Charlie the Great White Horse and the Journey to the North Pole

by Kenneth Mullinix

~Chapter 13~

  Growlar the Cave Bear

  Chug, Molly, Louis, Apollo, and Jupiter had left Centerville almost four long months ago, and had traveled well over two thousand miles, by the time they reached the Arctic Circle.

  They had now crossed into Russia, and had found safety in a rock cave at the foot of the Ingnok Mountains, at the very edge of the world.

  The early part of the journey was filled with warm summer days, and lazy autumn nights. They had crisscrossed over beautiful fields of: long green grasses, colorful fields of wild flowers, gently trickling mountain streams, rolling hills, and gentle inviting valleys.

  The Great Lake was a sight to see with her wondrous, sparkling clear waters and beautiful rocky shores. Eventually our party traveled over the great snow mounds in the northern most part of Canada, traversed through eminence snowdrifts, crossed over the Arctic tree line and eventually they passed through the great Boreal forest, and miles and miles of icy tundra fields at the farthest reaches of civilization it's self.

  Our young and adventurous travelers had: overcome hunger pangs, the biting cold of the ever-blowing arctic winds, driving rainstorms on the open waters of the Great Lake, and had at times had to overcome total physical exhaustion.

  They met along their path: the mystic Indian chief Black Elk, and a brave ship captain in Legrande Legrange. They had the horrible misfortune to encounter Red Beard the Pirate, and his band of cutthroat thieves, the evil Squint-Eye Pete, and the notorious Raff the Red Wolf, and his pack of marauding, criminals.

  Nevertheless, most of all they had the good fortune to meet the courageous and wise Panthera the Snow Panther. Without him, the quest would have been lost and great harm would have surely come to all. But after all the dangerous, and magical adventures our weary companions had been through the last few months, the group of friends were still intact; and none were ready to quit, or give up the quest, and turn backwards towards home.

  Passing through the Ingnok Mountains and the Polar Gates were the last two big hurdles to overcome, before our young travelers could finally reach Santa's Village. Louis had been a brave, and determined leader, and had found the right path northward with little help from Mr. Beamer's maps, compass or his journal; which had been lost, or stolen, somewhere during the long journey. Louis's conviction and will was the real reason that the party had not given up, and turned back towards the safety of their homes, and the warmth of their beds back in Centerville.

  It was now mid December and Christmas was only a few weeks away, so time was getting more and more important, as the days and nights, were passing by quicker and quicker.

  It should not take more than a week to ten days to cross the mountains according to Louis's calculations, as long as the way would be clear from falling snow or rocks. The most dangerous part of the journey now lay directly ahead in their path in the form of Growlar the Ancient Cave Bear.

  He was the sole, lone gatekeeper of the Ancient Polar Gates.

  Growlar had always been present in the back of Louis's mind, and soon his past fears and present day reality, would have to be confronted. However, for today he had to worry about his friends, and what wounds they had suffered at the hands of the wolf pack. Apollo, Jupiter, and Panthera had all suffered one type of cut or injury during the great fight, now needed to find rest and needed time to heal, in the warmth, and safety of the rock cave.

  Molly and Chug had lit a large fire in the center of the cavern to warm the rocks, thus giving comfort to all. Firewood was plentiful here at the base of the dark mountain, so the fire was the largest that they could build. Chug and Molly tended to Apollo, Jupiter and Panthera's wounds the best they could, while Louis rested his body and mind, by the warmth of the fire.

  In a moment of clarity Chug remembered the gift that Black Elk had given to them a few weeks back.

  It was the healing medicine of the Oglala Sioux Indians.

  "Louis the Indian root that Black Elk gave you...where is it? What did he call it, Heaven's Heart?"

  Louis was too tired to search his bag so he pointed in the direction of his backpack, for Chug to search.

