath of air, which smelled of cedar and pine, and reflected upon all that she and Fairytail had talked about. 

Taking the maps suddenly seemed like a very serious thing and she wanted to get rid of them, so with that intuitive feeling, she steered Keewaydin towards Hail’s cabin, which lay in the darkness of the trees.  She couldn’t help but feel that maybe there were a lot of things she didn’t know about, that the older members of the community were keeping secret, that her mother was hiding from her. 

For some reason she couldn’t get Nopoming out of her head, she felt it was her destiny to go there.  How could she ignore the route drawn out on the map, especially since it was the only clue to go on right now.  How could she have never heard of it or the Great Barrens or of Wapaho before?  Hail and her mother obviously knew of them, Hail had shown her mother one of the maps that night, yet for some mysterious reason they had kept it from the kids in the valley. 

Phoenix shivered, the waxing moon was peaking out from a dark ominous cloud that had rolled in, and she was soon approaching the wooded area adjacent to Hail’s land base.  Phoenix once again felt uncomfortable with the rolled up maps in her bag, like they contained some forbidden secret she wasn’t supposed to know.  After securing Keewaydin to a large spruce, she crept in the darkness, with only the light of the moon to guide her, and quickly pushed open Hail’s front door.  The kitchen smelled of dry wood and burnt sage and Phoenix stumbled around to find matches and a candle, which she found at the center of his large wooden kitchen table.  The darkness, which usually gave Phoenix comfort, now felt foreboding, so she quickly tugged at the drawer with all her might and whipped out the maps to restore to their original home. 

Like magic, the piece of paper, which she had initially flung out of the drawer and had been completely forgotten about, now came flying out of the maps once again.  After stuffing the maps into the drawer, she picked up the piece of paper and looked to see what it was.  To her surprise, her own eyes were staring back at her, yet they belonged to an older man with the same dark brown hair and pronounced cheekbones as hers.   The portrait was so well done; he seemed almost real, as if he could speak at any moment.  He was wearing a Longfellow buckskin jacket and was holding some type of long-handled ax, but with a dark stone at its head.  The portrait looked as if it could have been ten years old, about the time her father had died.

Phoenix heard snorting noises coming from Keewaydin outside, and knowing it would be foolish to stay too long, decided to take the picture with her since she doubted that Hail even knew it had been wedged in his dusty drawer.  By the time she reached home and had put Keewaydin in his stall, Phoenix was exhausted.  All she had time to do was eat a piece of bread with honey and a glass of sheep’s milk before her head hit her pillow, heavy with thoughts and dreams of adventures still to come.

Chapter 6…

The next morning, Phoenix woke with a great hunger, and after scarfing down a breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, thanks to her chickens, Sunshine, Peck and Scratch, she skipped to the tree house to do her morning meditation and yoga practice.  Phoenix could hear a lot of movement outside as the Gaia community prepared not only their own harvest, but also the activities and items needed for the festival, which was only five days away.  She could hear the horses pulling carts filled with supplies, people shouting with excited voices and giving friendly greetings to each other, the clink of stone meeting wood as someone axed logs in the distance and even the sound of a drumming circle, drumming to a hypnotic rhythm.   

 Despite all of the many thoughts and questions from the night before, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the Equinox, it was a favorite of hers; the food was plentiful and delicious, just having been harvested; the weather was always sunny and just warm enough; the music was magical and all of Gaia came out to celebrate with each other.  She also always felt reflective at this time of year, and these reflections would cause her to desire a change in her life; whether it be learning something new, removing something from her daily habits, going on an adventure, or taking a trip somewhere, Phoenix was always appreciative of the change. 

After her yoga practice, she busied herself with the projects her mother had given her, and when darkness began to rest its shadow upon the garden, Phoenix had proudly finished all of her duties and was able to snuggle in bed after a busy but beautiful day.  She was so tired that she slept in past her usual sun time, waking up to the sound of her mother bustling around the kitchen. 

“There you are pumpkin!” Forest exclaimed, giving her a daughter a big hug, “Wow, I can tell you were busy last night, the stove stills feel warm.”  “How did the scavenging go?” asked Phoenix as she poured herself a cup of chamomile tea.  “Oh, the scavenging, it went fine.  Can you believe the festival is coming up soon; I have so much to do.  Since you’ve been working so hard, why don’t you go out with Keewaydin, I’m sure she needs a good run, and maybe gather some mushrooms if you see any,” Forest said as she busily went about her many errands of the day. There were the sheep to milk, pumpkin pies to bake, squash soup to cook and garlic to be braided and stored, among other things.

Phoenix was all too happy to take Keewaydin on a stroll, but she did promise to help when she got back.  Phoenix’s was thrilled to get out and feel the cool breeze on her face and clear her mind.  Riding Keewaydin gave her a sense of freedom that she had never felt before; it was even better than swinging from the willow tree. 

As soon as she mounted Keewaydin she felt at ease, however, thoughts of her father slowly crept into her consciousness and she decided to let herself listen to them for a moment.  The portrait of her father in a way was still haunting her ever since she laid eyes on it, but at the same time she wanted to know everything about this man that was her father, that she didn’t know much about. 

How she would go about finding these answers was the real problem, a problem she didn’t think she could solve.  Her mother didn’t talk about him much, only that he had died in a forest fire, protecting Gaia from being burnt down.  That was all Phoenix knew about him; the story about how he died, she knew nothing of his life.  However, she also didn’t want to ask her mother, for it must have been horrific, since Phoenix was about to be born, and then he died only days before the birth. 

Phoenix took a deep breath, returning to the present, to the brisk air, to the different shades of green that carpeted the mountains, and to the soft welcoming breeze that she felt against her skin.  To take her mind off of things, she began to look for mushrooms and headed towards the forest behind Hail’s orchard, where the moist forest ground would house a lot more choice ones.  When she reached the edge of the forest, she came upon the beaten path that Hail, her mother and Fox must have taken, since the broken twigs of the brush were still fresh. 

She absentmindedly started to track the hoof prints, paying attention to the grooves of the horses hooves, the length of the stride and the distance that was between each horse.  However, she suddenly saw a pattern of dots that also ran along with them.  She became curious and getting off Keewaydin, she bent down to the forest floor to inspect a drop that had kept fresh from the moistness of the ground.  She dipped her finger in it and inspected a pale red watery substance.  It was definitely blood, there was no question; blood from whom?  Her mother seemed all right and Lunar was his self.  Who could have been bleeding and why, and from what? 

Suddenly she heard the sound of Hail’s wheelbarrow coming from the orchard so she quickly veered Keewaydin to the left, away from the beaten path that seemed to continue a ways and then veer to the right.  Perhaps to the base of the mountain where the path to Nopoming began?  Phoenix was so distracted she nearly ran into a large cedar.  She ended up with only two oyster mushrooms, and an early end to her horse ride, as she brought Keewaydin back to her stall, and then ran into the tree house to write her findings down. 

When she opened her journal, the picture of her father fell out.  As she picked it up, she noticed for the first time that there were small words written lightly at the back.  She looked closer, and saw the words: “Here’s to the Earth Warriors.”  “The Earth Warriors?” Phoenix said aloud in surprise.  She had never heard of them before.  This was all too overwhelming for her to process, especially with everything else that had happened recently. 

Her mind was overflowing with confusion.  She knew she had to do something, but what?  Why had no one told her about this?  What was the big secret?  Phoenix had to take a few slow deep breaths to bring herself back to a mindful presence. The only thing to do was to follow the track of blood, and it had to be done fast, before the tracks disappeared.  Her best option was to escape during the Equinox festival; she hated to admit it though, but it would be the only time that everyone would be preoccupied and away from the Western Mountain where she was headed, and the only time she could escape unnoticed. 

With her new resolve, she decided to clear her head until the time appointed, so as not to appear suspicious, and to save herself from losing her mind.  She packed her journal into her bag, which had the map information copied into it as well as the portrait of her father, just in case her mother searched the tree house, and a few other items of travel, and stored her bag in a corner where it would be ready to take with her on the day of the festival. 

It took some courage to face her mother with a smile, but she was lucky that there were a lot of things that still needed to be done, since she needed to keep her mind busy.  This continued for the next few days.  Phoenix picked apples for the bobbing for apples event; made lavender crowns for the females to wear; bottled the apple cider and plum wine; and crafted dream catchers out of willow branches, twine and eagle feathers. 

She even managed to fashion an outfit for herself, which she simply did by drying an old buckskin dress with Saskatoon berry dye, then stringing various bird feathers (even some from Sunshine, Peck and Scratch) and dried flower heads around the dress, and finally weaving a fancy floral crown with colors that matched her dress.  Forest was so taken by her daughter’s outfit, she wanted one of her own, but by that time it was the eve of the festival, and both Phoenix and her mother were exhausted.  They celebrated that night with some plum wine and apple pie; and Phoenix went to bed that evening with a thumping heart, knowing what was lying ahead of her the next day.

Chapter 7…

The sound of rain woke up the community of Gaia the next day on the morning of the Equinox, something Phoenix had feared, since the tracks that she was to follow would be extra difficult to see.  Her mother wasn’t smiling either when Phoenix dragged herself into the kitchen; still sore from all the work she had done the day before.           

“I have some bad news,” began Forest, “I just came from the stable and Raincloud doesn’t seem herself, I think she might be sick.”  Raincloud was one of Phoenix’s sheep who hadn’t given much milk lately, yet Phoenix hadn’t thought much of it.  Hearing the news, Phoenix put on her floppy hemp hat and ran outside, ignoring the rain that had picked up.  Having confirmed her mother’s words, she ran back to the kitchen, where her mother was looking frazzled. 

“I still have to bring the supplies to the festival site, but I won’t be able to bring Raincloud to Willow as well.  Do you feel confident enough to do that with Keewaydin and the new cart?” Forest asked wringing her hands in worry.  Willow’s was far away, but she was the one they always went to for serious ailments, as her knowledge of medicinal plants and remedies was unmatched in the community.     Phoenix reluctantly agreed, as this would seriously hinder her escape plan, since the time to get to Willow’s and back was quite long and she needed all the time she could get to successfully complete her mission. However, at the same time, Raincloud meant the world to her and she had no choice but to help her.  So Phoenix headed to the stable to prepare Keewaydin for the journey.  She loaded Raincloud onto a bed of straw that she had piled in the cart, and then attached it to Keewaydin’s harness.            

When Phoenix tried to get Keewaydin to pull the cart however, she wouldn’t budge.  Phoenix tried again with no progress, so Phoenix had to give her a hard kick, and finally Keewaydin started to walk, although in a very stilted manner.  Phoenix didn’t feel good about this as it was a long ride and Keewaydin had never been trained to pull a cart before.  Phoenix apologized to Keewaydin, for there were no other horses she could take since everyone was getting ready for the festival and needed to bring their supplies to the festival.        

As she passed near the site, she could hear everyone putting up their covered stalls, as it was still lightly raining.  Phoenix felt her heart go limp from hearing all the hustle and bustle and the good cheer.  Memories of the last Fall Equinox arose into her consciousness as she remembered eating honey-covered apples with Fairytail and Lyric, gorging on hot apple cider and pumpkin pie, and taking part in the sack race.  She had been looking forward to this year’s as well, but alas, she thought as she came back to the present, there were more pressing issues at hand and there was always Winter Solstice to look forward to. 

The sun had penetrated through the clouds, and it had been descending from its peak by the time Phoenix and Keewaydin strolled up to the edge of Willow’s land.  Keewaydin was still a bit slow with the cart, but was definitely a lot smoother with it than before. 

The entrance to Willow’s was densely wooded, making it difficult to see, so Keewaydin had to find her way over the maze of roots and beautifully rotted fallen trees, and was spooked by a small barn owl that flew suddenly out of the shadows.  Poor Raincloud was bleating by the time they reached the meadow, the sun suddenly coming into full view, blinding Phoenix for a moment, before she looked up and saw a light stream of smoke rising from Willow’s chimney. 

After leaving Keewaydin by the pond where she happily drank her thirst away, Phoenix walked up to the withered porch steps and gently knocked on Willow’s simply carved wooden door.  Willow’s small elderly frame appeared from the inner warmth of her home, her long gray hair wrapped up in a cedar green scarf.      

 “Hello Phoenix Om, please come in, it’s so nice to see you,” greeted Willow, opening the door for Phoenix.  Phoenix stepped into the humble cedar kitchen where a small fire was burning in a modest wood stove and gorgeous tapestries hung from the windows, emitting a tranquil glow throughout the small house.  “I just boiled some Labrador tea, would you like a cup?” offered Lotus, taking the kettle off the wood stove.  “Thank you, unfortunately I can’t stay–“ started Phoenix.  “Ah yes, it is the Equinox festival soon, you wouldn’t want to miss that. What brings you here?” Willow asked, pouring the tea into two ceramic teacups, handing one to Phoenix. 

Phoenix explained Raincloud’s situation and Willow nodded slowly.  “The second one this week.  I’ll go take a look at her, and then we can bring her into one of my stalls, she’ll be better off staying here for awhile than going back with you on another long trip,” Willow said as she put on a brown shawl that swaddled her thin frame.  As they approached the cart, Keewaydin gave a loud whinny and Willow looked up startled. 

“Keewaydin, what a surprise!’ she said.  “You know Keewaydin?” Phoenix asked in curiosity.  “Ah we’ve met before, she’s a good horse, you are lucky to have her,” replied Willow, turning her attention to Raincloud.  She knelt down and felt Raincloud’s stomach and jaw, slowly moving her hands and pressing down on the animal’s body.  “It looks like bloat, not severe, but she needs careful attention.  She must have been overfeeding on the orchard fruit, it happens this time of year,” Willow explained, “I’ll take her into a stall and she can stay here until she feels better.  Why don’t you go inside and finish your tea, you should rest before the ride back.” 

Phoenix let out a big sigh of relief now that she knew Raincloud was going to be okay, and made her way back to the cabin.  Phoenix couldn’t help but browse at the old woman’s humble possessions: beautifully woven baskets; knitted shawls; herbs of all different kinds hanging from the rafters to dry; an old spinning wheel still in use; bottles of various tinctures lining her wooden cupboards; and on a corner shelf she found numerous crystals and stones of all shapes, sizes and colors, some so beautiful that Phoenix couldn’t help but feel between the palms of her hands.

She was studying this one large golden yellow crystal when Willow walked in.  “Ah, it looks like you have found the sunstone, it was one of your father’s favorites as well,” she said, removing her shawl and pouring herself some tea.  “What do you mean?”  Phoenix asked, stunned to hear her father being spoken of. 

“It is what draws you to the crystal that increases its powers.  What do you think drew you to that one?” she asked, looking gently into Phoenix’s chestnut brown eyes.  Phoenix responded without even thinking, “It reminds me of the sunset as it reflects off the mountains.”  Willow’s crystal blue eyes twinkled.  “It looks like you may have the spirit of adventure within you too.  Why don’t you hold onto that for now, and when you have exhausted its powers, you can bring it back and perhaps another soul will seek it as well.”  Willow went into a small cupboard, withdrew a small amulet pouch made of deer hide and handed it to Phoenix. 

“Keep it around your neck and it will protect your spirit from harm, as adventures often lead to obstacles in which to overcome.”  Phoenix was speechless, her mind had gone blank ever since hearing of her father, and she numbly put the pouch around her neck and whispered a deep felt thank you, before saying her goodbyes and heading towards Keewaydin who was happily munching on some alfalfa. 

The thin crescent moon, heralding the new year was now in full force as dusk descended upon the land.  The Equinox brought in strong energies that focused on reflection of the past year as well as sowing seeds for the future. These energies were thick in the air as Phoenix and Keewaydin made their way back to the festival, Keewaydin picking up speed so that Phoenix had to lean forward, tightening her grip on the reigns.  As they galloped through the woods, the cool air whipped by them and Phoenix couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration. 

She couldn’t explain it, but she felt renewed somehow, like a white light was penetrating through her being, making her one with the natural environment that surrounded her, giving her a strength and confidence she had only felt minutely in meditation, but was now pulsating within her and she couldn’t help but want to run even faster, fly if she could have. 

By the time they reached the festival grounds, Phoenix saw that spirits were high, apple cider was being drunk, the smell of sage and cedar was strong and the dragon dance was about to begin.  A large bonfire was crackling in the middle of the grounds, dancers all around, and the drummers seated in a circle around the people, quietly began their beat.  As the drum beat got stronger the people started dancing in a meditative trance, as it quickened even more, the dancers responded, their minds at one with themselves, the good and the bad, watching their own personal dragons and dancing in order to reign them in. 

Phoenix was so mesmerized with the dance that she nearly forgot where she was, until the sound of her mother’s laughter caught her attention, and looking to her right, she saw her mother in the far back of the circle of drummers, handing apple cider out to the dancers, Hail helping her out with the pouring.  Phoenix felt sad all of a sudden since she knew that by going on this short adventure she would make her mother worried and upset, but she knew deep down that she couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t carry it out.  Phoenix looked for Fairytail but she was nowhere in sight, probably feasting on something delicious, she thought to herself.  It was now or never, so she turned Keewaydin toward her home and they were off again to collect some supplies for the trip. 

A lantern, candles, dried fruit and nuts, and a canteen of water, which she hung from her buckskin belt, plus her journal was all she took as she hopped back onto Keewaydin’s back whom she had laid a blanket on, and they followed the path to Hail’s orchard where the tracks began.  As Phoenix entered the woods, bending down to avoid hitting some alder branches, she could feel the energy of the elemental beings of the forest, and she bade them hello in order to feel more at ease. 

However, she suddenly sensed movement, but before she could turn around, she heard someone call her name.  “Phoenix, Phoenix is that you?” came a very familiar whisper.  “Fairytail, what are you doing here?” Phoenix exclaimed, shocked to see her friend riding up the orchard with Leafie’s horse, Daffodil.  “I saw you at the festival, but you looked as if you were in a trance, then before I could catch up with you, you turned around and left, so I jumped onto Daffodil to see where you’d gone, and I followed your tracks here,” explained Fairytail a little out of breath, her hair matted down with sweat.  Phoenix knew that there was no time to waste, so she confessed her plan to Fairytail not knowing what else she could do. 

“Wow,” Fairytail said inhaling deeply.  “That is a pretty crazy plan, but I am definitely not letting you do this without me, I’d never be able to live with myself if I missed such an adventure.”  Phoenix couldn’t help but show her delight to have a friend join her.  “You sure about this?” she asked seriously.  “Positive,” confirmed Fairytail. “Now let’s go!” she added, giving Daffodil a light tap with her reigns, and with that the two girls disappeared into the dark moist forest.

Chapter 8… 

The trail was still discernible as the canopy above made by the evergreen trees, acted as protection, so Phoenix and Fairytail easily found their way through the woods, every now and again breaking some twigs in order to find their way back.  As they trotted along, Phoenix told Fairytail about the drops of blood she had found and her trip to Willow’s, while Fairytail listened intently, twirling her wet hair with her fingertips as raindrops began to fall from a few gray clouds that had moved in. 

“My dad wasn’t cut or injured either, and he said nothing about the trip that seemed unusual, but I have heard my parents whisper a lot at night, and they’ve taken up going on long horse rides, especially my dad.  I wonder what -”  “Shhhh, did you hear that?” interrupted Phoenix, motioning Fairytail to stop. 

Before Fairytail could answer an arrow whizzed by, just missing Fairytail’s shoulder.  “Run!” shouted Phoenix, giving Keewaydin a kick.  Another arrow flew by Phoenix’s leg as the two girls sped deeper and deeper into the forest.  Branches whipped their faces, arms and legs as they jumped over tree roots and fallen trees.  Their pursuer wasn’t visible as the forest swallowed everything in their path, but the arrows failed to cease until they were in the thick of darkness, out of breath, and lost amongst dense shrubs, ferns and closely knit trees. 

Phoenix finally motioned Fairytail towards a thicket of brush where they knelt down with their horses to catch their breath and rest the horses, especially Daffodil who wasn’t used to such speed.  “What…what just happened?” cried Fairytail, her face a bright red.  “I don’t know, but it’s too dangerous. I can’t bring you into this Fairytail, you have to go back once it is safe,” Phoenix said stifling her tears, as she felt fear grip her, but tried to maintain her courage.  Fairytail let out some sobs as she tried to catch her breath, and then gazed into the forest, lost in thought as she contemplated Phoenix’s words. 

Phoenix also stared blindly at the foliage around her, reviewing what had just happened, trying to understand who would want to attack them with arrows, and why?  She felt intuitively that if she kept going towards the path to Nopoming, which the tracks seemed to have been heading, she would find the answers that she was seeking.  She had to continue despite the fear that had gripped her, since all the signs seemed to be pointing that way, and she had already come this far. 

“Look Fairytail, don’t worry,” she said trying to comfort her friend.  “I’ll be back in a few nights, I just need to see if there is another community.  I need to find out for myself since I know my mother and the others will only deny it since they obviously want to protect us from something that we are not supposed to know about, something dangerous.  I will be as quick as possible, I promise I will stay safe, but you’d better go.  I’d go East and then South, you’ll hit Gaia faster that way,” Phoenix said, swinging her bag over her head. 

“Actually,” said Fairytail rising up from the forest floor.  “I’m going with you.  I’m a big girl and it’s only right I face the dangers lying outside my community.  I won’t be able to sleep at night if I know I can’t even protect myself in the forest.”  She said as she took out four apples from a bag of goodies she had collected from the festival, handed them out to Phoenix and the horses, and then leaped onto Daffodil’s back, ready for the trip ahead.  All Phoenix could do was shake her head as she mounted Keewaydin, checking the sky and the mountains for direction before proceeding towards Nopoming once again. 

At first the two girls were as silent as leaves as they trotted along, fearful that any noise might attract attention from unknown enemies.  But finally Fairytail whispered to Phoenix, “Now that I think about it, I remember seeing Sky with bow and arrows hitched to his horse that day we went to Hail’s cabin, I never stopped to think why.”  “I thought he used them in case he was in danger from bears, wolves and cougars.  Maybe someone mistook us for a wild animal,” Phoenix whispered back.  “I don’t know…” Fairytail said unconvinced. 

They were now trotting along the base of the Western Mountains, and they couldn’t help but stare in awe at the magical sight of the slowly changing colors of the deciduous trees, making patterns out of the green forest, almost like a patchwork quilt.  They hadn’t noticed how fast the time flew by, for the sun was about to drop behind the mountains and Phoenix felt the night chill creep into her bones.  Soon the girls heard the soft running of a stream and trotted towards it.  The horses needed to quench their thirst, and Fairytail and Phoenix needed to start planning how they were going to set up camp. 

Chapter 9…

After the horses had drank their share of water and the girls had re-hydrated, they mounted once again and soon spotted a lonely wooden cabin in the distance with a letter L carved into the side of it for Longfellow, which they headed towards.  Phoenix and Fairytail slowed down, and agreed to keep quiet since they wanted to inspect the camp undetected before approaching. 

However, they hadn’t taken three steps when they heard a voice say “Are you girls lost?”  Phoenix nearly jumped out of her skin, but regained her composure, and replied.  “We are on a journey, but we are very tired and need somewhere to rest.”  Still unseen, the voice said, “You have come to the right place, I can help you.”  Phoenix and Fairytail looked at each other and then edged closer to the cabin.      

Finally, a boy about their age emerged out of the woods atop a beautiful white horse.  “Hi, my name is Oxeye, I’m a Longfellow in training, but I am taking care of the cabin and you are welcome to stay the night,” he said kindly.  He was dressed in an elk skin cape and dusty brown buckskin pants and boots, matching his dusty brown hair, and dusty brown eyes. 

“Thanks for helping us out, we greatly appreciate it,” Fairytail said shyly.  “No problem, my brother has been away for a fortnight and things have been slow, so it will be good to have the company,” he said casually. “You two can share my brother’s bed, it’s pretty big and really comfortable, and I just made some bannock and boiled some corn, so we can all eat together if you like.” 

Overjoyed, they put their horses in the stable and followed Oxeye into a very modest cabin with only a small wood stove, a toilet bucket, two beds and a small wooden table with four simply carved chairs.  The girls thankfully sat down and gulped down some sheep’s milk, while Oxeye put together three plates of bannock, corn and a simple wild green salad.  They only began talking once the food was set down, their stomachs needing to be attended to first. 

“So you live here?” Fairytail asked after shoving a whole piece of bannock into her mouth.  “Yup, most of the time, but I was brought up in Nopoming,” Oxeye replied, his hair falling in front of his face as he spoke.  “Nopoming!” said Phoenix excited.  “That’s where we are headed.”  “Why are you going up there?” he asked.  Fairytail laughed nervously.  “We don’t really know, we never knew anyone existed outside of Gaia.”  Oxeye suddenly became serious.  “I don’t think you two know what you are getting yourselves into.  Gaia is the safest place to be right now, and you are there for a reason.  You must have family there right?” 

Fairytail, feeling affronted, responded back, “We know it’s dangerous, we just got attacked with arrows on our way here, but we intend to go on no matter what.”  Phoenix, who felt things were getting a bit heated, added, “We have a map of the area, and we’ll be gone by tomorrow morning, so don’t worry about us.”  She finished off her corn and took a last swig of milk, and was just about to dismiss herself from the table, when Oxeye spitted out, “Okay, okay, I’m sorry, you have every right to have an adventure, but this one is a lot bigger than you will probably understand because you’ve been protected from it all.  However, I can help you out by giving you some information and I’ll even bring you to Nopoming myself,” he added, trying to gain their friendship back. 

The two girls, suddenly feeling a little silly for being so defensive, agreed that they needed a lot of questions answered before they would have a chance against whatever was out there that wanted to hurt them.  “I’ll make some mint tea, this may take a while,” Oxeye said warmly as he put some more wood in the wood stove so that the fire was roaring. 

“So, can you start by telling us how you grew up?” asked Fairytail, taking another piece of bannock to munch on.  “Pretty simply you know, with my mother, my older brother Feather, and the rest of the community at Nopoming.  We gathered food and water and attended to domestic duties.  Feather and I also trained with the elders in survival and defense skills, then we, like most of the older children became Longfellows in training.  My brother, who is a couple of years older than me already has his own post which is why we are living here for now,” he explained, taking a few big gulps of tea.  “Wow, you must have a lot of knowledge of the forest, I don’t know much about defensive skills, I can’t even get an arrow to hit a target, and we only do it for play,” said Fairytail.  “But whoever attacked us in the woods barely missed us, who were they?  Do you know?” she questioned. 

Oxeye got up and started to pace as he began, “That is something that will take some time explaining, and I don’t really know where to begin,” he said his eyes darkening as he continued.  “I guess from the beginning, well, at least hundreds of years ago, before Gaia was Gaia and Earth, the same as the one as we live on now was populated by billions of people.” 

“Billions?” cried Phoenix and Fairytail in unison, their expression, one of disbelief.  “I know it seems impossible, but the elders of our elders saw and knew a lot from their own experiences, as well as stories and books that they found.  Back then one had a device that took pictures of reality; that is, instead of a person having to draw something real, this object could do it for them, so there were lots of pictures of people and places hundreds of years ago.” 

“How did they do that?” Phoenix asked, dumfounded.  “It is difficult for me to explain, but people back then made most things, more than you could ever know, out of things that were not natural, unlike we do today.  They had machines to make everything for them, and they created a lot of unnatural things that we could never imagine today.” Oxeye tried to explain; although the look on the girls’ faces made it obvious that he wasn’t making much sense to them. 

“Anyways, they saw pictures and read things that you wouldn’t want to believe about people making horrible things and hurting each other.  The elders go stiff when they talk about it, they don’t usually talk about it, but I asked a lot of questions, and every time they tried to explain it to me, it was too difficult for me to imagine.  There were so many humans on Earth, that they changed the weather of the whole planet, and that is when serious trouble began and people became sick.  Earth just couldn’t take it anymore I guess, since they had cut down most of the trees so they could make things, they poisoned the water because they weren’t careful, and they began dying from their own poisons that they had created.  Finally, storms, drought, fires and floods began to overwhelm our ancestors, and the population started to drop rapidly, and well, that took a while, until the ones who were left had to start all over.  The elders called it the Great Holocaust since everything was affected.  But, thanks to our elders, we are here today, in such a beautiful place, one that once had no trees, animals or as much clean water as we do now,” Oxeye said, pouring some more tea to quench his thirst.  Phoenix was speechless.  Her and Fairytail looked like statues, neither of them moving a muscle, their brains trying to make sense of it all.  Oxeye acknowledged the length of silence, since he knew how incredible it all was, and he withdrew into his own thoughts. 

