Leela and the Forest of Light

by Lin Northrup

  Except for her brief time with Sky Bear and the Medicine Women, she’d been living with the animals, so she wasn’t sure what to say to him.

  He spoke first. “Leela, when Gray Wolf returns it will be time for the pack to leave. They’ve brought you this far, but they have to travel their path and you have to travel yours. I’m here to help you.”

  She buried her face in Wolf Pup’s fur. David’s heart went out to her. He reached out and tilted her chin up so she would look at him. “Gray Wolf is the teacher of your inner space. You’ll carry him and the wolves in your heart wherever you go.”

  She nodded and held the pup tighter. David didn’t speak knowing she needed to accept what he’d just told her. They sat quietly while the storm subsided. Leela stared into the fire.

  The pack came inside the cave. Gray Wolf looked into her eyes. What passed between them would remain with her forever. “When you hear the howl of the wolf, listen deeply within and we will come. That is the power of our bond.”

  David nodded to her that it was time. “Thank you,” she whispered, holding back her tears. Gray Wolf turned back to look at her and then was gone. She walked to the entrance of the cave. When she heard him howl, she returned to the fire.

  By morning the skies had cleared. Outside the sheriff’s office, reporters mingled with a crowd of curious onlookers. A sense of anticipation permeated the air. Carl and the mayor opened the door and were rushed by reporters demanding the latest news.

  People shouted to each other until Carl waved them silent. “We have to work together to save the child’s life. I remind you that only those authorized to be part of the search team will be allowed in the area where the wolf pack was last seen. I’ve deputized the local ranchers who know this terrain. They will shoot if they see any wolves jeopardizing the girl’s life,” he said, looking toward the Save the Wolves group.

  Their spokeswoman stepped forward. “There’s been a lot of misinformation about what’s happening out there. We don’t know whether the child is in danger, or has befriended the wolves. If your men get trigger happy, anything could happen. The girl could get shot accidentally,” she shouted.

  The sheriff was tired of them questioning his authority. “We think a human life is more important than a few wolves, ma’am. But we will be careful for the girl’s sake,” he said, in a sharp tone.

  “How are you going to ensure the girl’s safety? Couldn’t the wolves panic and turn on her with the noise of the helicopter and men combing the hills? Are you enlisting the help of the tribe who live on the reservation?” she asked.

  “No one asked us,” came a voice from the crowd.

  Sky Bear stepped forward followed by the elders of the tribe. “We’re at peace with this land and understand the creatures who roam these hills. The Wolf Clan has never caused us harm because we respect their habitat and their ways. You deprive them of their territory and see them as an interference with your lives. Humans are the ones who have caused the imbalance that makes them desperate for food. Now you want to save a human life at their expense, never asking why this child is among them, or what may be the wisest action for the benefit of all,” he said.

  The crowd stood in silence mesmerized by the tall silver-haired man who spoke with quiet eloquence. The mayor shifted uneasily aware that Sky Bear’s words could cast them as the bad guys who ignored the advice of the local tribe.

  The leader of Save the Wolves smirked at the mayor’s discomfort. “Why haven’t you enlisted their help? Wouldn’t they know the wisest action, sheriff?” she asked.

  With the cameras rolling, Carl had no choice, so he looked over at Sky Bear. “Perhaps we were too hasty in our concern for the girl. Will you join us?” he asked.

  All eyes turned toward Sky Bear. The reporters were eating up this story of a confrontation between the chief and local authorities.

  Sky Bear’s keen eyes surveyed the crowd. They were quiet as they waited for his words. “We ask for a twenty-four hour delay to give our trackers time to find the girl. We know the ways of wolves and will be able to settle this matter peacefully. But no one can come with us except you,” he said, pointing at the sheriff.

  The mayor and ranchers didn’t want to be deprived of their role as heroes and shook their heads in protest. How dare Sky Bear put them in this humiliating position. The crowd clapped in support of the chief.

