Slowly, she pulled back the covering to reveal a zatmeid (zat-made).  These are seldom ever caught because they never stop moving.  Mal-Nai was surprised she was able to catch it.  As she thought this, it escaped knocking her through the room.  She bounced about throughout, not knowing where she was or what was happening to her.
     Mal-Nai’s arm was ripped through the glass window as her head ricocheted off the fireplace.  She fell in a heap just past the woodpile.  The zatmeid continued to move rapidly about the room while Mal-Nai lay there.
     Dweller arrived at the cottage, but was unable to enter because the door was blocked.  He could see the zatmeid moving throughout the room, but Mal-Nai was not seen.  He walked around looking in the windows.  He saw the broken window and became concerned.  He still could not see her.
     Dweller saw an open window in the loft.  He climbed along the outside wall to the open window above.  The window was small, but he was able to squeeze through.  He made his way down the stairs.  He kept hearing noise, but was unsure what was happening.  He searched and found Mal-Nai, but he also saw the zatmeid as the source of all the noise . . .

     “I give you my pebble to take to her.  You must bestow upon her all that it has.  We will be with her.  Please protect her from all who would hurt her just as you have protected us.”
     Mal-Nai could not focus.  There was a blur in her vision and a loud ringing in her ears.  She was unable to determine the source and too confused to stand.  “What is going on?  My head hurts.  The room is spinning.  What is thing in here with me?”
     Finally, Mal-Nai could stand and something moving quickly about the room around her.  It would frequently hit her and knock her off her feet.  Mal-Nai moved to the corner for support.  As she sat firmly in the corner, she waited for the blur to come near again.  She reached, grabbed, and missed.  Once again, grabbed and missed.  Time and time, she tried and failed.  She decided to pull out her cloak and tried to set a trap.
     Mal-Nai closed her eyes and listened intently as it approached closer.  She lay quietly as it screeched nearer and then sprang into action to seize it.  She wrestled with it exhausting herself until she almost could not breathe.  Mal-Nai lay atop of it until it stopped squirming . . .

      Yeinar spoke, “Cleinags, I am confused.  So, the pesky little bird is now on our side?”
      “Yes,” Nags responded, “he has had a change of heart.  Something about always having his loyalties with Wee-One and never wanting to betray her again.  So, he and his friends are out searching for Bags until they find her.”
     “What do you suppose might happen, if they were to find Mal-Nai injured or dead,” asked Yeinar.
     “I asked them to report back anything they find, anything at all, including something of that sort.  I know she is on her own, but I hope she is found by them,” said Nags.
     “What are you two wasting time about, now,” ask Gruashe.  “Terba sent me to find you and she is not happy!  You left her to pack up the food alone.  I tried to help, but you know how she gets when she is on a tear.”
     “First, Mal-Nai and now, Magsbraenty, I do not think this has anything to do with the food,” Yeinar said to Cleinags.
     “I think you are correct,” said Nags as the two joined Terba.  She was stomping about throwing things into her packs.  All three attempted to avoid eye contact as they followed behind cleaning as they went.  She tossed things hither and yon as the three ducked and packed neatly.
     Terba mumbled under her breath, “So, now I am left alone to care for these, these, these galoots.  Now, I have more with those crazy hydrangeas.  I do not even know what they eat or how to cook it.  Will they leave me alone, too?”
     Wee-One and Nom-Mee sang to each other on the comfy bed as they wept.  They knew Mal-Nai was in trouble because she was not where she was supposed to be.  They held each other tightly as they sang the healing lullaby.  They each knew they were too sick for it to work, but they secretly prayed it would somehow reach her.
     Dweller saw them singing and was confused thinking they were singing for themselves.  When he inquired, Wee-One stated, “Mal-Nai needs us and we know we cannot go.  We cannot give her our strength, but she needs our courage.  She is dismayed.  She has lost hope.  She has given up and no longer cares.”
     “That is why we grow weaker,” stated Nom-Mee.  “She sees only refracted light.  It does not give warmth only a false sense of one’s true self.  She is being deceived and she is too afraid to question her own self.”
      Wee-One joined in, “Our eyes have deceived us before.”
      Dweller spoke, “I am not allowed to go to her unless I am sent by the one who sends all.  I cannot ask on my behalf alone.”
     “I am sending you,” spoke Wee-One’s small tender voice, almost too weak to be heard . . .

     The clouds hid the moonlight as her tears turned to sobs.  The wailing wind mirrored the sound of her despair.  She found herself gasping for each breath as her knees gave way.  She discovered she had fallen upon a pile of leaves at the base of a lillyfruit tree.  The aroma filled her lungs as she continued to weep.  She knew the source of these tears, but dare not admit it to herself for fear they may never stop.
     As she attempted to forcible stop herself from crying, she began to cry more.  Then she became angry and began to pound on the ground with her hands and feet.  The more she beat, the louder she cried.  She decided to jump up and hit the tree.  As she jumped as high as she could, the ground shook her off her feet and she cried more.
     Mal-Nai attempted to steady herself, but her crippled feet would not allow it.  Again, she threw her being upon the ground and it seemed to bounce.  A rock almost jumped into her hand she grabbed it, inscribed onto it, and carefully placed it in her pocket, as her wails had become sobs.  She had no sound left in her, no hope, only despair remained in her bones.  Even the sweet lillyfruit could bring no cheer for she knew the ground shaking meant Rock Monster had found her and she was lost.
     This time there was no fight left in her.  Even Poppie told her she was alone.  All the lonely days and nights spent in the kingdom, she knew she still had Poppie.  When the last of her hiding places had been thwarted, she could somehow trust perhaps Poppie was “out there” maybe, but this time, even he had left her.
     Soon her tears turned to anger then to rage as she asked aloud, “Wait a minute!  I was not the one who left!  Where is the squad?  Why are they not looking for me?  Where has he been?  He does not know me!  None of them know me!  I quit, I quit, I quit, I quit and if I want to quit, I will!  No one can make me do this anymore!”
     Mal-Nai gathered her pack and weapon Poppie left for her and began to walk.  She did not set toward the haleakala flower nor the kingdom.  “I will find a nice tributary and build a lovely cottage.  I do not need those people,” she continued muttering to herself.  As she walked further off her path, her feet began to hurt.  She did not notice at first.  After trekking for several hours in the wrong direction, she observed her left toes cramping.  She ignored them; this pain was nothing new to her.  For years, she had felt the smarting pangs that came from these things known as feet.  She had grown numb to the searing pain that would cause others to writhe in agony.  She thought about her pebble, but she saw something, a quaint cottage, right next to a beck.  This is just how she had pictured it -- a pleasant, peaceful home, at last.  “I am away from those who would wish me harm and spies and eyes everywhere.”
     Mal-Nai entered the cottage and collapsed to the floor …

     Mal-Nai began talking to herself, “How will I be able to walk?  All is not as it seems.  I must trust.  How do I trust this?  Trust only Poppie.  What is going on?”  Shakily, she stood on her deformed feet as her tears continued to stream.
     Mal-Nai stood without mlooks or any foot coverings ever.  She was filled with much fear.  She was unsure she would be able to do it.  At first, she gripped the table tightly knowing she would soon fall at any minute.  As she continued to cry, she shook and trembled not knowing what would happen next.  Slowly she lifted her hands from the table and she stood.
     More tears streamed now, she felt no pain.  “How can this be?  Even in my mlooks, my feet hurt all day.  One step, now, easy, just one step, OK, now, two, breathe.”  Mal-Nai walked across the room and then trotted.  She began to giggle as she skipped around the room.  “I do not believe it!  What an amazing day!”  She grabbed her pebble, held it in her left hand, and looked at her feet.  “They are not deformed.  I knew it.  I must walk this path alone.”
     The squad awoke, ate, and packed for the journey ahead.  Yeinar knew he must trust his instincts as the figure had intimated.  How else could he help his beloved friend?  She forgave him, so he will now do what he must to save her.  “How can she still trust me,” he asked himself as he began to cry.  “Where are these tears coming from?  Yes, I admit it I love her, but will she ever love herself as I do?”
      “Yeinar,” Gruashe approached, “which path will we take from here?”
      Yeinar wiped his eyes before turning.  “I think we need to continue to stay close to the river as the hydragety directed.  As it turns west, we will be exposed on the plain until it reaches the base of Mount Glekny (gleek-knee).”
      “Yes, that is my mountain,” shouted Gruashe.  “I knew you would help me find my family, my friend.  I am concerned about the plain.  During the day, many hosrosubs roam there looking for food.  At night, the plain is covered with them sleeping.  It will be difficult for us to find a clear path.”
       “A way will be cleared for us.  We will be safe.  Rock Monster will not see us,” said Yeinar.
“You two need to eat,” said Bags.  “Terba is upset that you did not eat more.  She is on her way and she does not look happy.  Without Mal-Nai here to care for, I think she has too much free time.  She has been muttering to herself since we woke up.  I just wanted to warn you.”
       “Terba,” Yeinar said sweetly before she could speak.  “I was coming to find you.  I was talking to Gruashe about your lovely vutre.  My, how I do love it.  You must tell me how you make it.”  He put his arm around her as he and Gruashe walked with her to consume more breakfast.
       Nags watched the spectacle and chuckled.  He asked Magsbraenty to fly over the plain to search for any obvious danger.  He really wanted her to spot Mal-Nai, but he knew this time she was on her own path and he would not see her.
       The squad exited the cave as a storm approached from the east.  Nags was worried about Magsbraenty.  She had been gone too long and he was unsure she could make it safely back in this tempest.  Gruashe came alongside him with fibtlears (fib-t’lears) to share.  Nahs brushed him away.  “I cannot eat.  Where is she?  She should be back.  There is no one to look for her.  Terba broke her wing as a child.”
       Gruashe was concerned.  He had not seen his friend in such a state.  “She always makes it back.  She is very reliable.”  Nags did not want to tell his friend he suspected her as the spy.  Why else would she not have warned them sooner of the marching groves?  He turned to find his favorite hydragety.
       “If you are going to continue to appear and not help me, could you please tell your name?”  Nags was clearly exasperated by the situation and it could be heard in his question.
       “My name cannot be pronounced in your tongue.  For you have not adequate sounds in your primitive language.  You may refer to me as Ralgam (ral-gem).  That is an ancient word for one of our ancestral species.  Would that be acceptable to you, floral?”
       Nags looked perturbed at his newly-named companion.  “Yes, Ralgam, I do believe I can manage that name.  As it appears that you have joined us on our journey, may I welcome you on our quest.”
       “But,” interrupted Ralgam ….
       Nags finished his sentence before he had the chance, “We do not get involved; we only warn of danger.  Yes, yes, we all know the pledge by heart.  I just have one question.  If that is the case, why are you following us?”
       Before Ralgam could answer, a loud noise erupted to the south causing the ground to suddenly shake …
        “This is why I am here, sir.  The southern mountain range has split in half blocking your path back to the kingdom with the gales it will only get worse.  It will cause flooding on the plain.  You need to travel quickly.”
        Nags replied, “Well, Ralgam, I need you to fly and find Magsbraenty.  I do not want to hear your duty bound statement.  Just this once, do something, because you might perhaps, I do not know, like someone!”
       “Well, right, sir,” stammered Ralgam.  “I have grown accustomed to having you ruffians in my demesne.  I so feel an obligation to keep you safe.  I will leave straightaway.”  Ralgam’s wings were built to withstand the storms surrounding the mountains and easily flew into the rushing wind.  He was joined by twenty fellow hydragetys.
       Mal-Nai had quickly became used to her strong, steady feet.  She leaped about swiftly over the stones and rocks upon her path.  She felt her heart growing stronger with each step.  She had not felt this much strength in her being ever.  Words she often heard began to come, “You are weak.  You cripple, who will want you?”
       Tears streamed down Mal-Nai’s face as she began to reach for the pebble, but she stopped herself.  She knew this time she needed to feel.  She was alone in the darkness.  There was no one to comfort her.  She tried to imagine those who she had allowed to get somewhat close being near to her now.  It was no use.  She was alone . . .