  Chug rummaged about the backpack for the better part of five minutes when finally he raised his hand out of the bag. He held the small package of Indian's medicine in his hand. Un-wrapping the small package, he produced two medium sized balls of a substance that looked like black tar. Immediately the smell of it about knocked Chug off his feet. Chug tried to make light of the situation.

  "Did Short-Stack just walk into the room, man this stuff smells just awful."

  Louis was so tired he could not raise his head as he lay down, but he did give Chug a half-hearted smile.

  After a thorough cleaning of the wounds, it was apparent that Apollo and Jupiter had suffered the deepest and the worst wounds during the fight, the cuts were deep, but clean at the edges. Molly tried the best she could to sterilize them but without proper bandages, and other supplies, the dressing of the wounds, was just like placing only a small band-aid across them. She thoroughly applied, about half of the Indian Chief's medicine to the wounds. She tried her best to stitch up the cuts with a thread and needle she had brought with her, but it was now becoming clear to all that Apollo and Jupiter would not be able to continue on the journey, with the rest of the party when they were to continue on northward in a day or two.

  They would have to stay behind much longer to rest, and recuperate, or risk greater injury by trying to climb over the steep mountains, and down into Santa's Village. The path that lay ahead would be an ascent of close to ten thousand feet: up and over three miles long. The path upwards would be rocky, and dangerous, that only the strongest, and surefooted should try.

  Both horses were lying down on some leaves in the cave, and had fallen into a deep sleep when Louis called, Chug, Molly, and Panthera over to him.

  "I am afraid that Apollo and Jupiter must stay behind inside the warmth of the cave to regain their strength, and heal their wounds, for if they try to go on any further I'm afraid the cuts in their hides, could tear farther open. They must sleep, and rest here for however long it takes."

  "I'll have to agree with you Louis," said Panther as he now sat down next to the fire to rest once again.

  Panthera continued.

  "These two brave horses that lie sleeping here, have done all that they were called on to do, and more so, and have protected you all the very best they could. I will now guide you the rest of the way myself. I know all the safe passes to travel, for I and my ancestors have lived and traveled throughout these notable mountains for thousands of years. I am brave, and most importantly I know the ways of Growlar the Cave Bear, just as I knew the ways of the Great Red Wolf Raff."

  "Louis what is Panthera talking about? Who is this Growlar, and why should we fear him?" asked Molly who spoke with a slight tremble resonating in her voice.

  Louis turned towards Molly and Chug; he gave them a look of reassurance as he began to address them.

  "I could not tell you both about this cave bear before, because I was not sure if we would have to tangle with him or not. You see this bear is the Gate Keeper of the Polar Gates. This is his sole passion in life. He is a man-eater with a terrible appetite, and has a very mean disposition. He is the most ill spirited, evil-tempered, and most awry bear that you will ever meet in your entire life. You will have to forgive me, but I have been so busy with our journey, and our everyday travels that I did not have time to figure out yet, what to do about him".

  Louis continued.

  "Mr. Beamer told me long ago about another pass around the Polar Gates but I had forgotten where to find it, and you all know that Mr. Beamer's journal and maps were either lost or stolen. I do not know of another way around the Polar Gates, or another way to pass by Growlar."

  Panthera upon hearing this rose his mighty head up to speak again.

  "I know of that pass
you speak of Louis. It is called the Devil's Gateway. That is where Growler's brother dwelled. He was known as, Broadfoot the Terrible. He was just as mean and vicious as Growlar is.

  Broadfoot was slain by Mr. Beamer, over thirty years ago in an epic battle. Did he not tell that story to you before?

  "No he did not," said Louis.

  Anyway, I know that an avalanche closed most of the Devil's Gateway over three years ago with rock and snow. When I was called upon by Black Elk to assist you on this journey, I traveled up from Asia, and into Russia, and then I crossed over from the other side of the Ingnok mountain range. I had to go through that pass to get here on time, and I was very fortunate, and most lucky, because the snow was light that day, and I was able to find a large enough opening in the rocks. I was able to, squeeze through before the snows started falling again. Over the last few years, the snowfalls have been very heavy on that side of the mountain, and there is now no way that we will be able to traverse, through that pass, and then down into Santa's Village. We have no other choice, we will have to travel through the Polar Gates and just hope that Growlar will be hibernating, and found deep asleep for it is, the heart of the winter now."