Fairytail finally began showing some movement and clearing her throat, she whispered, “How long has it been like this, the way me and Phoenix know it, with Gaia the way it is?”  Oxeye looked at the girls, who both looked shaken up, Phoenix with tears in her eyes and Fairytail with her head down. 

“Our great elders from Nopoming arrived here first, knowing this area to be fertile and ideal for humans to survive; however they decided to split up, some desiring to build a large community, which became Gaia, and others choosing a more wild existence, you could say, taking the role of protecting those in Gaia from harm, and settling in the smaller community of Nopoming.  I don’t know exact years, since the calendar of the year was different back then and things were a bit chaotic.  People finding each other slowly and then deciding to come together was a process as you can imagine.  But the desperate times helped our elders make decisions and take action so Gaia was started with a great amount of energy and has only been around since our parents were but children, Gaia being a safe haven for the children that had been found or whose parents had brought them,” Oxeye said, pouring himself more tea and taking a seat at the table. 

The crescent moon was now eying them through the window as Phoenix spoke up.  “It’s late and we should be getting to bed, I have a lot to understand and accept.  But before we go, I’d like to know what or who attacked us and why?”

Oxeye nodded.  “Right.  Well, although not many people seemed to have survived the Holocaust, and most were scattered – lost and in hiding for some time, most congregated eventually; however, not all of them, despite what they had gone through, showed the same love and openness as you have lived with in Gaia.  Some did not want to accept what had happened and wanted to go back to how things were before, as a result, they hoarded the awful things that humans had made and tried to recreate the horrors that were made against Earth.  One of these people is most likely the one that attacked you.  There has been an increase of their presence in the area in the last moon phase and they know that the Equinox is celebrated; therefore, they are the most likely to attack, as the Longfellows are less.  That is why Feather has been away for so long, the Longfellows that are left are on high alert,” he said, with lines of worry on his forehead. 

“Why do they want to harm us?”  Phoenix asked.  “Simply because they are angry at us for trying to live a new life with nature.  They would rather pick up whatever pieces are left of the Holocaust and recreate what they can.  We call such people Wapaho, for, like owls, they come at night with death in mind.  However, don’t get too worried,” he said, seeing the looks of horror on their faces, “There are not many of them, and we have a good group of people on our side, it will just take some time,” Oxeye said rubbing his tired eyes. 

“I think it is time for bed, we’ll talk more tomorrow,” he concluded as he put away the dishes.  Phoenix and Fairytail, both exhausted mentally and physically, dragged their bodies to Feather’s large cedar bed, and all was silent in the small cabin except for the crackling of the fire in the wood stove. 

Chapter 10…

Phoenix and Fairytail were fast asleep when they were suddenly awoken by Oxeye’s urgent voice.  “I have bad news, I have to go, Feather has been hurt.  You two stay here until I come back.  I’ve sent word to Gaia that you are both okay, since they would probably fear the worst.  Sorry that I can’t bring you to Nopoming today, but they are waiting for me and I must go,” he said, his face flushed.  The sun was just commencing its journey into day, and the two girls, who could hardly keep their eyes open from fatigue, agreed feebly to Oxeye’s plans, and with that, he grabbed his supplies and was out the door. 

When Phoenix awoke for the second time, the sun’s rays were filtering into the cabin, and she had to recall what Oxeye had said, since she had been half asleep.  Feather was hurt?  How long would Oxeye be gone?  “My parents are not going to be happy,” Fairytail said, interrupting Phoenix’s thoughts, as they both sat up in bed.  “Either will my mother, but I can’t let that stop us.  What Oxeye told us last night is impossible to imagine, but I do believe there is something dangerous out there, that even the Longfellows can’t defeat.  I wonder if those blood spots I saw were also from an injured Longfellow.  It seems like whoever is attacking has increased their threat as Oxeye said.  I’m not waiting in Gaia while things get worse,” Phoenix said, pulling her wool vest over her head. 

“I agree.  If we are going to help out, we need to go now, I don’t want to wait until Oxeye gets back, it could be days before he does, and I’m not sure if we have that much time before our parents try to convince us otherwise,” Fairytail added as she jumped out of bed, snatched a piece of cold bannock off the table and started munching on it.  “Well, if you’re ready to go, I’m ready to go.  I have the map right here,” Phoenix said, laying her journal open on the kitchen table. 

“Hey, remember what Oxeye called the attackers?  He called them Wapaho, just like it shows on the map!” Fairytail exclaimed, pointing at the area called The Great Barrens.  “You’re right, I wonder if that is their home base,” Phoenix wondered out loud.  “I’m sure we’ll get more information once we get to Nopoming.  Oxeye said the elders still live there.  I’m going to see if there is a root cellar around here, so we can get some food for the trip,” Fairytail said, grabbing her wool cape and heading outside. 

As Phoenix was putting her journal in her bag, she heard Fairytail call her name.  “Guess what I found,” Fairytail said as Phoenix came outside.  Phoenix looked up to see Fairytail holding a bow and a canvas bag of arrows.  “He has five sets down there, I’m sure he wouldn’t miss one, besides, you were the best archer out of the kids in Gaia.”  Phoenix knew not to counter Fairytail when she was excited about something, so she strapped on the bow and arrows to her belt with a buckskin strap that was also in the cellar and grabbed some apples for the trip. 

Chapter 11…

The horses were rested, and after feeding them and checking their hooves, Phoenix and Fairytail were off in the direction of the village called Nopoming.  It seemed as if they had been trotting forever and Phoenix began to think that the map in Hail’s cupboard might not have been up to scale.  Keewaydin was keeping good pace, but Daffodil was panting heavily, so the girls decided to stop and let the horses have some rest.  They were thirsty and hungry as well, so they decided to try and gather some wild plants for a snack. 

Phoenix immediately saw a couple of pine mushrooms hiding under the forest mulch while Fairytail was successful in finding a bush of squash berries.  Phoenix found a spot in order to start a small fire to cook the mushrooms, which she had skewered with a stick while Fairytail found a large wild apple tree, now devoid of all apples, to climb up and assess their surroundings. 

“Phoenix, Phoenix!” she whispered in alarm.  Phoenix looked up and saw Fairytail motioning her to come up, so she put the mushrooms aside and climbed up on to a branch near Fairytail.  She looked to where Fairytail was pointing and saw smoke coming from a small cabin that was nestled amongst some evergreens.  Fairytail was about to speak when they saw the cabin door open and a small wiry woman come out, the sun reflecting off her long silvery hair, which was braided down her back.  She seemed to look up to see the sun’s position, when suddenly she turned and looked directly in their direction, motioning for them to come.  “Should we go?” asked Fairytail with fear in her voice.  “We might as well,” replied Phoenix, who was also unsure of what to do since the cabin did not look like it belonged to a Longfellow. 

The girls hesitantly walked their horses up to the small wooden cabin, which was surrounded by herbs and edible wild plants that were just beginning to show signs of flowering to seed.  The old woman’s blue eyes twinkled as the girls approached.  “Hello, you must be from Gaia, welcome,” she said warmly.  “What brings you?”  “Hello, I’m Phoenix and this is Fairytail.  We are on our way to Nopoming, and had just stopped to eat some lunch when we saw your cabin,” answered Phoenix truthfully.  “Phoenix!  You must be Raven’s and Forest’s daughter,” the old woman said as she put out her hand for a gentle handshake.  Phoenix was tongue-tied as the woman looked to Fairytail and laughed.  “And I can tell by your beautiful red curls that you must be Fox’s and Leafie’s daughter,” she said warmly. 

“How do you know us?” asked Fairytail feeling more at ease.  “Ah, I’ve got some friends in Gaia, my name is Tempest by the way,” she answered as she ushered them inside the cabin.  “Smells like something is burning,” Fairytail observed as they walked inside.  “Ah, it’s been a busy time, the new year is upon us, lots of inner preparation, you know those dragons are difficult to control,” she said, moving various candles aside, and setting down a couple of bowls on the table.  Fairytail looked at Phoenix and shrugged her shoulders. 

“Ah, but I’m old and you two are young.  I could feel the warmth of your energies as soon as you walked up, it’s been a while since I have seen young ones like yourselves.  Now, would you like some soup?” she said, changing the subject as she could sense their hunger.  “Please!” they responded in unison.  After Fairytail emptied her first bowl in mere seconds, she asked, “So, what do you do around here?  Why aren’t you living in Gaia?”  Tempest ladled some more soup into her bowl before answering with a smile.  “Just like your father,” she laughed to herself.             

 “When my great elders were finding a place to build their new life after hiding for their whole lives, they taught me and my sisters the magical and medicinal properties of many, many things in nature, so each of us took the name Healer, as there was a great need for healing of all kinds, and there still remains much to do to this day.  As we grew older we saw that we could be of more help if we split amongst the area, even if it meant living in solitude, which is not that bad really, since I have found many companions in the forest,” she said as she filled Phoenix’s bowl, which had quickly become empty as well. 

“You must know my sister Willow,” she added.  Fairytail and Phoenix’s mouths dropped.  “I didn’t know Willow had a sister,” Fairytail said in surprise, finishing her second bowl of soup.  “Some things are more important to know than others I suppose.  Ah, but the sun has passed its peak, if you two wish to get to Nopoming before nightfall, it is best to leave soon,” she said, becoming serious. 

“Just one more question Tempest before we go,” Phoenix requested.  “Do you know how we can protect ourselves from the Wapaho?”  Tempest stopped and looked at both girls with solemn eyes.  “There was a reason we protected you from such things, but you both have made a decision to come out of that protection to fulfill the paths that only you two know.  Adventure and courage are in your blood, and I can see that there is no stopping this energy, and perhaps… perhaps that would be very foolish anyway, but youth contains wisdom sometimes beyond our own.”  Tempest paused and walked to the window, her eyes shifting with the clouds that were beginning to roll into the sky above. 

She gave a deep sigh and continued, “The Wapaho are humans in form, but their minds have been born with a fear of nature, which encompasses more than you would think.  A fear of nature brings with it a fear of death, and a fear of life; therefore, even a fear of themselves, their very inner beings.  Their powers lie not within their wisdom, but with the ignorance they were brought up in.  Not knowing the love for life or nature has emboldened them to commit acts of cruelty, which are acts caused by their hollow shells.  They are souls in fear, the living dead, and will destroy life, thinking it will fulfill them, but it only fills them with more darkness.  The Longfellows have studied them for decades, yet even they confess that injury and sometimes even death has been the only way of stopping them.” 

Tempest suddenly grasped the table, her eyes rolled back, her voice trembled in the small room, “Courage Phoenix Om, five hundred years has come, and it is time!”  She then went pale and Phoenix jumped to her assistance as Tempest awoke from her trance and had to lean on the table to steady herself. 

“Thank you, I'm sorry about that, I go into trances every now and then if I have been doing a lot of mental work,” she said, surprising Phoenix and Fairytail with her quick recovery.  “Now dears, I wish you could stay longer, but the moon has now made its appearance in the sky so the sun won't be out much longer.”  Phoenix agreed, so the girls gathered their stuff and just as they were leaving, Tempest grasped Phoenix's hand, slipping an eagle feather into it.  “The clouds have shape-shifted into owls, it's best to keep this in your pouch, you'll need some protection in the skies,” whispered Tempest as she bade them goodbye and withdrew into her cabin. 

Chapter 12…

Phoenix and Fairytail were quiet for a while, meditating in the silence of the forest, their eyes tracing the edges of the tree branches as they thought about what Tempest had told them.  Birch, cottonwood and aspen leaves, still glistening from the night's rain, lit up the forest with their palette of Autumn colors.  Phoenix's favorite was the larch, whose needles turned to a magical golden yellow that it was hard to believe they were real.  Just then, the girls heard the sound of trickling water, which meant that they were coming to the creek that would soon lead them to the lake situated outside of Nopoming as was drawn on the map.  However, the map also showed that a Longfellow cabin was coming up, so they were cautious, as they were still apprehensive of the strangers that lurked in the forest. 

The sun was sending out its last rays over the mountains as the girls reached the creek and let their horses have some much needed water and foliage.  Fairytail reached into Daffodil's carrying bag and took out a stash of carrots, which she shared with Phoenix.  “So, how long until we reach the village?” she asked, followed by a loud crunch as she bit into the large juicy carrot from her parent's garden.  “I don't know, the map doesn't seem perfectly up to scale.  I copied it in such a hurry that I didn't pay much attention to it, but I hope it's not far, I don't feel comfortable riding in the dark, you know,” she replied, looking up at the sky with concern.             

 Fairytail nodded.  “Daffodil is still panting, she hasn't had this much exercise in her life.”  This did not help Phoenix's discomfort but they had no choice but to go on.  “We'd better get going,” she said, trying to sound confident.  They got back on their horses and decided to follow the stream Northwards so they wouldn't get lost in the encroaching darkness.

They had just spotted the Longfellow cabin, when an owl suddenly came swooping down with a single loud screech, causing the horses to panic, Daffodil especially, who reared her front legs and suddenly dashed into the forest with Fairytail desperately clinging to the reigns.  “Wait!” Phoenix shouted, giving Keewaydin's reins a hard tug, sending her after Daffodil who had disappeared into the darkness.  Luckily, Daffodil's tracks were just visible, and Phoenix suddenly heard Fairytail moaning in the distance.  “Fairytail, I'm coming!” Phoenix said to the shadows, her voice sounding small and afraid. 

There, lying on the ground, were Daffodil and Fairytail, their bodies covered in twigs, soil and leaves.  “I think Daffodil sprained her ankle,” Fairytail said, her voice filled with defeat, tears trickling down her soiled cheeks.  “Don't worry,” Phoenix said trying to keep her voice steady.  “We'll tie her up here and then we'll ride to the Longfellow cabin and get some help.”  “We'll never make it to Nopoming now!” cried Fairytail.  “I know, I know, but at least there's shelter nearby, I don't like the energy here, that owl felt like an omen.  Tempest said she saw owls in the clouds,” Phoenix said, helping Fairytail get on her feet. 

Fairytail nodded in agreement and slowly mounted herself on Keewaydin's back behind Phoenix, her right thigh feeling badly bruised from the fall.  “Come on,” Phoenix said, and Keewaydin carried the two girls towards the cabin marked with a now peeling red L on its side. 

There was no sign of life outside or around the cabin.  There were only coyote tracks around the area, and pretty fresh black bear feces, which was rich with digested berries.  Phoenix scanned the area around the cabin more thoroughly as Fairytail could hardly walk, her thigh causing her too much pain.  It seemed as though the area had been uninhabited for quite a while as there were no human tracks at all.  She did however, find a root cellar nestled by the North facing wall of the cabin, and luckily, whoever had been there last, had left an oil lantern in the entrance, which Phoenix took time to light up, illuminating a couple of shelves with jars of dried vegetables, flour, oil, herbs for tea, and some other sparse herbs. Closing the door of the root cellar, she took the lamp to the front door of the cabin, which she slowly opened, her heart pounding in her chest.  The cabin was remarkably clean and well kept, although very cold, so Phoenix quickly started up a fire with the kindling that had been neatly stacked by the stove, which was similar to Oxeye's, and soon the place started to warm up.  Fairytail limped inside, happy to have a place to rest, since the darkness of the forest was a new, therefore unsettling experience. 

The two girls were caught up in their thoughts about home, their parents and their adventure, so, after Phoenix made some soup and the girls gobbled it up, they decided to go to bed, which was a solid cedar bunk-bed that was surprisingly comfy.  They cuddled up in their blankets and once again, they fell asleep with reflections on what lay ahead of their adventure.

When Phoenix went to see Daffodil the next morning, the horse was luckily on her feet chewing some greens.  She wrapped the horse's ankle with rawhide strips found in the small dilapidated stable that she discovered a few meters from the cabin.  The sky was gray as Phoenix pulled Daffodil along, the horse limping as it walked.  The girls decided it was best to stay in the cabin until Fairytail and Daffodil recuperated from their aches and pains. 

As Phoenix was taking stock of what could be of use in the cabin, she came across two large dusty books, which were pushed back into an otherwise empty cabinet.  The first was a large brown leather-bound, with the words, LONGFELLOW MANUAL inscribed on the front, and the second was another large leather-bound, this time dyed red, with the words SIGNS AND OMENS inscribed in fancy lettering.  “Are those books?” asked Fairytail, who was propped up in bed drinking some ginger tea.  “Ya, I've never seen these before,” said Phoenix, bringing the books to her injured friend.  “I think I've seen the Longfellow manual in my dad's room, but I never gave it much thought,” mused Fairytail as she flipped through the large book.  Phoenix opened Signs and Omens and found an array of interesting topics such as the significance of different types of trees, landscapes and flowers; animal omens; fairy habitats; astrological signs; and even a chapter on fantastic creatures. 

She flipped to this last chapter to find that someone had folded the top corner of one of the pages.  She opened to it and to her surprise it opened to a page called “Signs and Omens of the Phoenix”.  She stared at amazement at the beautiful drawing of a large golden phoenix, its wings spread out, rising from a carpet of ashes. 

Just as she was about to read on, Fairytail shouted, “Oh my, you won't believe this!”  Phoenix jumped in surprise.  “What is it?”  “Look at this,” Fairytail replied, shoving the manual towards Phoenix.  It was opened to the first page and Phoenix gasped when she saw the name Raven written on the top right corner of the page.  “Does yours have anything written in it?” inquired Fairytail, excited at her find.  Phoenix dumbly flipped to the first page of her book, her hands shaking.  She gasped a second time as she read the inscription: Dear Raven Om, May this be of courage to you, Salamander.  Phoenix’s mind raced.  Who was Salamander?  What were her father’s books doing here? Who was her father, really?  Phoenix didn't know what to say.  She fingered the book that once belonged to her father and tried to understand this man she had never met. 

“Do you think this was your dad's cabin once upon a time?” Fairytail said, looking around the small cozy interior.  “Maybe,” Phoenix choked, her mouth suddenly very dry as the knowledge sunk in that her father perhaps lived in this very place.  “It was a long time ago, I'm sure someone has lived here since,” she managed to add.  “Here, look at this,” Fairytail said, seeing that her friend needed the subject to be changed.  She showed her a page she had been looking at from the Longfellow manual.  It was a page titled, “Archery and Defense”, and had a variety of techniques for each, with carefully drawn illustrations as well.  Phoenix soon became engulfed with the information as it was very detailed and the techniques seemed simple enough for her to try, and she read the manual well into the night, pushing thoughts of her father into the back of her mind once again.

Chapter 13…

For the next while, as Daffodil recovered and Fairytail's pain lessened, the two girls busied themselves with gathering edible wild plants and mushrooms, collecting wood for the wood stove, cooking up creative meals especially soups, and sticking their noses in their new-found books.  They also practiced some of the archery and defense techniques outlined in the manual. 

Phoenix could not help but finger the books, feeling her father's presence.  She read the chapter on the phoenix and discovered that the birth of a phoenix often occurred right before or after an especially heroic person died; however, only one phoenix lived at a time and its lifespan was five hundred years.  There was also a note that the phoenix was drawn to myrrh, frankincense and to cherry trees.        

Phoenix could just make out a faint note handwritten on the side of the page, plant tree at birth.  Phoenix shivered for she had a cherry tree outside her front door and her mother told her many times that it was planted when Phoenix was born.  Phoenix had always loved picking fresh cherries off of the tree in the summer, popping them in her mouth as she worked.  She also used the wood from some of the pruned branches in her woodwork since the color was so beautiful.  Phoenix suddenly felt a warmth fill her, as she thought of her mother and father taking such good care of her before she was even born. 

She had never really thought about her name, all she knew was that she was very much a fire spirit like the phoenix.  She loved hot summer days when the ground beneath her bare feet felt warm to the touch and she got to play all day in the garden, the sunshine her companion.  She could also get quite fiery when her crafts did not work out, or when the dinner she was making didn't turn out right.  Her mother used to send her to cool off in the tree house when such things happened.  Phoenix reflected on all of this as she layered the wood stove with some birch bark, small twigs and some cedar she had gathered that day, the flames licking the red wood, making loud popping and crackling sounds. 

She once again felt strong in her desire to see what else lay beyond Gaia, perhaps places where her father once frequented, perhaps even to help with defending the peace that the Wapaho threatened.  Despite feeling sad that her mother must be extremely worried by now, Phoenix couldn't help but feel the intense desire to adventure on.

As the days flew by, Phoenix and Fairytail became increasingly better at archery, carefully studying the manual and putting the techniques to practice.  Phoenix especially could whip out an arrow and strike the target at an amazing speed, and Fairytail found her niche in using the sling, which she crafted herself using the instructions in the book with rawhide she had found in the root cellar.  Fairytail had fun riding Keewaydin around the forest hitting targets at close range with rocks she found on the forest floor, tightening them against the raw hide and releasing them with a quick snapping movement. 

Before the girls knew it, it was the eve of the full moon, and as the girls were practicing their evening meditation, Phoenix began to have an uneasy feeling.  She tried to let it go since she was probably just feeling the strong energies of the cosmos, but the feeling lingered on, and she awoke the next morning with foreboding.  Dawn had yet to break the darkness, so Phoenix quietly lay under her covers, listening. 

She was almost lulled back to sleep when the sound of Keewaydin in distress woke her back up.  She was on high alert as she quickly threw her coat on, grabbed her bow and slung her arrows over her shoulder.  It was probably just a coyote, but Phoenix decided to listen to her uneasiness.  She slowly opened the front door and quietly walked outside alongside the cabin walls, scanning the area before heading towards the stable.  Dawn's thin light started to cast long shadows so she hid behind a large cedar. 

She hid just in time as she saw someone's shadow duck into the stable.  Phoenix had to hold her breath to keep quiet as the figure of a man came into view.  He was dressed in dark clothing and his face seemed to be streaked with dark dye, a sharp contrast to his pale skin.  As she saw him try to untie Keewaydin's reigns from the stall, Phoenix swiftly and quietly pierced the frame of the stall, a hair's width from where the man stood, with her arrow.  He yelped in surprise and before she knew it, he disappeared into the forest, the sound of horse hooves lightly disappearing into the forest as well. 

Phoenix's knees buckled and she fell to the forest floor.  Steadying her breath, she was unable to take her eyes off the spot where her arrow still protruded.  The feel of the cedar tree that had protected her, helped her calm down and she soon felt her breath fall into rhythm once again, giving her time to think about what had just happened. 

Soon she heard Fairytail calling her name and footsteps approaching her where she sat.  “What happened?  It wasn't another owl was it?” Fairytail asked in mid-yawn.   “We've got to get moving.”  Phoenix said, and then told Fairytail all that had happened as they walked back to the cabin.  “You're right, we have got to get out of here,” announced Fairytail, stuffing the leftover bannock they had had the night before, into her horse satchel.  The two girls quickly ate a meager breakfast of oats, and were packed and ready just as the feeble sun made its ascent into the cloudy skies above.  After feeding the horses they were off towards Nopoming once again.

Chapter 14…

Daffodil followed closely behind Keewaydin, as the girls penetrated the soggy interior of the forest, stepping over fallen trees, sloshing through shallow bogs and avoiding low hanging branches, which left wet prints on their arms and legs.  They didn't speak as their ears were on high alert for signs of the Wapaho.  Fairytail's fingers were white from her tight grip on her sling, anticipating another surprise attack.  She felt like a blind person in unknown territory, frightened at her lack of expertise, which she was aware, put her at a great disadvantage. 

Her one solace was that Phoenix had always had the courage of an eagle, while Fairytail was known for her spontaneity and curiosity.  Phoenix always went along with Fairytail's adventures fearlessly, never backing down or refusing to participate. 

Once, Fairytail's dad had found an injured red-tailed hawk but then was called on a Longfellow mission, so Fairytail got it in her head to help the hawk herself since she had seen her father do it a few times.  Well, of course she decided to get Phoenix to help her, to which Phoenix reluctantly agreed.  The hawk was not in friendly spirits and Fairytail quickly learned her lesson as she threw her hand into the wooden cage to fetch the bird, to have it aggressively peck her index finger.  Phoenix had to tend to her injured hand, and then she wrapped her own hand in strips of rawhide, grabbed the hawk gently and swiftly and proceeded to wrap a thick strip of softened hemp on the outside of the broken wing and around the body under the healthy wing, so that the bird's injured wing was immobile, but the hawk could still move around.  When Fairytail's dad came back from his trip, the hawk was healing nicely. 

This was one of the many instances where Fairytail's enthusiasm for adventure led to Phoenix's call to courage.  Phoenix didn't know where this fearlessness came from, but it also led to her own need to push personal barriers, like the desire to explore the environs of Gaia now that she knew that there was this world in the mountains that she had never experienced. 

Phoenix was studying the mountain ranges when she heard a faint screech that sounded human.  “Run Fairytail!  Follow me!” she cried, tightening her reigns.  Fairytail did the same and the girls were off in a gallop, Keewaydin fast as lightening speed, going through branches as if they were ghosts.  Phoenix had to keep her eyes ahead to stay the course as there was a large bog to their left, which she hoped would end up in dry land so as to head towards Nopoming, which lay Westwards.         Suddenly, just as she spotted a patch of dry woodland ahead, the sound of her name echoed throughout the forest, its pitch high and filled with fear.  “Phoenix! Help!” cried Fairytail's voice once again.  Phoenix slowed Keewaydin down, turned around and saw in the far distance two figures, dressed similar to the man she had seen in the morning, one grasping Fairytail's arms, and the other with Daffodil's reigns.  There was only a second to react, and Phoenix decided to hide Keewaydin in a mound of monstrous ferns, which were now an auburn hue and hid the horse well.  She put her hood on and crouched down, her eyes not leaving the scene before her in the distance. 

It didn't look as though Fairytail was hurt, but she could see her legs struggling against the Wapaho's grip with no possibility of escape.  The other figure that held onto Daffodil was scanning the area, possibly looking for her.  The figures nodded to each other, and the one who now had Fairytail on his horse gave a whoop and was soon out of sight, heading in a Northeasterly direction.  The other figure stayed behind quiet as a mouse, slowly surveying the bog.  Phoenix felt paralyzed since she didn't know what she should do, so she stayed silent, ready to release an arrow if need be.  After what seemed like ages, the man slowly headed Northeast as well, towards the Great Barrens, which Phoenix could only guess was where their destination lay.  Nopoming would have to wait she thought to herself, and fingering her sunstone, she got back onto Keewaydin and followed their tracks towards the unknown.

Judging by the map, Phoenix had a long way to go before reaching the area called the Great Barrens, which she felt in her gut was where Fairytail was being brought.  If the Wapaho had wanted to hurt Fairytail they could have done that when she was captured, but Phoenix had seen clearly that they had not tried to hurt her in any way, so Phoenix felt reassured of her friend's condition.  They had also left tracks behind them, which Phoenix followed.  However, as time passed, and the faint sun was slowly descending behind her into the great mountain range, she was unsure of whether to set up camp, or to follow on since she would have the full moon to guide her. 

As the setting sun left a final ribbon of pink above the mountains, lasting mere breaths, Phoenix decided to let Keewaydin rest before moving on.  She was feeling hungry herself, breakfast this morning seemed like a dream, and now here she was scavenging for food on her way to somehow rescue Fairytail from the clutches of the Wapaho. 

For the first time since she had first set off on her adventure, she felt a deep longing for her mother, as she sat in the dark, making a small fire in which to cook her small collection of honey and fairy ring mushrooms and wild ginger, with a cold piece of bannock she had stowed away in her vest.  Her mother must be sick with worry, as well as Fairytail's parents, but Phoenix still could not believe how much they had hid from the two girls, and this was her one reoccurring thought that helped her go on.