     Yeinar was amazed.  He moved among them as one of their own.  None sniffed, looked, howled, or moved.  “Maybe this stuff works,” he said to himself as he entered the cave.  A single figure was in the cave.
      “Yeinar, I see you have remembered the secrets from your youth,” he heard from the darkness.  You seek refuge in the dark, but trust nothing in the light.  How can you help Mal-Nai in this manner?  She reveals who you are and yet you continue to question.  What will it take for you to trust?  Yes, you will be safe here until nightfall.  Tell no one what you saw.  The pack will leave with me.”
     Cleinags caught up with Yeinar.  “How did you get in the cave and what is that awful smell?  You look as pretty as you smell.  Did you fall in the bush?”
      “Never mind,” said Yeinar, “we made it in the cave.  That is all that matters, now.  There are plenty of provisions and fresh water.  It is time to sleep for now.  We must continue our journey toward Gruashe’s home and then the haleakala flower after dark.”
      The pebble continued to glow in Mal-Nai’s hand as her captor carried her through the forest.  As hard as she tried, she could not open her eyes.  She could barely wiggle one toe on her left foot.  She really did not know what use a single toe on a crippled foot would be, but she continued to wiggle it to remind herself she was still a part of something.  She was still a living creature who could move; breathing was somewhat questionable, but she had a single, solitary toe that was free!  It represented strength; it represented power; it represented self-reliance; it represented a connection with her soul.  It meant, at least for now, she was alive!
     Before what seemed like two days, but in actuality, was four hours, seventeen minutes (Mal-Nai became very adept at knowing how much time had passed in her hiding places in the kingdom), apparently she was finally placed on the ground.  She again attempted to open her eyes and again nothing.  She carefully placed the pebble in her pocket.  Mal-Nai reached her hands to her eyes and to her dismay, discovered they were indeed open, yet still not working.  Instinctively, she rubbed them thinking something must have surely gotten in them, but they seemed to be clear.  She reached around the room and shouted a greeting, but no one responded.  She was alone or no one wanted to admit to being there with her.
      She felt helpless.  These were all too familiar feelings.  She suddenly felt sick, then panicky then sick again.  “Could this possible be?  Oh, please, do not let it be … I really do not have anything left, if this …, please I can … not … do … this … any … more …,” said Mal-Nai.
       “I was waiting for you to say that,” the voice resonated in the room.  Mal-Nai recognized the voice, but it was different somehow.  She did not know how she knew it.  “Wee-One,” the voice said.  This time a bit kinder and gentler, befitting the name.  She could sense the tone and almost place the voice, but it was as if she were hearing it through a tunnel of rocks and water.
      “That is it!” she said to herself.  “Poppie,” she exclaimed.  “Where have you been?  What happened to my eyes?  I want to see you.  Where are you?  Please let me give you a hug.”
      “Oh, my sweet little one, I am afraid I cannot.  If I disclose myself to you, then he wins.  This is for the best.  Please trust me.  Your friends are fine.  You must walk this part of the path alone.  Remember, your peace is found among the living.  I must leave you now.  You must rest.  We will eat and when you wake, your sight will return.
      “Poppie, please, just one hug, like when I was a little girl.  You always helped me feel so safe.”
“Wee-One, I am not what you think.  I do not wish to harm you.”
       “I trust you, Poppie.  You are strong, but gentle.”  With that final plea, he reached and gave Mal-Nai a hug, carefully trying not to squeeze her too tightly.  She buried her head in his warm chest and she wept.  She giggled as she once did as a little girl.  “Poppie, thank you.  I knew you could not harm me, you silly boy.  I trust you, even though now you are a big old telwraliks (tel-ray-likes).  I know things will be better after I find the haleakala flower.
       “My child it is not your job to fix me.  I must protect you.  Remember all is not as it seems.  Thank you for your trust.  This will keep you safe.”  As Poppie continued to hold her, Mal-Nai fell asleep.
        As Mal-Nai awoke, she rubbed her eyes and could see she was in a small cottage.  Her favorite lillyfruits were on the tiny table.  She cried when she noticed her mlooks had been removed.  She looked down at her deformed feet with tears streaming down her face.  A search of the cottage on her hands and knees proved useless, as her mlooks could not be found . . .

     This something was large and held her tightly.  Mal-Nai could not escape.  She could barely breathe.  She could not kick, scream, move her arms, and somehow her eyes would not open.  She was trapped!
     Mal-Nai suddenly heard the hydragety yelling loudly or had they just reached the crescendo of the chorus?  The young one appeared at the entrance to the shelter and spoke with Yeinar.  “Mal-Nai is truly in danger.  We tried shaking the trees to warn you to stay by the river.  She has no weapons or supplies with her.  We do not know where she has been taken or by whom.  We only know that there is one who rules this land and anyone who enters is no longer seen again.
     “How is it you could not warn me before we entered the forest,” yelled Yeinar “or could you not try a direct approach, like talking to me?”
     Again, the young one reminded himself and the one standing before him.  “We do not get involved.  We only warn of danger.  We did try to get you to go in another direction.  When that did not work, we did yell loudly to get your attention.  We would advise you to follow the path along the outward edge of the forest.  You will find a trail near the river’s bank.  Follow it in the shadow of the trees.  Gruashe will know where the path leads from there.”
     Yeinar smiled, “I am grateful for your help.  It is nice to know you can get involved when you want to.”  He gathered the squad around him to inform them of the new travel plans.  Gruashe disagreed, stating the forest was the most direct route.  He continued to argue as Yeinar led them along the instructed path.
     He knew it was dangerous as the sun continued to rise above them.  The squad stayed in the shadows as much as possible.  The wind began to fight against them, as it seemed the season had almost changed instantaneously.  The squad was finding it more and more difficult to move forward.
     “Do you think we will ever be able to find Mal-Nai in this,” Cleinags questioned Yeinar, “We have barely traveled a mile in the last three hours.  We must find provisions and shelter soon.  Everyone is exhausted.”
     “I agree,” replied Yeinar.  “I have been searching for the past hour and I have not found anything.  I cannot ask Magsbraenty to fly in this to search.”  As they rounded the corner, both spotted the entrance to a cave and a large pack of hosrosubs (ha-sroe-subs) blocked the path.  “What is this?”
     “I have never seen them this far south before,” whispered Cleinags as he backed away to warn the others.  Yeinar wondered the same thing to himself as he hid near a nushaggle bush.
     “Well, at least we now have something to eat and drink while we decide what to do about this pack of hosrosubs,” Yeinar said to Cleinags who had rejoined him.  “I have never seen a pack this large.  It seems like they are waiting for someone or something.”
     “Perhaps, they work for Rock Monster and they have been looking for us.  What will it take to get that guy away from us,” questioned Cleinags.  “Mal-Nai has not done anything, but be nice to us.  What could she have possibly done to be the most hated person in the kingdom?  Everywhere we turn, someone is trying to hurt her.  Who is she?”
     With tears in Yeinar’s eyes, he turned his face into the bush and suddenly remembered who he was and what she meant when she said, “my friend.”
     “Lubby, don’t let him get away!  He is cheating,” giggled Wee-One.  “Throw some leaves at Rarney (roar-knee)!  Just because he is older, he thinks he can boss me around.  Rarney, I thought you were my friend?”  Wee-One teased him.
     “My friend,” Yeinar rolled it over in his mind.  “Imagine, she used to giggle and laugh I had forgotten about that,” Yeinar pondered to himself.  “How could she lose that? What happened?  What happened to us all?  Did Rock Monster do all of this?  Are the hosrosubs really after her?”
     Yeinar decided to approach the pack alone.  He first sent Cleinags to help the squad hide in the base of the tree that had just appeared.  He found it curious, but took it as a sign that he should indeed approach the pack.
     Yeinar took a tip from Wee-One, “Cover yourself in the juice from the nushaggle bush.  It will make you invisible.”  He knew it was child’s play, but he decided it was worth a try.  He soaked himself in the pink and green liquid and walked toward the hosrosubs . . .

