by Orla Kelly
The creatures were a little confused. “Whatever did she mean?” Anyway, they promised the Medicine Tree they would be back really soon and that they would never leave him or forget about him again.
The Medicine Tree believed them, because each creature had learned some important lessons that day, and there were more lessons to learn before the day was out.
They all hurried back to where Victor was trapped, and each animal took turns in peering down at him. “Help me!” he squawked.
Owly stood forward. “I have an important question for you, a question that you better tell the truth to, or you will be in even bigger trouble.” What did you do with the creatures you took away from us?” said Owly.
Victor never expected to be asked this question, but he knew he needed to tell the truth, even though he was ashamed to tell them why he did what he did.
“The creatures are not harmed. I took them away because I am lonely. I fly up here all alone and was always by myself, even when I got closer to you to see what you were all doing, you would hide, so I took a few creatures to keep me company. They are not harmed. I would show you where they are but my leg is broken” said Victor Vulture.
“You better be telling the truth” said Owly. “If this is a trick I will leave you in the trap forever.”
The Spirit of the Forest was watching everything and spoke up.
“Little Owly, you are right to be angry and not believe Victor, but what he is saying is true. He saw his mom and dad swooping down and killing creatures, but wanted a different life for himself, so when they died he was so lonely, and just wanted friends.
However, all the creatures had learned to be afraid of vultures and so Victor was lonely. “He shouldn’t have done what he did, but I know he really meant no harm” said the Spirit of the Forest.
“What about him pecking me and making me bleed” said Owly.
“Yes Owly, he was wrong to harm you. I am still trying to teach Victor some manners, but we are making great progress.”
“How about we give him some medicine that is still in the leaf to help fix his leg and then he can show you where he keeps the other creatures he took?” said the Spirit of the Forest.
“Ok” said Owly. He wanted to believe what Victor and the Spirit of the Forest had said, but he just needed to see for himself, and so did all the other animals.
Owly poured the last few drops that were still in the leaf down the trap and they landed on Victor’s leg. Immediately he began hopping up and down with delight, and flew back up through the entrance of the trap.
“Follow me” he said, and off all the creatures went. The Spirit came too, and moved gracefully as the wind in the trees, to a place that no other creature had ever been. It was a beautiful lake, with a cave just off one corner of the lake.
The creatures were afraid to go inside, as it was dark. There was some water in the cave, but Victor showed them, that as they approached the opening of the cave, stepping stones would rise above the water, taking them safe inside.
Indeed, as they got to the water’s edge, a stone appeared, then another and another until they were safe and dry inside the cave.
Victor lit a torch which was kept inside the cave entrance, and all the creatures followed close behind. It was scary in the cave, as the light cast shadows on the walls of the cave. But as they went further and further inside, they began to see some light and hear laughter. Each of them recognized the sounds of the other creatures who had been taken away by Victor.
On the far side of the cave, it opened out into a beautiful field, with a magical waterfall, with water all the colors of the rainbow. Flowers were scattered all around. The place was filled with color and beautiful fragrances of the flowers swaying in a gentle breeze.
All the creatures were playing together or lying out in the sun. They looked so happy. The forest creatures ran with delight towards them, and they all hugged and laughed, and crying with happiness.
Victor stepped back, his head held low. The Spirit of the Forest whispered in his ear, “Don’t worry Victor, you haven’t lost anything but you have just gained new friends today.”
Victor looked up to see the other creatures calling him to come and play. Flapping his wings, he ran as fast as he could, his leg completely better.
From nearby, the Spirit of the Forest looked on and was also happy at what happened today. So much progress was made bringing old friends together and making new ones too. From far, far away, the medicine tree stretched up, he could see what was happening, and gave a deep sigh of contentment.
The creatures that Victor had taken, were sad to leave their new home, but glad to be going back to join their families and new friends.
Victor promised to take them back to the place by the lake as a special treat every now and then, but he really wanted everyone to make the forest as joyful and as colorful as that place had been.
As they looked back at that magical place, they each said “this is the type of place our forest should be, full of life, color and happiness. Let’s go back with these plans in our head and work together every day, until we have made it the best place ever to live.”
Off they set, back to the forest, a happy bunch of new friends laughing and joking, talking about their great adventure and how great their plans were going to be for an enchanted forest home.
Meanwhile the Spirit of the Forest rested in the branches of the medicine tree and they both watched with great interest this group of forest creatures who found a common bond.
They had overcome the challenges they faced, had shown loyalty and bravery and had formed close friendships:all in one magical day, in a place that would become the enchanted forest.
The End
Other Books by the Author
You may also be interested in:
Owly And The Enchanted Forest (Book 2)
Spirit Of The Forest helps Owly And Friends (Book 3)
Owly Trilogy (Books 1-3)
Mommyville-On The Road To A PhD In Parenthood
Thank you for reading!
Dear Reader
I hope you enjoyed ‘Owly Saves the Magic Medicine Tree.’ I welcome you to my free gift of the audio version of the book. This way you can experience the characters come to life, while on the go! Go to https://www.orlakellybooks.com for your free audio book.
As an author I love feedback, because it helps me make my stories more meaningful for parents and for children. I wrote this book for my kids, and as I was writing, I found there was so much I wanted to share with them about life, but I knew that as a parent, I had to go about it in a subtle way. Kids are so sharp and kids are simply so wonderful. We have so much to learn from them too.
We are living in a wonderfully technological age, where you, the reader, has the power to influence and have a say in how future books are written. Please do take the opportunity to let your voice be heard by writing a review which I would greatly appreciate or by mailing me on [email protected].
You can also connect with me on @orlakellyauthor on Twitter or onFacebook.com/Orlakellybooks.
Again, thank you for reading ‘Owly Saves the Magic Medicine Tree’ and for spending time with me.
With gratitude
Orla Kelly
https://www.orlakellybooks.com
https://www.orlakellyselfpublishingservices.com