As she finished her meager meal and put out her fire she though she heard a twig crack.  “Keeway-” but before she could call her horse, someone grabbed her from behind and held her mouth shut.  She tried to scramble free, but whoever grabbed her was too strong, so she fell helpless as a piece of cloth was tied around her mouth and eyes and her arms were tightly bound with rope.  Then she was thrown on top of a horse, her heart beating wildly, and despite her frantic wriggling, the unknown captor carried her away.

The stranger did not say one word, but she could tell they were going fast, her hair whipping around in the wind.  Luckily, her blindfold started to slide down until she could peak through a thin crack.  The light of the full moon streamed down and her surroundings were quite visible.  She was facing the back of her captor, which she immediately recognized as a Wapaho male with stringy black hair and clothes that were dyed a black she had never seen before, nothing could be dyed that dark she thought to herself. 

Phoenix also observed that the trees were becoming thinner and thinner, and there was a strong unpleasant smell coming from where they were heading.  Her eyes began to water as the stench became stronger, and as they started to slow down, she could see extremely odd homes built with wood and another material that she had never seen before.  The weatherworn material was reflecting the moon's light and was somehow dyed various dull shades of orange, green, blue and brown.  They definitely didn't look stable, yet before she could look further, a man came running up with the same funny looking outfit as the other Wapaho she had seen, except he was wearing an orange toque. 

“Good job Edward.  The other girl is with Lucy, why don't you drop her off and come to the meeting hall, it's getting late,” said the man with the orange toque, before running off.  Phoenix was brought to a row of the same dilapidated houses.  “Lucy, you in there?” her captor said fiercely to a small mismatched house.  A thin sickly looking woman came out, her long greasy brown hair falling limp by her thin shoulders.  Her clothes were faded and so patched up that Phoenix couldn't even count how many different materials she had used.  Phoenix's captor cut off all her restraints except for the rope tied around her wrists and forced her off the horse, nearly knocking her off her feet and abruptly rode away towards a large bonfire that was burning on the other side of the encampment.

“Come on, you better behave, I have no patience right now and your friend has been giving me some trouble.” the woman named Lucy said harshly as she pushed Phoenix into the small dwelling.  Phoenix stumbled into the room, which was the size of her kitchen at home and luckily there was a small wood stove keeping the place somewhat warm since it was as drafty as a barn.  She could just make out Fairytail's small frame, her red hair a tangled mess, as she lay curled up in a ball on a small ragged cot hanging against the side of a yellow stained wall. 

“It's past bed-time and don't make any noise, it took me long enough to get your friend to fall asleep.  Yours is the cot right here, now get some sleep and no talking.”  Lucy grunted as she slumped on a seat that was made from some sort of stuffed material that could not have been wool, the yellow stuffing peaking out from gaping holes in various places. 

Fairytail's head slowly turned around to face Phoenix, her face red and puffy with tearstains on her cheeks.  Her jaw dropped when she saw Phoenix and she mouthed the words “They caught you too?”  Phoenix nodded and mouthed in reply “Don't worry everything will be okay,” and tried to smile but couldn't.  Fairytail's wrists were still tied up as were Phoenix's so the thought of escape would have to wait.  Fairytail managed to squeak out a goodnight, which Lucy grunted at, and Phoenix replied with a meek goodnight before awkwardly curling up on the little cot, which was about as comfortable as sleeping on the floor, and the drafts made her shiver but somehow she fell into an uncomfortable sleep.

Chapter 15…

Phoenix was awoken the next morning in a disoriented state by a strange female voice.  “Good morning girls!  Welcome to Wapaho, sorry about your arms being tied up, but you know precautions!”  Phoenix opened her tired eyes to another woman, a bit more healthy looking than Lucy but with the same patched-up wardrobe.  She was bustling around the small room as if nothing unusual had happened, like Phoenix and Fairytail hadn't just been kidnapped in the middle of the night.  Fairytail had yet to stir, her head invisible in her curled-up position. 

“I see you're awake.  Good, good!  My name is Josephine and I'm here to help you get acquainted with your new home,” she said in a somewhat friendly manner, however Phoenix was feeling very uncomfortable with this woman's obvious charade that nothing was amiss.  Phoenix had no choice though other than go along with the charade since she was obviously at a disadvantage and an escape was an impossibility at the moment.  So she summed up her courage and introduced herself.  “Hi, I'm Phoenix.”  “Oh, wonderful, would you like some breakfast Phoenix?”  Josephine asked, scooping something from a pot and plopping it into a chipped bowl made of a material that resembled clay, but not quite.  “Yes please,” answered Phoenix politely, her stomach extremely hungry despite being tied up in knots. 

Fairytail's head stirred.  “I'd like some too... please,” she half grumbled half whispered.  “And what is your name?” asked Josephine, handing the girls bowls and untying their wrists, which were red and swollen.  “Fairytail.  What does Josephine mean?” Fairytail asked as she stuffed a spoonful of the bland porridge into her mouth.  “Why, I don't think it means anything, it's just a name.  Now eat up and no trying to escape with your arms free.  We'll have to get you washed up and then you can meet the other children, they are excited to have new friends,” Josephine said putting a frayed scarf around her head.  “I'm going to get your bath water ready, there's more porridge in the pot.  Lucy is right outside so don't try anything,” she smiled and then went out the door. 

Fairytail immediately filled her bowl again and then gave Phoenix a big hug, tears glistening in her tired eyes.  “Oh Phoenix, I was so afraid, I didn't know what was going to happen to me and they are so rough and mean here.  Lucy slapped me on my cheek for crying so much, what are we going to do?” Fairytail whispered, wiping the tears from her cheeks.  “Well, I don't think they want to hurt us, but I don't feel comfortable with the energy here, so we will have to keep our eyes and ears open for an escape route as soon as possible,” Phoenix whispered back, knowing that the walls were thin and Lucy was most likely listening. 

“I wonder what all this stuff is made of, and how did they make all of this?” Fairytail said, taking another scoop of the tasteless porridge from the pot that was also made of a particular material that looked a bit shiny in some places, but the rest was a red-brown color, which was chipping away.  “I don't know, it is very strange and it all looks so old,” replied Phoenix, running her fingers over the weathered material that covered the large puffy seat that took over most of the space in the tiny room. 

The door suddenly opened revealing Lucy looking frustrated.  “You two girls behaving?  Now, no trouble okay?  Just because your hands are untied doesn't mean we aren't watching you.  Josephine is too good sometimes especially when it comes to children, but we know where you've come from, so don't think we're naïve or nothing.  Now come on, she's got the water all ready for you.”  The girls quickly followed behind Lucy, looking at each other with concern as they headed towards an even smaller building.  It had a different piece of material for each wall and a roof that was made of a similar material as the porridge pot, but with holes in it, and it was reflecting the sun in such a way that blinded the two girls as they looked in awe at their odd looking surroundings. 

Phoenix thought she saw kids in the distance playing in the trees, but she had no time to look further as Lucy grabbed her elbow and shoved her and Fairytail into the dingy bathroom.  Josephine was in the small room, her long stringy black hair tied up in a loose bun, kneeling beside a large basin that was filled with steaming water.  Phoenix undressed first, making sure she hid her amulet bag, and stepped into the hot water. 

“Now once you two have washed up, I've got some nice clothes I found in the girl's dorm, none of that deer hide for such pretty little girls,” Josephine remarked, showing Phoenix and Fairytail two faded pink dresses with numerous patches and two pairs of faded pants that were frayed at the bottom.  Fairytail was about to protest when Phoenix interrupted.  “Thank you, we'll be ready really soon.”           

When Lucy and Josephine had left the room, Fairytail whispered urgently, “How are we going to get out of here? Now they have taken our best Winter clothes and it seems like they expect us to stay in this creepy place!”  “I don't know yet,” Phoenix explained desperately.  “But my intuition tells me that its best if we play along.  They think we are just a couple of harmless young kids so we have to try our best to be nice while we look for a way out.”  Fairytail got into the tub as Phoenix dried herself and put on her “new” clothes. 

“Look at the clothes we have to wear, they're made of some thin hemp-like material or something.  We're going to freeze to death without our buckskin, and my mother is not going to be happy since she used a lot of Saskatoon berries to dye my pants that beautiful violet color,” Fairytail whimpered.  Phoenix laughed.  “Your mother will have other things to be upset about when we get back.”  “If we get back.  Remember, these were the people that attacked us with arrows and then kidnapped us!” Fairytail said as she dried herself off and begrudgingly put on her tattered clothes.  “You all done in there?” Lucy asked impatiently, yanking the door open.  “Now you're looking like decent children.  Come on now, the kids are waiting and don't worry our men are guarding the whole area so don't get any ideas.  You don't want an arrow through your nice clothing do you?”  Lucy smiled mercilessly. 

Chapter 16…

The sunshine had broken through the clouds allowing the girls to see Wapaho all the more clearly, which did not enhance its appearance.  In fact, it highlighted the barren environment with its dilapidated buildings making a sort of L -shape with no trees or greenery to add color to the rather colorless community.  Lucy was walking so fast that the girls had to skip to keep pace, Phoenix nearly bumping into Lucy as she was so focused on finding an escape route.  She also made mental notes of where the entrances were, where the visible Wapaho men were located and what the general map of the area was like, as they headed towards what seemed to be the kids area. 

“What are those things?” Fairytail asked suddenly, referring to large round black things that formed a huge wall and were strewn about the dirt floor that had been scraped of all living material, except for a few places where moss tried to grow.  “Those are tires of course!” said Lucy, hurrying her step as they came closer to where the children's screams were getting louder and louder.  Phoenix and Fairytail gave each other confused looks as they walked into a scene of complete chaos.

There were three boys in some sort of tire fort that were screaming “Get out!” at one boy and three girls who were outside the fort, beating it with sticks and yelling back “But it's our fort!”  Josephine was a few meters away yelling at the boys in the fort that the fort belonged to everyone, while two girls were pulling at Josephine's skirt shouting at her about something that Phoenix couldn't quite hear, all she heard was “She hurt me on purpose!” 

Josephine looked up when she saw the new arrivals and looked very relieved as she walked over to Lucy and the girls.  “They're playing that awful game again,” she said to Lucy, wiping her greasy hair off of her face.  “Do you mind helping me get them assembled, they always listen to you,” she added, looking perplexed.  Lucy immediately strutted over to the fort, yanked the sticks from the boy’s and girls' hands and bellowed “Everyone out of the fort NOW!  Go sit at the lunch table and NO TALKING!” she proceeded to forcefully grab the terrified boys and push them towards a shabby wooden picnic table.  All of the children had stunned looks on their faces, not quite sure if they should rebel or not, but choosing not to as Lucy rapped a stick she was holding menacingly against the table. 

“Where's William?” Josephine asked Lucy who was now slapping a boy on the hand for trying to grab his stick again.  “I don't know, probably in the woods again.”   “William! William we're waiting for you!” shouted Lucy, her high-pitched voice echoing throughout the Barrens.  Suddenly out from beneath a willow tree came a thin boy about Phoenix's age, his clothes covered in dust and twigs.  “There's silly Willy looking as filthy as usual!” teased one of the older girls making the other kids laugh.  “Who are those two girls?” squeaked a young girl about four years of age who was wearing a tattered dress with a faded sunflower design, now barely visible from being worn down. 

“Now that we are all here, we'd like to introduce two new girls to our Wapaho community who were found lost in the Great Forest and now have come to stay with us,” announced Josephine to the ten grumpy looking children.  “But we already don't have enough to eat!” cried one of the younger boys who had been in the fort, his brown hair looking as though it had not been brushed in a while.  “Hey, that's my dress she's wearing!” shrieked a thin girl Phoenix's age, whose facial expression was anything but friendly. 

“Enough!” shouted Lucy “Now, you are going to welcome these two girls or we are not having lunch!” she threatened, giving the children a glowering stare.  “Hi, I'm Phoenix” Phoenix said, trying to save the awful situation from getting worse.  “And I'm Fairytail,” Fairytail said, trying to sound polite despite the unfriendly atmosphere.  Josephine told them to join the table as lunch was going to be served soon.

There wasn't much space for them so Phoenix squeezed herself at one end of the table beside the boy named William and Fairytail sat across from Phoenix beside the girl whose dress was being worn by Phoenix.  “You know that's Jill's dress you are wearing, she's not going to be happy with you,” said Fairytail's lunch-mate, giving Fairytail an unfriendly grimace before turning her head around to talk to the girl beside her, ignoring Fairytail altogether after that.  “Where did you come from?” asked William, his voice barely a whisper. 

“We're not allowed to talk about that, I'll get you into trouble!” interrupted the oldest girl of the group who was sitting next to him.  “Just to let you know, I'm Sarah, the leader of the kids group and there are rules that you have to obey or else you get punished,” she said, continuing. “Number one is that we don't leave the premise,” she said giving William a nasty look. “Number two is that we don't talk about where we came from unless we were born here in Wapaho, and number three is if we don't listen to the adults they have the right to punish us.  So if you want to get along then it's best you listen to me and the adults of Wapaho as well as abide by the rules or else you get punished, right Willy?” Sarah said condescendingly.  “My name's not Willy, it's Griffin, now leave me alone.” he replied angrily.  “And I would stay away from Silly Willy if you know what's good for you,” added Sarah, flicking her long black hair over her shoulder. 

Lunch finally appeared, stopping all discussion as Josephine placed a large steaming pot at the table.  Twelve chipped bowls were passed around with what looked like some kind of broth with greyish red chunks in it.  “Yum, venison heart soup again, thanks Miss. Josephine,” said one of the boys sarcastically.  “You can pass your bowl back then George,” quipped Lucy who handed each child a spoon, made of the same stuff the pot was made of.  

“What's this made of?” Phoenix whispered to the boy who referred to himself as Griffin.  “It's steel, something that came from the Holocaust or the Great Age as it's referred to here,” he whispered back, making sure Sarah was occupied with another discussion.  Phoenix pretended to eat her soup.  “What about that stuff the houses are made of?”  Griffin played with the bits of venison heart as he replied.  “That's different kinds of plastic, it also comes from that horrific time.”            

Just then Lucy appeared behind Phoenix.  “Having trouble with your soup, Phoenix?” she asked in a patronizing tone.  “No, I'm still full from breakfast, that's all.” Phoenix lied, since she had never eaten the heart of an animal before as it was considered sacred in Gaia.  “Well, next time we'll have to feed you less,” Lucy retorted, taking away Phoenix's bowl.  Even Fairytail, whose favorite thing was to eat couldn't bring herself to eat the boiled heart flesh that was floating in the broth, never having eaten another being's heart either. 

The people of Gaia gathered and grew much of their food themselves.  They collected eggs from the chickens, they collected milk from the sheep and turned it into cheese, butter and cream, and when they needed meat they always blessed the animal and then buried its heart in deep appreciation.  They also paid homage to its soul when they skinned the dead animal by having a ceremony for the pelt before it was turned into clothing, blankets and much more at the burial site of the animal's heart.  So when Fairytail heard that the heart of a deer had been served in broth four days in a row, she made a mental note to eat an extra large breakfast and perhaps pocket whatever edible foods she could find.   

Chapter 17…

After the distasteful lunch was over, the boys immediately ran back to the fort, picking up sticks along the way to attack anyone that dared to threaten a takeover.  Phoenix and Fairytail were walking past them when suddenly Sarah and Jill flung stones at them, hitting Phoenix on the arm and Fairytail on her stomach.  The girls laughed at Phoenix’s and Fairytail’s shocked expressions.  Phoenix and Fairytail had never seen kids play with such aggression and they wanted no part of it.  “Don't you ever cook or sew or weave?” Fairytail asked one of the smaller girls whose pigtails were grimy from not being washed in a while.  “No, just the older women do that, they say we're too young to know all of that, so we spend our days just playing here.  It gets boring sometimes but don't let Lucy know that!” she said, suddenly looking around to make sure that no one had heard.  Phoenix saw at the corner of her eye Griffin disappearing under the same willow tree he had emerged from at lunchtime.  “Fairytail, I'll be right back,” she said, quickly scanning the area, then darting towards the same willow. 

“I'm up here,” came Griffin's voice as she ducked under the tree's limbs that were losing their leaves.  Phoenix looked up to see Griffin's thin legs dangling from one of the higher branches.  She scrambled up and sat down on the branch beside him.  The view was amazing.  The Wapaho community looked like a brown patch sewn into a beautiful green wilderness, the sunshine reflecting off the steel remnants of the roofs below.  “Are you allowed up here?” asked Phoenix as she watched the kids playing below.  “They don't like it but they would rather me up here then trying to escape,” he said, his hazel eyes staring off into the distance.  “Why do you want to escape? Aren't you from here?” inquired Phoenix.  Griffin laughed, “Already breaking the rules, I like that,” he said “To answer your question, no, I'm not from here thank goodness.  I was taken by the Wapaho when I was four years old.  It was my birthday and my dad had taken me on my first horse ride where he let me hold the reigns.” Griffin's face filled with sadness as he continued.  “My dad was so caught up with me that we wandered unawares to the fringes of the Wapaho hunting area, where we were suddenly surrounded by them.”  He paused as tears filled his eyes. “They attacked with arrows, killing my dad and taking me with them.  I've been here ever since.”  Griffin looked away to brush the tears from his cheeks.  

“I am so sorry Griffin,” Phoenix whispered.  “Don't worry about it.  I've survived five years in this place.  The only thing that worries me is that I'm forgetting how my parents looked like.  Their faces are fading from my mind...” he stopped, staring in the direction of the forest as if his parents' faces were etched in the branches of the trees.  “Enough about me, what brings you here?” he asked looking at her sadly.  Phoenix explained her adventures and how her and Fairytail were on their way to Nopoming when the Wapaho apprehended them.             

Griffin looked stunned.  “You're from Gaia?  I remember my dad mentioning your community, his job was to protect its inhabitants from the Wapaho,” he said excited.  Phoenix's face brightened.  “Your dad was a Longfellow?”  “Ya, that's what they called him.  I don't remember much more, just his friends always visiting,” explained Griffin.  Phoenix, watching the kids below suddenly spied Lucy talking to Fairytail, her brow furrowed and her hands on her hips. 

“Look, I've got to go, Lucy is probably looking for me, but we have to get together to think of an escape, I'll keep you posted,” she said before nimbly climbing down the tree and quietly dashing behind a small building.  Then she casually walked towards the lunch table, pretending that she was there all along.  “Where were you?” Lucy shouted angrily striding up to where Phoenix was standing.  “Oh, I just needed to use the bathroom and I didn't know where it was,” Phoenix said innocently.  “Well, next time ask Sarah or Jill, they're the leaders of the children group.  Phoenix smiled.  “Thanks, I didn't know that, next time I will ask for their help.”  Lucy seemed satisfied with that and walked back to her post, which was a chair by the entrance of the tire wall that acted as a boundary to the children’s area.       Fairytail ran up to Phoenix.  “She was wondering where you were, you came just in time, they are seriously strict about their rules,” she said, her face flushed from playing hide-and-seek with the younger girls.  “But,” she continued “The younger girls are surprisingly friendly once you start talking to them.  They even let me break rule number two and they seemed really interested in Gaia.  They didn't believe me at first that it existed but I convinced them after awhile.”  “Just be careful who you talk to, I don't know how much we can trust the Wapaho children,” Phoenix said, thinking of Griffin's tragedy and the warnings that Oxeye had given what seemed like ages ago.  Before Fairytail could argue, a bell started to ring in the distance. 

“What's going on?” Fairytail asked one of the young girls she had befriended named Anne, who was walking in their direction.  “It's family time.  We go to our parents for dinner then we come back to the dorm at bedtime,” she said before waving goodbye and heading towards the row of mismatched houses.  Josephine appeared as the last child exited the children’s area.  “You two can come to my house tonight until we make further arrangements,” she said to the girls.  They reluctantly followed her out to the housing area where she led them to a tiny house that was more like a shed, its roof, a piece of faded corrugated plastic and its walls, mismatched scraps of timber that looked extremely old with moss growing in all directions.  Inside was a bit cozier, a wood stove occupied one corner with some pots and pans and jars with tea and some dried food.  A worn cot took up the other part of the room, just leaving enough space for a small table, a couple of chairs and a washbasin.  They had a bowl of mushroom broth for dinner, leaving Fairytail's stomach growling as they gave their empty dishes to Josephine.

“There's not much room but I've got a pack of cards if you'd like, I've got a lot of sewing to do,” she said.  “Oh, I love tarot!” exclaimed Fairytail, sounding enthusiastic for the first time since they had been kidnapped.  “Oh, no, no, we are only allowed playing cards.  Mister King says tarot sparks inner contemplation, which can lead to wrongful deeds,” she replied sounding as though she had memorized the words.  Fairytail's face sunk immediately.  “Maybe we can help you sew instead,” said Phoenix, seeing Fairytail's disappointment.  “We're really good at it,” she added.  Josephine looked as if she was struggling with the idea.  “Well, since I don't have anything else, I guess you can help, but usually we don't let children do adult work.  It might give you unnecessary confidence.”  Phoenix was relieved and Fairytail also seemed to cheer up a little. 

So the three of them got to sewing blankets, bed covers and clothes that either needed patches sewn on or rips sewn up.  Even material that was so worn you could see through it was salvaged.  “Why don't you use wool or hemp or buckskin?” asked Fairytail who was sewing a patch of faded blue fabric onto a skirt that looked as though it used to be purple, but had faded to almost white.  Josephine seemed nervous as she spoke, “Well, Mister King and the other leaders don't like nature or animals too much so we don't grow much or keep any animals, and animal hide is for the uncivilized.”  “Who is Mister King?” asked Phoenix who was trying to sew the largest rip she had ever seen on a ragged bed cover.  “He's the leader of the Wapaho.  He is very smart and the strongest defender of our village.  He can shoot a target from miles away, the best archer I've ever seen,” Josephine said.  The girls had a feeling that Mister King was someone to be feared and they both fell silent contemplating the horrors of the community they were stuck in. 

The rest of the evening was mostly silence other than the wood crackling in the stove and now and then Fairytail would ask the names of the various odd materials she had seen around the community.  Josephine would answer making sure to always praise the Golden Age for their existence.  They found out that the Great Holocaust that Oxeye had described was indeed referred to as the Golden Age, which the Wapaho had yet to move on from. 

“What do Mister King and the other men occupy their time with?” asked Phoenix who needed to take a break from sewing since her eyes felt as though they were going cross-eye.  “They're very busy protecting our village, getting meat every now and then, searching for oil and working on some inventions to better our community,” she said taking a break herself.  “What oil are they searching for?” asked Fairytail confused.  “The Golden Age was built on black oil from the Earth, it can make our community bigger and better but it's hard to find.  Our ancestors collected it and stored it away in many places.  Mister King has found some but he says we'll still have to wait.  But Mister King knows what he is doing, we wouldn't be this happy without him and the other leaders,” she replied, her face glowing with reverence.  Phoenix was about to ask about the inventions when the bell started to sound again.  “Oh, look at the time, you'd better be off to the dorms.  Jill and Sarah will take care of you there.  Thank you for all your help, now you best be going,” she said ushering them outside. 

It was dark out but the moon was glowing bright, helping them find their way to the children area once again.  They spotted a big bonfire on the Northeast corner of the barren village square, which was surrounded by five Wapaho men, their faces serious as they conversed, each of them equipped with bows and arrows.  A chill went down Phoenix's spine and as they walked towards the dorm Phoenix recounted Griffin's story to Fairytail in a whisper.  Fairytail was horrified.  “If they can kill an innocent man cold blooded, they're capable of anything Phoenix!  This place gives me the creeps and I don't like the sound of that oil they're collecting for their inventions.  I have the feeling that it's not for the good of the community.” 

When they reached the wooden structure that held their sleeping quarters, Jill was there to escort them inside.  “You're the last ones, now hurry up and get in!  Your bunk is at the end to the right.  There's to be no talking once you're in bed.  No exceptions!” she said, slamming the door behind them.  The interior was drafty and gloomy.  Two rows of bunk beds filled the space, the boys on the left, the girls on the right.  Instead of feather-filled wool mattresses like they had in Gaia, these beds simply had a pile of worn blankets and a thin bed cover made of the same worn-out cotton as everything else in Wapaho.  Jill handed them each a pair of pajamas and an oil lamp.  “These are for you.  If you need to use the bathroom it's outside but be quick and quiet if you go, you don't want the Wapaho guards thinking that you're a deer,” she said with a smirk.  Everyone was in bed by the time Phoenix and Fairytail got their thin pajamas on and the room was deathly quiet as they crawled into their rock hard beds.  “I hate this place, everything is so cold.” muttered Fairytail as she tried to get into a comfortable position before falling into a fitful sleep.

Chapter 18…

A fortnight had passed and Phoenix and Fairytail were beginning to understand the meaning of the word boredom, which many of the children complained about.  They didn't understand the logic of having very capable children stuck in a play area with nothing constructive or creative to do and no responsibilities to take care of.  Phoenix missed feeding her animals, collecting eggs, making cheese, cooking meals, drying herbs, weaving baskets, and especially riding Keewaydin, whom she could not stop thinking about.  She guessed that the Wapaho had taken her since Fairytail had said that Daffodil was taken to a stable situated somewhere deep in the woods where children were not allowed. 

Their days were mostly the same, which consisted of Phoenix either talking with Griffin in the willow tree, or playing with Fairytail, and when Phoenix was with Griffin, Fairytail would play with Anne and Phoebe.  George, Toby and John would form a team against Jill, Sarah and Matthew, where each team had sticks to stab each other with until one team claimed victory by taking over the fort.  Sometimes they would also throw rocks, but Lucy would usually intervene and threaten them with punishment, which consisted of not getting lunch and having to sit with her at her station by the entrance wall. 

Fairytail ended up there for forgetting to say Miss when referring to Lucy.  She wasn't used to the term and didn't understand the importance of saying “Miss Lucy” instead of just “Lucy”, just because she was an adult.  Lucy finally lost it calling Fairytail a “rude little brat” and confined her to the entrance wall for a whole morning.  Phoenix had yet to be punished but she was always on alert, especially when she would join Griffin at the willow tree, where they would talk until Phoenix sensed she was being looked for. 

This is where she sat at the moment, staring out over the Autumnal landscape, the now yellow larches were losing their needles and the once orange, yellow and red leaves of the deciduous trees were now turning brown and falling off as well.  Her and Griffin were on the topic of escape once again, which they had been discussing for a while now.  Griffin had attempted it many times, but with no luck as the Wapaho men were very skillful in hunting, not only deer but also humans.  After so many beatings for his “unlawful act” he stopped trying, and instead decided to become a sort of ghost so no one would bother him.  Phoenix was excited because her and Fairytail had thought of a new idea. 

“Fairytail and I were talking last night since Josephine had to attend something important and we were left alone in her cabin sewing, and we thought that the only way to escape is to have some sort of weaponry.  It'll take awhile, but if we secretly start collecting the material for bows and arrows we can store them under our beds until it's time to make our mov,” she said, her eyes bright and glowing from the thought of escape.  “What materials can we use?” asked Griffin, not looking very hopeful.  “Well, Fairytail got the idea when she was playing hide and seek and she hid behind the ocean spray bush by the outhouse.  Her father was a Longfellow and he used the wood to make bows, arrows and spears.  We just have to find a sharp rock to carve the arrowheads, and we can take some thread from Josephine's, since she's got a lot and won't miss it, to use for the binding.  What do you think?” she said, watching Lucy below, who was talking with one of the Wapaho men. 

“Sounds like the start of a plan.  Once we collect enough supplies we can reconvene.  I think the best time for escape is in the evening when we all go to our houses, my guardians never pay any attention to me and that is when most of the Wapaho men are at home eating dinner.  But you and Fairytail will have to somehow get away from Josephine's,” he said, getting a bit more excited now that their plan was maturing.  “We'll think of something.  I better get back; I'm getting that Lucy sixth sense again.  See you later,” she said, jumping off her branch and making her way to the play area. 