      Yeinar found a large cave in which they all could hide.  Each ran to the back recesses as rocks fell from the walls.  All ran with unsteady footing, but determined spirit.
     The flocks flew closer to the northern range, ever circling.  Again, the young one’s eyes fell to the same spot, but his eyes continued down the mountain to a small ledge.  He spotted a pool of blood.  As others landed throughout the mountain and the ground continued to shake, he chose this spot to land.  He moved inside the cave to investigate further.
     Nom-Mee was awakened by the mountain shaking beneath her.  As she stood, she was greeted by a small figure.  Reaching for her weapon, she realized it was gone.  Then she reached for a large stone, but before she could throw it, the creature spoke.
     “Wait!  I did not wish to harm you.”
     “Just great,” Nom-Mee exclaimed.  More talking buzzards.”
     “Actually, I am an hydra ….”  Nom-Mee glared at him.  “Oh, yes, of course, you know that.  I am here to warn Rock Monster is coming.”
     “WOW!  I do think you are late!”  Nom-Mee declared as she caught falling rocks and tossed them in the air.
     “We did try to warn you last night, but you made it rather difficult.”
     “I made it difficult, yelled Nom-Mee.  “There is only one of me and you were doing the attacking!”
     “Oh, you misunderstood.  We were singing and dancing.”
     “They were singing and dancing.”  Nom-Mee said to herself as she danced around her cave.  “Well, maybe, just perhaps, maybe, you could have sent one to tell me instead of an entire species!”
     “Well, now, I suppose, thinking about it now that does seem a bit more logical.”
     “Of course it does!  Now, what are we supposed to do,” questioned Nom-Mee as she tossed another handful of falling rocks as the ground continued to shake around them.
     “OH, well, we just warn of danger.  We do not get involved ….”
     “Then, leave, I do not need you.  You are in my way,” said Nom-Mee calmly.  As he left, she checked her wounds and was satisfied with their progress.  She removed all bandages, ate a “proper breakfast,” (as she could hear Terba in her head), adjusted her mlooks, and began to make her way out of the cave.
     Before she could step out, she was met with several small creatures.  “OK,” said Nom-Mee, “I thought you did not get involved and yet here you are making trouble for me, the first chance you get.  Do you want to draw all the attention to me today?  I really just wanted to have a nice lovely hike down the side of the mountain.”
     The same young one stepped forward and proclaimed, “We decided to take you to the other side safely, so you will not be furthered injured on the rocks.  I was correct when I said we cannot get involved in danger, but we can do this.  We do not have much time.  You must decide quickly.”  Nom-Mee agreed and the flocks escorted her to the other side of the range.  They also delivered her weapon and what was left of her destroyed pack.
     Nom-Mee hid in the shadow of the mountain with her weapon.  She saw Rock Monster approach as she stepped out of the shadows.  He was too distracted by the flocks to notice her at first.  Again, she stood firm.
     “Twee-Nee, where have you been,” questioned Rock Monster using a most-hated derogatory name and a sarcastic tone.  “We have been so worried about you.  You have us all so concerned.  I see you are still using weak weapons.  Do you really think you can defeat me with that?  Where is your Traveler now?  Who will defend you from me this time?  You cannot escape your just punishment.”
     Nom-Mee spilled the contents of her bag.  Out dropped the two rocks she had gathered at the fires along with other rocks.  Each rock gathered among the others to form a circle on the ground about her feet.  She stood firm.  She stood still.  She stood quiet.  She never said a word as the rocks trembled and then rose simultaneously.
     As this happened, Rock Monster fell to his knees and yelled, “No, I destroyed it!  How do you have it?  How are they here?”  He ordered the few members of the grove who traveled with him to retrieve the rocks, but they could not.  Each one who attempted lost a limb.  In desperation, they tried to dive in together and died.  Finally, Rock Monster himself reached his arm in and Nom-Mee fell, but he was not at all able to pick up a rock.
     Nom-Mee was barely breathing as the rocks rose again.  She lay there as one by one the rocks fell and slowly returned to her bag.  What use were they now?  They had protected her from him, but for what?
     Mal-Nai (mall-NAY) rose face to face with Rock Monster who was still on his knees.  “You cannot kill us all.  We will never die.  We see who you really are.”
     Rock Monster had difficulty standing as stones began to fall out of his knees and his arm.  Mal-Nai collected each.  Then she turned to face Nom-Mee as she was gasping her last breaths.
     “No,” she yelled to Rock Monster, to the sky, to no one in particular.  “Take me!  Leave her!  I have no one!  She must care for Wee-One.”  She ran after Rock Monster and when she returned she fell on her knees next to Nom-Mee.  “Please, do not die.”  Mal-Nai lifted her into her lap and began to stroke her face as she continued to cry.  She could hear a noise beyond the trees, but she did not care if Rock Monster came for her.  She knew she must care for Nom-Mee.
     Mal-Nai’s tears continued to stream down her checks onto to Nom-Mee’s face.  She could hear a strange noise, but did not know the source until she recognized the sound of her own voice wailing and the echo bouncing off the mountain walls.  “I cannot report you as lost,” she sang to Nom-Mee.  “Please rise and live.  Do not live for me.  Live for Wee-One.  Live for Terba.  Live for Traveler.”
     Mal-Nai heard a louder noise and turned in time to see Traveler approaching.  She continued to cry as she stroked Nom-Mee’s face.  Traveler knelt beside them both and gathered them into his arms.
     Mal-Nai laid her head on his shoulder and wept aloud.  She answered his question before he asked, “distraught.”  He gently kissed her forehead.
     “I must return Nom-Mee to Wee-One.  They draw strength from each other.  I wish you well on your journey.”  As Traveler left, Mal-Nai collected Nom-Mee’s bag to secure it.
     She collapsed to the ground crying uncontrollably.  When Mal-Nai fell, she scraped her head, which she did not notice.  Her blood began to pool around her head as she continued to cry.  She recalls hearing a familiar voice as she drifted off.
     Nags ran around the base of the mountain.  “I know Rock Monster was here.  I heard him.  Magsbraenty, where did you find that lake?”
     “It was on the other side of the mountain,” Magsbraenty said.
     “I agree with Cleinags,” Yeinar said.  “We should follow where we heard Rock Monster.”
     Magsbraenty said she would fly above to see.  She returned quickly and said she saw what looked like Nom-Mee on the path they were traveling.  The squad ran ahead hurriedly.  Terba came upon the figure and knelt beside her.  She bandaged her head while singing the healing lullaby.  The squad stood around silently.
     Yeinar ran toward them and breathlessly shouted, “The … lake … ballet … here … help.”  Terba stayed with Mal-Nai while the rest of the squad followed Yeinar to the lake.  On the lake, the squad saw the entire ballet, who had been sent to aid Mal-Nai.  The water surface could not be seen for the number who had landed upon it.
     The ballet assisted Terba in carrying Mal-Nai to the edge of the lake.  Gruashe was confused.  He had known his sister as an infant, but not in this form.  He turned his head as a tear streamed down his check.  “You cannot die.  We have too much work to do,” he said to himself.
     Terba found Gruashe in the crowd.  “She needs your tears.  This time only someone related to her can help her live.”  He looked at her with questioning eyes, but followed her without argument.  Before arriving at Mal-Nai, Terba gave Gruashe her packs and told him to carefully search them.  Again, he was hesitant, but did so without question.  He found the ornately carved box that was now empty.  Terba knelt and whispered in his ear.  He rose from his knees to find the bag of rocks and returned them to their rightful place.  He could no longer control his tears as one by one they fell upon the carvings.  He knew this wood and could faintly remember the smell, but did not recall the clasp or carvings.  Gruashe returned the box to its hidden spot.
     He slowly made his way to Mal-Nai as more tears streamed down his face.  He was beyond caring who saw now, for all he wanted was to speak freely to his sister.  Perhaps, she would remember his name and tell him.  Gruashe gingerly kissed her hand for fear if he touched her face she might break.  Her wounds were bandaged tightly.  Terba and Mags encouraged him closer.  Trembling, he wiped dirt from her fragile face and kissed her ear as a tear fell on the ground.  Again, Terba and Mags pressed him forward.
     Gruashe looked at them fearfully as his head bowed.  He was unsure he could complete the task.  How could he make it this far and fail his sister?  His sobs could be heard throughout the forest.  Even the hydragety had returned to investigate.  Finally, he gently placed his hands on either side of her face and while his tears streamed into her eyes, her bandages began to fall.  The more the bandages fell, the more Gruashe cried.  As the last bandage fell, Mal-Nai lay still and silent.
     No one moved.  There was no noise to be heard in the land.  No pebble broke loose from the mountain, no ripple in the lake, no insect buzzed, no sound at all.  It was as if the universe stopped moving, waiting for Mal-Nai to blink, to breathe, to wiggle a toe, to do something.  Mr. “Never-Get-Involved” young one of the hydragety had silently stepped forward.  He dropped a small, almost imperceptible pebble onto Mal-Nai’s left foot.  No one saw him, for they were all looking at her face.  The pebble slid off, rolled toward her arm, and settled next to her left hand where she holds her weapon.
     Mal-Nai’s hand turned to grab the pebble and she stood to fight to the surprise of all around her.
     “Renkwles (ren-quails), what is going on?  Where are we?  Who are all these people?  Why … why do you look like that?”  Mal-Nai looked around dismayed at the crowd gathered and was unsure about everything.
    “Mal-Nai,” Terba stepped forward, “many things may seem odd to you, but soon you will remember and understand.”
    “I do not know you,” Mal-Nai said, “how is it you speak to me in such a familiar tone?”
    “I have known you since your birth.  I have watched over you many, many nights,” Terba cooed as she wept.
    Mal-Nai’s heart ached as the pebble within her hand began to glow.  She remembered more than just her brother.  As she looked around, she saw many familiar faces and recalled the tragedy.  There was one face she did not know.  One that was strange, but looked kind.  Mal-Nai said nothing, but the seed of the mission was still planted deep in her soul that she would not soon forget.
    Yeinar spoke, “Are we ready to continue with our search, now?”
    Terba glared at him as if to say, “She just woke up.  Can you give her a couple of minutes?”
Mal-Nai took Yeinar to a small cave to speak alone.  “I know who you are, my friend.  I know who you are and I know we have a spy among us.  I will not reveal them until necessary.  I know we will continue to search for the haleakala flower.  I know where it can be found or at least I think I do.”
    “Terba said it is written in code in your chronicle,” said Yeinar.  “Perhaps, you could look there.”
    Mal-Nai looked through her chronicle to find no secret code.  She had not written the location of the flower, but she had written many things in it.  The chronicle contained many secrets from before the tragedy.  Now, she wished there really was a secret code for if anyone knew these or if Rock Monster knew, he would kill her and the others.  As she closed the book, she found a hidden compartment.  She very carefully opened it.  The seal had never been broken; thus, the contents were safe.  The date at the top displayed it was moments after the tragedy before her memory slipped away.
    “Mal-Nai, when you find this please know you are loved very much.  Know that your flesh can be broken and torn.  Your mind can be damaged by needless words spoken in anger.  Your very soul can be torn apart.  Yet, you alone have the power to make it whole again.  Your heart must heal for the curative powers to go forth.  You will not find the haleakala flower to heal the rest of us until your soul is whole.  I can tell you this.  The flower is found beyond where the river meets the mountain and the forest.  When provisions are needed, they will be provided for you.  Your weapons are only weak, if you allow them to be.  Trust only Poppie.  Love Majka (may-kay “mom”).”
     Mal-Nai recalled the delicious lillyfruit and nushaggle bush that provided sustenance when she needed it the most.  She was trying to unravel the riddle “beyond where the river meets the mountain and the forest.”  Perhaps, Renkwles would be more help.  She pondered.  She wondered who “Poppie” could be.
     Mal-Nai asked Renkwles if he knew what was beyond where the river meets the mountain and the forest.  “That is where my family is,” he exclaimed.  “How did you know to look there?  I had not told you.  It is not much farther from here.  You see, here is the mountain, the forest, and the river.”  Mal-Nai looked as he pointed out each
     Mal-Nai gathered her pack and weapon.  The squad looked and waited to see if they would be invited to come along.  She began to walk away and looked over her shoulder, “Do you expect me to find this invisible flower by myself?”  The squad looked at each other, chuckled, and ran after her.
     The gathered crowd cheered as the squad departed.  Gruashe led them into the forest for the sun was beginning to rise over the mountain.  Although Rock Monster had been defeated once, it was likely he would return with the full grove.  The squad moved somberly through the forest for they could also work for Rock Monster.  Soon the trees began to shake.  The squad ran looking for a cave, but none was to be found.
     Yeinar finally found a pile of rocks under which the squad could hide.  They could hear the trees shake and watched as the leaves fell.  Mal-Nai crept to the opening.  She could see no other movement in the forest.
     Mal-Nai laid down her weapon and held the pebble.  In the trees, she could see the hydragetys hiding.  She speculated they were “singing and dancing” again.  Thus, decided she could exit her refuge safely.
     As she did, something grabbed her from behind . . .