  "Molly or Chug if you feel that the last remaining days of this journey will be too dangerous, then you can stay with Apollo and Jupiter, and I can go on alone with Panthera. I do not want to place either of you in danger again," said Louis as he picked up a nearby branch from a bush to stoke the fire and warm his hands.

  "Louis we are blood brothers, remember when I told you the night before we left Centerville when we were in Mr. Beamer's cornfield that we will find Charlie. Get him well, and rescue Santa's Village. I am sure not going to back down now because of some old hungry cave bear, who may or may not be sleeping in some ole cave" said Chug as he stood up in front of the roaring fire. He began to draw a newborn courage from his words.

  When Chug stood up the light from the large fire in the center of the cave cast an enormous shadow of him, on the back of the rock cave wall. This shadow seemed to make Chug look larger than life, only emboldening his words, and seemingly make them all that much more important.

  Louis looked at the lively flickering of the orange and blue flames of the campfire then, looked up at the dark shadow cast on the cave's wall. He turned to look back at his best friend in the world. Chug had a look on his face of an excited and determined young boy with the worries of the world squarely perched on his slender shoulders, now that the traveling party would have to be split in two.

  Chug being picked the savor of Christmas and Santa's Village, you could tell was troubling his courageous heart. Even with some doubt, and fear appearing upon Chug's thin face and in his honest chestnut brown eyes: Louis new that Chug did not want to turn back now. And that he and Chug, must continue to push forward until the end, or forever be sorry about the decision to turn back, for if that decision were made because of fear, then he would most likely regret it for the rest of his life.

  "I'm not quitting either Louis so don't even ask me. Charlie needs us now more than ever. We are only a few days away from him and Santa's Village. So let's stop all this mindless chatter, and start making plans to run Black Jack Tilly, and his band of thugs out of town, and get that great Christmas Wrapping Machine up and running again" said Molly as she stood up, and walked over to where Chug was standing. She then wrapped her arms around him, giving him a big genuine hug, which was meant to show a sign of harmony and friendship.

  Panthera and Louis stood up now, both slowly walked over to where Molly and Chug were standing when Panthera spoke with great pride in his voice.

  "You're three of the bravest, and loyalist friends I have ever seen. Charlie will forever be your good friends, in return for all that you are doing for him. I will show you the way over the icy dark mountains, and through the Polar Gates. We shall find a way, either around Growlar or through him. We will not let your Charlie down. I promise you that, even if I have to give my life for him."

  Everyone present agreed upon it then, that all would rest the night, and leave at the break of day tomorrow. Jupiter and Apollo would stay behind to heal their wounds and rest. Louis and Chug would come back for them in a week or so to help them, go back southwards back the way they came, through the tundra fields and the Boreal Forest, and back down into the luscious green and grassy fields, into the great forests of Lower Canada. For this is where they could languish in the fields of wild flowers, wade through the clear water streams, and completely heal all of their wounds, of body and spirit.

  Before all went to sleep that night, Chug found a moment for himself. He sat away from the others. He pulled the small cloth of the wolf's claws, and Raff's teeth out of his pocket. He then cut into his pants waistband at the elastic band, cutting a piece, long enough that he could make a necklace. Sitting for about an hour, and working in a slow methodically pace, Chug cleaned all the wolf teeth with his pocketknife, then went about stringing them together with the piece of elastic.

  He had fashioned a string of teeth not unlike the ones Louis now carried around his neck. Chug placed them around his own neck and into his shirt, with a feeling of pride that he had, been a part of a great and noble fight (which he was).

  Chug then pulled out the two large eagle feathers out of his back pocket. He artfully placed them into his fur cap.