Phoenix hadn't felt this good since for what seemed like forever, as the thought of escape from this horrific place now seemed hopeful, even if just a glimmer.  That evening, her and Fairytail had already collected a substantial amount of wood since they each made excuses to go to the bathroom at Josephine's and when they were in the dorm.  “I hope you don't have what Sarah has,” commented Jill as Fairytail came back from her second trip to the outhouse and was putting her pajamas on after quickly stashing her bundle of branches under her extra bed sheets, which were stored under the bottom bunk.  Fairytail didn't know what she meant by this and crawled into her icy cold bed, deciding to be a little subtler next time.  That night as the girls were trying to sleep they heard groans coming from the front of the room.  They tried to ignore it but it continued on until Phoenix decided that sleep was impossible until she discovered where the groans were coming from. 

As quiet as could be, she slipped out from her bed and found her way in the dark to where the noise was coming from.  To her surprise she saw Jill kneeling at Sarah's bedside, whose face was a horrible shade of green.  “What's the matter?” Phoenix whispered taking the risk of getting into trouble.  Jill looked up with concern.  “I don't know, Sarah thinks she may have food poisoning.  Her mother made her eat the venison mushroom soup and her stomach aches really bad.”  Sarah groaned again, her arms clutching her stomach.  “Has she thrown up?” asked Phoenix.  “No, but she wishes she could, it's just getting worse,” replied Jill, genuinely worried for her only friend. 

“Listen, I know of some herbs that might help, I'll be back soon,” Phoenix whispered.  “No, don't go out there, the Wapaho men are out,” Jill said with fear in her eyes.  “Don't worry, I'm not going far,” Phoenix said, surprised at Jill’s tone, which, for the first time was friendly.  When Phoenix had her lamp lit and was going out the door, her heart was pounding in her chest.  “Wait, take this to hide the light,”  Jill said, handing her a small black bed sheet.  “And if they catch you, it won't help if you explain.  Many Wapaho have died of sickness, Alice just died last month from a high fever and they say it was meant to be,” she added, going back to sit beside Sarah who was now quietly crying in her bed.  Phoenix took a deep breath, rubbed her sunstone, which she now kept hidden in her pocket, and went out into the cold dark night. 

Clouds must have blown in since the waxing moon was nowhere in sight, which Phoenix thought might be a good thing since she could hide better in the complete darkness.  It was a bit tricky, keeping the black sheet over herself and the lamp, plus trying to find the herbs she was searching for, but somehow she managed not to fall or bump into anything.  The forest was quiet.  All Phoenix could see was a light in the far distance, probably from the lamp of one of the Wapaho, so she quickly went about, collecting birch bark and wild ginger roots.  She spotted a high crampbark shrub, it's leaves having fallen, leaving only the red berries behind, which made it visible in the woods.  Quiet as a mole, she succeeded in gathering a handful of its bark and stuffed it in her pocket. 

Suddenly, out from the distance came the human screech of an owl and there was a rush of activity.  Horses came from all directions galloping towards the call that seemed to be coming from the far left of where Phoenix stood.  She quickly lay flat on the forest floor and covered herself and her lamp with the black sheet as she heard two voices close by.  “Paul couldn't see who it was, but he shot one of them in the leg.  He said there were about five or six of them, most in Longfellow attire,” said a deep male voice.  “I can't believe they got away.  Mister King is not going to be happy,” said the second voice.  “I know, they even said they were coming in peace, what fools!” mocked the deep voice.  The other man laughed as their voice drifted off into the distance. 

Who were “they” she wondered, staying flat on the ground.  Perhaps Fairytail's dad and some others were looking for them?  Maybe Oxeye?  Who had gotten shot?  Phoenix's thoughts swirled as the forest once again became still.  She waited a few more moments, knowing that she had lost some precious time, finally getting up and somehow making her way in the darkness tripping over roots, until she reached the front door of the dorm. 

She opened the creaky door and entered into the darkness of the dorm to find Jill dozing on the end of Sarah's bed, while Sarah was trying to get out of her covers, her eyes unfocussed and her face now a sickly pale green.  “I'm going to the bathroom,” she croaked, limping away.  Phoenix got right to work, lighting her lamp, filling a small bowl with water from the dorm's washbasin and heating it over the flame of her lamp. 

Jill awoke in a groggy state and asked Phoenix what she was doing.  “A ginger and crampbark tea for her stomach pains and some birch charcoal as well.  I had to make this once when my mother ate some poisonous mushrooms by mistake,” she explained as she made her decoction.  Sarah appeared and dropped into bed with a thump.  “How do you know all of this?” asked Jill, her voice shaky. 

Phoenix paused, suddenly remembering rule number two, but then proceeded, as Jill looked genuinely interested.  “In Gaia where I lived before I was kidnapped by the Wapaho, children are taught everything from medicine to cooking to building to animal care, stuff like that, so nature is really important for us to study and learn about,” she explained, giving Sarah the bowl of tea, which she drank, eager for anything to help the pain. 

“Promise you won't tell anyone, but did you like living in Gaia, we hear it's the most awful place.” Jill asked, her eyes now wide open.  “It's not awful at all!  You would love it there, so would the rest of the kids.  I just wish I was back, I miss my mother and my home so much,” Phoenix, said her eyes filling up with tears, at the thought of her cozy bed, her mother's delicious meals and the way her mother used to tell her wonderful stories before bedtime.  “I just wish the Wapaho didn't hate us, I wish you didn't hate us.  It seems so silly to hate and kill just because we're from a different community.” 

Jill's face dropped, her voice sounding small and confused “We don't hate you, it's just that... well, I don't know, it's just how we were brought up.”  Sarah finished her tea and Phoenix gave her the charcoal to ingest with some water.  “Look, you get to bed, I'll stay with Sarah to see if the herbs worked.  Maybe we can hear more of Gaia tomorrow night,” Jill said gently.  Phoenix nodded.  “Hope you feel better Sarah,” Phoenix whispered before retiring to her bed and falling into a deep sleep.

Chapter 19…

The next morning as Phoenix was getting dressed and explaining to Fairytail in a whisper the events of the night, she was surprised by the presence of Sarah, who looked completely different, her face although looking tired, was a healthy tan and her cheeks a rosy pink.  “I just wanted to say thank you, you didn't have to risk your life for me, especially how I have treated you,” she said embarrassed.  “That was really nice of you.  Jill told me what happened.  Maybe we can meet up tonight at my bunk.”  Phoenix was stunned, and even Fairytail couldn't stop staring at her in disbelief.  Finally Phoenix found her voice.  “I'm glad you're feeling better.”  “I'll see you tonight then?” “Sure,” Phoenix replied, still unsure of Sarah's sudden friendly behavior.  Sarah smiled then ran off to play.  “Wow, that was amazing,” Fairytail said shaking her head, “You work miracles my friend.”

That day Phoenix was in a daze, not knowing what to expect that night.  She hoped that Sarah was being genuine, but she also knew what the Wapaho were capable of and she didn't want to take her chances.  Lucy was in an exceptionally bad mood, which put Phoenix and Fairytail on edge as well.  There was a rumor going around that the Wapaho had let a gang of trespassers escape, and despite knowing this to be true, Phoenix kept her mouth shut and kept her distance from Lucy who was keeping an eye on Fairytail and Phoenix all day.  Josephine was also hypersensitive in the evening and did not let the conversation veer away from sewing and Fairytail later recalled that when she had gone to the outhouse there were an unusual number of Wapaho men around watching her every move. 

“Do you think that maybe the intruders were our parents?  I mean why else would they be keeping an eye on us?” Fairytail whispered as they left Josephine's to head to the dorm.  “I think that that is a possibility,” mused Phoenix.  “It would be impossible for them to know that we were here though, I mean, look at Griffin, he's been here for five years and no one has come to his rescue,” she said unwilling to get her hopes up.  “I guess so, I just feel a strange energy today and I'm not sure why that is,” Fairytail said, opening the door to the dorm.  “Hey, good luck with Sarah and Jill, I'll use that time to fashion some arrows so take your time,” she added, walking into the dark cold interior that had now become so familiar. 

After she changed into her pajamas, which needed a good washing like everything else in the Great Barrens, Phoenix nervously walked over to Sarah and Jill's bunk at the front of the room.  The two girls were sitting on Sarah's bed whispering when they saw Phoenix approach.  “Thanks for coming,” Sarah said, making room for Phoenix to sit.  “We were just talking about how we have to keep this secret since Mister King would give us a good beating if he found out, plus our parents would not be happy either,” she explained with a tremble in her voice. 

“So why do you want to know about Gaia then?” asked Phoenix feeling uneasy.  “I guess because our parents told us that Gaia was an unlivable place and that outside our boundaries there is only danger and mad men who want to burn our village down,” Sarah replied and Jill nodded too.  “So, is it true that you have your own sheep, chickens, fruit trees and that you grow own food?” asked Jill, her expression one of awe.  “Anne said Fairytail told her that.”  Phoenix nodded, feeling a little more at ease since she completely understood their need to know what lay outside their home, just as she had to experience the world outside of Gaia.

The three girls talked deep into the night, Sarah and Jill brimming with curiosity.  Once Phoenix started to describe her life at Gaia their wonder only grew.  They were especially excited about all the different kinds of food as well as the festivals and the various activities that Phoenix was part of since they suffered from boredom and wished for more responsibilities.  However, after much yawning the three girls decided to end the conversation for the night and decided to reconvene the next night for more stories.  Phoenix couldn't help but feel excited as she crawled into her cold sheets and fell fast asleep.

Chapter 20…

Fairytail had her own good news the following morning as she secretly showed Phoenix the six arrows that she had expertly carved while Phoenix had been with Sarah and Jill.  Griffin too, reported that he had finished three arrows and was getting the hang of carving wood.  They decided that twelve arrows each would be enough to give them at least some protection and Griffin even planned to practice his archery skills in the outhouse as soon as he finished making his bow. 

Phoenix and Fairytail still weren't sure how they were going to sneak away from Josephine when the day came to escape, but they still had some time to plan that out.  The two girls were whispering about this, pretending to play cards, when they were interrupted by a flurry of activity at the front entrance of the children's area.        “I want to see her this instant!” shouted a large dark-haired man atop a striking black horse, his gold tooth glinting in the sunlight.  Lucy's face had gone a deathly white.  “Yes, Mister King, of course,” she said bewildered, walking towards Phoenix and Fairytail.  “Which one of you is Phoenix?” snarled the huge figure, whose black cape made him look like a bloodthirsty bat.  His eyes narrowed as Phoenix stood up.  She surprised herself as her voice came out rather calm.  “I'm Phoenix,” she said, staring into the menacing bloodshot eyes of the leader of the Wapaho, the infamous Mister King. 

“Edward!” he shouted, as the same man who had captured Phoenix came running behind him.  “Bring this girl to the enemy room, I've been told that she's been spreading lies about her origins.  It's only necessary that we teach her a lesson about respecting the truth.  And may this be a warning to you all,” he bellowed, sweeping his terrifying gaze around the play area.  “That we respect the rules of the Wapaho and anyone who breaks the rules deserves the punishment they receive!”  He turned around from the terrified faces of the children and galloped away, his cape flying behind him. 

There were tears in Fairytail's eyes as Phoenix took one last glance at her friend before being forcefully pushed by the man named Edward, who once again tied her hands tightly together behind her back and then shoved her onto the back of his horse, taking her away to the aforementioned “enemy room” as the children watched, mortified at the scene they had just witnessed.

Phoenix's mind was swimming as she was taken away.  How could she have trusted Jill and Sarah?  What was the enemy room? What were they going to do to her?  She didn't have any more time to think as Edward stopped at the edge of the forest in front of a shack that was painted black and heaved her on his shoulders.  Mister King was waiting for them in the dark shack, lit only by a couple of oil lamps, which cast his monstrous shadow across the ceiling like an owl waiting to swoop down for a kill.  Phoenix was dropped onto a chair that occupied the small room and then her arms were tightly tied to the chair.  “Leave us alone.” Mister King said to Edward who hurried away, closing the door behind him. 

Mister King began to pace, holding a leather strap in one hand, the other hand behind his back.  Phoenix knew that she had to keep it together, she had to remain strong, it would do her no good if she broke down and let this monster intimidate her.  She decided to focus on his owl-like face and willed herself to be courageous.  “So,” he began, stopping his pacing to face her, his expression one of pure hatred.  “You've been telling the children about Gaia, your so-called happy land,” he laughed bitterly.  “You think that life in Gaia is so much better than the way we live, is that right?”  Phoenix didn't move. 

He continued, taking something out of his back pocket.  “I found this in your belongings when we accepted you lovingly into this community.”  He held up her journal.  “That's my journal!” Phoenix said in surprise.  “Yes, quite boring actually, except for this,” he said, holding between his fingers the portrait of her father.  “Where did you get this?” he asked.  “That's my father,” she said between clenched teeth.  “Ha! Ha! Ha!” he shrieked, his face suddenly brightening up.  “We have Raven's daughter, isn't that a happy coincidence!”  Phoenix struggled to maintain her composure. 

“How do you know my father?” she managed to say, her mind racing.  “This is too perfect!  If you must know, your father was like a thorn in my side, but the day we got him was the happiest in my life.  And now we have you, his courageous little daughter trying to continue his dream, how nice,” he said callously, his eyes narrowing down on her.  “You didn't do anything to my father, he died fighting a forest fire!”  She was seething now, feeling helpless sitting tied up in a chair having to listen to this cruel man.  Mister King literally spat as he bellowed.  “Died in a fire!  Is that what they told you in happy land?  Trying to protect their wee ones from the truth, the truth they pride themselves on?”  His voice turned to a sneer.  “I killed him with a few arrows to the heart as he pleaded for peace between the Wapaho and Gaia.  He never gave up and he tried one too many times... courage was his weakness.  Something to think about Phoenix Om,” he said, holding the portrait of her father in the flame of the lamp. 

She watched it go up in flames, no longer able to keep her tears back.  Her body shook with anger and sadness, not able to process what Mister King had just revealed to her.  “There will be lots of time for tears,” he continued with a smile that revealed his gold tooth, which seemed to glow from his otherwise dark features.  “If you survive solitary confinement in this place, hopefully you will have learned that your courage is of no value here.  You abide by the rules and perhaps you will survive in Wapaho because I'd rather not have to take your life into my own hands, like your father.”  He opened the door and motioned for Edward to enter.    

“You take care of this part,” he ordered, handing Edward the leather strap.  “Goodbye Phoenix, I hope we won't have to meet this way again,” Mister King added before throwing his cape around his shoulders and disappearing into the forest.  “You better hold tight,” sneered Edward as he whipped the strap across Phoenix's back.  She screamed at the sudden blast of pain that ran up her spine.  He whipped her four more times leaving her in tears.  “Hopefully you've learned your lesson or else we'll be meeting up again as well,” Edward said before exiting, locking the door behind him. 

Phoenix's tears turned into sobs as she sat in the darkness, letting what Mister King had said about her father seep in.  She sobbed until her eyes hurt and her body felt empty.  She didn't even hear Lucy enter.  It must have been evening as no light entered when the door opened.  Phoenix said nothing as Lucy untied her legs and arms and laid out some blankets on the floor.  “Now the door will be locked and Mister Stephen is on watch, so don't get any ideas,” Lucy said, hurrying out the door as if Phoenix was a disease.  There were no thoughts in Phoenix's head, only pain, as she passed out on the cold thin blankets.

Chapter 21…

No one came the next day or the next.  Food was pushed under the door twice a day.  In the afternoon she was fed mushroom broth and in the evening a glass of water with some leftover porridge.  At first her back was in too much agony to do much but sit and think about her mother whom she missed dearly, her father who was brutally murdered, and her escape out of Wapaho, which she was more determined to do now more than ever.  The days progressed and still no one came except the same delivered meals, which were her only link to the outside world, there being no windows in the shack, therefore no way to determine how many days had passed or the time of day.  However, her back began to heal and she disciplined herself to practice meditation three times a “day” and yoga when she was able.  Her determination to escape increased tenfold and her desire to teach the Wapaho a lesson, once she was free and able to round up some help, became central in her mind.

Mister King's cruel laugh as he burned her only picture of her father echoed in her mind, a nightmarish thought that haunted her.  It helped her understand the actions of the Wapaho who probably were living in complete fear and had fooled themselves to think that this was the only way to live.  The children and the women seemed to be enslaved the most and Phoenix couldn't help but feel compassion for they did not and could not believe that a place like Gaia existed.  It was Mister King whom she sought after, and his fellow evil-minded henchmen.  However, first she had to escape out of this place, so for the next few days she concentrated on different ways of going about this. 

As she was meditating in the darkness she suddenly heard low whispers outside her door.  “When is Mister King coming back?” said a male voice.  “Don't know, Stephen said he'd be back in a few days.  Found a bunker in the North or something, he seemed excited.  Paul got injured though, but Mister King made him still work as usual,” said a voice that sounded like Edward.  “I'm going out riding, when you off?”  “Stephen's taking over so I'll meet you there.  I gotta go West anyways, heard some deer was seen there.  Get my horse ready okay,” said Edward before it went silent again.  Phoenix wondered what a bunker was, and why Mister King should be so excited.  Was it that oil again?  She hoped not.  After meditation, Phoenix spent the night drawing out a map of the Barrens in her head with all the information she could gather from when she was first captured and went about planning the route of the great escape. 

Phoenix woke up to the first stream of light she had seen in what seemed like moons ago and it nearly blinded her.  Standing in the doorway was Edward looking unfriendly as ever, his brown ragged cape hiding his skeletal figure and his sharp nose casting a dark shadow on his owl-like features.  Phoenix rolled out of bed unsure of what to expect from her captor.  “Mister King says you've learned your lesson.  But if this happens again, I'll reopen those wounds of yours and this time I'll go deeper.  You are a lucky girl, now go join the rest of the brats,” he ordered with a snarl.  Phoenix squinted as she walked out the door feeling as though she had left her former self behind, having to accept her father's cruel murder and discovering an inner strength she did not know she had.  She was ready to take her life in her own hands and show Mister King that courage was not a weakness at all. 

When she entered into the play area the children who had been screaming as usual became suddenly silent.  Her now frail frame was like a ghost raised from the dead, but it radiated strength they could not understand.  They could only stand in awe as she walked past them toward Fairytail who at that moment looked up, and seeing her friend, ran toward her embracing her in a big tearful hug.  “Phoenix, you're alive!” she sputtered between sobs.  “I am so sorry.  It was my fault.  I'm the one who should have gotten into trouble.”  Phoenix was so happy to see her friend whom she hadn't realized she had missed so much the past week.  “What do you mean, you're fault?” Phoenix finally managed to say as Fairytail released her grasp.  “Come here where no one can hear us,” said Fairytail, leading Phoenix to a tire that was isolated from the main play area. 

As they sat down on the tire, the rest of the kids started to whisper to each other in earnest.  “It was Anne's father who ratted you out to Mister King.  She said she let it slip out at dinnertime that she wished she could have fresh vegetables like in Gaia, and well, her father grew enraged and forced her to tell where she had heard about such things.  She said your name so I wouldn't get into trouble.  But when you never came back, she came crying to me one night to confess.  We all thought you had been killed by the fourth day,” sniffled Fairytail, wiping her tear stained face with her dirty sleeve.  “Don't worry Fairytail, I'm glad they didn't take you away, that would have been worse for me, trust me,” she said, giving Fairytail a hug.  “What did they do to you?” asked Fairytail. 

Phoenix told Fairytail everything that had happened and Fairytail looked horror-stricken as she finished.  “They killed your father?  Why didn't our parents tell us that?  They told us he died in a forest fire!” exclaimed Fairytail.  “Obviously to protect us, like everything else they kept from us, but I'm not mad anymore at the people of Gaia or my mother, at least they love us unconditionally.  They just wanted us to be happy,” Phoenix said, thinking of her mother again, wanting to be in her arms.  She shook the thought away and continued, “We have got other things to be concerned about now, like getting out of this place.  I thought long and hard, and I want to escape tomorrow, no later.”  “Wow!” Fairytail said, her eyes wide, “I guess we've got to take the plunge some day.  I get goose bumps thinking about it.”        

Phoenix scanned the area making sure no one was within earshot.  “I've got a plan of escape that I will explain to you and Griffin in the outhouse tonight, and we make our move tomorrow evening when everyone is eating dinner.  What do you think?”  Fairytail nodded.  “I say we do it!  You'll be happy to hear that Griffin and me have been busy with the bow and arrows.  Griffin's really good at it, he even made yours, since we knew you probably wouldn't have been able to,” she whispered quickly, seeing Lucy approaching.  “I hope you've learned your lesson Phoenix.” Lucy squawked.  “You girls know better than to be talking too much, now get moving and enough chitter-chatter.  Next time we’re not going to be so nice!” she said with her hands on her hips and a grimace on her lips. 

When it came to go for dinner, Phoenix and Fairytail walked to Josephine's paying extra attention to their surroundings, which areas were occupied with Wapaho, which areas were hidden and any obstacles that they might face in tomorrow's escape.  Josephine greeted them at the door with a look of concern on her face as she looked at Phoenix's skeletal frame.  She didn't speak of Phoenix's absence, but she did give them two extra helpings of mushroom ginger soup, and she even had oatcakes to eat, which they had never had before.  As they were sewing some socks, Phoenix politely asked whether they could have baths tomorrow, as they hadn't had one since they had arrived, other than sponging themselves from the washbasin in the dorm.  Josephine looked bewildered at first, but then, seeing how desperate Phoenix looked, cleared her throat and replied.  “I suppose I could arrange that, but don't go telling the others, or else I'll be in trouble.”  Phoenix thanked her, her heart skipping a beat with joy at succeeding with part of the escape plan.  When the bell rang for bedtime, they jumped up, Fairytail secretly pocketing a few oatcakes, bade goodnight to Josephine, and ran out the door.  “Good job!” Fairytail said, grinning at her friend's clever idea.  “I'm just glad it worked!  I will be sad that we won't be able to take our baths though, we stink!” Phoenix said laughing.  They saw Griffin coming out of his house at the corner of the housing units and Phoenix sped up to catch up with him.  “Griffin!  Meet us in the outhouse after lights out, and don't let anyone see you,” she said quickly, before entering the children's area, where all eyes were still on her. 

As her and Fairytail entered the dorm, Jill was standing there, looking a bit nervous.  “I just wanted to say I'm glad you are okay,” she half mumbled.  “Uh, thanks Jill.” Phoenix said taken aback.  Her mind was once again racing as she got to her bunk.  She still couldn't believe how the kids had changed, but it was still frustrating that everything had to be so incredibly secret; she just couldn't live like that.  When Sarah blew the lamps out, Fairytail and Phoenix waited until the coast was clear before silently slipping out from beneath their covers and tiptoeing out the back door and quickly, but quietly stealing away into the outhouse.  Griffin appeared soon after.  “Gee, Phoenix, you sure had us scared, I'm glad you're okay.” he whispered so low it was barely audible.  He squeezed himself beside Fairytail and held the door shut.  “Thanks,” Phoenix said, noticing a couple of bruises on his face with the light of the outhouse oil lamp.  She knew she didn't have much time, so she began to tell them the escape plan, with Griffin giving a few helpful suggestions with his experience of attempted runaways.  After the three agreed with the final changes, they each crept back into the dorm unnoticed, thoughts of tomorrow's dangerous adventure dancing in their heads as they tried to fall asleep. 

Chapter 22…

The next morning was thick with clouds, threatening rain showers, something Phoenix was not keen on, but had to accept.  Fairytail had dark circles under her eyes, unable to sleep the night because of all the excitement for the escape.  Griffin got into trouble from Lucy for getting caught sneaking a piece of flat bread into his pocket at lunch, so he was confined to sitting beside her at the entrance of the play area the whole afternoon.  Just as the dinner bell rang, fat drops of rain started to slowly come down, making popping noises on the tin roofs, and Phoenix had to summon up her courage, which had become a little deflated from the dark skies above. 

Fairytail too had a glum look on her face as they marched towards Josephine's, her stomach growling from a pathetic lunch of duck broth and one thin slice of tasteless flatbread.  Luckily, Josephine was happy to see them, as she had been cooped up all day with chores and she let the girls have seconds of wild turkey and onion stew.  “I have to get the bath ready while you girls finish up.  I'll be quick,” she said, wrapping her shawl around her head and gathering her skirt before running out into the rain.  “This is it,” Phoenix said, her heart beating wildly at the reality of what was at stake.  Fairytail also seemed to be putting on a brave face as she wrapped one of Josephine's shawls around her head to somewhat protect her from the rain, although she wished she had her wool hood. 

Phoenix opened the door just wide enough to scan the area, which was as barren as ever, not even the bonfire was lit due to the rain that had now settled in.  “Lets go!” she said, and with that, they were off, sprinting towards the children's area where they hid behind the entrance tires and peaked out to look for any sign of life before Fairytail ran towards the dorm to retrieve all their supplies, which were hidden under her bed in a bag she had made from her extra bed sheet.  She swung the bag over her shoulder and peaked out the door.  Phoenix, who was still hiding behind the tire entrance, acting as lookout, gave the signal of safety, so Fairytail sprinted over and crouched beside her soaking wet friend.  “Where's Griffin?” Fairytail asked, her voice high pitched from adrenaline and fear.  “I don't know,” Phoenix answered with desperation in her voice.  Suddenly she saw his small frame come out the door and as she was about to beckon him over, a large caped man came out yelling.  Before Phoenix could duck, the man's eyes met hers and she recognized him immediately as Edward. 

“Run!” she shouted to Fairytail.  Griffin, seeing what had happened, kicked Edward in the groin and sprinted towards the girls who had now reached the tire wall that marked the village's boundary from the forest.  Phoenix was up the wall and throwing down the rope for Fairytail to climb up, when she saw that Edward, having recovered from the blow, was now running towards the house at the far corner of the L shape of houses.  Fairytail was up the wall and Griffin halfway up when they heard the human owl screech penetrate throughout the barren village.  Griffin made it up despite the slippery rope, which he had fashioned from his old clothes and bed sheets.  Fairytail nearly twisted her ankle as she helped Griffin toss the rope over to the other side of the wall facing the forest.  Sliding down the rope was a lot easier, and they made it safely to the other side, as the noises from the village grew louder. 

They didn't look back as they sprinted through the forest, heading West, but soon they heard male voices shouting behind them.  “Over there!” yelled Phoenix through the downpour of rain, which pelted down on them through the now leafless birch trees.  She had spotted what looked like a large barn to their right, the voices behind them getting dangerously close.  “They're going to catch up with us!” screamed Fairytail.  “I think Phoenix is right!” Griffin shouted back.  “I hear horses!”  Griffin was right.  As they ducked into the large stable, they were greeted by at least fifteen horses, each in their own stall.  “Keewaydin!”  “Daffodil!”  “Mannittou!” exclaimed Phoenix, Daffodil and Griffin respectively.  All three without a moments pause unhitched their horses that had been taken away from them, Griffin's five years ago, still with the memory of his father who had last ridden the beautiful white horse that had been given to Griffin for his fateful birthday. 

Their horses had just exited the stable when Edward, Mister King and five other men approached the stable, Mister King shouting angry orders at the men to hurry up and capture the children dead or alive.  Keewaydin took the lead with Mannittou close behind and Daffodil at the rear as the horses flew Westwards, towards Phoenix's destination, the village of Nopoming.  However, despite their horses' exceptional speed, Mister King and his men were not far behind and every now and then arrows would fly by, just missing Fairytail, whose poor horse still wasn't used to the speed of a chase.  “Faster, faster!” Fairytail yelled desperately, but to no avail.  Phoenix looked back to discover a caped man on a pitch-black horse just meters away from Daffodil.  She held tightly onto Keewaydin with one hand and with the other, withdrew an arrow and swiftly let it go, hitting the man on the leg.  He yelled in surprise, his hood falling back to reveal the sharp features of Mister King.  “Fire!” he shouted, and suddenly arrows were whizzing by faster than the eye could see, Daffodil getting the full brunt of the attack.  Seeing this, Griffin launched his own arrows, one hitting Mister King in the foot and grabbed Fairytail by the waist.  “Get on!” he cried to Fairytail.  Fairytail, too shocked to comprehend what just happened to Daffodil, wrapped herself around Griffin without thinking, and was soon on Mannittou's slender back, leaving Daffodil behind. 

