by Jill Wilder
Keith thought of Keo, again, and the many stories he would share. Fire was always an important part of survival in Keo’s stories, and one in particular told of a special stone called flint. As Keith brought this story forward in his mind for detail, his plan became clear. Keith needed to find flint and he would use the metal of his knife and create sparks. Surely this fire will not last and he will need these tools for the next fire.
A big smile spread across Keith’s face, as he realized Keo gave him that knife, not just as a friendly parting gift, but as an important tool for survival. Keith realized that all along Keo was preparing him for this journey.
As the fish continued to cook, Keith walked out among the aspen trees and began looking upon the ground for small stones that looked like flint. All Keith could remember about the stone, was its color of gray and its smoothness. And of course, the sparks that would fly if hit by steel. He started a process of using his knife he retrieved out of his boot and striking every stone that was gray and smooth until sparks flew.
It was about a dozen stones or so later that Keith found his flint. Jogging back to the camp, Keith’s heart began to swell with pride as he realized that he was very capable of surviving this wilderness. A few hours ago, Keith was gnarled up in vines and thickets, thinking he would never get out. But now, he has a camp, a knife, firewood, a pit for animal trap and soon he will have wonderful rainbow trout to eat!
Returning with the pieces of flint, Keith sat back by the fire, thinking about all that was accomplished that afternoon. He had a lot to be thankful for, but slowly Shell entered his mind and heart. He would give anything to be holding her now. It would be wonderful to conquer the wilderness with Shell and her grace beside him. She was indeed a lady of strength and wisdom. There were times when Shell could tell Keith what he was going to do before he even knew.
The smoke from the fire sent the smell of the fish waving under Keith’s nose. he rose to turn the fish over to the other side. As he began to sit back down he heard a faint scream from the direction of his trap. Keith grinned to himself and wondered what the Great Spirit was blessing him with now.
Pulling the fish from the fire, Keith grabbed his knife from his boot once more. Keith began a jog around the bend of the stream to investigate his trap. He was in hopes of getting back before his fish got cold, but did not want whatever creature who fell to get away either.
It was not long before Keith approached the trap. He tiptoed, so not to make any sound as he got closer. The sun was beyond the mountains, and one had to squint the eyes to see. The pit was dark at the bottom as Keith peered into.
With his heart pumping with excitement, Keith waited a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Keith could see an outline of a creature that made no movement. He knew the fall was not far enough to kill any animal, but maybe, if he was lucky, knocking them out would be good.
As Keith continued to focus on the form, there was something familiar about it. Keith’s heart began to race with excitement.
