In what seemed like only a few minutes, Knocker stopped.
“This is where we part. Skye and I will stay here and wait while the rest of you sneak near to the hunters’ camp. Jenna, you are the only one who will understand what they are saying, but you mustn’t try and communicate with the others besides small gestures. Any wolf howling or growling will immediately get the hunters to try and shoot or capture you, either of which would be bad for us all. Remember to stay as far away as you can while still being able to hear the hunters.”
“Best of luck to you,” wished Knocker as the party split. Knocker stood on the path with Skye on his shoulder, and the rest of the group headed into the woods.
Trent took the lead and seemed to know exactly where the hunter’s camp was, quietly making his way toward it. Jenna was glad Trent was so confident, knowing this was not the time to ask any questions, just to follow him and let him find a safe hiding place for them all.
Within a few minutes, Jenna could hear noises in the distance, clanging of metal, breaking sticks, muffled talking. They must be getting closer. She was anxious as to how this would play out. Knowing they needed to get close enough to hear the hunters’ conversation yet keep far enough away so the hunters would not be aware they were eavesdropping, she wondered if this was possible. This was not going to be easy!
Chapter Nineteen
Eavesdropping
Trent was walking slower now, keeping low on the ground, leading them to a large clump of thick bushes. Jenna could see a fire had been lit a little further on, possibly to cook some lunch. She nodded to Trent, this would be close enough for her to listen. Trent crouched down behind the bushes, Ralphie did the same beside him. Jenna sat down beside Ralphie, and the two squirrels got off her back, moving closer to stand next to Ralphie. They could just make out voices talking…
“…the place gives me the creeps,” the first human said. “It’s like even the trees are watching us. The sooner we get out of here, the better…how’s lunch coming?” He looked nervously over his shoulder while waiting for an answer.
“Food’s almost done,” replied another human, stirring a pot over the fire. This was the older one who had the key. “We’ll leave when we catch something to take home, and not before,” he grumbled.
“I know, Ike,” the first human said. “But I still don’t know how the horse got out of the cage, you had the key in your pocket when we went to sleep. I think this part of the forest is haunted or something…”
“Just your imagination, Joe,” scoffed Ike. “I found the key outside the cage, so maybe I left it in the lock and the animal kicked the door. With a wolf crawling around, it would have spooked most animals, including horses.” Then Ike’s voice filled with wonder, “And what a horse, never seen one like that before. What a prize to take home, it would surely fetch a high price!”
“What do you think the thing was on his head?” asked Joe.
“It was a unicorn, it was,” noted the third human, “and that was his golden horn. I read about them once. I never really believed in them ‘til we caught this one.”
“Oh, come on, Riley.” Ike laughed. “Where did you come up such nonsense, some story book? There are no such things as unicorns. Next there will be dragons and fairies and ghosts popping out all over the place. Don’t give Joe any ideas, he’s spooked enough already.”
“You must admit…there’s something strange about this part of the forest. It isvery different up north.” Riley paused, as if to emphasize the noises from the forest. “The plants look different, the animals act different, there are different sounds in the air…”
“Even I’ve started looking over my back as we walk through it. I almost expect a giant monster to pop out at us around every turn.”
“What a trophy it would be!” Ike said sarcastically. “All right, stew’s done. Put your bowls up. There you go.” Ike passed out the stew from the pot and everyone started eating.
After a few minutes, Riley remarked, “Too bad we couldn’t catch any meat for the stew. It is kind of plain with only some potatoes, carrots, and bacon.”
“We’re lucky to have what we have,” said Ike. “My pocketknife and box of matches are missing. Luckily, I had a few matches in an old box with the pots,” he said as he pointed to the supplies, “but I couldn’t peel the vegetables, just cut them up with the machete. And my bag of salt is missing too, that’s why it’s not got much flavor. We’ll have to look around when we’re done, to see if some animal has knocked them off or hidden them under a bush or something.”
“I sure hope we get something soon,” said Joe quietly. “I’m ready to get out of here. What do you think we can get, Ike?”
“Well, we know there’s wolves,” replied Ike, “and smaller animals like deer and foxes, but I sure wish we could find that fancy horse again, it would be something to take home for sure.”
Ike tapped his bowl as he contemplated his earnings.
“We would kill the others for skins and food, but that fancy horse…I want alive. Make sure we pack the net for our afternoon hunt, Joe, I don’t want to have to kill it…it’s much more valuable if we keep it alive.”
Ike finished up his meal and started packing his cooking gear.
“Pack everything up tight, boys,” he told them. “We can’t afford to lose anything else. Apparently, the little varmints around here can make things disappear.” Ike chuckled.
“We’ll be back tonight to rest, and we’ll move camp tomorrow if we haven’t found anything worth taking home.”
Jenna nodded at Trent, it was time to go, while the hunters were occupied cleaning up camp. Quietly getting up, Trent turned and headed back toward the path, followed by the others. They moved quickly but without making a sound, keeping low so the hunters would not see them leave.