Nom-Mee dropped the provisions praying there would be more to find in the forest or with Gruashe’s family, if he were not lying.
     She let go of the extra pack and grabbed the extra handhold as she heard it crash on the rocks beneath her.  Nom-Mee almost swore she heard Yeinar yell in the midst of the crashing.  She rested momentarily while she reconfigured her ascent and then traverse across the mountain face to the next range.  She wished aloud she had not left in such a haste without her chronicle or her map.  As Nom-Mee readied herself to take a new foothold with her unsteady left foot, she began to hear flapping.
      At first, she was excited thinking it was the bevy or the wedge coming to save her from her foolish ways, but as she turned to look in the moonlight, she saw not her friends, but thousands upon thousands of flocks of hydragety (hahy-druh-jet-e).  These worked for the Rock Monster.  “They have now found me!”  Nom-Mee screamed to herself.  This is not a dream.  She was not sleeping this time.  She found a small cave; not large enough for her, but small enough for her packs and one weapon.  Nom-Mee carefully climbed higher until she found a plateau upon which to stand in the moonlight.  She knew she was no match for the flocks, but she would not go without a fight this time.
      As the flocks approached, Nom-Mee arose to her full height, standing firm in her mlooks.  This day, especially, this day, she stood strong.  She grasped her weapon in her left hand, but not too tightly.  As the first wave came, Nom-Mee was able to knock many to the ground and continue to stand.
     With each hit, she seemed to grow stronger.  The second wave somehow died before getting to her.  The third flock readied to attack her from behind while the fourth came at her head on.  Nom-Mee was tempted to close her eyes, but at the last minute, she ducked.
     She slid into a small ravine below her as she heard the crash of the two flocks above her.  Nom-Mee found a passageway that she slipped into.  She continued to hear the hydragety screeching as they searched for her.  Her eyes began to adjust to the darkness as she felt her way.
     Nom-Mee could see a sliver of moonlight ahead as once again she began to climb.  She surmised she was now onto the second range.  She found a passage that led out, but she could no longer hear the flocks.  She wondered if she should dare exit.  She breathed in to escape the narrow crevice, with her eyes wide open.
     “Pain, I am feeling pain,” Nom-Mee said to herself as she felt herself falling.  “Grab something, anything, reach, stick out your weapon! WAKE UP!  WAKE UP!  This is not a dream,” she repeated as she bounced about the rocks on her descent.  She had not fallen as far as it seemed, but she was wounded, nonetheless.
     Non-Mee had landed on a ledge on a different range lower than she was.  She carefully pulled herself out of sight for she could still see the hydragetys and the sun would soon be rising.  There was a cave with a nushaggle (new-shag-gle) bush that provided food and drink for the weary and injured climber.
     Nom-Mee assessed her wounds.  She discovered several deeps cuts on her face and hands.  Her right ankle had been broken, but when she tightened her mlooks, it quickly mended by morning.  Her cuts were healed by the application of the leaves from the nushaggle bush.  With her wounds bandaged and her belly full, she hid deeper in the cave to sleep.  “Well, at least Terba would be happy with me,” she chuckled to herself.
     As the sun rose, the flocks searched harder still.  A young one circled higher and saw something glimmer in the sun on the next range.  He flew to have a closer look.  At first, he thought it might be a friend from the grove, but he wondered why he would be this far north.  Just as he was to get close enough to see, his captain called him back.
     “Gruashe!” yelled Yeinar.  “I told you, you were going to get us killed!  Did you see how close that hydragety almost came?”
     “We found her packs like I said we would.  I know I saw her other weapon over here,” said Gruashe.
     “What about her other pack that almost killed me as it passed us,” yelled Yeinar.
     “That is enough, you two,” said Terba.  “I only agreed to come, if we went to the lake to meet Nom-Mee not to kill each other before we get there.”
     “You are right, Terba,” said Bags and Nags together.
     Terba said, “Alright then, let’s find this weapon and my precious one, so we can get back to business.”
     Before the squad could get any closer, the ground began to shake . . .