  Sky Bear gave the sheriff a measured look that Carl knew only too well. They played together as boys before their paths in life took them in different directions. When Carl first became sheriff, he discussed matters with Sky Bear. But as the years wore on, he was drawn into the circle of powerful ranchers and avoided Sky Bear whenever possible.

  “What’s your answer?” asked Sky Bear.

  Carl looked at Sky Bear remembering the many times he’d spent living with the tribe when he was young. A tribal elder taught them the art of tracking. They were left in the woods and had to work together as brothers to perform the difficult tasks the elder set for them. They were determined to earn the respect of the tribe. It was their initiation into manhood.

  “I’ll go,” he said. Despite the looks he got from the disgruntled ranchers, Carl felt a lightness of heart as he walked over to his old friend.

  Chapter 20

  Princess of the Wolves

  As the early morning light entered the cave, David let Leela sleep so he could think about her transition from the world between worlds. His people could hide her on the reservation right under the nose of the sheriff and away from the press. But if anyone had seen him rescue Leela, it could be risky. He asked for the wisdom he needed to guide her through this crossover. When he received his answer, he went back inside.

  Leela had a determined look in her eyes. “David, can I go with you?”

  “Ah, you must be a mind reader. Yes, of course, you can come with me. Let’s bank this fire and get this day started.”

  They hiked along the cliffs that bordered the reservation. Undaunted by the steep drop, she moved with sureness and skill. Mountain Lion and the others had taught her well, thought David. Society would try to pry her away from what she knew was beautiful and true, but the way she carried herself spoke of her fiery spirit. The Great Mystery had chosen wisely.

  They moved quickly until they saw a search and rescue plane break through the heavy clouds and head in their direction. David decided to test her. “Leela, we’ll be spotted if we stay here, but we’re still too high to jump down.”

  “We need Fox power. I’ll call on Fox and the Stone People.” She closed her eyes and flattened her body against the cliff.

  “Fox, send us your gift of camouflage so we can hide from the plane. Stone People, help us be one with you.”

  David and Leela slowed their breathing and blended into the cliff like stone statues. The pilot flew closer and scanned the cliff. “There’s nothing here. Anyway, the mayor just called off the search. Seems he’s letting the local tribe get first crack at finding the girl. Wish they’d make up their minds. Let’s head back.”

  The plane turned west and flew behind the clouds.

  “Good job, Leela. You have powerful allies”

  She blushed, her shyness melting away under his warm smile. They quickly made their way to the bottom of the cliff and kept walking. She listened intently as David shared his story about Koda, his wolf friend, and the promise he’d made after Koda and his mate died. When he finished, she was very quiet hoping Gray Wolf and the pack were going to be safe.

  “Come on Leela, let’s run for a while. Want to race me?”

  She looked at his long legs. “Sure. I’ll beat you too,” she said, taking off.

  They ran across the field, with Leela pushing hard to keep up. She was having so much fun she didn’t see the log in her way and tripped. David picked her up and swung her around. Her laughter and joy lightened his heart.

  �
��I’ll give it to you. You don’t quit. Let’s see who gets to the river first.”

  “It will be me,” she shouted.

  Back at the town, the circle of life was weaving Carl and Sky Bear’s paths together, setting in motion the part they would play in Leela’s life.

  The crowd dispersed and Carl got into Sky Bear’s truck. They rode in silence until they came to the river. Sky Bear got out and walked to the bank. Carl followed him. The chief’s face showed the signs of many years, but when he looked at Carl his eyes were as sharp as ever.

  “This land has seen the rise and fall of generations seeking glory and wealth. Our people have watched them come and go. Many have used the land and animals for their own ends, but the spirit of Mother Earth is calling to her sons and daughters. This turn of the sacred wheel brings a generation of humans who will follow a higher path. They’re the children of the new earth and this child is one of them. She is one of us,” said Sky Bear.”