With just two horses now, Phoenix decided to try and throw her pursuers off, so seeing a creek ahead; she called to Griffin and then hollered at Keewaydin.  “Jump!”  Keewaydin's hooves just made it while Griffin was momentarily subdued by another attack of arrows.  Fairytail got hit several times while releasing her arrows at two of the leading horses of the Wapaho, and Griffin once on his arm, but nonetheless he gripped on tight and Mannittou landed safely on the other side.  “Hurry, to the glade!” Phoenix shouted, not realizing that she herself had gotten hit in the back, but not too deep to stop her.  Keewaydin and Mannittou flew through the dense forest, zigzagging through the maze of ferns, shrubs and trees, until the Wapaho disappeared behind them.  Phoenix thought perhaps the Wapaho knew of a different route and might beat them to their destination, but her concern for Fairytail who was looking awfully pale worried her more.  They had just reached the glade when Fairytail started to go into shock and lose consciousness. 

“We have to hide here,” Griffin said, trying to hold Fairytail up with his good arm.  They hid their horses behind a thick family of spruce trees and laid Fairytail down onto the ground to assess her wounds.  Phoenix kept watch but all was silent except for the sound of rain splashing down around them.  “She's been pierced pretty deep, I'm going to try and tie her shawl tightly above her wounds to stop the bleeding,” Griffin explained, trying to sound confident, but fearful for his new friend's life, as Fairytail now lay pale and unconscious in a bed of brown pine needles.  They carefully dressed Fairytail's wounds, ripping her shawl and her cloth bag into strands and wrapping her chest, arm and thigh.  “I'm going to look for some St. John's wort and plantain to help with the bleeding,” Phoenix said, her voice cracking as she looked at Fairytail's ghostly face.  She took her bow and arrows just in case the Wapaho had guessed their location and proceeded to search for the area for any herbs that might help. 

Chapter 23…

Dusk had approached though and Phoenix didn't want to stray too far in case of getting lost, so she could only search the plants that surrounded the glade.  Luckily, she recognized St. John's Wort by its yellow flowers and she collected as much as she could.  When she turned to go back, she heard the snapping of twigs.  She stood as still as she could as the sound got closer. Her heart was pounding and she quietly withdrew one of her arrows.  “Ah, don't shoot please, I am just collecting some herbs for Samhain.” came a somewhat familiar voice.  “Who are you?” asked Phoenix, her arrow taut on her bow.  A very thin and ancient looking woman stepped out, her hair as silver as the moonlight and her eyes a watery blue as if the secrets of the ocean lay within them.  Phoenix lowered her bow and arrow, feeling foolish, although her heart was still pounding.  “I'm sorry, I didn't know who you were,” apologized Phoenix.  “Ah, don't worry, these are dangerous times I hear.  My name is Lotus and I just live West of this glade.  Would you like to come in for some tea, it will be a cold night tonight,” Lotus offered kindly, shifting her basket filled with herbs to her right thigh.  Phoenix feeling a positive energy from the old woman, quickly explained her situation and the awful state Fairytail was in.  “I have not heard the horses of the Wapaho, but they are smart.  Take me to your friend,” Lotus said with urgency in her voice. 

When the two arrived at the hiding spot, Griffin was tearing up his own shirt as the strips that were tied around Fairytail were already seeped with blood.  He jumped as they approached, his nerves strung tight at the horror of Fairytail's deathly state.  Before he could ask who the woman was, Lotus put her hand on Fairytail wrist.  “We must hurry!  You two carry her and follow me.  Quickly!” she exclaimed.  Phoenix and Griffin did as she said, exhausted from their escape from the Barrens and terrified at Fairytail's pale limp body. 

Despite her ancient demeanor, Lotus was quick on her feet and they soon came to a small cottage with a thread of smoke coming from the chimney.  When they entered, the sweet smell of lemongrass greeted them and a nice big fire crackled in an ancient looking hearth.  Lotus nimbly cleared away baskets of apples and squash that were sitting on a small wooden bed that occupied a corner of the cabin and set out some sheets where she instructed them to lay Fairytail's body. 

Without speaking, she took out a kettle that had just been boiling water and gathered various herbs that were sealed in a variety of ceramic jars.  As she let the tea steep, she folded three pieces of cloth and applied a tincture that had been stored away in a dusty wooden cupboard.  “This will help stop the bleeding,” she said aloud, undressing the now blood soaked rags and applying the thick pieces of cloth that smelled of something that was familiar to Phoenix.  “Arnica,” said Lotus, as though reading Phoenix's thoughts.  Lotus then skipped over to a thin rectangular cupboard, below the one that housed her tinctures and withdrew a wad of soft strips of hemp and then skipped back to Fairytail's bedside and redressed her wounds with a much better result than Griffin's attempt. 

The tea had now turned a dark amber so Lotus fed it to Fairytail by spooning it into her mouth, Fairytail showing some signs of life by moaning and swallowing the liquid, although she was still as pale as a ghost.  When the tea was finished, the old woman took a thick wool blanket from a shelf above the bed and laid it over Fairytail.  Griffin and Phoenix could only stand by and watch as Lotus moved about with lightning speed as if by magic, as if she was a fairy who had come to their aid when all seemed lost. 

She then turned towards Phoenix and Griffin, bringing her bandages with her and dressed their wounds as she had done for Fairytail, singing a soft tune as she did so.  Then she made a fresh batch of the same herbal tea for each of them to drink so as to stop the bleeding.  “Luckily, I gathered some black snakeroot and plantain the other day.  That will help the wounds heal,” she said as she cleared her small wooden table that sat in the center of the room, which had been laden with an assortment of stones, pieces of birch bark and a variety of dried herbs. 

Just then, someone pounded on the door making Phoenix and Griffin jump, nearly spilling their hot tea.  Lotus bounced off her seat and beckoned Phoenix and Griffin to the kitchen as the pounding on the door continued in full force.  Lotus opened a door in the floor, which was camouflaged with the floorboards.  “Best get in!” she said.  Griffin went down first, discovering a ladder that brought him into a basement filled with herbs hanging from the rafters, dusty shelves lined with peculiar objects and a large stone cauldron in the center of the small room with a multitude of squash, apples, onions, garlic and canvas bags of seeds and dried goods occupying the space around it.  Phoenix quickly ducked in as well, shutting the door above her head, which she put her ear up against, straining to hear what was happening upstairs.  Griffin joined her as well on the top step and both sat quietly, listening to the voices above. 

They heard Lotus open the door, and as she did so, a familiar voice boomed throughout the cottage.  “Hello, I'm so sorry to bother you,” said Mister King, his voice seeping with false kindness.  “But I am looking for three children that have gone missing from our community and their mothers are frantic.  Have you heard or seen anything?”  Phoenix's heart beat wildly, and she hoped Lotus could hear the snarl that was hidden within his friendly words.  “Children?  No sir, I haven't heard or seen them little ones for decades now, only have my daughter who visits me, but she's a grown lady now, but I'll keep my eyes and ears open for you, their mothers must be devastated.  So sorry to hear about the lost ones,” she answered in a gentle and sincere voice, much like a grandmother.  Phoenix couldn't help but smile at their new friend.  “Yes, yes, terrible indeed.  I'll be back by the creek in a few days time and my men will be camped out there as well, so please leave a note there if you'd be so kind,” Mister King said, his fake benevolence now coupled with a twinge of agitation.  “Why, of course!  I do hope you find them, the nights are getting quite cold, not a good time for the little ones to be out.  Give their mothers my sympathy,” she added kindly.  The next thing they heard was the door close and then silence. 

They waited quietly on the ladder rung until finally Lotus lifted up the door and they scrambled up into the kitchen.  “Ah, now I know where you've come from.  Quite a dangerous adventure you've gotten yourselves into,” she said, pulling out a couple of wooden chairs for them to sit in. 

Both Phoenix and Griffin wove the tale of their capture by the Wapaho, the horrific conditions in the Great Barrens and their eventual escape.  Phoenix, looking at Fairytail as she spoke of their escape, started to cry, releasing the great heaviness she felt in her heart.  “It's all my fault.  I shouldn't have brought Fairytail into this whole thing, I should have made her stay in Gaia when I had the chance,” she blurted between heavy sobs.  Lotus reached out and clasped Phoenix's small hand with her own wrinkled one.  “Ah, if I know the stubbornness and sense of adventure that her father has, I'm sure Fairytail could not have missed this despite the unforeseen outcome,” Lotus said with a twinkle in her eye. 

Phoenix looked up from her crying.  “You know Fox?” she sniffled in disbelief.  “Ah, yes, and he doesn't seem like he is doing too well either I am afraid.  You must know my daughter Harvest,” Lotus said.  Phoenix nodded, so she continued.  “She came to visit me a few nights before this one to tell me that all was not well in Gaia.   The Wapaho have been setting fires and luckily Harvest was away when they did the same to her house.  Sky had to fight them off when they tried to torch his cabin with success.  But a party of Longfellows, Fox included, tried to enter the Barrens with no success.  Fox's leg got severely wounded in the process.  With the disappearance of you and Fairytail as well, there has been more Longfellow presence, but even with successful attacks, Gaia has not been in good spirits,” she said sadly, her blue eyes staring off into the distance.  Phoenix was in shock and suddenly things began to fit together.  First, when she had heard of an attack the night Sarah had gotten ill, and then the injuries of the Wapaho that Edward and the other Wapaho had spoken about. 

“My mother, do you know about my mother?” Phoenix choked.  “You are a child of very strong and courageous souls,” Lotus began, as she got up and proceeded to make a new batch of tea.  “Harvest mentioned that Raven's daughter had gone missing and that Forest and Hail had disappeared soon afterward, only to come back with no luck the day before she left to come see me.  Your mother has gone through a lot and then to come back to her village under attack by the very people she believed to have taken her daughter, it cannot be easy,” Lotus said, pouring them some more tea before clearing a space on the ground and laying some feather mattresses and blankets down. 

“When I saw you with Raven’s horse, I knew that you must be his daughter, I just never believed that I would find you this far from home.”  “Keewaydin is my father’s horse?” exclaimed Phoenix in disbelief.  “Ah, it must have been kept from you.  I suppose your mother and Hail know best.  Keewaydin is with his rightful owner, and that is what is important.  She is a wise and brave horse, one who will take good care of you during these trying times.” Lotus said as Phoenix stared at her dumbfounded.

“It's best to get some rest now.  There's no point in getting worked up about these things when the night is late.  Tomorrow is Samhain and we will have plenty of time to talk then.  I'll be in the basement if you need me.” she said, her thin body disappearing underneath the door in the floor. 

“It wasn't your fault Phoenix that you were captured.  Your mother will understand,” Griffin whispered kindly.  “Oh, Griffin, I just can't help feeling like everything is coming apart.  If I hadn't left...” Phoenix couldn't finish as she thought about all the things that Lotus had said.  “If you hadn't left, I would still be in the Great Barrens, the Wapaho would still have attacked, and your mother would still be worried.  We can send word to Harvest somehow.  I'm sure there is some way to let your mother know you are safe,” Griffin added, getting into the wool covers that Lotus had laid out for them. 

Phoenix reluctantly got into bed, but she could not let go of the feeling that she had let her mother and Fairytail down.  Worst of all, her friend was close to death, and she did not think she could live with the guilt.  She shuddered to think about it, but Fairytail's deathly complexion was all she could see as she closed her eyes only to go into a difficult sleep.

Chapter 24…

They were awoken next morning by Lotus's movements.  Having already redressed Fairytail's wounds and given her tea, she was now taking a loaf of freshly baked bread from the hearth and pouring tea into three cups that were sitting on the table waiting for Phoenix and Griffin to come to breakfast.  “How's Fairytail?” asked Griffin, rolling out of his blankets.  “She's responsive, but it'll take time.  She's lost a lot of blood, but she's a tough one, I can tell,” responded Lotus, slicing up thick pieces of the warm loaf and smothering each with Saskatoon berry jam.  “Wow, do I ever miss real food!” exclaimed the salivating Griffin as he dug his teeth into his first tasty treat he'd had in five years.  Phoenix took her toast and tea and quietly sat beside Fairytail's bedside listening in on Lotus's and Griffin's conversation as well as being lost in her own thoughts.

“Did you know my parents?” asked Griffin shyly, taking another slice of toast.  “Ah, I have been away quite some time exploring the Southern lands, but I do recall a visit made here by a woman and man, the woman quite pregnant and needing some herbal remedies for pains she was experiencing.  You said yesterday that she died during your birth, so that may have been your parents.   They were so gentle and loving, I am so sorry for your loss.  Just remember that you were loved and that the people of Gaia will take you in with loving arms as well,” she said.  Tears crept into Griffin's eyes as a feeling of immense peace and joy filled his soul, something he hadn't felt in so long.   

“How we are going to get you back safely to Gaia is another obstacle we must discuss,” Lotus announced as she cleared the breakfast dishes from the table.  “Fairytail will have to stay here until she recovers, but we must get you back home,” she added, her watery blue eyes gently resting on Phoenix who had not thought that far ahead, her mind consumed with the lifeless body beside her. 

“Did my sister Willow ever tell you about your father Phoenix?” asked Lotus, pouring herself some more mint tea.  “She said something about him being adventurous when I chose the sunstone amongst her crystals,” replied Phoenix listlessly.  “How do you know Phoenix's father?” asked Griffin, seeing that Phoenix was not in great spirits and in no mood to talk.  “Ah, that is a long story Griffin, when I was quite a bit younger and very adventurous myself.  I was the traveling Healer, so when the Longfellows would take a long trip, I would join them in case anyone got ill or wounded.  My sisters also went on such expeditions, but I enjoyed them the most, especially the journeys South where we would pack our canoes and venture into the warmer climates, mostly to see if there were any other communities of people, since Gaia was still in its infancy and we had finally come out of hiding,” she said taking a sip of tea, her eyes floating to the distant past. 

“It was quite a difficult time as many of us had experienced horrible things, but we knew we were the lucky ones, the survivors, and we couldn't hide all our lives, not when we owed our children a happy meaningful existence, something humankind had destroyed even before the Great Holocaust.  It was Phoenix's father, Raven, who helped rally the people together, who talked of building a community based on love, openness and respect for each other and the natural world.  He was only a boy at the time, but his energy was special, we could all feel it, and it soon spread so that we all became excited and did our utmost best to see it come into fruition. 

Without Raven, I doubt Gaia would have existed, his energy was endless and when we had finally established the community, which was better than we could ever have imagined, the Wapaho started to appear.  Only a few at first, setting small fires around the perimeter, but by that time, Raven was a bit older.  The Earth Warriors, who later became the Longfellows, were created to maintain peace and protection from these obviously unhappy and bitter individuals.  He died trying to create a friendship with the Wapaho, understanding that comradeship would be the only way to bring about lasting peace and harmony.  But alas we lost him and I decided to move up here to keep an eye on the perimeter of things.  The Wapaho to the East, Nopoming to the West and Gaia to the South,” she finished her tea and looked out the window.  

“My goodness, I've lost track of the time, Samhain beckons and I've got many things to prepare before the sun sets.  Why don't you two collect some herbs to offer to your loved ones, while I get the house in order,” she suggested, emptying out a couple of baskets for them to use.  Phoenix who had listened intently to Lotus's story about her father, felt even more horrible about herself.  He was a hero while she just made a mess of things.  Her father would never have made the mistakes she had made, and now Fairytail had to suffer for it. 

Phoenix reluctantly took a basket and dragged herself out of the cabin, Griffin at her heels.  Herbs surrounded Lotus’s cottage, some maintained some left wild, shooting out from behind a beautiful rock path that circled around in a large spiral.  Phoenix arrived at the eye of the spiral to find a beautifully carved stone bench that stood underneath an intricately woven willow arch and beside a small pond. 

She put down her basket and sat down, staring mindlessly at the calm water.  The lily pads were glistening from the previous night's rainfall, a perfect camouflage for the frogs that surely inhabited the pond.  The sun, which was now peaking out from behind a cloud shone through beads of water that lingered on the thin leaf stalk of an arrowhead shrub, as if pondering the landscape it was about to leave behind.  She heard Griffin coming along the path and made room for him on the bench.  His hair, which was now quite long, just reaching past his shoulders, danced in the light breeze as he sat down beside her. 

“I just wanted to let you know Phoenix that I think what you did, in helping us escape the Great Barrens, was really brave and I owe my life to you.  I know Fairytail got hurt, but we probably wouldn't have gotten out of that rotten place without you and I would never have experienced this absolutely magical kingdom if I hadn't escaped.  I can't thank you enough, you've given me another life in a way, and I just wanted to let you know that,” Griffin said, brushing his hair back with his fingers, looking shyly at Phoenix, who was again lost in thought. 

“I'm just feeling a bit lost,” she finally said, breaking her reverie with the pond.  “I had such confidence in the escape, I didn't want anyone to get hurt,” she said getting choked up again, then continuing.  “After I left the enemy room, I promised myself that I would return to Wapaho to seek peace, but I also feel such vengeance after what Mister King did to my father, to your father, and to Fairytail.  I wish I had known my father, but he died a few days before I was born, I know he would know what to do.”  She once again looked longingly into the shadows of the pond, hoping to see some sort of sign. 

“After losing both my parents and being taken to the Great Barrens, I thought all hope was lost.  I didn't even have a choice of what path to take, but now that we're here, I've also been thinking about my future, and I think you are right.  Going back to Gaia would be the easy path to take, but maybe we have a different destiny.  We know the Great Barrens inside and out, not even the Longfellows have that knowledge, we do.  Maybe it is our path to bring about the peace your father attempted so long ago.  We just need supplies and a concrete plan, and maybe some more help.  What do you think?” Griffin said, his eyes glittering with passion.  “I'll think about it,” she replied, still feeling down on herself.  “I don't want to cause any more harm to my friends and I want to be here for Fairytail when she... if she gets better,” Phoenix said, picking up her basket.  Griffin nodded and as he got up, they heard Lotus's voice calling them in for lunch, so they headed back into the spiral towards the tasty treats that awaited them. 

Chapter 25…

When they entered into the warm cottage the whole place had changed.  There was a beautiful stone cauldron in the center of the room and a basket of herbs on one side, and a basket of apples, gourds and squash on the other.  Candles were strewn in various spots and the smell of heliotrope pervaded the air.  “Some squash soup for your hungry bellies,” said Lotus, handing them each a huge wooden bowl with the best smelling soup Griffin and Phoenix had ever smelled.  “After lunch, you can get washed up in the basin outside.  I've started the fire in the outdoor oven so it will be nice and toasty for you.  It looks like they didn't care much for cleanliness in Wapaho,” she remarked, smiling at her young visitors. 

“What do you do at Samhain anyway?” asked Griffin between big gulps of the savory soup.  “Ah, it's a time to send love to our friends who have left this physical realm.  The energies are heightened at sunset, so we'll offer them the herbs we have chosen and burn our messages to them in the cauldron.  I'm sure you two have plenty to say to your loved ones that have passed on, so I collected large pieces of birch bark for you to write on.  But for now, enjoy your nourishment; I've got to go out again.  The pot of soup on the stove is for you to eat and there is bread leftover from the morning as well.  Fairytail has had some more tea and is resting,” Lotus said, taking a basket and running off once again. 

After taking their much needed and much appreciated baths, Griffin set out towards the forest excited to explore the depths of his new found magical kingdom while Phoenix took a stroll towards the glade to clear her head.  The Northern winds had picked up causing the trees to creak as they swayed to the whims of the wind.  She found a large moss covered rock to sit down on, crossing her legs, focusing on her breath and entering into a meditative state.  Images and thoughts flew through her mind at first: her father's portrait, Mister King's voice, Griffin's talk about destiny, and Fairytail's deathly guise.  They were all rushing at her like flood waters bursting through an embankment.  She let them go, let them flow from her mind and then centered on her physical presence, the texture of the moss, the sting of the cold wind on her cheeks, and the feeling of being grounded to the Earth.  She then heard the rushing of water and remembered the creek that they had had to jump over to escape the Wapaho.  For some reason she was drawn to it, so she hopped off the rock and made her way towards it. 

When she arrived at the creek, it seemed a lot larger than she first remembered it.  She couldn't believe their horses had been able to make it.  The water was deep and she walked along it, feeling as though the rippling waves were trying to tell her something.  She had been feeling stuck, but the fluid water of the creek was teaching her to let go, to stop beating herself up and to continue on her path, like the waves that encountered a rock and simply flowed around it.  Phoenix picked up a fallen limb and threw it in the water, running after it to see where its journey would take it.  Suddenly, her foot struck something that was buried in a flock of dying ferns, sending her flying through the air and falling into a bed of pine needles.  She got up to inspect what had caused her fall.  After pulling away the massive brown ferns, to whom she apologized while doing so, she found to her surprise a beautiful cedar canoe that was propped up by rocks and kept dry from the family of elder trees it was stowed under.  Lotus's story of traveling by canoe popped up in her head as she inspected it for any cracks, only to find it in perfect condition. 

“Ah, you found my old friend.”  Phoenix yelped at the sound of Lotus's voice coming through the thick foliage.  “Sorry to frighten you, I was just getting some water to boil back at the cottage.  I see that you have discovered my old canoe,” she said brushing the pine needles from her silvery white hair.  “It's beautiful,” Phoenix said quietly, still admiring the smoothly carved surface.  “Yes, and strong as a beast.  It has taken me on many adventures, but now in my old age, I am content staying here in my little cottage for the most part and appreciating the beauty that surrounds me,” Lotus said wistfully. 

“Where does this creek go?” asked Phoenix, turning her attention once again to the babbling waters.  “Ah, the waters travel to Gaia as well as to Nopoming.  The creek forms a fork not too far from here, the Westerly arm going towards the lake that feeds Nopoming, and the Easterly arm travels right through Gaia, probably by your home,” explained Lotus, now dipping her two buckets into the icy cold water.  “I see adventure in your eyes,” she said, filling the buckets to the rim.  Phoenix thought once again about Griffin's words about needing supplies if they were to return to the Great Barrens, to do what, she still had no clue.  “You know, you do remind me of your father.  A lot quieter, but I see the flames of adventure in your eyes, just like Raven,” she mused.  “If you do decide to follow your heart, my canoe would be happy to glide through the cool waters once again,” she added, lifting the two buckets of water before disappearing into the forest once again. 

Chapter 26…

By the time Phoenix reached the cottage, after finally choosing a variety of herbs that she thought her father might like, the sun was casting the last of its rays through the billowing clouds.  Griffin was busily writing on a piece of birch bark and Lotus was stoking a small fire that was lit in the cauldron when she walked into the welcoming warmth of the cottage. 

“You're just in time Phoenix,” grinned Griffin, his cheeks a rosy pink and his eyes glittering with excitement.  “Here's some birch bark and a charcoal pencil,” he added, handing Phoenix the supplies.  Phoenix smiled and took a seat beside the sleeping Fairytail, who was now a little less pale but whose breathing was still quite shallow.  She wrote a message to her father asking for his protection and for courage for the journey she was planning to take.  She also expressed her love for a father she wished she had known. 

Lotus lit the candles that surrounded the interior of the cottage and started to burn some heliotrope as Phoenix and Griffin made a circle around the cauldron.  Lotus cast a circle of stones and chanted:
  

To the Northern Spirits we call upon thee,

Oh guardians of the Earth,

To watch and protect over us

The guardians of this hearth.

To the Eastern Spirits we call upon thee,

Oh guardians of the Air,

To watch and protect over us

And the magick of this lair.

To the Southern Spirits we call upon thee,

Oh guardians of the Fire,

To watch and protect over us

In all times calm or dire.

To the Western Spirits we call upon thee,

Oh guardians of the Water,

To watch and protect over us

Tis me your living daughter.

            
She then sliced an apple in half and chanted:

Blessed is this night,

As the cycle of seasons takes flight,

The gifts of harvest bringing bliss,

Before the chill of Winter's kiss.

The beginning and end of all things,

Preparing for what death brings,

We call upon those who have passed,

Your wisdom ancient and vast.

Like the leaves that whither and fall

As they hear Winter's call,

May our ills be done and gone,

The veil of darkness drawn.

We welcome our friends past to be here,

To give us direction for the new year.

Phoenix and Griffin were instructed to place their herbs and birch bark messages into the cauldron and Lotus did the same and then recited the final incantation.

           
          The cottage seemed to tremble as sparks flew out of the cauldron.  Both Phoenix and Griffin stood speechless as they felt the energies fill the room.  Lotus handed them each a slice of apple to eat, which they did in silence as the candles flickered in the dark that had descended upon them.  The aroma of the herbal concoction filled the room with hints of pine, cedar, sage and lemongrass.  Suddenly they heard a murmuring coming from Fairytail's bed.  Phoenix finished her apple and went to Fairytail's bedside, which was also surrounded by candles.  She bent over to hear what Fairytail was saying but to her it was incoherent babbling from a feverish dream.  Lotus opened the front door to let the breeze in and all fell silent as the three meditated on the souls of the departed. 

            
            It was getting late and Griffin, exhausted from the evening's events and mystic energies he did not fully understand, crawled under his blankets and soon was fast asleep.  Phoenix, who was deep in a trance, suddenly came to, having arrived to an answer that she had been struggling with.  She meditated on it for a while until she too felt her eyelids begin to droop and slowly rolled into bed, mumbling a goodnight to Lotus who was left murmuring to the invisible spirits that lingered in the night. 

Chapter 27…

            
             Moments before sunrise, Phoenix quietly got up, not wanting to disturb Griffin who was peacefully breathing in his sleep.  She wrote him a note explaining that she had to take a side trip alone and that she would be back as soon as it was possible, and that she had not forgotten their destiny.  She placed the note on his bedside and then crept towards Fairytail.  She seemed to have a bit more color in her face and Phoenix squeezed her frail hand and wished her to get well before Phoenix returned from her trip.  The last thing she grabbed was her bow and arrows and a couple of apples before softly closing the door behind her. 

           
               The air was sweet and the sound of chickadees greeted her as she wrapped the wool shawl she had borrowed from Lotus tightly around her small frame.  The winds from the night before had brought in a cold front, perhaps even snow, she thought as she made her way to Keewaydin’s stall and bade her goodbye, giving her a kiss and a hug around her soft neck.  Phoenix then scrambled through the forest towards the canoe that awaited her.  When she arrived at the water's edge, she noticed a note tied to a large cedar.  It was in Lotus's handwriting:  Sorry, No Sign Of Children, Hope They Got Home Safely, Sincerely L.  Remembering what Mister King had said about visiting in a few days, Phoenix began to act quickly, not wanting to start her journey with encountering the very man from whom she was trying to hide. 

            As she gently rolled the canoe over, she was astonished to find a basket neatly filled with a variety of snacks, teas and medicinal herbs.  There was a small note attached with the words:  I've sent word to your mother that you are safe, good luck, L.  Phoenix took a deep breath and thanked Lotus aloud, feeling the air and the trees alive, as if they were all seeing her off.  The canoe was surprisingly light and Phoenix jumped in once it was immersed in the clear waters, pushing off with her paddle, on her way to the unknown adventures ahead. 

            The canoe glided swiftly and Phoenix easily managed the rather calm waters, feeling once again free and alive.  The brisk breeze helped clear her mind and a big smile crept up on her face.  She was happy to be with the cedars that drooped their branches as if in greeting, the fish of all different sizes that raced along with her, the big boulders that sat patiently along the water's edge and the sun that peaked out from the vast clouds overhead.  She camped that night under a triad of cedars that helped act as a barrier from the cold.  She also gathered moss to lie on and made a modest fire in case of traveling Wapaho, and then cooked a small dinner of pine mushrooms, squash berries and bannock that Lotus had packed for her. 

            The journey for the next three days went just as smoothly; however, Phoenix began to have an uncomfortable feeling on the fourth day, as if she was being watched.  She took a break for lunch and climbed a large willow to see if anyone was near, the feeling of being followed still staying with her.  However, despite her lengthy watch, she couldn't see or hear anything unusual.  She quickly ate and hopped back into the canoe, staying as close to the edge, where the tree branches that hung over the icy waters better shielded her.