Terba shook Nom-Mee as she wept aloud.  She laid her head in Terba’s lap and could not control her tears.  Terba was silent as she stroked her face and then her back. Gruashe watched from a distance fighting back his own tears lest the others discover his secret.  “Nom-Mee, your peace is among the living.  I wished you knew that.  I wish I did not need to hide from you.”  Gruashe thought to himself, but willing the words towards the receiver.
     Nom-Mee arose, found another rock from the fire, inscribed a word, and placed it in her box.  She sat for a while by the fire eating berries.  “My precious,” said Magsbraenty, “you must eat more than that.  This will not sustain you for the journey ahead.”
     “Yes, Bags, I know,” replied Nom-Mee.  “When did you start calling me ‘precious,’” she said with a side-ways glance.  “I will eat more later.  I have officially given up vutre.”
      Magsbraenty chuckled, “Well, only my mother gets away with calling me ‘Bags.’”
      “So, it is a deal, then,” questioned Nom-Mee.
      Bags walked away laughing, “Yes, precious, I guess it is.”
     Cleinags approached Nom-Mee looking concerned.  “I think we have a problem,” he said.  “Yeinar is getting very friendly with Gruashe.”
     “You know we first suspected you as a spy,” Nom-Mee replied.  “Wee-One did not want you to come.  She did not feel you could be trusted.  She thought you were a Janimgly.  I know Yeinar will care for me as he cares for his wedge.  Terba knows all and sees all.  She reports any suspicions to me.”
     Cleinags sat next to Nom-Mee and encouraged her to eat more.  “OK, Nags, not you, too,” laughed Nom-Mee.  He looked at her with shock as Nom-Mee declared, “If you are going to nag me, than I reserve the right to call you what I will, Nags.”  He grinned as Bags brought Nom-Mee Lillyfruit growing on a nearby tree.  These were Nom-Mee’s favorites, but she thought it odd they would have fruit this late in the season.
     The green with purple stripes were her most favorite.  Those were the rarest to find.  Few had survived the sludge.  Yet here was one full of fruit, much farther north and later in the season than she had ever seen before.  She pondered, but did not question today.  Questions can come another day.
     Bags set out on her nightly flight.  As she soared higher, she could hear nothing, but the occasional flapping of her wings.  Over the next ridge, she saw a lake and a “lovely place to rest.”  As she headed back to tell the others, she could tell they had moved from their spot.
     Nom-Mee had taken up position in the back when Bags began to walk beside her.  “I found a lovely lake beyond the next range.  It will be a difficult hike, but I believe we can make a good camp once we get there.”
      Yeinar, the leader, and Gruashe led the squad through the rough mountain climb.  Gruashe had stated he knew “secret passageways” that would keep Nom-Mee safe from the Rock Monster.  Nom-Mee heard Yeinar before she entered the passageway.  “You, infidel, I should have killed you when I had the chance.  You are a traitor!  How are we supposed to climb this?”  Yeinar had pounced upon the sapling as Nom-Mee arrived.
     “I told you these two would be nothing but trouble,” yelled Nags as he attempted to separate the two tumbling beings.  “Do you want the entire kingdom to be summoned here or are you just hoping the Rock Monster will show up to drag us all away?  Yeinar, you sit over there by Magsbraenty.  She will sit on you, if she has to!  Gruashe, Terba will take care of you.  Trust me, you would hope for a better fate than she could give you.”
     Nom-Mee stepped forward with an expression not even Terba had seen before.  She drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out.  She spoke slowly and deliberately, and then her voice grew stronger, and more forceful with each phrase until the final crescendo.  “I did not want to make this trek.  I did not want to bring along companions.  I felt this was a useless mission.  I have had my doubts about each one of you from the beginning.  Who are you?  You do not know me!  I have gone too far in this journey and I cannot turn back now.  I must complete the trek.  You are NO help.  YOU STAY HERE!  I NO LONGER NEED YOUR HELP!”  She gathered three packs, two weapons, and proceeded to climb the wall alone as the others looked on silently.
     Once out of sight, the squad gathered to squabble over who exactly was at fault.  After much “discussion,” it was decided that they were wasting time and should follow her.  Terba disagreed.  “You do not know my Nom-Mee.  If she says she wants to go it alone, that is what she means.  When she sees one of you, she will injure or kill you.  I have only seen her that angry one other time.  I do not like to talk about it, because I was not allowed to comfort her then, either.”
     Yeinar argued, “We must do something!  We cannot just sit and hope she does not get captured.”
     “Maybe that is what she wants,” said Gruashe.  “She is trying to keep us safe so we can search for the bud.  She knows it is she he searches for.  This way, we are safe to continue the search for what she wants, the haleakala.”
      Yeinar thought about arguing and then considered that Gruashe could be telling the truth.  “Where might we find this elusive bud this season?”
     “No one knows.  Tribes have searched for centuries for its curative and healing powers.  Nom-Mee seemed to have known of a place, but …” his voice trailed off as he held back tears.  “Perhaps, there is something in her writings.  I found her chronicle.  She dropped it in her haste.  I do not want to read it.  Terba, could you?”
     Terba took the book and went into a crevice as she pretended to read, for she already knew the location of the bud.  She did not want to pry into her precious one’s thoughts.  She was afraid to tell the group the location, because she still suspected one to be a spy.  She pondered what could she tell them about the book.  “I have been trusted with this chronicle.  I will not allow anyone else to read it.  I did find information on the bud.  It is, however, written in her secret code she used as a child.  We could possibly get Lubbant to translate it for us.”
     Yeinar rejected that plan and stated they would follow Nom-Mee’s path she had mapped out the previous day.  They would then find Gruashe’s family.  After that, he was undecided as to the next step, but he was sure this was the certain path to continue for now.  He ordered all to eat, load their packs, and to prepare to follow a rough path ahead.
     Nom-Mee shivered as she reached for her next handhold, as unsteady as she was.  “Infidels, all of them,” she mumbled to herself.  “Why did I agree to come on this trip with this crew?  What did I think I could accomplish with buzzards and bushes?  Useless, they are all useless, just the same as I am.  Who would ever believe that I could save anyone from Rock Monster?  I could not save myself.  I just hid until he was not looking one day and then I escaped.  He has finally forgotten about me.
     “I wondered what happened to the others.”  Nom-Mee asked herself as she tried to focus on the difficult task.  She felt herself slip as rocks slid out from under her feet.  She had a choice to make:  drop a pack of a day’s provision with no hope of finding more or drop a weapon in order to grab a stronger hold, otherwise she would surely fall to the sharp rocks below.  Nom-Mee tried with all she had to hold on longer, but she was slipping, she had to make a choice and quickly . . .

     Nom-Mee awoke with a start as Cleinags and Magsbraenty brought forth the intruder and threw him at her feet.  “Gruashe has been following us since the caverns,” said Magsbraenty.
      “I thought they were spies,” Gruashe begged.  “Please do not kill me.  My family lives beyond the ridge,” Gruashe pleaded rapidly.  “I was taken from my family as a seedling and sold to the Rock Monster’s grove.  I can help guide you to the ridge and my family will reward you for rescuing me.”
      “Toss him on the fire!”  Yeinar yelled.  “How can we trust this infidel?  You have worked for the enemy and you have eaten from his table.  How should we believe you?  You should have shown yourself sooner!”
      “How is it you have not shown yourself prior to this point?  You wait until we are asleep with our guard down.  Who sent you,” Nom-Mee asked as she paced.  “I knew he would find me.  We will not be safe.  I agree with Yeinar.  He needs to be destroyed and we must leave before dark before the rest of the grove finds us.”
      “Wait!”  Magsbraenty stepped forward.  “I have flown throughout the kingdom.  There is no movement in the grove.  Even the Janimglys are working in their usual areas.”
      “Yeinar, you are in charge of him,” stated Nom-Mee.
       “I still think we should kill him,” Yeinar mumbled under his breath.
      “That is exactly why it is now under your command,” Nom-Mee stated in frustration.  “For that comment it will now share more of your rations.  If you do not mind, I would appreciate some peace and quiet to sleep.”
     Nom-Mee awoke to the sound of the squad eating.  She looked at Terba questioningly.  Terba said nothing, but simply pointed Nom-Mee to her spot.
     Nom-Mee had had difficulty falling back to sleep after the familiar nightmare.  She wished just once she would finish the dream to see what happened next.  Nevertheless, she always woke up to the same sound, to the same disturbing image, and never feeling safe.  When she awakes the panic last far longer than she cares to admit to anyone.
     Terba stroked her hair.  “Where are you, my precious one?  Please stay with us.  Your problems cannot be fixed in your dream world.  You must find your peace among the living.”
      Nom-Mee wept, as she knew Terba spoke the truth.  She left the others, went to the fire, gathered a rock, inscribed a word, and placed it in her box.  “I cannot walk this path without you,” she whispered as the rock bounced inside the ornately carved box.  Nom-Mee lovingly traced her fingers over the familiar design.  She cradled it like a long-lost child finally brought home to her waiting mother’s arms.  A single tear fell upon the metal clasp revealing the silver forged into a lillyfruit bloom.  Nom-Mee wiped aside the tear with her thumb as she closed the box.  There were too many memories inside and outside of this treasure for her heart to grasp in one day.  She carefully placed it her pack when no one was looking.
      Yeinar found tasty tevfas (“rev”-fuss) and other edibles to place in their packs.  Again, they filled their canteens before ascending the cathedral walls within the mountain.  Before they exited at the Shepherd’s Peak, Magsbraenty flew out over the kingdom.
      The time passed slowly for the squad.  Though none would admit it, they each expected a look over the kingdom to be very quick, but it was harder as the sun set.  Terba had the best eyesight, which she almost gave up for Nom-Mee.
      Terba squinted as she scanned every movement along the horizon.  Soon Magsbraenty would not be able to see and would need to risk being seen by the moonlight.  Yeinar whispered to her, “Do you think she has been lost?  I do not want to lose another one to that … that monster!  He has taken too much!”
      Terba quickly covered his mouth as she pointed above and below them on the perilous outside rock face of the mountain.  They had gone as far as they could on the inside and this was the safest place to exit.  Above, Yeinar could see Magsbraenty was perched quite precariously on a precipice.  Below, was a grove patrol on a late march.  No one moved.
      Yeinar slowly crept back inside only to find the others just as frozen in place.  He stopped in time to see another grove patrol setting up camp for the night.  For now, they could not exit; they could not climb; they were miserably trapped.  Yeinar knew for certain Magsbraenty would fall to her death, if someone did not shoot her first.
      As they looked on the grove setting up camp began to fall asleep.  They looked on in awe, as it seemed a miracle they should set up and bed down so quickly.  The squad breathed a collective sigh.  They quietly gathered their belongings as they made their way to the outer face of the mountain.
       Suddenly, Yeinar heard shouting from outside.  Yeinar was able to investigate.  He could see Gruashe below causing trouble far in front of the patrol.  The entire patrol ran ahead to appraise the situation.  This left it clear for the party to creep onto the ledge.  Magsbraenty flew, almost fell, down to join them.  All moved forward around the edge of the mountain climbing higher toward the next range.
       Nom-Mee motioned for the group to stop to rest when she was sure they were out of sight of any of the grove troupe.  “Thank you, Yeinar, for carrying Magsbraenty.  Now, what are we going to do about Gruashe?  He has proven himself.  We must deliver him to his family.”
       Yeinar and the others agreed that indeed Gruashe needed to be rescued, but it was too risky now.  “I was too busy checking up on you, Magsbraenty, to pay attention to Gruashe.  I really wanted to kill that little twig, but I was beginning to get used to him,” said Yeinar as he held his head down.  He continued to chew on his favorite swugbly (swug-blee) as he tried not to cry.
      “I will remember that the next time you try to give me the dog’s rations,” Gruashe whispered as he crawled into camp.  All looked at him with questioning eyes. Gruashe held up a potion.  “I added my magic sleeping potion to your vutre recipe, Terba.  This is the same potion I would give to the other cave guards.  How do you think I always won for being awake?”  All laughed as they continued on their journey.
      “I suppose that was your doing inside the mountain, as well,” Yeinar whispered to Gruashe as the squad continued on.  “I have just one question.  What are you going to do when they wake up and find you gone?  Are they going to track us down and kill you and your sister?”
       “The potion also causes memory lose,” answered Gruashe before he realized what question Yeinar had asked second.  “What?  Wait … Wait!  How did you know?”
      “I cannot divulge my secrets, especially to such an infidel,” Yeinar said with a grin.  “We still cannot be seen together as the best of friends.  I did try to kill you and everything.”
      As the sun began to rise, Nom-Mee found a place to sleep.  She fell asleep quickly, unlike the night before.  The fog was thick as she ran.  “How did they find me,” Nom-Mee wondered to herself as she ran from the Janimglys.
      The faster she ran, the closer they got to her.  She found a rock face and climbed it quickly in her mlooks.  When she looked down the mlooks disappeared and all she could see were her deformed feet.  As she began to slip, the Janimglys began getting closer.  She knew she had no choice.  There was no escape this time.
       She was brought before Rock Monster as she had on many other occasions.  The crime this time failure to eat vutre in a proper manner.  Once again, Spear Bearer sat silently as Rock Monster ordered Nom-Mee stripped of dignity.  Nom-Mee cried and pleaded, but the pleas fell on deaf ears.  Rock Monster laughed as he prepared his weapon.  His eyes began to glare, ignoring Nom-Mee’s tears; he raised his weapon to …