It wasn’t long before they were back at the path, where Knocker and Skye were waiting. Knocker was eating some of the local fruit, and his face was a little messy from the juice running out of the fruit.
When he saw them coming, he leaned over to a small pitcher plant, and used his claw to scoop some water to wash his face.
“Remember, Jenna,” he cautioned as they approached. “Never use the trapper plant, see that flat plant over there, it’s full of glue to trap and eat its prey. The pitcher plant is shaped like the trunk of a small tree and the water is safe for both drinking and washing.”
Jenna nodded. “Thanks Knocker, I will remember. There are a lot of things to consider in trying to get rid of the hunters, and maybe it will come in useful. But now, they are done with their food and are on the hunt again. We need to get off the path as soon as possible. Ralphie, can you take me back to Ituria’s home?”
Ralphie thought for a second and nodded. “Yes, I can bring you back to Ituria. Sedric and Fira can assist if I get lost as they live near his home. We will not go on the path but will stay close. The only problem would be the secret path to his home, how would we get through without getting lost?”
Trent spoke up. “I can take you back, but I think if I give you the proper instructions, you should be able to make it back without my help. Go in the main path entrance. It splits immediately into two paths. You must alternate turning right and left at each split in the path, keep track somehow, as this is a maze, and if you make a wrong turn, you could wander around for days. Do you think you can do this, or should I lead you back?”
“I think we can do this,” answered Ralphie. “If we are careful and keep track, we will make it.”
“Good,” said Jenna. “Trent, Knocker and Skye can start their mission to visit North Forest and talk with Ranco. We will return to Ituria and work out a plan to get rid of the hunters.”
Jenna turned to the three about to leave. “Good luck to you all and please be careful,” she said. “We will see you again soon with Ituria.”
The parties went their separate ways, T
rent, Knocker and Skye heading to the north, while Jenna and the others working their way back to Ituria’s home.
Ralphie went first through the secret path, then Sedric and Fira as they rode on Jenna’s back, kept close track of which way to turn. In about ten minutes, they found themselves back at Ituria’s home, and the deer rushed out excitedly to greet them.
“Oh!” Frieda exclaimed. “We are so happy to see you, we were so worried about you. Where are the others?”
“They have gone to find Ranco and his pack up on the border of North Forest,” explained Jenna. “We have listened to the hunters, and I think we can work out a plan to scare them out. Let’s go inside and discuss what we can do to protect the Middle Forest.”
Chapter Twenty
Making Plans
“Welcome back, my friends!” Ituria greeted them warmly as they reached the entrance of his cave. “What did you learn at the hunters’ camp? Is there a way to make them leave?”
“I have been thinking of a few possibilities,” Jenna replied. “But we need everyone to help us get ready. Two of the hunters are already scared and believe in ghosts and haunted places. If we get them frightened enough, they will leave, forcing the other hunter to go also. It is the third human that will be the problem. He is out to make some money and he said he won’t let them leave until they catch something to sell unless we can convince him to leave also.”
Jenna turned and looked at Sedric.
“Sedric,” she said. “What types of trees were we under? Would they be able to help us scare the hunters? Do they move or make noises or anything?”
“There were several oak trees, a few willows, and some pine trees,” Sedric answered, “The oaks don’t really make noises, but they can move a bit and will throw acorns if politely asked. The willows can move their branches a lot. They like to dance at night and make low tone, whispering sounds. The pine trees don’t do too much, although they can drop some old branches if you ask them nicely.”
“The trees may be able to help us scare the hunters. Although we’ll need a lot more to make it work.” Jenna turned to Ralphie and continued, “Ralphie, were there any nearby bushes with bad smells or stickers or thorns?”
Knocker had talked about bushes used to repel intruders from Middle Forest, and she wondered if there were there any located around the hunters’ camp.
“There were several thorny plants on the way to camp,” said Ralphie. “Usually, they keep their thorns inward for protection. Unless they feel threatened, they will not scratch to conserve their resources. But there are some,” Ralphie continued, “that expel a stinky odor if a scavenger tries to eat them, using little berry-like puffs of smell to chase them away.”
Jenna nodded. “Maybe we could gather some of them up and crush them around the camp, to make it not so inviting.”
She looked around at the others. “Also, maybe we could let the thorn plants know the hunters are dangerous to them, so they should make an extra effort to scratch and cut when the hunters go through.”
Jenna started to pace, thinking of other options. “I am also thinking of asking the trees for help. The willows can make noise, maybe sing sad songs as they sway their branches. We can ask the oaks and pines to drop acorns and branches when the time is right.”
Sedric’s eyes followed Jenna intently as she paced back and forth, listening to her plans, hoping he could help also, even though he was small.
Jenna turned to look at Sedric. “Sedric, could you and Fira talk with the trees about what we need, as you can talk to them while the hunters are there. The hunters will not understand what you are saying.”
“Of course,” Sedric replied. “I am glad to help!”