            As sunset beckoned and Phoenix's arms began to feel numb, she looked for a place to pull in, the full moon aiding her efforts.  Just as she spied an opening that led onto a thin sandy shoreline, she heard human voices East of her.  She quickly stuck her paddle into the sand that lined the river bottom, slowing the canoe's progress and finally stopping on the shoreline, a fallen birch tree protecting her from being seen.  She could see two silhouettes that seemed to be pulling something behind them.  Quiet as the night, she secured the canoe on land and crouched behind the birch tree, whose white bark glowed in the moonlight.  The temperature had dropped rapidly making every noise crystal clear in the enclosing darkness. 

            The two figures were breathing heavily as they now seemed to be tying a thick rope that they had been pulling, to two horses that were awaiting them under the weeping branches of a large willow.  “Tighter Edward, this one's a big one!” said a very excited male voice.  “I'm trying but it's too heavy for me.  Why don't you get off your high horse and help me,” said a voice that made Phoenix's blood run cold.  “The boss is going to freak out when he sees this.  Maybe we will finally get to have a little fun, watching those uncivilized freaks scream in terror and escaping to their quaint little mud homes!” screeched the unknown voice as they tugged at whatever they had found, finally hitching it to their horses.  “Hurry, the boss will be wondering where we've been,” growled Edward, the man who had caused Phoenix so much trouble and now here he was just meters away on the other side of the river. 

            By the sound of their excitement, Phoenix knew whatever they had found was not good news for Gaia and she shuddered to think of the evil that could overtake her own humankind.  She still could not fully understand it.  The two men disappeared into the darkness and all Phoenix could do was eat some cold bannock and an apple before retiring under a small shelter she built with branches and moss, leaning against a large fallen cedar tree, its roots sticking up in the air like a large spider.  She would have to wait until the morning to investigate, but the words of the anonymous screeching voice haunted her throughout the night.  All she could do now was hope that Mister King would be delayed in his revenge against her beloved home Gaia. 

Chapter 27…

             Heavy gray clouds filled the sky and Phoenix sensed the first fall of snow as she crawled out of her small den and started her morning off with a hot cup of chamomile and honey tea, gracious gifts from Lotus, before rolling out the canoe and heading to the opposite shore to inspect the area where she had spotted the Wapaho.  After lugging the canoe onto the embankment, she easily found the tracks left by Edward and the other Wapaho, as well as the tracks of the anonymous item they had found, which had left large sled-like grooves in the moist ground.  She retraced the tracks and found herself in front of a mound of pine needles and fallen branches that had been piled on top of each other, perhaps to hide whatever was beneath.  She was a bit nervous as she started to clear the branches away, the cold nipping at her cheeks. 

            To her amazement, she came upon a badly bent door that was buried deep within the forest floor, the latch hanging open, broken by something that must have been quite powerful.  Phoenix listened for any outside movement but the early morning only brought sounds of birds nibbling on their breakfast and the river rushing on ahead.  She carefully scaled down the trench and reached the door, heaving it open.  A musty smell crept into her nose as she entered the tomb-like structure, the morning rays of light allowing her to see what lay before her. 

Shelves lined the walls, empty except for a few empty cans that were made of that material called tin that she had seen in Wapaho.  Some were labeled with a variety of fruits and vegetables.  The one she picked up said tomatoes and smelled quite nasty.  This place reminded her of her root cellar back home, except the people that built this one used the same strange materials that made up the Wapaho village.  Perhaps these too were from the Great Holocaust since nothing in nature resembled this stuff at all.  The door, which was made of the familiar looking steel material that was used for some of the roofing in Wapaho, was cold and she felt a negative energy emanating from it and it didn't seem to have a smell either.  Very peculiar she thought to herself. 

As Phoenix reached the back of the room she saw black spots dotting the floor.  She knelt down to inspect them but did not recognize the smelly greasy liquid.  What were these Wapaho up to?  Phoenix remembered what Fairytail had said about her father finding the melted jug of black liquid that Fairytail had not recognized.  Somehow Phoenix had to find out where the Wapaho were keeping this secret invention of theirs, but for now all she could do was continue on her journey since her food supplies was running low and she felt that her time was short after what she had heard last night.

            Although Phoenix could only hear the magical sounds of nature, she still felt the presence of someone as she paddled Westwards, but again she pushed the thought away.  She wished Fairytail could be with her, she always brought a light-heartedness to all situations and right now that was exactly what Phoenix needed as thoughts about her father's death once again began to resurface. 

            Just then, Phoenix saw the river divide up ahead; one arm West and one arm South as Lotus had said.  Phoenix's heart began to beat with excitement as she realized that she was close.  It was mid-afternoon and Phoenix's stomach was pleading for some nourishment, so after reaching the fork in the river, she paddled Westward and soon found a beautiful sandy spot to stop and eat the rest of her food supplies as she could always find some wild plants and mushrooms to satisfy her for dinner.  She also hoped to be at Nopoming by the next day if all went smoothly.  Phoenix nestled herself between a group of birches, their brilliant white bark standing out amongst the evergreens as if they were emanating some inner light.  The river seemed to have a mind of its own, so focused on its route Westward, and Phoenix became entranced by its movement, and soon the whole landscape of evergreen mountains seemed to be moving too. 

            After her lunch of leftover bannock, nuts, berries and dried fruit, she set off again and by nightfall she had canoed enough as her arms and back started to stiffen and her eyes began to droop.  That night she could hardly sleep as her excitement grew about finally seeing the mysterious place called Nopoming.

            Phoenix awoke to find the first snowflakes of the year, their soft celestial bodies forming a thin layer of white on the brown forest floor.  She decided to skip breakfast and get a head start on her journey as her anticipation grew with every moment.  The snowfall also made her feel giddy as it did every year, the novelty of its beauty and tranquility never seeming to dissipate.  She also knew that traveling would be extra difficult as the snow cover became thicker and her tracks would be more noticeable.  She swept her negative feelings away and focused on the moment at hand when she caught sight of a figure up ahead.

           
 Quick as a mouse, she swerved to the right and stuck her paddle into the river bottom, disturbing a family of trout that were swimming downstream.  She easily identified the figure as a Wapaho because of his ragged cotton tunic, but he was focused intently on something across the river, his arrow taught on his bow.  As her eyes scanned the area she saw a family of three deer munching on some shrubs exactly opposite to where the Wapaho was hiding on his horse.  Phoenix, realizing what he was about to do, thoughts of her father's death resurfacing at the same time, was unable to stop herself, as she shouted “No!”  Within moments the deer ran off unscathed and the unknown Wapaho disappeared as well while Phoenix sat as still as she could, but she knew she was in a very vulnerable position.  There was no place to land, her paddle was coming loose and she knew that the Wapaho was hiding close by. 

            Before she knew it, her paddle became loose and the strong current pushed her downstream.  As she scrambled to attempt to dig her paddle in once again, she saw the Wapaho in between a row of spruce trees, his arrow once again mounted, but this time for her.  Just as he was about to release, an arrow came from within the woods hitting the Wapaho's right hand.  Phoenix, who thought she had met her death, regained consciousness and realizing what had happened, steered the canoe towards some ground up ahead. 

            As she approached land, she repeatedly looked back to see who had come to her rescue and whether there was any sign of the Wapaho; however, her view was blocked by the thick wall of evergreens that lined the river's edge.  Grabbing her bow and arrows, she had barely landed when to her great surprise Oxeye came out of the thick brush riding on top of a stunning white horse. 

“Don't worry, the Wapaho are gone.  Are you all right?” he asked getting off his horse and giving her a hand with the canoe.  “Was that you that scared the Wapaho away?” Phoenix asked, still shocked to see Oxeye after so long.  “Ya, you were pretty courageous though, saving those deer and putting your own life at risk,” he said somewhat curiously.  “Well, it kind of came out by accident, I'm just lucky that you were around or else I don't think I'd be alive right now,” she said out of breath as she relived the moment.  Oxeye blushed.

            “What are you doing around these parts anyway?” Phoenix asked as they sat down on a fallen down larch that was protected from the snow.  “I've got to confess.  I've been following you for a few days now; just making sure that you weren't going to get harmed.  There's been quite a lot of Wapaho activity lately,” Oxeye answered, looking sheepish.  “I knew someone was watching me!  I could feel it but I didn't want to spook myself.  I'm glad it was you, I was afraid it was the Wapaho,” she smiled.

            “Where are you off to now?”  Phoenix asked.  “I'm on my way to Nopoming to stock on some supplies, I've been pretty busy lately with the Wapaho.  They've become pretty aggressive.”  “I know, I just escaped from the Great Barrens and I'm also going to Nopoming to get some supplies,” she said, feeling her stomach grumble with hunger.  Oxeye looked shocked.  “Escaped from the Great Barrens?  That's never been done!” he exclaimed.  “It's a long story.” Phoenix said, amused by the look on his face.  “We can tie the canoe to Merlin and I can give you a ride.  I know a smooth trail, plus I've got some rawhide to cover the canoe so it won't get damaged,” he offered kindly.  “You can tell me the story on the way.”  Phoenix readily agreed, happy to have a friend after so many solitary days, so they wrapped and tied the canoe to Oxeye's horse and were soon on their way through the snow-kissed forest. 

Chapter 28…

            As Phoenix finished telling Oxeye her adventures, they came upon the lake that marked the beginning of the Nopoming land base.  Oxeye could only shake his head at Phoenix's story, muttering “Oh dear” every now and again. 

“I'm so sorry to hear about Fairytail.  I know how you must feel.  My brother Feather also got savagely wounded in a Wapaho attack and only now has returned to his Longfellow duties,” Oxeye said, passing an apple to Phoenix, seeing that she was fading. “Your observations on a weapon of sorts being invented by the Wapaho, however, is extremely valuable to us.  Maybe we can get a Longfellow crew together since you know the Great Barrens so well now, and see what that is all about,” he added, crunching down on his own crisp apple.  Phoenix nodded with enthusiasm.  “That's exactly what I thought,” she said, taking in the beauty around her as they were now heading into a grove of fruit trees and a large raven came out from nowhere and scaled the sky, flapping its huge wings, which Phoenix could hear from where she was sitting. 

            “Here we are,” Oxeye announced.  At first Phoenix could only see a garden to the far back and a large fire in a circular clearing, but when she looked closer at the trees that surrounded the area, she realized that in almost each one was built a gorgeous house.  Some with potted plants outside their windows, others with clothes drying on the tree limbs, but camouflaged so well she wouldn't have realized a community lived there at all.  “Not much, but we try to keep it simple since most of us spend our time doing our Longfellow duties in the forest,” Oxeye said as he dismounted, giving Phoenix a hand as well.  “The only real permanent villagers are the elders and a few Longfellows who have young children.”  Almost on cue, a couple of young children came running from one of the tree houses towards them shouting Oxeye's name.  They suddenly became shy as they realized that Oxeye was not alone. 

            “Phoenix, this is Sylph and Yucca.  Yucca and Sylph, this is our new friend Phoenix,” Oxeye said, gently ruffling the hair of the two young girls.  They started to giggle and Yucca took Phoenix by the hand.  “We'll help show you around,” she said brightly.  Phoenix immediately felt the warm energy of the place and was awestruck at the craftsmanship of the tree houses, each one with its own organic form and creative energy.  “I live over there,” Yucca said, her face beaming as she pointed to a house made of cedar, with willow branches twisted around each other as an accent, as well as camouflaging the house that lay within a family of cedar trees.  Herbs were strung along the limbs as well as some garlands of highbush cranberries that had a child's touch.

            “Yucca is Song's daughter and Sylph is Dragon and Ocean's daughter, but Sylph’s parents are fighting a forest fire near Gaia, so she is staying with the elders,” explained Oxeye who swung Sylph onto his shoulders making the little girl laugh, her dark brown braids flying in the air.  “We should take Phoenix to see Salamander.  I’m sure she'll know where Phoenix can stay,” chirped Yucca, obviously the most out-spoken of the two children.  Oxeye agreed but said perhaps it would be best if him and Phoenix went alone, so Sylph and Yucca said their goodbyes and ran off to Yucca's house giggling and talking as they went.  “Those two are a lot of fun and when they get together with Autumn and Sapphire, the two younger boys that live here, they are a bundle of energy,” Oxeye said laughing. 

            “And who is Salamander?” asked Phoenix, very curious as she remembered the inscription to her father in the Longfellow manual that her and Fairytail had found.  She noticed they were going a bit deeper into the woods behind the beautiful garden that even in November still had large leafy vegetables and colorful flowers all around.  “She's an elder, one of Lotus's sisters actually.  She looks after the psychic energies of the community plus other healing methods,” Oxeye answered as they approached a surreal looking tree house made totally of woven willow branches and decorated with various crystals hanging from the tree limbs. 

They ascended the sturdy cedar ladder that led up to her house and Oxeye brushed a beautiful crystal wind-chime with his fingers, making a melodious tinkling sound that was answered by an old woman, looking very much like her sisters, except her hair, which was curly and wild.  She was wearing a beautiful crimson felted wool tunic that draped over her thin frame and a large golden yellow stone hung from her neck.

            “Ah, Phoenix Om, I've been expecting you,” she said solemnly, opening the door for her two visitors.  “How did you know-” started Phoenix.  “Ah, words are only one form of communication, there are more that you will soon see,” she replied, sweeping across the room.  “Please take a seat and I will warm you up a bowl of soup and some tea since you must be famished,” she said as she set a pot on the wood stove that was tucked away in the corner of the enchanting room. 

Beeswax candles were mounted all around the intertwining willow branches that formed the organic shape of the interior.  Long red felted drapes separated the bedroom from where Phoenix and Oxeye were standing, and a large stone cauldron intricately carved with various symbols, sat in the center with baskets of herbs, bark and tinctures neatly placed beside it.  There were no chairs to sit on, but three sunset orange sitting cushions that formed a circle on the ground, surrounding a circular carved piece of red cedar that acted as a table, awaited them.

            “Some yam and wild onion soup and lemon balm tea with wild honey to warm you up,” Salamander said, placing the hot bowls on the table and taking a seat on the vacant cushion.  “Just what I needed,” marveled Oxeye as he and Phoenix dug into their meal with happy ferocity.  “So, what brings you to Nopoming Phoenix?  You've gone on quite a journey: from Gaia to the Great Barrens, to Lotus's cabin and now here.  You've almost traveled full circle,” she said, taking a sip of tea and turning to Phoenix with great warmth in her eyes. 

“I'm not quite sure what brought me here, but after my friend Fairytail got wounded by the Wapaho and was left with Lotus, I felt like I needed to get stocked up on our supplies,” Phoenix answered, suddenly realizing that she really hadn't thought about what supplies she needed or what she planned on doing with the Wapaho once she returned to the Great Barrens.  She wasn't even sure why the people of Nopoming should help her in the first place and why she placed so much importance to this place since she had found it on the map so long ago.

            Salamander must have seen the perplexed look on her face, but she nodded her head and continued.  “Ah, planning on returning to the Great Barrens, I see.”  Phoenix nodded, having no idea how Salamander had known so much about her in the first place, but somehow that didn't matter at the moment.  “Your good friend Fairytail is in very good hands, but it will take some time before she is ready for more adventure.  You are welcome to stay here with me and perhaps I can help you with the difficult challenges you face ahead,” she paused to refill their empty bowls with more mouth-watering soup.  “My sisters were right, you have the adventurous spirit of your father.  You know, I knew him very well as he and your mother lived here when the Earth Warriors first came to be.  He was a courageous young man, following his path with great faith and vigor.  Although he died young, he was content in following his dream and in turn, he not only lived in happiness but he also contributed to the community in many ways, as Lotus has explained to you I'm sure,” she smiled.

            Phoenix slowly nodded, taking in Salamander’s words, and feeling great love emanating from her.  She was glad she had come to Nopoming; it almost felt as though her father’s spirit had brought her here.

            “Would you like to take Phoenix to the meditation house, she can pick up some blankets and a warm tunic there and perhaps you can bring me cedar twigs and a bucket of water when you return.”  Oxeye nodded and thanked her for the delectable soup, and after saying their goodbyes, Phoenix and Oxeye departed, taking a basket with them.  “She is the best cook, I always find an excuse to visit her during meal times,” Oxeye said, rubbing his stomach in satisfaction.  Phoenix agreed, however, she had other things on her mind.  She wasn't sure what kind of help Salamander planned on giving her and she was very curious to find out.

Chapter 29…

            The temperature had definitely dropped and the coming of Winter was in the air as the trees creaked with the winds that made their way through the labyrinth of bark and shrub.  The clothes that had been hanging to dry were now motionless, like sculptures molded by frost.  Oxeye took Phoenix to a small circular pine tree dwelling that was nestled within a large willow with a winding staircase that led up to a hand-carved door with a crescent shaped window. 

            Just as Oxeye was about to knock on the door, a tall slender woman came out, and immediately broke into a wide friendly smile upon seeing them.  “Hi, you must be Phoenix Om.  Yucca came home all excited to tell me about our new visitor.  It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Song,” she said joyfully, her long auburn hair surfing in the wind.  “Why don't you come visit us tomorrow, Salamander said you might like to practice yoga and I would love to help you,” Song offered as she pulled her sky blue tunic over her head as snowflakes began to descend from the soft gray clouds above.  “Thank you, that would be wonderful,” Phoenix said in amazement.  “Super, I'll see you then.  Oh, Oxeye, I almost forgot, Feather wanted me to pass on the message that he's been delayed.  Another fire erupted near Willow's house, so you'll have to patrol the West embankment on your own,” Song said before disappearing down the stairs. 

            Oxeye, seeing Phoenix's look of worry, put his hand on her shoulder.  “You know, although this is a tumultuous time and I know there is a reason to be afraid of the Wapaho, I feel that it has really brought us together, Gaia and Nopoming I mean.  Tragedy can either pull you apart if you give into the fear, or it can bring you together if you choose to be courageous enough to help each other through,” he reflected. 

Phoenix nodded thoughtfully as he opened the door for her and she stepped into the tranquil meditation room, feeling as though she was interrupting the stillness.  “I know what you mean Oxeye, I probably wouldn't be here if I had just stayed in Gaia under the protection of my mother and Hail.  It just feels right to follow your heart when it is in the right place, and that place is often one of courage,” Phoenix said, taking off her shoes and stepping onto the smooth cedar floor.  With only a few cushions, as in Salamander's house, occupying the floor space, an altar with a couple of beeswax candles burning brightly, a small hearth, and a beautiful censer, adorned with crystals hanging from the ceiling, emitting the aroma of sweetgrass, the room was simple, yet hypnotic. 

            Oxeye pulled open a curtain near the doorway, revealing shelves containing blankets, cushions, incense, candles, various crystals and even a small cauldron.  “Here's some bedding and a nice warm tunic.  You can probably get some buckskin boots from Song tomorrow,” he said, handing her the items.  “Wow, thank you so much,” she said, enamored by the beautiful amber tunic that fit her perfectly and almost glowed in the candlelight.  “What do you say if I leave you here so you have a moment to yourself while I gather the rest of the supplies for Salamander.  You can meet me in the garden when you are ready,” Oxeye suggested, putting his boots back on.  Phoenix agreed, thankful for the opportunity to meditate for a while. 

            She sat down cross-legged on a cushion, took some long deep breaths to center herself, and focused on the flame of the smallest beeswax candle, her thoughts slowly dissipating as she let them go and allowed the emptiness of space settle over her.  She stayed like this for some time, when suddenly she had the vision of a village burning, it wasn't Gaia however, but the dilapidated houses of the Wapaho that were on fire.  She saw the children running out of the back door of the dorm and then she saw herself on top of Keewaydin, the feeling of heat intense on her face, before snapping out of the dreamlike state and coming back to the serenity of the meditation room.  Feeling uneasy, she decided it was time to return to the garden, so she picked up her blankets, put on her shoes and once again met the cold November chill. 

            As she neared the garden, she heard a cacophony of excited voices and soon came upon a game of hide and seek, with Oxeye trying to tag a young boy before he could get to the counting post.  On seeing her, the little boy paused, allowing Oxeye to make the tag.  Just then, Yucca came running out from behind a large pine tree with Sylph at her heels.  “Phoenix, do you want to play?” she asked, smiling and out of breath.  Phoenix accepted the offer, making the little boy, who she learned was August, elated, since that meant that he escaped from becoming the seeker, since that role was now given to the new player, meaning Phoenix.  There was also another new face as well, another young boy, Sapphire, who always gave away his hiding spot with his giggles of excitement. 

            They played until dinner time, and Oxeye, who had already dropped off the supplies for Salamander, was due at one of the Longfellow cabins, leaving Phoenix to take the stroll over to Salamander's on her own as the sky transformed itself into a mass of deep blue.  The scent of herbs met Phoenix on her way up the stairway and Salamander welcomed her at the door, a knife in one hand and half a squash in the other.  “Dinner is just about ready.  You can get your bed ready in the other room if you'd like,” she said, returning to the cutting board, where a pile of diced vegetables awaited her. 

            Phoenix pushed back the dark red curtains to reveal two small rooms divided by a willow trellis overlaid with deep orange fabric, making her temporary room glow like the sunset descending into darkness.  A small bedside table contained an arrangement of objects neatly placed together: a candle, a blank journal bound with a crimson leather jacket, an ink pen and a set of tarot cards.  Phoenix laid out her wool blankets, hung her tunic up and then returned to the kitchen where a bubbling ceramic pot on the wood stove released a mouth watering scent that made her stomach suddenly grumble. 

            “Fairytail has regained consciousness and is healing,” said Salamander, keeping her eye on the squash she was chopping.  Phoenix’s heart leapt for joy at the words.  “Ah, and your mother sends her love.”  “She does?” exclaimed Phoenix, nearly falling off her cushion at all the news.  “Yes, she has heard the news of your safety and she has come to understand why you left Gaia.  It's been quite difficult for her, memories of your father's death having been resurfaced with your disappearance, but she values your happiness above her own worries, and to see her daughter with such courage to follow her own heart has reconnected her with her own youthful days of seeking adventure with your father.  You know, age may bring knowledge through wisdom, but youth brings knowledge through innocence, something the older generations need to remember,” Salamander declared, handing Phoenix a bowl of vegetable stew and a couple of slices of freshly baked bread that were still warm to the touch. 

            Phoenix inhaled the tantalizing aroma of the stew catching hints of basil, oregano and chili peppers, before taking her first bite.  The combination of squash, yams, barley, potatoes and herbs was perfectly marvelous and the fresh fluffy bread made her want the meal never to end.  “Thank you for letting my mother know I am okay.  She always encouraged me to take responsibility over my life, but I didn't want to worry her, I don't know why, but I have always been drawn to the mountains, I just didn't expect to be captured, and then one thing led to another.  I miss her so much though, despite all the adventures,” Phoenix said, not sure if she was making any sense to this wise woman who sat across from her, radiating in the golden candlelight that penetrated the whole room. 

            “Ah, perhaps that is what you brought here,” Salamander said, her eyes intense as she spoke.  After a long pause she added.  “Song can join you in yoga, Oxeye has agreed to help you sharpen your archery skills, I can help broaden your tarot and dream reading, and the meditation room is open for your own personal consciousness work.  The journal on your bedside is yours to keep.  What do you think?” she asked in earnest.  Phoenix's heart skipped a beat and shivers ran down her back just thinking about it.  “Of course, I'd love to.  That would be wonderful,” she babbled, excited at the prospect of engaging in many of her favorite pursuits.  How Salamander had arranged all of the wonderful activities she did not know, but when she went to bed that night beneath her warm cozy covers, all she could think about was Fairytail’s renewed health, her mother’s love and the activities planned for her the next day.

Chapter 30…

            After a delightful breakfast of Saskatoon berry pancakes and hot apple cider, Phoenix skipped over to Song's tree home feeling light as a cloud.  Yucca was at the base of the steps watching an orange and black striped caterpillar when Phoenix arrived and immediately jumped up with a smile on her rosy-cheeked face.  “Hi Phoenix!  My mother told me you are going to help stop the owl men from hurting us,” she said wide-eyed, her light brown tunic making her look like a little wood nymph.  “Well, I'm going to try,” Phoenix said amused at Yucca's boldness.  “My mother is waiting for you, she said you could come right in.  I've got to go collect some sticks for the wood stove before a big snowfall hits us,” she bubbled, bouncing off into the forest. 

            Song was as joyful and generous as ever, and yoga practice was a combination of challenging, relaxing and fun, leaving Phoenix feeling calm and rejuvenated as she exited the warmth of Song's and Yucca's whimsical tree house and headed towards the fruit trees where she was to meet Oxeye for archery lessons.  No one was in sight, so Phoenix decided to climb one of the nearby apple trees for a rest, when she heard a small giggle coming from above.  She looked up to see a pair of skinny legs dangling from one of the higher branches.  The little boy looked down, his hair pulled back in a messy ponytail and his cheeks smeared with soil.  “Hi Sapphire, what are you doing up there,” Phoenix asked smiling.  He gave another little giggle and as quick as a squirrel, he was soon swinging down to the lowest branch, landing on the ground.  “Just watching the ravens,” he said shyly before running off giggling.  Phoenix couldn't help but laugh at Sapphire's bashfulness. 

            Soon she heard the sound of hooves coming towards her at an incredible speed.  “Sorry for being late, still haven't mastered the internal sun schedule when all these heavy clouds are out blocking my sundial,” Oxeye said as he dismounted from Merlin's dazzling white back.  “That's okay, I bumped into Sapphire, but he is still pretty shy around me,” Phoenix said as Oxeye handed her a satchel of arrows and a gorgeous bow carved out of bone.  “He's a lot better, both his mother and father were captured by the Wapaho and most likely killed when he was only two, and since then, he's been pretty quiet.  Onyx, one of the elders, found him on his father's horse that somehow returned to Nopoming.  They were never seen since,” he explained as he hung rotten apples from various branches to act as targets. 

            Phoenix sighed.  “Ever since I heard of how my father really died I have felt so frustrated.  Now hearing about all the other people they've hurt, and seeing Fairytail's deathly face constantly in my mind, I can't help but feel and urgency to do something!” cried Phoenix in desperation.  Oxeye came over to where she was standing, his face filled with concern.  “I know how you feel, you know I feel the same way.  The Longfellows have been trying to maintain peace and defend the people and the forest from attack for so long, but the Wapaho have given themselves up to their dark desires and that is a great force to overcome,” Oxeye said having thought about this for some time now.  “Maybe we can learn from their tactics, then maybe we can turn their desire for power and control against them by playing into their hands and letting their weaknesses do the rest of the work,” Phoenix said thinking out loud.  “I don't know where you are going with that Phoenix, but maybe we should start by at least sharpening your archery skills,” Oxeye suggested, shooting an arrow and hitting one of the farther apples dead center, making the apple explode on impact. 

For the rest of the afternoon Phoenix worked on her target practice, although her thoughts were with the scheme that she was slowly formulating but had yet to fully realize. 

            Exhausted from the day's events, Phoenix was happy to return to the warmth and serenity of Salamander's tree house.  After a bath and a late lunch of pesto stuffed pasta, which was divine, she brought out her deck of tarot cards and sat across Salamander who lit some lemongrass incense and a beeswax candle, which sat between them.

            What do you wish to gain insight on?” asked Salamander, her features glowing from the candlelight.  “I'd like more insight on the plan I am working on for when I return to the Great Barrens,” replied Phoenix, now feeling much more relaxed.  Salamander took some deep breaths and recited:

Earth, Air, Water, Fire,

Divine beings who create and inspire,

Help me find the truth to which I inquire.

After the incantation, she instructed Phoenix to choose which card best depicted her goal and which best depicted where she was right now in relation to her goal.  Phoenix selected Strength as her goal and the Emperor for what she was feeling now since she felt that the welfare of all those around her rested on her shoulders.

            Salamander then asked that she hold her question in her mind, and after shuffling the cards, Salamander placed them on the table and Phoenix chose seven cards, laying them consecutively face-up on the table in Oak formation, Salamander guiding Phoenix along the way.  “Ah, now focus on the cards and see what catches your eye or speaks to you and we will go through them one by one,” Salamander explained.