Cleinags spoke again to Gruashe to wish him well for the evening as they parted ways.  Nom-Mee finally breathed as she continued to crawl.  The squad exited the cavern just below the kingdoms’ kitchens.
     Nom-Mee’s left eye began to twitch as they moved along the kingdom’s outside wall toward the swamps.  Her heart beat faster as the familiar swamp gas filled her nose.  Her legs shook, lifting feet of concrete, making each step more difficult than the last.  If it were daylight, it would be apparent that she was shaking uncontrollably.  Terba approached and kissed her check.  “My child, you need not be brave all the time.  We know you are frightened.  We expected it.  None of us lived to tell the story you tell.  I know you will not rest, if I encourage you.  Would you consider it after the swamp?
     “We will rest after the waterfall,” Nom-Mee replied defiantly.  “The waterfall has always been my safe place.  Maybe I will hear his voice again.  Nom-Mee knew the secret path through the swamp.  She played here as a small child in order to keep her distance from the Rock Monster.  “Watch out for this tree, he likes to play tricks.”
     “Wee-One!  I missed you!”  Lubbant (la-bont) yelled as she jumped into his knurly arms.  “Look at you!  You have changed!”  He roared in a voice that been poisoned by the swamp gasses.  He was the only living thing to survive the sludge.
     Nom-Mee shushed him, “Lubby (‘hubby’), you must be quiet.  It is not playtime.  I must leave the kingdom.  I am searching for the haleakala (hah-le-ah-kah-lah).  It is blooming this year, but only in one place.”
     Lubbant replied, “No one has found that in many years.  The search stopped when Rock Monster came.”
     “That is why I must continue.  I will not leave the others.”  Lubbant wept silently, but he knew what Nom-Mee said was true.  He carefully dug through the waters to his roots and brought out a box.
     “I have been protecting this for you in hopes that one day you would return.  It is now yours to keep,” Lubbant said as a tear streamed down his check.
     Nom-Mee cried as she took the box.  “This was a gift from . . . from . . . how do you have it?  I thought the Rock Monster destroyed it the day he died.  It was mine and he took it.  Thank you, Lubbant, thank you.  You saved it.  You are so precious.”  Nom-Mee gave him a hug and wept.  He whispered into her ear.  She kissed him on the check and laughed.
     Lubbant said, “She said I was the trickster?  You need to look what she did to my butt!”  Properly carved into the trunk was ‘ame errews heer (aim arrows here).’  “Your brothers shot me for weeks!”
     “OK, OK, that is enough of that, old friend!”  Nom-Mee spoke up as the squad began to get rowdy.  “I was only six and you would not help me with the spelling.  Now, you must be especially careful.  For if, anyone were to shoot you, they may shoot your brains out!  We must go before you wake up the whole grove.”  Nom-Mee hugged her old friend as they escaped the swamps.
     They crept through the tall grass of the grasslands until they came to a river and a refreshing pool.  Each member rinsed off and filled all canteens before proceeding.  Nom-Mee had a mission to reach the waterfall before the sun rose and she did not want to stop.  The sun was beginning to rise over the kingdom just as they reached the waterfall.  Nom-Mee could see the kingdom in the distance behind her, but she still worried that she would be found.
     Carefully seeking through the crevices, Nom-Mee found the opening in the mountain.  Each squeezed through the opening that led to a narrow pathway.  This opened into a cathedral room behind the waterfall.  Nom-Mee crept forward hoping she could hear the voice, even though she knew it would not be there.
     Nom-Mee joined the squad as Magsbraenty finished preparing vutre (view-tray) for breakfast.  Not her favorite, but she was hungry, nonetheless.  Though it was daylight, she insisted all sleep for it was safer to travel by dark.  She had a difficult time falling asleep.  She moved to be between Terba and Magsbraenty.  These two gentle souls sang until she fell asleep.
     Shhh . . . Be quiet!  Quick, the Rock Monster is coming!  She will be safe under here.  They never find her behind the magical waterfall.
     Crawl, do not worry, the pain will not last long.  She must get to the very back, does she see it?  Her secret, safe spot, it is there.  She knows it is.  Lie very still; try not to breathe; she knows it is dark, but soon she will be able to see.
     There, now, she reaches up her hand just above her face.  Does she feel the moss?  It is almost like, soft, lacy cloth?  She asks herself, “How will this protect me?”  She looks closer still, WAIT!  There is a balustrade, too.  Yes, the ipe is strong, sturdy, and will protect her from anything.  The wispy gauze reminds her to remain calm and slow her breathing.
     She hears noise as her hands trace the rectangles above her head.  They seem to mirror the marks on her body.  “I am safe.  I am safe.  I am safe,” she repeats to herself as the cacophony grows louder and louder.  Her heart matches its oncoming beat.  She closes her eyes and covers her ears as she screams in her head.  “I AM SAFE, I AM SAFE, I AM SAFE, I AM SAFE!  No one can find me . . . They do not know I am here . . . DO NOT BREATHE!
     “Just be still, they will forget soon.  Feel the lacy cloth, breathe, just breathe.”  Her thoughts are interrupted.  The music flows through the waterfall and she hears a soothing voice.  She knows that voice.  He is reading a story, but he does not know she is there.  He seems afraid, too, but he tries to be brave and he reads.  She want to move closer to hear the words, but … then … the … others … would … know … her … secret.
     She is safe, but even in her safety, the air gets thick, stale, and hot.  She cannot leave and risk being discovered or worse, having her secret revealed.  How will she stay safe, then?  Who will protect her from the Rock Monster?
     His lilting voice continued to read to the others to calm them.  She focused on her breathing, even though the stentorian world spun out of control beyond the waterfall.  All seemed safe in her spot.  She just kept telling herself to breathe.
     BAM!