“Also, did you see if the larger trees had any nest holes or anything?” asked Jenna. “Those might be used to further scare the hunters. What if we convinced the hunters the trees might eat them? Sedric, if you ran into one of the holes and came out covered with blood, they might think the tree had bitten you or something. We could use those cherry fruits to fake some blood, and the crunchy cracker plants to make it sound like the tree was really biting you. Do you think it would work?”
“I think you have the makings of a good plan,” observed Ituria, nodding.
“Gather the necessary supplies and head back to the camp before they return. Though the deer probably can’t help during the actual scaring process, they will be able to gather what you need and help transport it to the camp. I have the cherry fruit and…how did you say it, crunchy crackers, here in my cave, so you just need to figure out a way to transport them.”
“We could use the pitcher plants,” Jenna suggested, “by dumping the water out and using them as holders for the crackers and cherry fruit.”
Jenna thought for a moment, then asked, “What about the trapper plants? Could they help us?”
“What if you put the things stolen from camp into the trapper plants?” suggested Fira. “They would try to pick them up and get stuck themselves.” Hopping over to Jenna, she continued, “They might also try to shake the glue off and shake it all over their camp. I have seen the liquid from a trapper plant eat through wood and fur, so it might cause damage to many of their items.”
“What a great idea!” Jenna responded as she looked at Fira. “I saw those plants scattered around the forest on the way to the camp. If we have time, we will pull some over from closer to camp, so we don’t get the glue on ourselves. We have to make sure only the hunters will be touched by the glue.”
Turning to Ituria, Jenna continued, “Ituria, Knocker also mentioned biting insects. Can we get them to visit the camp this evening also, possibly following the hunters to camp and buzz around them?”
“It might be one more reason they would want to leave,” agreed Ituria. “Okay, let’s get started, so you can get back to camp and set up before the hunters return.”
Celeste went out and picked several large pitcher plants and brought them back to the cave. Sedric and Fira ran to the piles of hanging cherry fruit, filling two holders, and then to the piles of cracker plants, filling two with them also. “This should be enough,” they said as they put the last of the cracker snacks in the pitcher plant containers. “I think this will be more than enough for Jenna’s plans. What else do we need?”
“We also need to get the stinky puffs off of those plants to scatter and smash around the camp,” Jenna replied.
“Sedric and Fira, you will talk to the trees and let them know about our plan. Explain to them that it is critical we obtain their help, as the plan will not work without them. Sedric, be sure to bring the small bag with you, we may need it.” Sedric nodded as he scampered over and grabbed the bag.
Turning to Ralphie, she continued, “Ralphie, on the way to camp, please let the thorn bushes know the hunters are not their friends and will hurt them if we allow them to stay. Talk to the stinging bugs also. This is going to be a real battle, so we will need everything and every creature on our side if we want to succeed.”
“Evan and Frieda,” said Jenna softly as she looked at the two frightened deer. “I know you don’t want to be there when the hunters get back.”
Evan and Frieda shook their heads.
“It would be much appreciated if you could help us by helping carry the supplies and smashing and sprinkling the puffy smelly stuff around the camp. When you are done, you can leave and let Celeste meet you at the front of the entrance to her home. With Celeste waiting, you wouldn’t get lost in the path trying to return. Do you think you can do that?”
Evan and Frieda looked at each other and nodded quietly. “Thank you for understanding,” replied Evan. “We want to help, but feel by being there, we are only endangering ourselves and you, and aren’t really much help to you as we can’t fight or climb trees or anything.”
“I will wait inside the path for you,” agreed Celeste, “and will come out to meet you when
I hear you on the path near our home.” Her warm voice gave them comfort.
“It will still be light enough for the two of you to get here, even if you stay just off the path, so you won’t be seen. Ituria will wait at the cave for word from Skye on how things are going up north.”
The trip back to the hunters’ camp was quicker than anticipated with an urgency felt by everyone. We must be set up and hidden before the hunters’ return.
After everything was set up and the hunters returned, it was Jenna’s part was to wait and listen to the hunters, and as their discussions indicated, let the others know when to act. She would need to position herself in the bushes so the others could see her, but she could not be seen by the hunters.
As soon as they reached the camp, and everyone scattered to start on their part of the work to be done to prepare for the hunters’ return.
Chapter Twenty-One
Plans In Motion
Looking around the campsite, Jenna remembered everything they had done this afternoon. She was glad they had completed their plans in time, but she worried if it would be enough.
Everything was completed, all that was left was for the hunters to return and discover the little surprises the group had left around the camp. The deer had headed back and should be at Ituria’s home by now; Celeste would be looking out for them to return.
It was getting dark, so the hunters would be returning soon to eat and rest. Jenna had to concentrate on the task at hand, to make the hunters so uncomfortable, so afraid they would leave the forest. She glanced at the squirrels and Ralphie, everyone was in place and hidden.
It was only a few minutes later when they heard the shuffling through the bushes as the hunters neared the camp. Even though the humans were far off, there were occasional loud voices sounding like they were mad or yelling at something.
“…where did all of these thorns come from?” Jenna heard one of the humans say as they got closer. “I don’t remember such a hard time getting through the bushes before.”
Jenna and the Legend of the White Wolf Page 8
