Silent Rose Library, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno, Chesapeake (PaxLair Times) – October 17, 2009 – by Tatania Karthina –
It was decided. The entire Steel clan and many of the Broadricks as well would travel to Sunshine’s Father’s people. Khali, a great Mage traveled with the Chief in order to mark a rune to easily transport the family to just the outside of the Village. Their bags were packed for several days and everyone anxiously awaited Khali’s return.
“I want everyone to be on their best behavior while we’re visiting the Savage’s Village”, Milla had admonished all the children sternly.
“We will Mama” said Tara with a gleam in her eyes.
Khali returned and the entire family went through the magical gate Khali had conjured for them, Chyara and Kelin holding hands and remaining quieter than the rest, who all seemed excited. Everyone was greeted warmly by Sunshine’s people and shown to the Lodges where they would be sleeping. As soon as their bags were put away, the children ran off to play with the Savage children who seemed just as excited as they were.
The Ladies trooped off with the Savage women to learn about the Village and learn how to do the beautiful beadwork the Savage women did in their spare time. The men however, went with the Chief to discuss the true reason for their visit.
Later that evening, a feast was planned in honor of the guests in the Village. Chyara was quietly talking to White Fox, Sunshine’s sister. White Fox could not help but notice the bracelet Chyara kept fiddling with. “My brother gave that to you didn’t he?” White Fox asked.
“He did”, Chyara replied, “The last day I saw him. He said its meaning would be made clear to me when the time is right. I hope I will someday have that time.”
White Fox smiled beautifully, “It is a message bracelet of my people. He has hidden a message of great importance to you inside the bracelet. May I see it?”
Chyara nodded and removed the bracelet, handing it to White Fox. She smiled looking at the bracelet, showing Chy the clasp that will open the bracelet before handing it back to Chy. Chyara opened the bracelet and peered inside. She found a tightly rolled note inside the bracelet. With shaking fingers, she removed and unrolled it. She read it out loud.
“Chyara, It is the custom of my people to give the one they love a message bracelet. It takes great patience to not open it until the time is right. Since you do not know this custom or how to open the bracelet, I must assume that you are with my people in the Village of my Father.
First, know Chyara that I love you and it is written in the stars that you will become my wife.
If you are in the Village without me, it must also be assumed that I have disappeared. My Father and Chad both have pieces of a map that will point to the Pirate’s hideout. They will need to work together in order to make sense of it. Kelin has the key and the ability to hear messages from me, though he does not know it yet.
It is important to me that Kelin be included in the plans to find me and his Da. I do not want him to go along but he is an exceptional lad and should be in on the planning. Keeping things from him will hurt him more thab help him. Ask Kelin for the Tomahawk I gave him and ask him to draw the picture he drew me of the path the children took in their escape. Put Kelin’s drawing between to two map pieces you have and you should come right to us.
My Father will know where the communication crystal is hidden in the tomahawk and how to activate it.
I love you Chyara. We will be together again. Sunshine”
Chyara looks to White Fox and asked, “Did you know that he loves me?”
White Fox smiles and pats Chy’s hand. “I knew it must be so because Message Bracelets are very special. Let’s take the message to my Father.”
White Fox and Chyara approach the Chief, “Father, Sunshine has given Chyara a message bracelet with an important message in it.”
Chyara offers the message to Chief Running Bear, blushing fiercely as she does so and he begins to read. A long moment passed before the Chief looks to Chyara and smiles. “Now we must find my son so we can plan a wedding. I knew you were special and I am glad to one day call you daughter” the Chief tells Chyara.
The Chief gathers the Steels and Broadrick adults and Kelin while the children went to hear stories from the women of the Village before bed.
**The Following Day**
“Chad had the Marble Island portion of the map and the Chief had the Lost Lands portion but they didn’t know how to get from one to the other”, Kelin told the other children. “I had drawn Sunshine a map of the journey we took between the two places. and Sunshine had been to their Camp before so knew what it was like. He says he knows the area pretty well so should be able to find it.”
“What about the way to talk to Sunshine?” Tempest asked.
“Sunshine had hidden a Communication Crystal in the handle of my Tomahawk.” Kelin answered.
A young brave steps forward to the children and smiles, “Today we hunt for a turkey to celebrate Thanksgiving. Would you like to help?”
The children eagerly troop off to go in the hunting party with the young braves. “The Chief’s wife was from your lands”, the brave explained, “So we celebrate your holidays as well as ours, in the Village.”
“I thought Sunshine was from Silvervale”, Chasity said. “Did he and his Mother live here as well?”
“Oh”, said the young brave. “The Chief and his Lady wife had such great love for one another and their children that they lived in both places. The Chief has even been known to wear white man’s fancy clothes when he visits Silvervale or shops in Luna.”
**Thanksgiving**
Although the Communications Crystal had remained quiet, everyone was anxiously awaiting it being activated on the other end. It had been decided that the guests would remain for Thanksgiving in the Village. The food is prepared and everyone sits at long tables. Everyone is asked before the meal to say what they are thankful for. Kelin is the last to speak. He looks around and says, “I’m thankful for my family and new friends, I’m also thankful that soon we’ll be with my Da and Sunshine again.”
Just then the Communications Crystal glows red and Sunshine’s voice is heard, “Gnieus and I are well but it is not safe to attempt a rescue yet. We will be back in touch. We both send our love to you all. Wait for further instructions.”
*****
The Saga of Kelin and his adventures will continue in “The Adventures of Kelin 12 – “The Plan”, coming soon to the bookstore at The PaxOku Silent Rose Library!
Peace and Knowledge be with you!
Tatania Karthina
17 October 2009