            Salamander began with the card to the left of the Emperor.  “This card represents the soil, the resources you need to get started.  Since the six of Pentacles was chosen, it tells you to accept the help of other gracefully,” she explained.  Phoenix nodded as she often had difficulty asking for help.  “This one is the sunshine, what you need to help your goal, the oak tree, to grow,” Salamander continued, pointing to the card above the Emperor, which showed the Queen of Pentacles.  “The Queen of Pentacles represents creativity and skill, both equally important.  And to the right of the Emperor is the water, what you need to nurture your goal along,” she said, deep in thought. 

            “The Moon,” whispered Phoenix softly at the card she had chosen.  “Yes, the Moon tells us to pay attention to the messages from the universe, as well as to your dreams, seeking truth from within,” Salamander said, lighting another stick of incense.  “Above the Queen of Pentacles is the knot of the oak, an unexpected delay to plan for.  The eight of Pentacles, which was chosen, warns you that events will move quickly, compelling you to act without thinking, as a result, you must go with your gut and trust that it is the right decision.”

            Phoenix took a deep breath, feeling the powerful energies emanating in the room as she focused on the next card, the one above the eight of Pentacles, the eight of Swords.  “The eight of Swords is your trunk, that which will help you be strong, and it tells us that although the situation may appear hopeless, panicking will not help.  Instead, you must search for something to help you out of the situation, for help is often closer than you think.  And now we come to the branches of your oak. To the left of the eight of Swords, are the benefits of your oak.  You have chosen the three of Pentacles, which tells you that putting your skills to work, working carefully and thoroughly will thus bring joy.”

            Salamander paused at the final card, the one to the right of the eight of Swords.  “And finally, this is your leaves, the unexpected gifts of your oak.  In its spot lies the Fool.  The Fool speaks what others are afraid to.  It says to have childlike faith, to not over-think, for there is but a brief moment of choices that will vanish with over-analysis,” Salamander concluded, allowing Phoenix to take in the whole picture that lay before her.

            Salamander then closed her eyes and recited:

Earth, Fire, Water, Air,

Divine beings who create in care,

Thank you for the truths you share.

Picking up a cluster of sage, she put it into the flames and waved it around the cards, then put them away in a small carved wooden box embedded with small pieces of rose quartz.

            “That is enough for tonight.  Tomorrow morning before yoga practice, we will pay a visit to the other elders of Nopoming, they wish to meet you,” she said, getting up and clearing the table.  Phoenix was happy to have some time to meditate on what she had just heard, and she retreated to her room where her journal awaited her thoughts and her newly found wisdom.

Chapter 31…

            The temperature had dropped and a thin white veil of clouds covered the morning sky as Salamander and Phoenix made their way to Onyx and Myrrh's house, the other two elders that called Nopoming their home.  Instead of stairs, a winding ramp led up to their house, camouflaged by an archway of interwoven willow branches that were covered with vines and patches of moss, a living thing unto itself. 

Threads of light penetrated down on them as they ascended the ramp, finally reaching the entrance: a beautiful door embedded with crystals that sparkled in the shards of morning light.  Salamander stroked the wooden chimes that hung to the right of the door and a man with a long silvery gray beard and long silver hair put back in a loose ponytail greeted them with a cheerful smile.  “Salamander, Phoenix Om, welcome!  Come on in,” he chimed, his long midnight blue cloak sweeping across the cobbled stone floor. 

            The ancient woman, who Phoenix guessed was Myrrh, was sitting on a golden yellow cushion, braiding Sylph's wispy hair who was sitting in front of the old woman, on a smaller light blue cushion, and whose cheeks turned pink on seeing Phoenix walk in.  Myrrh's own shocking white hair hung in two long ponytails, and her bright blue eyes met Phoenix's as she walked into the cozy quarters. 

            “It's a privilege to meet you,” she said, her voice soft and trailing like the hypnotic movement of incense smoke.  She finished braiding Sylph's hair and patted her on the head.  “You can go play now, just remember to bring back some mint when you return,” she said gently to Sylph, who bounced up and ran to the door.  “Come on Sapphire,” Sylph said as she opened the door.  Out from the loft came the little boy, who smiled at Phoenix before running off behind Sylph.

            Have you any communication from Ocean and Dragon?” inquired Salamander, taking a seat beside Myrrh.  “Come, sit Phoenix, I've just made some Labrador tea,” Onyx said with a friendly smile, handing her and Salamander each a ceramic bowl brimming with tea.  Phoenix sat down, feeling a little nervous amongst the three elders who emanated such warmth and wisdom.  “They are safe.  Feather has joined them in the effort to quell the fires before they reach Gaia, but as you know, Willow's house could not be saved so she has found a home at Forest's,” she reported, smiling at Phoenix.  “Your mother will be well looked after,” she added, putting her thin warm hand on Phoenix's. 

            “Now, tell us, how are you feeling these days,” Myrrh asked kindly.  Phoenix thought for a moment.  “I feel eager to return to the Great Barrens, but I am glad I came here first.  I feel that my thoughts are coming together slowly but surely.  I can't help but wish I was in Gaia too, since I miss my mother so much and my home, but I know what I have to do, so returning home will have to wait,” she replied, feeling a sense of relief to have the opportunity to share her thoughts that had become a big ball of knots in her head the last fortnight.  “We are mighty glad you came.  As you know, your father was a man of great spirit and courage and now we get to meet his daughter with quite a unique and powerful energy of your own,” Onyx said, refilling everyone's bowls. 

            “Why don't we meditate together before you go to yoga,” suggested Myrrh, settling down in lotus position.  The four of them sat in a circle, Onyx lit a beeswax candle and a stick of Frankincense, placing them in the center of the circle and began to meditate.  Only the sound of birds was heard in the stillness of the room as Phoenix focused on her breath, feeling the heightened energy of each moment.  Suddenly her mind felt like it was floating above her and once again she felt she was amidst flames, the heat fierce.  Out of nowhere, a flock of owls came screeching as if attracted by the fire and were soon swallowed up, sucking Phoenix with them.  As quickly as the vision came to her it just as quickly disappeared, like the extinguishing of a flame, and she found herself once again in the calmness of Onyx and Myrrh's tree house. 

            “Are you alright Phoenix?” asked Myrrh with concern.  Phoenix hesitated, and then told them what she had seen.  “Hm, what aspect of your plan are you seeking answers for these days?” inquired Onyx, putting a pipe filled with dried mullein in his mouth with a deep thoughtful look on his face.  “How to surprise the Wapaho and at the same time hope that Mister King, Edward and the others are there,” Phoenix replied, still contemplating her vision.  “You are on the right path Phoenix, sometimes it is getting to the right question that enables you to take the right action,” Myrrh said, rising up from her cushion. 

            Her long deep yellow tunic made her look almost angelic, and as she bent over to grab her walking stick, which had the carving of a Phoenix's head as its handle, a large pendant that hung from her neck was revealed, it was in the shape of a pentacle, carved smoothly from bone and in the center was a piece of rose quartz, like a protective eye within the five pointed star.  Phoenix was overwhelmed by its beauty and Myrrh smile at her.  “It was my father's gift to me when I was about your age.  He taught me that to protect your loved ones and to allow yourself and others to have a life of love, was the most important thing in this life.  But I tell you, it has been a challenge that our ancestors have been struggling with since the Great Holocaust.  We are all connected however, and each struggle has brought us closer to the higher truths my father spoke of so long ago.  You have the energy of great wisdom Phoenix, believe in yourself and your love will prosper,” she said, her blue eyes intense, yet loving at the same time.  “It's time for your yoga practice now, you can visit us anytime,” Onyx said with a twinkle in his eye.

            A fortnight had passed, yet Phoenix felt as though she was in a time warp. If it weren't for the changes in temperature, flora and fauna, Phoenix would have thought that time did not exist as she fell into a deep and concentrated effort of gaining a deep meditative state, focusing her mind, body, soul and spirit to an awareness that she could only describe as being completely connected to herself. 

Her youthful age was just apart of the whole, and although she liked to play hide and seek with Yucca, Sylph, August, Sapphire and Oxeye as much as she enjoyed practicing yoga and meditation, she no longer felt intimidated about being so young.  Her tarot readings and dream interpretations also strengthened as her confidence grew, and she felt that her plan was as solid as it was going to get, all it needed now was to be put into action, for the real test of her powers lay in the events that could not be foreseen. 

            Oxeye too, proved to be an immense help, and when he asked to join Phoenix on her journey back to Lotus's cottage, she happily accepted, remembering what the tarot had communicated to her.  As she felt the day approaching to leave Nopoming, she couldn't help but feel a little heavyhearted, for the energy of the place was healing and filled with love.  However, she knew the time had come to put her hard work into action, and Oxeye was also eager to begin their adventure. 

Chapter 32…

            The next morning, Phoenix announced to Salamander that she would be leaving that day.  Salamander, who was in the midst of chopping some wild onion and oyster mushrooms for their breakfast omelet, put her knife down and gave Phoenix a big warm hug.  “You have been a wonderful companion, and although danger lies ahead, your heart is stronger than any fear.  My spirit will be with you,” she said, slipping the tarot card of strength in her hands.  “Wear this close to your heart to remind yourself that you have all the wisdom and strength in your heart already, you just have to look for it.”  Phoenix held back her tears and put the card with her sunstone and eagle feather in the small satchel that Willow had given her what seemed like lifetimes ago and which she had protected so dearly in Wapaho.   After breakfast, she gave Salamander one last hug and then headed to Onyx and Myrrh's to say goodbye.

            On her way there as she studied the overcast skies, Phoenix heard the unmistakable voice of Yucca running out of the forest as usual, her cheeks dusted with fresh bits of soil.  “Phoenix, I heard you're leaving.”  Phoenix smiled.  She had tried to get used to the heightened sense of telepathic energies in Nopoming, but they still amused her, especially Yucca's, which was quite high. 

“We're going to miss you, but you'll be back right?” she asked, her big brown eyes filled with innocence and love.  “I will try my best.  Tell the others I say goodbye, and give this to your mother, it's just a little thank you,” said Phoenix, feeling a little lump in her throat as she handed the note she had written to Song into Yucca's small hand.  Yucca pocketed the note, gave Phoenix a hug, and then skipped off towards the forest from where she had come. 

            As Phoenix walked up the ramp to Onyx and Myrrh's, she realized just how much these people meant to her.  Not only the people of Nopoming, but also Willow, Lotus, Tempest, Oxeye, Griffin, the people of Gaia, even Josephine and the children of Wapaho, all those that had showed her some form of kindness.  It was overwhelming in its beauty, and Phoenix felt all the more anxious to give back.

            Myrrh was already at the door as Phoenix approached, walking stick in hand, and this time she wore a cinnamon colored tunic embroidered with scarlet stitching.  “So, the time has come to continue your journey I see,” she said wistfully, giving Phoenix an affectionate embrace.  “Lotus says you can leave the canoe here as it will only impede your journey.  Onyx has gone out to collect some kindling, but he sends his love, he's not so keen on goodbyes, much too sensitive that man,” she said grinning. 

Phoenix felt as though her head was filled with sap, and all she could was nod her head as emotions welled up within.  “You have a wondrous mind and an even greater heart Phoenix Om.  Even if you don't succeed in your goal, you have inspired us all.  Now you best be on your way, Tempest has seen some cold nights approaching.”  Phoenix nodded, still unable to speak.  “Oh, and one more thing.  Wear this around your neck, and remember that although we are not with you physically, we are with you in spirit.”  Myrrh handed Phoenix a round pendant made of cherry wood with the sigil of the pentacle carved into it.  Phoenix put it on and immediately felt its energy radiate through her.  Myrrh gave her one final hug and Phoenix departed, her hand clasping the pendant that lay over her heart, aligning her with the energies of protection and insight.

            Oxeye was waiting for her by the fruit trees that were now layered with a sprinkling of snow.  Merlin was carrying their supplies in two rawhide sacks that flanked his muscular thighs.  Oxeye extended his hand, helping Phoenix mount the gorgeous beast.  She took a deep breath, letting a tear trickle down her cold cheeks, and with one last glance at the village that had embraced her so lovingly, they set off towards the dense forest cover once again. 

            They rode in silence first, letting the sounds of the forest fill in the cracks of silence as their minds carried the heavy thoughts of the adventure that lay in store for them.  Every now and then, the trill of a chipmunk or the caw of the raven awoke the forest and brought Phoenix back to the present moment: the needles of a spruce brushing against her arms, the cloudy sky framed by the tree branches overhead and the sound of Merlin's hooves, softly crackling the fallen tree limbs on the forest floor. 

            Oxeye broke the silence as they reached the spot where Phoenix almost met her end by the arrow of the Wapaho.  “Feather sent word last night that the Wapaho attacks had died down suddenly the last two days.  Maybe it has something to do with the invention that you talked about,” he said, keeping his eyes peeled for any signs of danger.  Phoenix was also on high alert, as she knew that this area must be one of the Wapaho's hunting grounds.  “At least it will give Gaia time to recover.  Winter Solstice is only weeks away, it'll be good for them to focus on something fun and positive, rather that all their energy going towards the Wapaho,” Phoenix said, once again feeling anxious about getting to the Great Barrens, not wanting to think about the dangers ahead.  “That's a good perspective Ph-”  “Shh.” Phoenix interrupted, looking to the right of her.  “I think I heard something,” she whispered.
          
              Oxeye immediately signalled Merlin to stop and they sat there quietly, listening for any signs of movement.  Just as Oxeye was about to signal to carry on, the sound of voices on horseback echoed towards them.  “Let's turn back, I'm tired of sleeping out in the cold,” came a male voice.  “Me too, she's probably been eaten by a hungry bear anyways,” said another.  The next thing they heard was the sound of hooves galloping away towards the Northeast, towards the Great Barrens. 

            “Wow, that was close.  Do you think they were talking about you?” asked Oxeye quietly.  “Maybe.  We've got to move quickly.  I'm getting the feeling that the Wapaho are up to something, and I don't like it,” Phoenix said, suddenly feeling a dark energy surround them.  Oxeye, trusting her intuition, commanded Merlin to pick up the pace, and they were able to cover two days worth of travel, aided by the moonlight, until their eyes grew too heavy to continue and they set up camp on the side of a large fallen larch tree that helped block the cold night breeze.

Chapter 33…

            Up at dawn, they made some ginger tea and snacked on the delicious vegetable patties that Salamander had made for them.  At midday the sun peaked its radiating body through the dusty colored clouds, lifting Phoenix's spirits as it always did.  She had taken the reigns, allowing Oxeye a much needed break, and as she basked in the glorious sunlight, she remembered a hymn her mother used to sing to her.  Shining bright, the sunshine's might, help me find my higher light, your face is bliss, the fire spirit's kiss, bring me inner happiness.  Phoenix sang it softly but beautifully, her voice caressing the stillness around her. 

            Just then, the face of her mother appeared as if in a dream, but she was talking to someone else, for another face appeared, foggier than her mother's, she could just make out the youthful features of a male that she did not recognize.  “I don't know, after what Hail found, I think we should change our plan.  It's too much for her to handle,” her mother's voice echoed like sound emanating from a deep well.  “We can't.  I know how difficult this must be for you, but remember what Salamander said about the prophecy,” echoed the man's voice.  Her mother's face looked pale with worry.  “I know, it's just that I already lost Raven and-” her mother choked as tears streamed down her face, and the dreamlike vision slowly drifted away like smoke disappearing into thin air. 

            Phoenix came back to the present, the cool Winter air embraced her face and she thought about the vision she had just witnessed.  Prophecy?  What prophecy was her mother talking about?   And what had Hail found that worried her mother so much?  Ever since she had arrived in Nopoming, she had been receiving strange visions and dreams, but this one seemed like it was happening in the present moment, it seemed so real.  Phoenix stroked the pentacle pendant that Myrrh had given her, the rose crystal feeling warm to the touch despite the chill of the approaching nightfall. 

“Are you alright Phoenix?” asked Oxeye who also rose out of his reverie.  Phoenix thought about telling Oxeye what she had seen, but then decided she would sleep on it first, she didn't want to worry him and they were so close to reaching Lotus's cabin.  “I'm alright, we should stop for a snack and then continue in the moonlight,” she suggested, motioning Merlin to stop by the river's edge.  They munched on ginger cookies and seed bread while sipping Labrador tea and watching the peaceful flow of the river.  The moon glimmered above, its tranquil demeanor bringing intuitive thoughts to anyone who might meditate on its energy. 

Once they felt rested, they mounted on Merlin, who was also feeling refreshed, and started towards their destination, Phoenix excited to see Fairytail whom she missed greatly.  Orion shone brightly in the abyss of the starry night sky as Oxeye and Phoenix drew nearer to the cottage, both longing for the warmth of a nice wood fire. 

            They were moments away when both Phoenix and Oxeye heard the unmistakable sound of someone crying to the East of where they were riding.  Phoenix quickly slowed Merlin down, pulling his reigns, and then bade him to walk slowly to where the distinct sound of what appeared to be a girl crying was coming from.  Oxeye had his bow and arrow ready just in case, for the Wapaho often played cruel tricks.  However, as they approached, Phoenix spotted a thin soiled figure in the hollow of a large pine tree who was sobbing uncontrollably. 

            Phoenix quietly swung off Merlin's back and carefully made her way to the figure.  “Can I help you?” Phoenix said gently, not wanting to startle what appeared to be a girl a bit taller than her, but in soiled rags.  The girl looked up and immediately got up and limped towards Phoenix, who was too stunned to move, for the emaciated figure was none other that Jill, although hardly recognizable for her bones were protruding and her skin was ashen and mud stained. 

“Phoenix, Phoenix, please help me!” she sobbed, embracing Phoenix, her arms thin and bony and her face streaked with soiled tears.  “What are you doing here, what happened?” asked Phoenix, her shock having now turned into great concern as Jill was so emaciated that Phoenix could hardly believe she was alive.  “I ran away, they let Mary die!  They let her die!” was all Jill could say as she broke into heavy sobs again, half delirious from hunger, cold and fatigue.  Oxeye brought over a blanket and they wrapped Jill in it, giving her some water and some dried fruit.  Jill was still babbling deliriously as they lifted her on the horse.   “Don't worry Jill, we'll bring you to our friend's house where you can rest,” Phoenix said, trying to keep her distress from showing, for Jill was a deathly shade of gray and her lips looked bruised from the Winter cold.

            Oxeye rode slowly as the three of them edged closer to Lotus's, the smoke from her chimney now visible in the distance.  Phoenix tried to comfort Jill, but her body shook uncontrollably and when they finally reached the cabin, she was once again weeping and crying out Mary's name.  Despite their late arrival, they could see shadows moving around the cabin and when Oxeye knocked on the door, Lotus appeared, looking wide awake as if she was expecting them.

            “Ah, welcome back, come in, come in,” she said warmly.  “Oh, and who do we have here?” she asked, seeing that Phoenix was carrying a bundled up figure.  “Her name is Jill, I think she's been lost in the woods for quite awhile.  Could you help us?” Phoenix said as Lotus took Jill into her own arms.  “Of course,” she said, already tending to the frail girl. 

            “Phoenix!” shouted an all too familiar voice.  Fairytail gave Phoenix a big bear hug and Phoenix, who had been so caught up with Jill, cried in shock, for she didn't know how Fairytail would look after coming so close to death.  Fairytail was as healthy and rosy-cheeked as ever, and when she finally released Phoenix from her embrace, she quickly went into the usual Fairytail curiosity mode.  “What adventure have you been up to?  What happened to Jill?  What are you doing with her?”  Phoenix realized that there was a lot they needed to catch up on so she gave Fairytail another quick hug and told her she would explain everything in the morning. 

After reuniting with Griffin, who looked just as excited to see her, and introducing him to Oxeye, Phoenix began to feel the grasp of sleepiness.  Lotus, as if reading her mind, ushered them all to bed, as Jill needed to get some much-needed rest.  Sleep came quickly as Phoenix's head hit the pillow; the last thing she remembered was seeing Lotus and Griffin whispering by Jill's bedside, their faces softly glowing in the candlelight.

Chapter 34…

            A whir of activity commenced the next morning as breakfast was served and stories were shared over plates of sweet cranberry bannock and mugs of peppermint tea.  Griffin tended to Jill, whom everyone was curious about, for he had spent the last few weeks apprenticing under Lotus vigorously learning the ancient herbal remedies and methods, and now with Lotus's help, was putting them to practice.  Jill already had a lot more color to her face and Lotus said with a few more days of rest and wholesome food she would be back to her feet, for now, all the questions that wanted to be asked would have to wait.

            Fairytail and Griffin were in awe as Phoenix and Oxeye recounted their tales of Nopoming and their encounters with the Wapaho.  “How about you Fairytail, how are you feeling since your injury?” asked Oxeye, his cheeks aglow from the warmth of the wood stove that was crackling behind him.  Fairytail's face lit up as she took a third serving of bannock, pouring a liberal amount of birch syrup on top.  “Like a new me.  Lotus dug out all her old maps and I studied them thoroughly while in bed, trying to get my energy back.  I've been mapping out the night sky too,” she said, gobbling down her lengthy breakfast.  “But I can't wait to get out there and make these maps a reality,” she added, with a twinkle in her eye, which Phoenix recognized all too well.  Lotus, who had been bustling around as usual, came to the table with a basket of yucca leaves.  “Ah, Oxeye, would you like to help me with the dishes and Griffin, would you mind getting Jill some more chamomile tea, she is feeling anxious again,” Lotus said, sensing that Phoenix and Fairytail needed some time to themselves.

            The boys were happy to help, so Phoenix and Fairytail grabbed their cloaks and tunics and skipped out the door into the icy freshness, excited to be together once again after such turmoil.  “So, what's the big plan?  I heard that you've been working hard on it,” Fairytail started right away, her eyes glittering like ice crystals reflected by the sun.  Phoenix laughed, happy to have her old friend back, and was surprisingly excited to tell Fairytail about her visions and dreams, now that she had interpreted them into a thought-out plan.

            As they ambled towards the creek, Fairytail's eyes wide with amazement at what Phoenix was proposing, Phoenix started to feel that all too familiar feeling that they were being watched.  She suggested to Fairytail that they climb an old apple tree that was standing within feet of them, which Fairytail readily agreed, not knowing what Phoenix was up to.  But before they had even climbed up halfway, there was a thump on the ground, making Fairytail yelp with surprise as a small girl she had never seen before appeared out of seemingly nowhere.  “Yucca, what are you doing here?” cried Phoenix in shock, her heart still beating rapidly from fear.  “Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, I didn't think you could detect me from my hiding spot in the willow tree!” Yucca said, smiling from under her brown wool tunic.  “Fairytail, this is Yucca from Nopoming.  Yucca, this is my friend Fairytail from Gaia,” Phoenix said, still flabbergasted from Yucca's sudden appearance. 

            “What are you doing here?” Phoenix asked once again.  “Well,” Yucca said, blushing a bit, “I want to help you with your mission to the Great Barrens.”  Before Phoenix could interject, Yucca quickly continued.  “I know I'm young, my mother said so too, but I can help you with rescuing the children at least.  You'll need my help and I know my way around, I can help bring them to somewhere safe,” she said, her brown eyes getting bigger as she spoke. 

            Phoenix hesitated.  “I don't know Yucca, the Wapaho are fierce and they have no mercy for little kids,” Phoenix explained, not wanting to put such a young child at risk.  “You're not putting me at risk,” Yucca said, reading Phoenix's mind.  “I have been brought up in Nopoming, the home of the Longfellows and I have learned a lot.  I wouldn't have come if I didn't think I could be of help.”  Phoenix looked at Fairytail who shrugged her shoulders, not providing any help on the matter.  “Alright,” Phoenix sighed, “But your job is to help get the children out safely, okay?” Phoenix said.  Yucca was so excited she did a little jig, making the girls laugh, and they all linked arms and walked back to the cabin for lunch, for Fairytail was feeling hungry once again.

            They met Oxeye on the way as he was tending to the horses, and he looked just as shocked to see Yucca.  Phoenix explained the new role that had been assigned, and Oxeye actually looked relieved.  “I had been wondering about that part of the plan.  Maybe when Jill gets better, we can ask her to help Yucca with that part as well since the kids already know her,” he suggested as he joined them on their way back to Lotus's.  They all agreed and Phoenix suddenly felt overwhelmed by all the support, however, it did not take away the enormity of the danger that they were bound to face. 

            As Jill progressively got better and the details of the mission were slowly ironed out so that everyone knew their role, Phoenix knew the day was approaching when they would have to set out. 

Jill finally had the peace of mind to share her story of escape.  The day after Phoenix's, Griffin's and Fairytail's escape, the Wapaho were so furious that they made all the children stay in the dorm for days and poor Mary who had been sick, was not allowed to go home where it was warmer and where she could have been treated.  Instead, Jill had to tend to her, and she died of a high fever days later.  That night, Jill fled from the Great Barrens in her anger and distress, getting lost, and finally after days of walking and hiding from her search party, she also fell sick to a high fever, and did not remember anything else from that point onwards, not even being found by Phoenix and Oxeye.  Jill had changed quite a bit since Phoenix and Fairytail had last seen her in the Great Barrens, and they were happy to have her as a new friend, especially at a time when friendship was greatly needed, especially from someone who was brought up by the Wapaho.  It gave them all hope.

            There was great energy in the air as Winter Solstice was only a few days away and the anticipation for the mission to the Great Barrens hung in the air like heavy fog.  Oxeye, Fairytail and Phoenix were busily gathering evergreen boughs, holly berries and pine cones to decorate the Yule tree, Griffin had gone on a walk with Jill to help her regain her strength, and Yucca was in the cabin helping Lotus construct the pentacle made of pine branches that was to adorn the altar, when the far away sound of the screech of an owl echoed their way.

            “That could not have been an owl,” said Oxeye, looking at the late afternoon sun thinly veiled by clouds.  Fairytail had dropped her basket of pinecones at the sharp sound and was muttering under her breath.  “What do you think it was?” she asked, flushed in the face.  “If it was the Wapaho, they are excited about something,”  Oxeye surmised.  “I've heard that sound before, when they captured Feather's horse Gemini who was carrying all of our Longfellow supplies and food rations.  He was one of our best horses,” he reflected as he absentmindedly chewed on some bush berries.

            Phoenix too was disturbed by the sound, and suddenly felt light headed, so she excused herself and made her way towards the meditation spiral to meditate for a while, trying unsuccessfully to rid her mind of the deafening screech she had just heard.  The small pond now had a translucent layer of ice that floated on its surface and Phoenix could sense a nymph-like energy radiating from it.  She sat down, relaxed her eyes, and focused on her light-headedness, trying to reach its source. 

All at once, the sound of the woods and the translucence of the pond disappeared into a fog and Phoenix felt transported as she heard the sound of male voices and could smell the heavy aroma of wood burning.  Again, the voices echoed like her mother's had and she could make out Mister King's sharp features, his dark eyes and golden tooth reflecting the flames of a bonfire.  “They have no idea what's coming to them.  While they're foolishly getting ready to celebrate another absurd festival, their faces all lit up with joy and merriment, I'll show them that it is man that has power, not nature.  They'll see,” Mister King roared, as the rest of the Wapaho men shrieked in delight and hooted with laughter.

            “Phoenix, Phoenix!  Are you okay?”  Phoenix nearly fell backwards as she was abruptly forced back to her own presence by the voice of Jill who was standing in front of her, her thin pale features slowly coming into focus as Phoenix regained herself.  “I thought you were unconscious, I was calling you in for dinner but you were sitting motionless.  Are you feeling alright?” Jill asked, her voice filled with distress as she sat down beside Phoenix.  “I've been better,” said Phoenix, still trying to make sense of what had just transpired. 

“Sorry about everything that happened in the Great Barrens.  I didn't know that things could be so much better, like they are here.  I was so scared to believe you, Griffin and Fairytail because of what my parents told me about outsiders, those who were close to nature, and I didn't want to get punished either,” Jill said, her face imbued with grief. “But then you escaped and me and Sarah still tried to understand why, what were you escaping to and was there really a place where children could learn all those fun and interesting things you had talked about.  And then poor Mary got sick, and I pleaded with Lucy and my parents to help her with herbs, like you did that night with Sarah, although I didn't tell them that, but they kept on saying that if she was meant to live, she would get better.  I think they were really scared to break Mister King's orders,” her voice choked as tears crept into her somber gray eyes.  “She died in my arms a couple of days later and I felt something die in me too.  I saw everything differently after that night, the wrath of Lucy always angry and shouting, and the boredom of the children, their faces dirty and their eyes sullen.  So I told Sarah what I was planning to do, and she wanted to come, but she didn't want to leave the other children behind, for we were the only ones that took care of them.  I promised I would be back...” Jill's voice trailed off as she stared into the emerald abyss of the pond.  

