“I do not know,” replied Trent shaking his head. “We have a plentiful food supply in West Forest, so do not have a need to hunt here. Maybe something has happened in North Forest to upset the natural balance.”
“The only way to find out would be to go to North Forest and review the situation, and possibly talk with Ranco himself. Based on past encounters with Ranco, talking with him is probably not an option, as he would rather fight than discuss things.”
“If we sent Knocker up there to talk with him, do you think this would work?” Ituria asked the group.
“They may not talk to me,” replied Knocker, “as I did chase them out of Middle Forest and threaten to eat them if they came back. I may not be able to get close enough to speak to them.”
Nodding to Knocker, Ituria continued, “It would be good if we had a party go to North Forest to check out the current situation there. At that point, we could better address the question of why he is invading Middle Forest and could also assess how many are in his pack, in case we need to devise a protective plan for ourselves.”
Trent agreed with Ituria. “I could go to North Forest and determine the balance of prey animals to predators, and possibly Skye could determine how many wolves there are from the sky.”
“I could not send you alone,” said Ituria. “They are just as likely to kill you as talk to you. You must take someone on the ground with you. Unfortunately, if you took part of your pack, I am afraid Ranco would take it as a threat, and there would be a lot of needless killing.”
“We need to convey we are not trying to hurt his pack, but only want to discover the reason for his attacks in Middle Forest.” Concern filled Ituria’s voice as he worried for the safety of his friend. “I don’t want to put you in danger by asking you to go there alone.”
Turning to look at Knocker, he continued, “Knocker, are you available to join Trent on this journey to North Forest?”
“It would be an honor,” said Knocker. “I just had a nice nap and am at full strength to protect Trent if the need arises. If Trent is with me, he will be safe.”
“We have a plan as to Ranco,” stated Ituria. “Now we must discuss the hunters in Middle Forest. Knocker, what have we currently been using to keep humans out, and do we know if they are working?”
Knocker thought for a moment, and replied, “At this time, several paths are enchanted and cause the humans to end up back at the entrance to the path without the humans realizing it. This has seemed to work for many years, keeping distracted wanderers from getting in.”
“We also have placed various plants around the perimeter of the forest and the paths, those causing rashes or having large thorns,” he continued. “This keeps the humans who stray off the path from getting too far and makes them want to leave.”
“Further,” said Knocker, “you have placed several squadrons of biting insects to patrol the borders and attack any humans who might get past the other barriers. I think it would be wise to check on the plants and insects to see if they are still in place. The enchanted paths would still be working until you release them, so they should be working now. I don’t know if they need to be checked out, but it would not hurt to confirm nothing has changed.”
“The hunters,” noted Trent, “are in Middle Forest near its border with North Forest. I am wondering if they came down from North Forest. This could also explain the presence of Ranco here, if the hunters have been killing his food in North Forest.”
“That does make sense. Does anyone have any ideas about what might work against the hunters who have found their way into Middle Forest?” asked Ituria. “We need to get them to leave, and not want to return.”
“I could find them and chase them away, or even dispose of them,” answered Knocker.
“It probably would not keep them out,” added Jenna. “Once they see you, Knocker, they would bring more humans in to catch you, as you would be a great trophy to them.”
“If you killed them, other humans would come looking for those you killed. We will have to think of something not so dramatic to make them want to leave and not return. I don’t know what this would be yet, but there must be something…”
Suddenly, Jenna stopped talking as she realized everyone was looking at her. She thought she would just be listening to them, and now she was discussing this serious matter as one of them. Should she let them decide a plan alone and stay out of the discussion? She really wasn’t part of this group, what were they thinking about her?
“Sorry,” murmured Jenna, slightly embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your discussion.”
“We have not had much experience with hunters in West Forest,” said Trent. “Possibly because there are few humans living near us. You must have more experience with humans over by East Forest, Jenna, as I don’t really know how they think.”
Ituria turned to Jenna. “Jenna, can you think of anything that might work against the humans, something to make them leave and keep them out?”
Jenna looked at Ituria, and next at Trent, and back to Ituria. She realized real wolves would not have much contact with humans, so she probably shouldn’t know how to deal with humans, if she were a real wolf.
Jenna remembered Trent really didn’t like humans, so what would happen if she started discussing things from a human point of view?
Chapter Seventeen
Truth Revealed
Ituria and Knocker knew Jenna was a human inside, but had Trent figured it out? Ituria would not have told him, but Knocker might. Jenna started to feel nervous, and she wasn’t sure what to say. Should she try and work out a plan, or would it reveal to Trent who she really was?
She must have looked nervous, too, with the other three looking at her, waiting for a reply.
“Jenna,” said Trent. “Relax. Though you did not mention it when we first met, I knew from your scent you were not an true wolf. I’ve been perplexed as to how you came to look like one. Because you were helping Ituria, I did not push the matter, and figured I would wait until you were ready, when the time was proper to discuss it.”
