Leela and the Forest of Light
Page 18
When she awoke on the third day, she was ready to walk the path of the heart. She knew she’d be tested many times, but she had powerful allies, and no force was stronger than the love that bound them together.
Chapter 24
The Path of the Heart Begins
Reporters surrounded Sky Bear and Carl pressing them for answers. The village was in an uproar. David and Maryann watched Sky Bear skillfully handle the onslaught of questions.
“Hold on a minute,” shouted Wes.
He pushed his way past the reporters accompanied by authorities from the department of child services. A state policeman presented Sky Bear with a search warrant.
“This warrant means we can search every house on the reservation. So get out of our way,” ordered Wes.
David reached for Maryann’s hand. Leela’s three-day vigil was over. They hoped she was ready for what was coming.
Leela made her way along the ridge of the hill. She stopped to listen and ask if it was time to return to the village. Hawk, circling above, answered with a shrill cry. She wasn’t afraid or lonely anymore. She knew what needed to be done.
Standing behind the trees, she watched the chaotic scene below. A quiet stillness rose from deep within her. She looked back at the forest one last time, took a deep breath and stepped away from the trees in full view of everyone.
“There she is,” a man yelled.
A collective roar went up from the noisy throng. David and Maryann looked at Sky Bear. They saw what no one else saw. The spirit forms of Mountain Lion, Fox, Heron, White Mare, Hawk, Bear and Wolf encircled Leela. She had successfully gathered her seven allies.
A gray wolf ran along the ridge and stood next to her. A white wolf joined them. More wolves emerged from behind the trees. Everyone was silent at the sight of a girl surrounded by a pack of wolves.
Gray Wolf howled and the pack joined in. Their ancient call echoed through the mountains. Before anyone could grasp what was happening, the wolves vanished and Leela stood alone.
She smiled, looked straight ahead and walked toward the waiting crowd.