  Carl felt like he’d been kicked in the stomach. He couldn’t breathe. He heard Sky Bear’s words as if from a distance, for they’d been spoken many years ago during their initiation rite. He remembered their ordeal in the high canyons during the cold of winter. They had to learn to survive in the wild, face their fears and feel their oneness with the source of life. When they returned from their vision quest, they were invited to sit at the council fire. Despite their feelings of triumph, they were nervous sitting in front of the elders who stared at them impassively.

  The fire in the council house burned brightly and the air was heavy with the weight of the elder’s words. The chief rose and spoke of the People as guardians of the earth and her creatures. He spoke of a time when the forerunners would arrive and lead the way. He told Carl and Sky Bear that they would be called upon to help and protect them, but their paths would separate for many years. They would know when the time had come for them to reunite and take up their roles.

  The two boys listened to the chief’s words, but silently vowed to be friends forever. When the ceremony was over, they left the council and climbed up to the high cliffs where they’d spent many happy hours talking about their dreams. They stared into the dark night until they heard the call of the wolf.

  Sky Bear looked at him. “It was foretold, my friend. We’ve both walked our own paths. Now it’s time to join together. This child is a part of our destiny. Are you with me?”

  Reeling from the intensity of his memories, Carl felt a deep shame for having turned against Sky Bear. He held out his hand to his friend. “You are my brother. Of course, I’ll stand with you.”

  Several miles from where Carl and Sky Bear were renewing their friendship, Leela ran alongside David until they came to the river. He waited for a sign that assured him they’d be safe from the search plane.

  “This way,” he said, pointing to a great blue heron rising from the riverbank. Heron will show us the safest way to get to my father’s lodge.”

  Watching the great bird’s flight, she felt chills go through her body. Heron had taught her to follow her own path and last night David reminded her that her life would be different from others. She looked back at the land that was home to the wolves, and had a feeling that when she crossed this river, her life would change forever.

  They scrambled down the bank and jumped into the fast-moving rapids. “Hold my hand, the rocks are slippery.”

  Her pride flared up. “I don’t need help. I can cross on my own.”

  “Okay. You go first. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Leela charged ahead, lost her footing and fell into the water. David reached over and pulled her up. “It’s hard to see where you’re going when wet hair clouds your vision. And sometimes it’s just easier to accept help.”

  Her cheeks flamed red, but when David mimicked her, “I’ll do it myself” tone of voice, she started laughing. He brushed her wet hair away her eyes. “It’s good to be able to laugh at yourself. Coyote, the trickster, shows up to teach us that. Let’s run again to dry you off so the tribe doesn’t think I’m bringing home a drowned rat.”

  She took his hand and let him pull her up the steep bank. After hiking for miles through the woods, they finally reached the road to the village.

  “This is where I grew up,” he said, pointing toward a village nestled at the foot of the mountain.

  He saw the anxious look in her eyes. “Shall we walk in a dignified manner, or race each other into town? Your choice.”

  “Maybe a dignified manner would be better,” she said, trying to smile as they headed down the road.

  At the far end of the village, Sky Bear parked his old Ford truck outside his home. It had been years since Carl had entered the sturdy cabin. The herb garden by the front porch was still fragrant and lush. The main room looked the same. Handcrafted chairs with colorful cushions were arranged in front of a large stone fireplace. Fresh flowers graced a long, beautifully carved table where Carl had shared many meals with Sky Bear and his family. He glanced up at the loft where they’d slept as boys. The tranquility of Sky Bear’s home was untouched by time.

  Maryann was playing the piano. She turned to greet them, her eyes lighting up when she saw Carl. He remembered her standing next to David at their wedding ceremony, but over the years he’d distanced himself from the young couple. Her smile erased all that as she walked over to give him a warm hug.

  “Carl, we’ve missed you. Please join us for dinner. We’re waiting for David to return.”