“Now seems the proper time to discuss this,” Trent continued, looking at her, “although now, you do have a mixed scent, both wolf and human.” Trent leaned forward and sniffed the air around Jenna. “Things are still changing within you, and we all need to know what is happening with you in this form, so we know how best to protect you should we encounter danger you have not yet encountered as a wolf.”
“This is most interesting,” agreed Knocker. “Your scent is definitely changing. Jenna, do you feel any different? Do you feel more human or more like a wolf?”
Jenna had to think for a few moments. So, Trent had known from the beginning. He had not said anything because of Ituria. This made sense to her, and she was glad it was out in the open now, at least between the four of them.
“I still feel like my human self…most of the time,” she said. “However, there was a moment I felt some wolf-like thoughts try to take over. It was scary to me because I was hungry at the time and my mind started thinking about the best way to catch some food. Luckily, Knocker was able to locate some safe plants to eat and the feelings went away. I have only been a wolf since last night,” she continued. “This was the first time I had thoughts I would not normally have as a human.”
It dawned on Jenna what a strange conversation this was, she was talking to a dragon, a unicorn, and a wolf. “I know this doesn’t relate to the serious problems you are discussing, but does anyone have any idea of how I became a wolf in the first place?”
There was another silence.
Jenna looked from Ituria to Trent to Knocker, hoping someone had an answer.
Ituria spoke first. “I think you were called by the animals to help me,” said Ituria, “and because I needed help, Middle Forest—who has magic powers of its own, allowed you to take this shape to best help me. Middle Forest
and its creatures must have known of you for some time and realized you would be the one to help when needed.”
“Will I always be this way?” asked Jenna. She thought of her mom, who would be looking for her by now, wondering where she had gone. “Will I remain in Middle Forest, or will I return home? Things are still unclear to me. I really don’t know how I fit into all of the things happening here now…” Jenna stopped talking again, shaking her head, unable to continue with the jumbled-up thoughts going through her mind.
“Don’t worry,” said Ituria. “When it is time, the magic of Middle Forest will change you back so you can return to your family. I think you are still in wolf form because Middle Forest needs your help to rid itself of the hunters, and you would have the most insight into how they think. This will help us to get them out and keep them out. Also, if you were in human form, we could not talk with you to get your help.”
Jenna nodded slowly. “That makes sense,” she replied quietly, almost to herself. “Once we have solved the problems here, I’ll turn back into a human.”
“Then back to the matters at hand,” agreed Knocker. “How do we deal with the hunters? We need a plan before we take action.”
Jenna felt much better with the explanation Ituria had given. If she could help them get rid of the hunters, she would return to her human shape. Jenna thought hard about what would keep her out of the forest, or any other place.
The insects, thorns and rash were a good start, but it would not bother some humans if they were searching for something.
Comfort wasn’t something hunters usually worried about. Not when they slept on the ground and ate whatever they brought with them or caught in the forest. No. Hunters worried about danger to themselves, or whether their trip was a waste of time and effort.
“Different humans are afraid of different things,” she concluded. “If we want to know what will scare these hunters away for good, we need to listen to them and determine what their fears are. I can take my friends and go back to the camp and stay just outside in the trees, listen to them talk, and we will have a much better idea what to do to make them go away.”
“This does sound like a logical plan,” said Ituria. “But I cannot let you go without some protection. Perhaps Trent can go with you until a plan is devised. Later, he can join with Knocker and head toward the edge of North Forest.”
“I think you and Trent, along with the smaller animals, can get near the hunters. However, and I think Knocker you will agree, Knocker will not be able to join the group without giving away your location. It is rather difficult for him to hide.”
“This is true,” said Knocker, “and the plan seems like it will work. Skye and I can make our way toward North Forest and wait for Trent before getting too close. The hunters’ camp is on the way to North Forest anyway, so we can start out together.” Looking at Trent, he continued, “Trent can accompany Jenna to the hunter’s camp and work out a plan there to scare the hunters; then he can join me to talk with Ranco.”
“I agree,” said Ituria. “However, Jenna, you must remember…do not go to the North Forest with Trent and Knocker. Since you do not have fighting experience, you could get hurt. Knocker and Trent have fought together before and work well together. You will return to my home once the hunters have been observed, and we will work out a plan for the hunters while Trent and Knocker talk with Ranco.”
Jenna readily agreed. “I will return here.” Thank goodness. I won’t have to confront Ranco.
“Good luck to all,” said Ituria, “and please keep yourselves safe!”
Chapter Eighteen
Going Back
Jenna woke the smaller animals, to see if they wanted to join Trent and her. She wasn’t sure if they were needed, but without them, she would feel a little alone and lost, as they had been through so much together in such a short period of time.
They woke up and joined Jenna near the stream. When they were all together, Jenna explained, “To get the hunters to leave, we must go and figure out what scares the hunters by listening to their conversation.