Dweller and Traveler met in the caverns with the chosen adventurers.  Nom-Mee sat with Wee-One in the cottage.  “You took us as far as you could.  Your body was too weak.  Thank you for letting me take Terba.  I know she is your favorite.”
      “Terba is her own person and would never let anyone tell her what she could or could not do.  I often wonder, if it is she, not Traveler, who is in charge of the bevy,” wee-one weakly replied as they both laughed.  Wee-One wept on Nom-Mee’s shoulder until she fell asleep.  Nom-Mee placed her in the “comfy” bed, as wee-one called it, and slipped out the back door that led to the caverns below.
      Traveler talked to Nom-Mee alone.  She could see he had been crying.  “It has always been my job to protect you even before we met that day in the shield room.  This time I must allow you to go on your own.  Terba has taught you much, but you have much left to learn.”  Nom-Mee could not contain her tears and shook her head before the inevitable question came.
      Nom-Mee admitted reluctantly these were tears of despair.  “You were the only one to ever protect me from Rock Monster.  How will I be able to protect myself, if he should come?  I fear I am not strong enough to fight him.  How will I ever lead the others?”
       “Fear not, you survived the waters of the healing springs and the transformation brought on by the bud of the death flower.  In all my years as a Traveler, I have only seen one other person go through the Healing Springs.  He was a full-grown man and lived for only a week.  There was no one who would weep for him into the death flower.  Someone must be willing to shed their very last teardrop, if necessary, in order to save your life.”
       Nom-Mee realized what Terba had done.  Without the ability to weep, she might have gone blind and never been able to fly again.  No other beautiful song had ever been sung to her, no lullaby, no anthem, no celebration, no song in any kingdom, in any land.  Nom-Mee wondered, “How she could do that for me.  She has not known me that long.”
       Nom-Mee knelt before Terba.  “Your precious tears.  How could you risk giving them up for me?  You do not know me.  How could you sacrifice so much for me?”
      Nom-Mee continued to weep as Terba stroked her face.  “My precious child, I cared for your father when he was a wee-one.  I promised him I would always look out for you.  I did, but I had to wait upon the Traveler’s call to come closer.  My sweet one, my tears are mine to give, mine alone.  Never forget that,” Terba trailed off as she began to sing.
       As Nom-Mee wept, Traveler looked on and asked, “Are these tears of love?”
       Again, Nom-Mee shook her head as she stated, “Tears of gentleness,” for she had learned what a true, gentle heart looked like.  Nom-Mee was beginning to realize she felt a stronger heart growing in her.
      The time was drawing nigh.  The bevy and wedge had gathered up a celebration to send out the party.  Dweller and Traveler determined it safest to leave the kingdom at night lest Rock Monster be alerted.  They also drew the map through the darkest part of the kingdom first, the swamps.  These had once been lovely gardens before Rock Monster’s arrival.  The sludge from his kitchens filled the gardens killing all living things.
      Celebration commenced at dawn while Wee-One and Nom-Mee were still asleep.  Terba hurried them along, encouraging them to dress quickly.  As they arrived, the crowd cheered to see them together.  Nom-Mee supported wee-one so as not to give away the fact that she was getting weaker.  Terba had baked her best gratfle (grat-ful) stew.  Nom-Mee and Wee-One had not tasted this since leaving the kingdom.  Terba said she was waiting for a special occasion to make it.
      Soon night would fall.  Wee-One and Nom-Mee slept.  Before sleeping Nom-Mee read a familiar story and rocked Wee-One.  She feared it would be the last time she would see her.  As the small village continued in slumber,  Nom-Mee and her squad set out as the moon rose behind them.  It cast an eerie glow upon the disparate force.
     None dares to look back for fear they would not be able to continue in their trek.  The descent into the damp, dark caverns seemed to take its toll on all but Nom-Mee and Cleinags, the former member of the grove.  A typical grove member would have had great difficulty due to their height, but Cleinags was not much taller than a sapling due to early starvation by Rock Monster.
      The climb was steep and treacherous making it difficult for the rest of the crew with their unsteady footing.  As they descended, Nom-Mee discovered that the caverns were guarded by only a few members of the grove, most of which were sleeping.  Yeinar volleyed for lead position, but Nom-Mee convinced him that Cleinags would make a better guide since he knew the caverns and had better footings.  Cleinags was also still known upon these cave guardians.  They only found one new sapling awake.  Gruashe (grew-ash) was eager in his new job.  He had heard of members of the Clandestine Guard checking to find if new members were sleeping.
      Cleinags wore the uniform of this guard and congratulated Gruashe for being awake and ready at his post.  Cleinags continued his conversation while the others climbed down a lower, narrower passageway just beneath them.  The squad could hear the conversation as they quietly crept below their feet.  Nom-Mee screamed in her head, BREATHE, JUST BREATHE,” as she heard Cleinags cough just above her head.  “HE CAN HEAR US!  HE CAN HEAR US!” she continue to scream in her head as she froze.  Terba, behind her, nudged her forward.
     Fear kept her from moving . . .

 He and Traveler knelt together through tears.  They knew what must be done, but also knew it had to come from wee-one alone.  Dweller and Traveler wept as they feared she was not strong enough for the journey.
     Terba gingerly lifted wee-one’s limp body from the swirling waters.  The bevy moved in closer to sing the healing lullaby.  The wedge swooped lower to join the verse.  Terba cared for wee-one’s wounds as she wept.  The bevy and the wedge sang louder as each wondered whether wee-one would awaken this time.
      Dweller and Traveler hid themselves among the caverns to discuss what would become of Wee-One, if she awakens.  They knew the path she would need to traverse was quite treacherous.  They also knew they could not travel with her this time.
      Terba’s tears flowed freely down her face.  She had never experienced this before.  She could barely sing any more as she was caught up in the emotion of losing her dear Wee-One.  What was she to do, if she had no one left to care for?
     Terba was too caught up in her own grief to notice the bevy and wedge had stopped singing as Dweller approached.  In his hand, he held a single bud.  This precious flower blooms only once a year and this was far too late to see a blossom.  Dweller approached Terba and caught one single teardrop in the bud.  All watched as the bloom burst forth in brilliant color.
     The petals slowly fell upon wee-one’s body as darkness hid the sun.  No soul moved, each feared to breathed, willing each breath to go toward the lifeless Wee-One.  As the bevy and wedge silently wept, Dweller and Traveler knelt and prayed.
      The sun appeared beyond the mountains and the petals began to dance along wee-one’s body.  When the sun reached her eyes, the petals slid off to reveal not her solemn, injured eyes, but eyes that had been replaced with hope.  Terba’s teardrop sank into these eyes as Wee-One blinked.  She blinked and reached her small hand up to wipe Terba’s tears.
      Terba lifted her head to see Wee-One smiling at her.  She gathered wee-one up as each petal softly fell to the ground.  No other soul noticed they were missing nor had they seen the sun over the horizon.
          All came to attention as wee-one stood before them in her regalia.  She was dressed for her journey.  Dweller and Traveler still knelt for they were in awe at her changes from the bloom.  Neither had witnessed such a transformation.
     Nom-Mee no longer wore the garments of a child.  Her regalia included things she would need for the journey, coverings made from animal skins, carefully sewn by Terba, mlooks (m’locks) made from hooves of those animals to cover her delicate, yet deformed, feet.  The bevy and wedge had quickly gathered all the tools and sleep gear needed for the journey.
      Though many volunteered to aid in the quest, all knew few would be chosen and all knew who would be chosen first.  Terba was chosen for her gentle, kind spirit.  Her mending skills of coverings and bodies was known throughout many kingdoms; she was able to keep a tune most of the time, but most importantly, she was a friend to Nom-Mee.  Yeinar (yay-nar) was a steadfast member of the wedge, who was often called up to lead through the worst storms.  He had a great singing voice, sense of direction, and was a pretty good listener.  Yeinar did have a hard time admitting when he was wrong.  Cleinags (clay-nags) was a former member of the grove recruited for the mission by Dweller.
      Wee-One was unsure about Cleinags participation.  Would he turn Nom-Mee over to the Rock Monster the first chance he got?  Dweller assured her that Cleinags and his family had been taken by the Rock Monster when he was young.  Cleinags was forced to live in the grove.  The last member of the crew was Magsbraenty (mags-bran-tee).  She was another member of the bevy, but with an absolutely beautiful voice.  She was the best flyer and could fly higher than any member of the bevy or the wedge …

She pushed harder, now she pulled with her free hand.  She could feel the warmth on her face, breathe, just breathe, as she attempted to will her eyes open.
     Wee-One had not known how long she had slept nor how she had fully escaped the hole.  She awoke to find herself surrounded by the familiar bevy.  They had tended her wounds once again.  She now wore sturdier coverings and bandages had been carefully applied.  She recalled a time with tears, that spear bearer would dress her scrapes, but that was a time long since passed.
     Her favorite member of the bevy, Terba, was stroking her hair and had affixed the most colorful bandage.  Soon the bevy parted as the Traveler arrived.  Her tears were unmistakable.  These were not tears of fear, but tears of gratitude and hope.
     Traveler knelt beside her bed.  Wee-One was too fragile for him to pick up and rock her closely.  He encouraged her to move closer as he read a familiar story.
     She strained to hear through the wrappings adorning her head and to remember where she had heard the story before.  She heard the rain falling down the windowpanes outside the cottage.  The water fell at a steady pace, then it was hard to distinguish the individual drops.  It streamed over the eaves . . .
     The water bounced over the rocks playing hopscotch in the wind.  It skipped over the edge before crashing into the pool below, flowing toward the forever fields before escaping the eyes.  This waterfall was familiar.  It was safe.  It was her solitude as she listened to the story.  No one saw her behind it.  She breathed to the rhythm of the cadence of his reading the story.  Her panic of the moment had subsided as a tear streamed down her check.
     The waterfall disappeared as Traveler kissed her tear assuring her she was safe.  She turned her head as if to say, “I cannot trust.  The wounds are too deep,” but this time his eyes were different.  She saw calmness, peace, and laughter.
     Wee-One had seen those eye before, but this was somehow changed.  The wisdom seemed deeper, the courage more steady, and the joy beyond compare.  She forced herself to focus on his eyes, to not turn her head. As she did, more tears began to come.
     She remembered a time when she hated that taste.  With each teardrop, another wound healed.  She was unaware the bandages were falling off until she was able to hear Traveler with more clarity.  Then, she realized she was able to see out of both eyes as the bevy continued to remove bandages and clean her wounds.
     Traveler held her tightly as he proclaimed proudly these were tears of healing.  She knew this would not be complete healing, but enough to help her stand again.  “Now?” asked the Traveler.  The wee-one understood his question, for yet, again, he was asking, if these were tears of love.  She again held her head in shame as she wept.
     Traveler lifted her head.  “Fear not, little one.  For your path has not been for the weak-hearted.  You have struggled and fought.  When you are ready, you will be ready.  I will not rush you.”
     Through tears, she lifted her eyes.  She stretched out her arms as she allowed Traveler to hug her.  He is the first man she has ever allowed to touch her since the appearance of the Rock Monster.
     “I am frightened,” Wee-One admitted, “how do I do this?  So much has been taken away from me.  How do I know you will not be the same?  I want to, but the others were kind and gentle at first in the beginning.”
     She put her head to his shoulder, but stopped.  She wondered, “What if he wants to hit me?  What if he really does work for the Rock Monster?”  He felt her body begin to shake.  Almost instinctively, Dweller and Terba were next to her.
     Terba held wee-one’s hand as Dweller lifted her into the healing springs.  She fought at first, but Terba never let go of her hand.  Wee-One shook violently as most of the bevy could not watch.  Even Traveler knelt next to her as the stench filled the air.
     The wedge circled higher and higher protecting wee-one from the possible onslaught of the grove lest the rising smoke blot out the sun and draw them in for an attack to the trembling one beneath.  Terba sang softly as Dweller stroked wee-one’s hair.
     Wee-One continued to fight as the venom seeped out of her pores left there by the Janimglys.  The more it oozed, the stranger the cloud became.  It began as an orange cloud, then green, then hazy purple, before settling on green with pink polka dots.  The wedge had to work hard to keep the grove away.  The Janimglys would have nothing else to do with her.  They would not even admit wrong doing.
     As the venom left her body, first it felt like relief, then grief, as if an old friend had just died.  Now, it is nothing more than a worn-out pair of shoes the dog has chewed that should have been thrown out with last year’s Christmas tree. It is overdue, but now they are being used as gardening shoes.
     Wee-One knew she must submit to the water, but with each wave, the sting was deeper still.  The words written upon her soul were deepest of all.  She resisted the water for fear all that she was would disappear with the next wave.  Wee-One had heard these things so frequently and so vehemently, she had adopted them as her identity.
     This shroud enveloped her being and would not easily be removed.  Dweller determined it would take more than these waters.  He had not seen this before . . .