  Carl looked at Sky Bear. “Aren’t we going to form a search party and look for the girl?” he asked.

  “No, Carl. David will bring her here. I made up that story to give us time,” said Sky Bear.

  Carl shook his head and sat by the fireplace. Sky Bear was always full of surprises. He’d forgotten that.

  It was almost dark by the time David and Leela came to the village. Neat homes with carefully tended herb and flower gardens lined the main street. At the end, there was a lodge with a wide porch where several older people sat talking. The face of a bear was carved into the wood near the apex of the roof. A group of teenagers stood talking outside the general store. They stared at the stranger walking with David.

  “My father’s house is over there. He’s waiting for us. And some delicious food is waiting for you.”

  Nervous about meeting David’s family, Leela tried to comb her damp hair with her fingers. She liked being with David, but now she’d have to face new people.

  “I think we should make a grand entrance when I introduce the princess of the wolves,” he said, seeing her discomfort.

  “But I’m wet, dirty, and messy,” she said, looking down at her soggy clothes.

  David took her hand. “Ah, my lady, you look just like a wild princess should.” He scooped up some dirt, smeared it on his face and bowed before her. She couldn’t resist laughing at his silly antics so when he offered her his arm, she sighed and took it.

  Inside the cabin, Maryann prepared dinner while Carl told her stories about his childhood exploits with her father-in-law.

  Sky Bear stood up. “They’re here.”

  The door opened and in walked his son holding the hand of the girl the whole state was looking for. Leela’s eyes widened in shock as she stood in front of the silver-haired shaman she’d met in the cave.

  David squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Leela, I’d introduce you to my father, but I believe you’ve already met.”

  “Welcome to my home, Leela,” said Sky Bear, smiling at her.

  Confusion slid across Leela’s face. David led her across the room. “And this is my wife, Maryann. She’s been waiting to meet you for a long time.”

  Seeing Leela’s nervousness, Maryann walked over and gently touched her hand. “I’m so glad you’re finally here, Leela.”

  Carl watched in amazement. The girl held herself with a quiet dignity despite her tangl
ed hair and mud-streaked face. When she looked at him, he was taken aback. Her luminous eyes seemed to look right into his heart.

  She stared at all of them, but said nothing. To break the awkward silence, Maryann asked her if she wanted to freshen up. She took Leela to the bathroom and gave her a thick white towel for her shower.

  “We’re about the same size. Try these clothes on and take your time. I’m making you a special dinner. And remember, we’re all here to help you,” she said, closing the door.

  After Maryann left, Leela’s eyes filled with tears. She was sad about leaving her special world behind, grateful for David’s kindness and shocked at seeing Sky Bear again. Even though she knew she could send her thoughts to her animal friends, she felt out of place and separated from the world she’d come to love. Where did she belong? Why was everyone looking for her? Wiping her eyes, the old loneliness that plagued her after her parents died, returned.

  On the other side of the door, Maryann heard Leela crying and her heart went out to the young girl. She walked into the living room and spoke quietly to the three men.

  “Leela’s still between worlds feeling lost and disoriented. We must help her feel at ease before we go to the council lodge,” she said.

  David and Sky Bear went to speak with the elders. If there was a way to stop the world from encroaching on the quiet time Leela needed, they must find it. Sky Bear had asked for twenty-four hours, but he knew the press could be relentless in their pursuit of a story.

  Glad to be alone, Leela struggled to sort through her feelings. She touched the fresh pine boughs in a vase by the sink. Their woodsy smell was comforting.

  It felt good to scrub off the dirt and wash her hair. Stepping out of the shower, she wrapped herself in the thick towel and stood in front of the mirror. She looked the same, but she didn’t feel the same.

  Picking up a comb, she was attempting to untangle the knots in her hair, when she heard a noise coming from the closet and peeked inside. Two eyes peered out as a gray cat with white paws emerged from under the neatly folded towels. She stroked its silky fur.