“I'm so sorry about Mary.  You did the right thing though, and now we're going to get the rest of the children out.  I'm afraid we are running out of time though,” Phoenix said, thinking about Mister King's words.  “Do you think you are ready for it yet?” Phoenix asked.  “I'm ready to leave when you say the word,” Jill answered boldly. 

            “Girls, dinner is ready,” Lotus's voice rang out sweetly from the cottage.  Phoenix gave Jill a hug and the girls strolled over to the cottage where the wonderful scent of roasted vegetables enveloped their senses, making their tummies rumble with expectation.

            As everyone sat around the table, Phoenix asked to say the blessing, and with six pairs of eyes on her, she began, “The last few months have been beautiful and painful for all of us, but we are gathered here because of our own courage and personal paths.  I'd like to thank Lotus for her unconditional love and wisdom, and of course all of you for coming on this journey with me, for trusting in me and courageously putting your lives in death's wake to bring peace and awareness to all that we love.  As the sun imprints its inner light and wisdom within us during this Solstice, we must take this power and use it to inspire us on this quest.  I've decided we must leave tomorrow as the sun sets.  We'll pack in the morning, go over the plan and then...” Phoenix paused, as the enormity of the task loomed large, larger than she could fathom. 

“And then we try our best, come what may,” Oxeye added, giving her a supportive smile.  “Now eat up, you'll need a good meal and a good night's rest,” said Lotus, serving up big plates of food.  “I'm leaving for Nopoming tomorrow morning.  You will not be alone on this quest.  We will be calling upon the protective energies of the Earth and the cosmos, along with our own healing energies, for this is a time to come together even with those who might call us enemies.” 

            There was a pensive energy at the table as everyone dug into their roasted vegetables, deliciously crisp flat bread and perfectly buttered mashed potatoes, contemplating all that was said and all that there was to come.  Once the meal was over and dishes were cleared, everyone got ready for an early night's sleep.  The thought that this might be the last night together lingered in the air but was not spoken of, and when the last candle was blown out, they were each grateful for sleep to overtake them, extinguishing their many doubts and worries until the morning. 

           

Chapter 35…

Lotus was gone by the time Phoenix awoke to the rich slow song of the white-throated sparrows, heralding a new day.  She swung her amulet bag and her pentacle necklace around her neck, gave a silent blessing, invoking the spirits of strength, wisdom and protection, and then proceeded to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. 

She thought of her mother and the warm kitchen where they had enjoyed making their meals together.  She thought of her swing and the warm sunshine that would inspire her to swing higher and higher until the sky seemed close enough to touch.  She thought of her tree house where she felt most at peace, where her dreams were first dreamt and where her adventures were first concocted.  Now, here she was about to embark on the same mission her father attempted so many years ago, to bring peace to the very people that had killed him.  From never having left the safety of Gaia to now having explored areas she did not even know had existed.  From spending her days in the comfort of her home, to now planning a partnership with the Wapaho with the wisdom and psychic training from the elders of Nopoming, she couldn't help but feel transformed from that fateful day her and Fairytail had stepped across the invisible boundary, separating the known from the unknown, the place they called home from the places they had never been. 

            Phoenix was suddenly interrupted out of her reverie by the sound of the others rolling out of bed at the smell of the wild berry and apple porridge that she was preparing.  “Mmmm, that smells good,” came Fairytail's voice, still groggy after a deep night's sleep.  “I'm going to feed the horses,” said Oxeye, pulling on his sky blue tunic and tying his cape tightly around his neck.  Griffin joined him, and Yucca and Jill helped put the bedding away, for they would not be needing it anymore.  “I'll prepare the refreshments for our journey, since we won't be able to stop for dinner,” volunteered Fairytail, who always like to know that there was a healthy amount of food rations to be eaten no matter the situation. 

            When the others got back, breakfast was ready and was eaten in relative calm as they mostly discussed what was left to be done and who was in charge of what.  The rest of the day was spent deciding who was riding with whom, preparing bows and arrows for everyone, going over maps and plans, clearing Lotus's cottage and packing all that was needed.  Finally, the weary sun began its descent and Phoenix, Fairytail, Oxeye, Griffin, Jill and Yucca met at the stables ready to begin their journey to the Great Barrens. 

            Mounted on their respective horses, forming a circle so that all were facing each other, Phoenix chanted the ancient words of protection that Salamander had taught her.  From Earth comes life, From Air comes breath, From Fire comes passion, From Water comes creation, From Spirit comes wisdom, And from us comes connection, Protection, To love is to protect, To die is to resurrect, That which is true, that which is wise, So mote it be.  “So mote it be,” the others chanted.    

            And with that, they started off.  Griffin with Mannittou in the lead, Phoenix with Keewaydin behind him, Yucca and Jill shared Yucca's horse Oracle, while Fairytail rode Pisces, given to her by Lotus, and Oxeye held the rear with Merlin.  The moon hung over their heads in crescent shape, every now and then shrouded by the specters of clouds suspended in the deep blue abyss that stared back at them, reflecting their thoughts of the mysteries that lay ahead. 

            Unlike their first journey in the darkness of the forest, Phoenix and Fairytail felt much more confident in their surroundings, their eyes accustomed to the shapes and shadows of the plants and trees that inhabited the understory of the magical kingdom that to the unfamiliar eye, would appear threatening and even terrifying.  The cackling of coyotes punctured the silence that surrounded the group as they slowly made their way around a cattail-rich marsh, the cattails having erupted, spreading their seeds for next spring's rebirth.  

            Phoenix's senses seemed more alive than ever, each pine needle distinct from each other, silhouetted in the darkness, every cry of the coyote pulsated in the depths of her being, the strong scent of cedar bathed her in its sweetness, the smooth texture of Keewaydin's hair a welcome comfort to her cold fingers, the taste of cold night air refreshing and invigorating, and the powerful feeling that strong forces were present, forces that spoke of ancient lore and wisdom surrounded her. 

            “What was that?” exclaimed Jill, nearly falling off Oracle.  “Don't worry, it was just a bat,” said Fairytail.  “Wait, hold on for a bit,” whispered Yucca.  The others stopped as Yucca closed her eyes and remained still on her horse.  When she finally opened her eyes, her face had gone pale.  “The bat brings us a message of warning.  We are heading towards a place of dark energy, someone was killed there not long ago, and it would be unwise to continue on this path,” Yucca said, her little hands trembling as she tried to remain calm.  “I remember a different path from one of Lotus's maps, but it runs through a small creek and we might be heard,” piped in Fairytail, who looked towards Phoenix for her opinion.  “We'll have to take that risk, you'll have to lead the way Fairytail,” Phoenix said, feeling uneasy about the dark spirits that Yucca warned about. 

            Fairytail led them Eastward and they came to the creek that Fairytail had mentioned.  To their left was a sudden drop off of about fifty feet and to their right a wall of large protruding boulders that had seen more than Phoenix could ever imagine.  “I don't like this,” whimpered Jill, who had yet to experience much of what the others had, and whose courage seemed to be waning since the incident with the bat.  “We are almost at the clearing, just don't look down,” Fairytail said, trying to help, but Jill's whimpering only got worse.  Phoenix remembered the eagle feather Tempest had given her for courage and passed it on to Jill who was now a ghastly white.  “Here Jill, hold this close to you and think of the promise you made to Sarah.  You have more courage than you know, you just have to believe it yourself,” Phoenix said, gently squeezing Jill's hand as she gave her the feather.  This seemed to soothe Jill as the rest of the treacherous walk was carried out in relative silence, other than the splish-splashing of the horses’ hooves against the clear waters of the creek.  When they reached the clearing and were once again in the embrace of the forest, they decided to stop for a snack before heading South, which would bring them to the border of the Great Barrens.  “Can you believe tonight is the Winter Solstice?  They are probably in the meditation hall right now in Gaia,” Fairytail reflected as her eyes glazed over, losing herself in thought. 

            “What is Winter Solstice?” asked Jill, happy to keep her mind off the dangers that lurked ahead.  “It's the longest night in the year, a time to reflect on the new light that is to come, not only from the sun, but also from within,” replied Yucca as she chomped on a carrot.  “It's also a powerful time for the spirits to be let into our realm so we can sense their energies the strongest and we can invoke such things as courage and protection if needed,” added Phoenix whose heart was once again beating hard inside her chest. 

            “I guess it's time to split up,” Oxeye said, trying to keep his voice calm and steady.  “Everyone ready?”  The others nodded slowly as they mounted their horses once again.  “May courage and strength be with each one of us in the name of peace,” said Griffin.  And with that, him and Fairytail headed Southwest, Yucca and Jill following behind, and Oxeye and Phoenix headed Southeast, their horses now at a gallop.  Phoenix had never been this way before, but immediately she sensed the devastation of the forest.  Trees were cut down without thought or compassion, stumps of ancient trees plagued the area and an unusual, seemingly poisonous smell drifted throughout the area, making Phoenix's eyes water.  “And so it begins,” Oxeye sighed, bow and arrow ready at his side, his brown shoulder length hair tied lazily into a ponytail revealing the intensity in his blue eyes. 

Chapter 36…

            Phoenix saw it before Oxeye, the silhouettes of two horses standing by a pile of large tires along a raging river that ran into the Barrens.  No sooner had Oxeye and Phoenix slowed down when two Wapaho men appeared, one whose voice Phoenix recognized from the night along the river, whom she hadn't put a face to until now. 

“We better hurry up, we've got some bodies to collect,” the man said with a scornful laugh.  The other man who was carrying a heavy load of arrows laughed as well, but stopped suddenly as he spotted Oxeye and Phoenix.  “We come in peace.  We are asking that the people of Gaia and the Wapaho come together as comrades, and work together,” Phoenix said, her voice confident, but her heart trembling in her chest. 

“Kill them!” shouted the empty-handed Wapaho, as the man with the arrows quickly mounted an arrow onto a bow.  Oxeye and Phoenix simultaneously released their warning arrows, startling the two men so much that the man with the arrows lost his balance and fell into the rapids of the river, his heavy load acting as a weight, dragging him along despite his attempts to swim back to shore.  Phoenix galloped over to try and save him while Oxeye battled with the other Wapaho, who managed to climb a large pine tree.  Phoenix stretched out her hand to bring the man ashore as he clung to the root of a fallen tree, but upon seeing her he spat at her and instead of grabbing her hand, tried to reach for a rock to throw at her, causing him to lose his grip, sending him down river to meet his fatal end. 

            Phoenix had no time to react, for she heard Oxeye cry out in pain and when she turned around she saw that he had been shot in the shoulder by an arrow from the Wapaho who was hanging off a branch.  “You fool, you'll meet your fate, we don't want your peace!” the man bellowed not noticing Phoenix who was hiding behind a cedar.  As he was about to shoot another arrow at Oxeye, Phoenix jumped out to push Oxeye out of the way.  The Wapaho made a sudden movement to shoot his arrow at her instead, but by doing so, he lost his foothold on the branch and fell to the ground, meeting a swift death. 

            Phoenix was shaking, she hadn't expected such antagonism from the Wapaho, and their contempt for any kind of friendship was beyond her comprehension.  She didn't have much time to think about it though, as she had to tend to Oxeye, whose tunic was soaked with blood.  “There are rawhide strips in Merlin's carrying bag,” Oxeye said as he headed over to the river to clean his wound.  After wrapping his shoulder, they set off again, the awful smell getting stronger as they neared the village. 

            The first part of the plan needed to be set in motion, so Phoenix dug into the two large bags that were hanging from Keewaydin's side containing strips of dried birch bark, ashes and wood chips, and proceeded to scatter an even amount around the perimeter of the Barrens, while Oxeye kept watch.  They moved quickly and soon reached the mid point, where they caught sight of the shabby homes of the Wapaho.  There were two Wapaho men, one whom Phoenix knew all too well.  Edward was speaking rapidly to the Wapaho who Phoenix remembered seeing the first day she arrived to the Barrens, as he was wearing the same orange toque.  Their faces looked excited in the warm glow of the bonfire that was lit in the center of the desolate village.

            Oxeye waited for the smoke signal from Griffin, which eventually came from the great willow that Griffin had spent many a day in while imprisoned by the Wapaho.  With the go ahead, Phoenix quickly made a spark, which immediately caught onto the flammable kindling, spreading the fire around the perimeter of the village.  Edward and the other Wapaho man acted fast, both of them letting out an ear-piercing screech and then disappearing into the woods behind them.  Phoenix couldn't believe that her vision was coming true as the rest of the Wapaho men came flooding in from the woods, some helping to extinguish the fire that now had spread to the outbuildings, and some others disappearing into the same spot that Edward had disappeared to previously. 

            Phoenix just caught a glimpse of Yucca and Jill to the far West of her, ushering the children away, with Sarah at their side, before she galloped towards the area where Edward and the other Wapaho men had disappeared to, with Oxeye by her side, bow and arrow in hand.  The rest of the villagers were too busy trying to quell the fires that were now burning and melting their homes to notice Phoenix and Oxeye making their way around the perimeter. 

            They came towards what seemed like a large wooden structure with a rusty aluminum roof.  Phoenix suddenly had a flashback of a dream she had had in Nopoming, one in which she had seen a structure similar to this one and when she had opened the door, two large menacing dragons were found inside, and upon seeing her, blew huge balls of fire, waking her in a cold sweat. 

“Should we go in?” asked Oxeye, looking perplexed at the chaos that they had created.  “No, let's wait out-” Phoenix started, but was interrupted by the sight of Griffin and Fairytail who were approaching on the other side of the building.  Phoenix tried to motion for them to stop but it was too late, the man with the orange toque had just stepped out of the entrance and upon seeing Fairytail, ran back to tell the others about the intruders. 

            “Here, quick!” Phoenix shouted at them, and upon seeing her, they rode over immediately.  But before Phoenix could speak, a deafening bang stopped their hearts as the whole front end of the building exploded, and two large hideous forms emerged.  Phoenix had never seen anything like it and Fairytail and Griffin looked just as shocked.  “That couldn't be!” Oxeye exclaimed, his eyes wide with horror.  “What is it?” asked Griffin, gripping his reigns.  “They are tanks from the time of the Holocaust, we have to get out of here!” 

            Phoenix remembered what her tarot had forewarned: about things moving quickly and to go with her intuition.  Just as the Wapaho in the steel tanks came into view, Phoenix blurted, “There's two of them, so we've got to divide up: Fairytail with me, Griffin with Oxeye.  You two head East towards the river, and we'll head West towards the cliffs, it's the only way.”  The three of them nodded, their eyes revealing a renewed sense of courage.  “It must be done,” said Oxeye as the two parties split up, their horses galloping with all their might. 

Chapter 37…

            “It's Mister King plus three others!” shrieked Fairytail looking back to see who was in the monstrous steel vehicle that trailed behind them, crushing all that it touched.  Phoenix looked behind as well, and saw some kind of metal arm rise from the top of the vehicle.  “Over here!” she yelled, dashing to her left where the terrain suddenly dropped.

            Just as they cleared the edge, a loud boom came from the tank and the spot where Phoenix and Fairytail had just been, went up in flames.  “They are like dragons!” Phoenix exclaimed as the girls continued onwards, pushing Keewaydin and Pisces to go faster as the tank seemed to be invincible, easily descending the hilly terrain, devouring shrubs, taking chunks off trees and flattening anything in its way. 

            Snow was beginning to fall and soon there was a blanket of white on the forest floor.  Phoenix and Fairytail had gained some distance when they heard horse hooves coming crashing towards them.  Before they could act, Edward came bounding towards them and shot an arrow that pierced Phoenix's ankle.

“Retreat!” shouted Phoenix as the girls redirected their horses, now pursued by Edward and the monstrous tank.  “I remember seeing a shortcut to the cliffs on one of the maps, follow me!” yelled Fairytail over the cacophony that the tank was making.  Dodging Edward's arrows by weaving through the forest trees, the girls were nearly there when without warning, a blast came from the tank and a ball of fire came raging through the forest, right in between them.  There was no time to think, as Phoenix was thrown off of Keewaydin and landed right at the edge of the cliff with Fairytail nowhere in sight. 

            “Now, I've got you!” shouted Edward, galloping towards the edge, bow and arrow in hand, his dark beady eyes reflected in the moonlight.  Phoenix tried to move, when out of the darkness came the deafening screech of a great horned owl, terrifying Edward's horse, who in fear, jumped back, sending Edward flying off the edge of the cliff, with only the echo of his scream left behind. 

            Phoenix had to catch her breath after what had happened and there was still no sign of Fairytail despite her desperate calls for her friend.  However, Phoenix could hear the squealing of the tank getting closer so she painfully mounted Keewaydin who had come back for her.  She made her way South, feeling sorrow and defeat, not knowing how she was going to outwit Mister King's horrible machine.  She had not gone far when the arm of the tank ascended once again,

            Phoenix, feeling exhausted now from the long chase that now appeared hopeless, looked up to the night sky to say her parting words, when she realized that she had ended up at her father's old Longfellow cabin once again, she could see it fifty feet away.  With one last effort, she galloped towards it as Mister King prepared to release another fireball.  Just as Phoenix jumped off Keewaydin and threw her body into the root cellar, she heard the deafening boom of the Longfellow cabin exploding into flames. 

She couldn't stay in the cellar for long since they would surely find her, but something that she had landed on in the corner where she had thrown herself caught her attention.  The flames of the cabin shed some light so that she was able to see what appeared to be a rolled up piece of parchment.  She quickly unrolled it and was just able to make out a sketch of the area.  There was a section marked in blue ink near the creek that read “underground trap, for emergencies only” and at the bottom of the map was her father's name Raven Om inscribed in small printing. 

            With renewed courage, she jumped out of the root cellar and saw the Wapaho in the tank scanning the area for her.  She silently made her way to the spot on the map.  Phoenix reached the farthest point of the spot where a stunning willow, silhouetted by the moon's glow, stood.  She could only use her right foot as her left ankle had become useless from her injury and soon she heard the screech of the Wapaho as they spotted her.  Just as she suspected, the tank began to come for her, its ugly steel body was so unnatural and horrific, that only evil could have made such a thing, its steel arm once again rising from its head.

            Phoenix could just make out Mister King's sharp features, his gold tooth glinting in the moonlight as he smiled at his victim's helplessness.  She could only hope that her intuitive senses were right as she whispered another eulogy to the nature spirits as her heart beat against her chest.  The fireball exploded out of the arm, hitting the ground beneath the willow tree, causing the ground beneath to cave in and the willow tree to go up in flames, nearly blinding Phoenix who was thrown off the ground and sent flying backwards.  The last thing Phoenix saw was the tank disappearing into the abyss below, before hitting her head on something hard as rock, making the world go blank.

Chapter 38…

            A blinding light awoke Phoenix from her unconscious state, her head throbbing and her body immersed in something wet and slimy.  With great pain she opened her eyes to find herself in a shallow well, her clothes scorched from the fire and soggy from the well water, and her head pounding from hitting the side of the well that was built with large smooth boulders.  With her right leg and the strength left in her arms, she managed to slide her body up and over the lip of the well, falling into a bed of ashes, which surrounded her, the forest having been scorched by the fire.  Phoenix smiled with joy at the sight of Keewaydin, who was munching on some snow in the distance, and who watched, as Phoenix slid her body towards the large gaping hole where the forest suddenly disappeared.  She saw the tank's lifeless body drowned in the underground pool that her father must have helped dig and that had saved her life. 

            By now Phoenix's whole body was blackened from the forest's ashes and as she looked up towards the stunning blue sky and the beautiful rising Winter sun, signaling the beginning of brighter days, she sang a song for the dead, those who had let greed and power take over their true happiness, the misguided, and for her friends, whom she did not know whether they were alive, or, well, she didn't want to think about it.  The sun dies, to resurrect, the next day, even if we can't see it, it lives beyond the gray, it lives beyond the grave, now may your spirit rejoice, as you make your way, just as the earth gives life, so will you one day.

            As her song ended, she spotted something on the ground a few feet away from her that was glinting in the light.  She crawled toward it and saw that it was Mister King's gold tooth.  An array of emotions hit her and she began to cry.  All that she had gone through the night before, all that she had seen, and all that she had not been able to feel until now, came flooding out of her in tears.  As the last of the tears rolled down her blackened cheeks, she buried the tooth where the willow had once stood.  Just as she was putting the last mound of dirt on top, she heard a snapping of twigs and her heart began to race.

            “Phoenix is that you?” cried Yucca's voice.  “Yucca!' Phoenix exclaimed with pure joy.  Out of the woods came Yucca, Fairytail, Griffin and Jill, all looking battle ridden, but with huge smiles on their faces.  Fairytail jumped off her horse and ran up to her, embracing her sore body.  “Oh, Phoenix, I was sure you were dead!” she said, collapsing into the hug, tears running down her face.  The others came as well, and they all embraced in the ashes, crying and laughing, all exhausted emotionally and physically. 

            “What happened?” asked Jill, looking into the pit wide-eyed.  “I'll tell you later,” said Phoenix, noticing Oxeye's absence.  “Where's Oxeye?” she asked.  “Well, he almost didn't make it.  He got caught in one of the explosions and he is being taken care of by Willow now,” said Griffin, his voice filled with emotion, as he relived the moment that he saw Oxeye's arm go up in flames.  Everyone became silent, their thoughts on the horrifying events that they had experienced throughout the night.  “He'll make it.  Willow says she has been dealing with a lot of burn wounds ever since the... Wapaho started the fires in Gaia,” Yucca said, also filled with grief for her friend. 

            “Willow?  He's in Gaia?” Phoenix said, her thoughts in a whirl.  “Yup, and that's where we are taking you.  Sky sent word that everyone is waiting for us.  They are still celebrating the Winter Solstice now that the meditation has ended,” Fairytail said, helping Phoenix up with Griffin taking her other side.  “Can you sit on my horse?” asked Griffin, concerned at Phoenix's ragged body.  “Anything, to get to Gaia,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears again as she thought of going home. 

            Fairytail took the lead as they made their way to the long-awaited last leg of their journey, slowly weaving their stories of what transpired the night before. 

            Jill and Yucca explained how they had successfully retrieved the children with Sarah's help, but then were surprised by an attack by Lucy and one of the Wapaho men.  They thought they were doomed when suddenly the two fell of their horses as if by magic.  They were even more surprised when Josephine and Anne's mother came out of the forest, bow and arrows in hand.  “They confessed that they had seen the children being escorted out and had both run off together, as the children were more important to them than their village, and when they had seen Lucy and the man shooting arrows at the poor children, they had acted without thinking,” said Jill as they crossed over a bog that was bringing them closer to the boundaries of Gaia.

            Griffin then explained how him and Oxeye had successfully fooled the tank and the Wapaho horseman to follow them to the river.  However, the horseman had caught up to Griffin who had been trailing behind Merlin's speed, and was knocked off Manittou.  The tank had proceeded to hunt down Oxeye, while Griffin battled with the horseman, finally getting away from him, and climbing up a large spruce that overlooked the river.  The horseman followed him but Griffin was too high and the Wapaho faltered on one of the branches, falling into the river boulders below.

            Just then Griffin heard the squeal of the tank's arm coming up and a fireball exploded from it, just catching Oxeye on his right side, but enough to do a lot of damage.  Griffin was helpless as his friend went up in flames, jumping into the river to save himself.  The tank, thinking that Oxeye was trying to get away and not realizing it was teetering on the river's edge, edged closer to shoot yet another fireball at Oxeye, only to go crashing into the river, exploding as it made contact with the boulders that lined the bank.  Griffin had to help Oxeye out of the water, and tried his best to wrap the wounds of his friend, before heading towards Gaia for help.

            They stopped for a short break before reaching Gaia, as Phoenix was deathly thirsty.  “How did you escape those two horsemen Fairytail?” asked Phoenix as Yucca got her some water from the nearby creek.  “I was terrified.  I was sure you had been killed in the explosion, but I had no time to think as the two Wapaho were intent on killing me too.  I thought back on the maps I had studied as me and Pisces flew through the mountain cliff ranges, and I remembered that there was a steep incline where ice would surely be, so we made it up there very carefully and luckily found an enclosure in which to hide.  I then threw a piece of leftover bannock higher up, so they would think I had ascended up the range.”  All eyes were on Fairytail as she retold her adventure.  “Well, one of the horseman rode past me, paused at the bannock and then galloped full speed ahead.  The only thing I heard next was his scream as his horse slid on the ice and threw its owner off down the icy mountain slope.”  Fairytail took a sip of water and continued. 

            “The other horseman rode past as well, but then halted as he saw what had happened.  I thought I was done for, but then I remembered my sling and as he turned to leave I took a rock and shot it over to the icy slope as well, in hopes that he would think I had made the noise on the slope.  He took my bait and he yelled at me to come out.  Well, I stood as silent as a leaf, as he made his way very carefully towards the icy slope.  I slung another rock towards the same area, and as he made his way over, he pulled out an arrow, but then his horse started to slide as well and he met the same fate as his fellow horseman,” Fairytail said, with a proud smile on her face. 

            “Wow,” was all the others could say at Fairytail's courage.  “Yucca then found me and said she had had a vision of you in a well, and I remembered seeing a well on the map located by the Longfellow cabin we had stayed in, and that's how we finally found you.  I can't tell you how happy I am,” she said, giving Phoenix a teary smile.

            “Well, I guess it's time for me to recount my tale.  I'll tell it on the way to Gaia,” Phoenix said, eager to see her home after so long.  They all mounted their respective horses once again as the Winter sun cast its rays between the misty clouds, making them all feel hopeful and excited for their arrival into Gaia.  As Phoenix told her story, the others listened with shock and awe at her narrow escape and at her bravery as she faced Mister King with only one leg and the hope that the trap still existed.  Her tale ended as they trotted into Gaia and a chorus of voices greeted them. 

            The large bonfire that had been lit all Solstice was still burning and there were more people gathered around it than Phoenix had ever seen in her life.  A few of the Wapaho parents and all of the Wapaho children were intermixed with the people of Nopoming and of Gaia.  Myrrh and Onyx’s eyes sparkled as they looked up from their conversation by the fire and Tempest, Lotus, and Salamander had bright smiles on their faces as the group approached the loving atmosphere.  Forest, Hail, and Leafie came running out of the fray with Fox limping behind, tears in their eyes and arms outstretched to embrace their long lost children.  Even Lyric came bounding out from a game of tag to hug the two of them, her face a picture of relief and joy. 

            As they carried Phoenix to the bonfire and introductions were made, they all sat together, with Jill joining them.  “How's Oxeye?” Phoenix asked her mother.  “He's healing very well.  He lost his arm, but otherwise he is in great spirits after hearing what you and the others did.  You are so brave my little one.  There will be plenty of time for us to talk; I am just so blessed to have you here, to have you as my daughter.  I love you,” Forest said, crying once again.  “I love you too mother,” Phoenix said, crying as well.  Forest and Phoenix embraced each other as a burst of song began, led by Tempest and her sisters:

            Out of the darkness and into the light,

            We're born of peace, our minds in white,

            We look within, our hearts content,

            Into this world we were sent,

            To face the dark, bring in the light

            Courage and love, we unite...

           

            As they continued to sing, Phoenix stared into the fire, and suddenly her father's face appeared, as if out of the flames in which his picture had been burnt, his face smiling and filled with love.  “We named you Phoenix because we knew you were the next one, the chosen one, to make peace amongst the last generation of a warring people.  You must always follow your heart, for this is where courage and wisdom lie.  I love you Phoenix.”  The vision of her father disappeared into the smoke and Phoenix could feel warmth in her heart, and she smiled as she joined the others in song.

SPECIAL FEATURES

ALTERNATE COVER

COMMERCIAL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1b-coO2mIY

PHOENIX OM LIVE