      When she found herself alone in the warm room, she carefully pushed her way under the bed.  Wee-One knew she would be safe.  No one would find her there.  Her chest screamed as her new heart leapt inside.
      She could hear voices and steps coming closer.  They will find me!  “I am not safe!  I am not safe!  I am not safe!”  Wee-One screamed louder and louder to herself.  “HE IS HERE!  HE HAS FOUND ME!”
      Wee-One heard the soul singing again.  It was difficult to hear at first over her own screaming in her head.  The singing broke through the cacophony until all she heard was singing.  She began to weep silently, so as not to be found.  She awoke after a brief interval to find herself in the arms of Traveler.  Crying is exhausting, even more so with a brand new heart.
      She continued to sob in Traveler’s arms as he gently rocked her back and forth, back and forth.  He asked again, “Are these tears of love?”  Again, she shook her head.  Through tears, she mouthed, “Acceptance.”  The Rock Monster came without warning or invitation.  Had she known his intentions, she would have begged the Spear Bearer to run in another direction.
      There was no hope now.  The kingdom had been built.  The walls fortified, dingy and rocky from within, beautiful gardens seen without.  Few guest were allowed past the Great Hall, decorated with the finest of wares.  Where all wore “happy” smiles and “proper” posture.
         Wee-One was seldom seen here among the “living.” She lived in secret, in her hiding places not to be found.  She was called upon to help care for the kingdom.  This is when the monster would catch her with her guard down.
      Perhaps, if it were the monster alone, it might have been easier to bear.  No, that was not to be her lot in life.  The grove contained many others.  She had been warned of the dangers of those unknowns wanting to hurt her.
     Wee-One was often confused.  The Rock Monster was known and yet, he had wounded her many times.  Now, the woundings came more frequently, but never from unknowns.  They also came from the Janimglys (ja-nim-glees), who stole her life, heart, hope, future, joy, and many, many secrets.  She rarely felt safe in the kingdom.  Now, her hiding places have been stolen.
     She struggled through the pain as she traversed the ever-narrowing staircase.  The rocks scrapped her wounds as they ripped larger holes into her whisper-thin clothing.  The glacier air cracked her bones as the descent slowed to a crawl.  Her eyes were useless as she slid on her stomach to find the last hiding spot in the kingdom.
     Just . . . a . . . few . . . more . . . inches, she willed herself not to feel the pain.    She told herself not to breathe.  Her eyes were still closed, but her hand could feel she had reached the opening …

      The Spear Bearer had cleared the kingdom for the spring thaw.  She was left to mind the statues.  Suddenly, the Rock Monster returned with a task for the spear bearer.  A hush befell the kingdom.
      She alone would be left to the task.  She must do this task perfectly, though she had never learned how.  No one had ever taught her.
      She must polish the Rock Monster’s shield.  It took her many failed attempts lifting it on the table.  Finally, she gave in and knelt beside it to polish.
     Wee-One rubbed and it became shiny, then it became dull.  She put more oil on it and buffed harder with all of her might.  Her heart pounded as she heard his familiar gate approaching.
     The cloth pushed harder matching the rhythm of her heart. She saw it before she heard it; the imperceptible crack appear beneath the rag.  In a panic, she grabbed the cream and with great dismay, realized she had not been using buffing cream for a shield, but magic dissolving cream!  What was she going to do?  There was no escape!
     The Rock Monster’s heavy footfalls were unmistakable.  He would soon arrive to dole out her just punishment.  Should she wait or just turn herself in?  Left, right, left, right, left, right, there was no place to hide.  The table would be the first place he would look.
     Her heart raced faster.  Wait!  There are more footsteps coming from everywhere!  How could this be?  The kingdom had been empty.  The monster knows and he has called upon his grove to finish her.
     She slid under the table with the shield in full view.  Her heart now on the floor next to her as she watched the beats mimic the ever-closing steps.  These sounds were different.
     She could hear the monster’s voice, but could not distinguish the words.  She dare not creep forward for she recognized his tone.  She heard the clash of swords and turned to stare.  “The Rock Monster has NO shield today!”
     “Who is trying to defeat him,” she wondered.  Having no heart at the moment, no muscle could move.  Even if she wanted to see, she could not.  No member of the kingdom has ever wanted to protect her in such a manner.
     The traveler wounded the Rock Monster, but did not kill him.  The wounded monster spoke many threatening words, but he left alone, for indeed the kingdom had been empty.  The traveler and his bevy found her crying.
     The bevy carefully replaced her heart.  Traveler held her close until her tears of fear turned to tears of relief, then tears of comfort.  He whispered in her ear, “Is this the day you can cry tears of love?”  The wee-one trembled and shook her head.  The bandage on her chest still oozing as it covered the deep wound beneath.
     Wee-One awoke to someone singing.  She instinctively reached to her chest.  It had not been a dream.  It was real.  The Rock Monster had been wounded and left the kingdom.  Had he returned?  Would he return?  Where was she?  The last she spoke aloud as a singing member of the bevy approached.  Although she had a beautiful voice (most of the time) like the rest of the bevy, she was awkward and a bit clumsy like the wee-one herself.
     As she tended to Wee-One’s wound, Terba (tur-ba) spoke lovingly, “You are in the cottage of the Traveler.  You cried so hard last night, your heart broke.  It was necessary to call upon the back-up wedge led by the Dweller.  He comes for the most specialty cases.  I have only heard stories about him from my grandmother.  You must have found favor in the eyes of the Traveler.”
     Wee-One learned she had not cried for one day, but many days.  She did not know how much time had passed.  She only knew she now felt safe.  Yet, part of her still felt curious.  When would the Rock Monster find her, for he . . . always . . . does…

     Once upon a time in a land not so far away lived a small girl in a pleasant village in a small home.  She loved to play among the flowers and trees.  She and her friends would climb the trees and tell their silly girl secrets.  At night, her parents would read her stories of faraway places where kings and knights lived that had great adventures.  Sometimes, there were scary things in the stories, but her daddy always told her she was safe, because he would always be there.
     One day her daddy did not come home to her pleasant village or her small home.  She stopped playing in the flowers and trees.  She did not want to climb trees and tell silly secrets.  She was no longer safe, because he did not tell the truth.  Her mommy said he was safe in a faraway place, but he was not safe.  The little girl worried, because she knew scary things happened in those places.
          The monster commands all to stand at attention night and day.  There is no rest for the weary.  The traveler must join the ranks just the same, as the march is endless.
     “What do you mean you are tired?  I have been here for days.”  Never let them see you tremble.  It is a sign of weakness.
      Wee-One’s lips quiver as she hands the weapon over to the Rock Monster, who holds her fate in his hands.  She tries to will herself not to feel, but the emotions prove too strong for the wee-one as she suddenly has a strange taste in her mouth.
      She dare not glance upward for fear her eyes would lock with the monster’s.  She knew, or she thought she knew, the Spear Bearer was there to protect her.  The spear bearer sat silently as the monster had the wee-one stripped of dignity waiting for her “well-deserved” beating.
      “I’ll teach you a lesson, this time.  You will not quickly forget.”  She strained with all of her might as to what she might have done to earn such a scourging.  Surely, she must have disrupted the entire kingdom, for the spear bearer turned her back.
     There was no rescue.  Nowhere to hide on that day.  No one to save her.  So, now she does the thing she wished she had done that day.  She hides.  When people get too close to finding her, she pushes, for fear she will be found.
      There is no “Happily Ever After” to this story.  There are only new hiding places in the deep recesses of the mind.  Just keep them guessing.  Put a smile on and when absolutely necessary, make them laugh.  Anything to keep the strange taste out of her mouth.
      Then, then . . . the Rock Monster wins.
      Wee-One grew, but was still weak.  She was well hid in the kingdom to prevent the spear bearer from catching her eye.  The Rock Monster could not see her until that day . . .