“We’ll go!” Ralphie, Sedric and Fira immediately volunteered, but the two deer hesitated.
“Do we really need to go back to the hunter’s camp?” Frieda asked softly. “They have guns and are so big. I was terrified the last time we were there. I don’t understand what they say. Remember only you, Jenna, will know what they are saying.”
“This is true,” said Jenna. “I would like the company and need some lookouts, but if you do not wish to go this time, I will understand.”
Jenna gave the deer a nod of encouragement as she continued, “Once we have devised a plan to get rid of the hunters, we will check with you to see if you want to help. Do you want to stay here with Celeste until we return?”
Frieda and Evan nodded shyly.
“It’s not that we don’t want to help,” Evan said, trying to explain. “But we are small creatures and several of our friends have been killed by Ranco’s pack and the hunters, so you can see why we are afraid. We do not have claws or teeth to fight with like you and Ralphie, nor can we climb trees to avoid danger, like Sedric and Fira. If we are spotted, they will kill us. We have no defense but to run, and they have guns to shoot us.”
Jenna agreed. “I understand your reasoning. You stay here with Celeste until we return, so you will be safe. Ralphie, you can walk with me, and Sedric and Fira can ride on my back.”
Trent and Knocker were already outside talking when Ralphie and Jenna walked out, Sedric and Fira on Jenna’s back. They quietly went up to the others and stopped to let Trent and Knocker finish their conversation. Skye was perched on Knocker’s shoulder.
“…I agree we should head north on the path,” said Knocker, “but you will need to go into the forest after about half an hour. At that point, you and the others can sneak back to the hunter’s camp.”
“And you and Skye will wait on the path until I join you,” agreed Trent. “We don’t really want to hurt Ranco unless we must, and I am afraid seeing you might cause him to panic and attack. Skye can check on our progress, and once Jenna heads back to Ituria’s home, I will join you.”
Trent and Knocker nodded in agreement and turned to the others.
“The deer have decided to stay with Celeste and rest until we return,” Jenna indicated. “They will help us once we have a plan.”
“Glad you are with us, let’s be off!” said Knocker. Looking at Jenna, he continued, “I will try and teach you some of the local plants as we walk by them, we will have about half an hour before your group will veer off the path into the deep forest.”
They all set off to the north following the path. After a few minutes, Jenna turned to Knocker and said, “I was wondering if the trees around here have special powers. When we were coming down the path before, it was almost like they could sense I was near them, and if I talked to them, they would talk back, or is my imagination getting away from me?”
“Keen observation,” stated Knocker, nodding. “Yes, you are quite correct. The trees near the center of Middle Forest can sense what is around them. Because they are plants, it is difficult for them to communicate with us, having a different language and all. However, if we pay close attention, they will respond to questions and give helpful information about others who have traveled the paths earlier.”
“For example,” continued Knocker, “we are coming to a large oak tree. It has been here for around a hundred years and has seen many things during its lifetime. Trees appreciate being respected for their knowledge and contributions, even though they can’t convey it to you verbally.”
“It is good to see you, mighty oak,” greeted Knocker as he walked up to the tree. “We are glad to see you are so strong and tall today.”
Jenna looked at the tree, marveling as it appeared to straighten itself, standing a little taller, even nodding slightly to Knocker in acknowl
edgement to his greeting.
Was it only the wind? Or could the tree really be listening and responding to Knocker’s words?
“This is Jenna,” Knocker informed the tree. “She saw you on the way in and could feel your strength and awareness as she walked by. She is new to Middle Forest so did not know of all your abilities.” Inclining his head to look at the squirrels and pointing, he continued, “And I believe you already know Sedric and Fira, who have enjoyed sharing your branches and the food you provide.”
The tall tree seemed to turn to Jenna and the squirrels, and nod in acknowledgement to them also.
“We are grateful for your food and for allowing us to climb your branches,” agreed Sedric. “You have helped us get through several winters.”
“We thank you also for your shade on the path in the summer,” added Trent. “We shall talk again soon.” Trent nodded his head in respect.
The tree was almost glowing at the acknowledgement of its contributions to the forest, and its leaves rustled in appreciation as the group continued on their way.
As they walked along, Knocker introduced Jenna to several other large trees, she was familiar with some of the types, but others she had never seen before.
Several had unusual fruit, some grew vines so long they touched the ground, creating a maze around their trunks, along with others, each with its own role to play in keeping the forest alive and well. Each tree was greeted with respect and responded to the kindness and gratitude expressed by Knocker and the others.
Knocker explained to Jenna some of the trees could make sounds in response to questions, but it really wasn’t a formal language. Sometimes at night, others would rustle their leaves and make songs together, which helped the smaller animals get to sleep. Each of the trees had their own characteristics and ways of communicating, and it was all fascinating to Jenna.
Jenna and the Legend of the White Wolf Page 7