  "Yes this may one day come in handy but for now, I as well look like a brave hunter just like Louis," thought Chug as he admired his handy-work. Chug then went back to where the others were and laid, down by the fire for the night to sleep.

  All rested deeply during the night except Louis who had lain down by the crackling fire with distant images of Growlar running through his mind. He tried the best he could to remember all the things that Mr. Beamer had told him about the great bear-up in his attic, he then tried to remember all the things he had read about him in Mr. Beamer's journal.

  Seeing the pictures of Growlar in Mr. Beamer's journal just kept filling his mind with thoughts of terror. As the memories waffled in and out of his mind, Louis was sure he remembered most of what there was to know about this wild animal, but for the life of him could not come up with a plan, to thwart the beast, or best him.

  The ancient times were known on earth to hold wonders, and delights that present man never really knew about, could fathom, or understand. There were the: kingly and incredible dinosaurs walking about the earth, great and massive, flying birds soaring in the skies high above, large and fantastical fish that swam in the oceans below, and boastful beasts that walked over the ancient lands.

  Growlar was the last of his breed, and he had claimed his last domain on earth in that forgotten passageway. He was known the earth over by all of the animals, birds and by some of the older wizened men, who had traveled the world over so long ago, such as Mr. Beamer.

  Growlar was an enormous beast.

  He was half polar bear and half grizzly bear. He stood well over thirty feet tall while standing on his hind legs, weighing almost one thousand five hundred pounds with a full belly. His claws were deathly sharp, and were almost twelve inches long when fully extended. They could surely tear the heart out his prey's chest, with just one swipe of his mighty paws.

  The jaws in his huge mouth were as strong as a tigers, and he had the biting power of an animal that was far over twice his size, and girth. His thick fur coat protected him from head to toe from the biting arctic winds, even in the dead of the longest winter nights.

  His awful foul smelling breath, only matched his disposition, and temperament. There was always the smell of death in his mouth that sprang from the depths of his never satisfied and enormous stomach. There was no other way to describe him, but that: he was just the most awry, mean spirited, and hateful beast that ever walked the face of the earth, in the past, present, or in the future. He had the nastiest temper ever found, and was quick to change moods like, winds were known to changes
directions on the open seas.

  His appetite was considerable, and never full-filled. He was known to devour over three hundred pounds of raw flesh at just one sitting, and was never too particular what was on the menu, as long as it was a fresh kill, and still warm to the tongue.

  Oh...the smell of him!

  He could be smelled for miles away even on a very strong, windy day. It was like the smell of rotting garbage in a trash heap, or the stench of an animal carcass warming in the mid-day sun on the Sahara plains, in Africa. The smell was almost too awful to fully describe, or understand.

  Louis had his hands full, and he knew it with this beast. The only thing that Louis had on his side was that he might be able to defeat Growlar in a battle of wits. He knew that all those nights spent up in his room reading books about all the places and things in the world would someday come in handy, and it looked like soon that day would be upon him.

  Louis also knew that Growlar had a real love for riddles, or liked listening to a clever witticism, if he was not too hungry, or in too foul of a mood. If you could not pass by him with brute force or strength, then you could use a riddle to keep his mind busy, and perplexed, while you planned your get away.

  Growlar was known to fancy, and adore the watching of magic tricks, or the smelling of fanciful potions, listening to incantations, or hypnotizing music. He grew so intensely lonely sometimes in his life that these things were a complete fascination to him and were, the only things that brought him joy in his life. Louis knew this, and had been trying to remember at times during the journey what riddle, poems, or incantations he could use to trick Growlar into letting him, and his friends pass through the Polar Gates.

  Louis after a few hours of letting his mind endlessly...chatter...with the thought of

  Growlar...he finally fell, asleep from the spell...of the evening.

  Only sleep quelled his tired and troubled mind.

  A well-deserved and restful sleep was his as last.

  The morning had finally broken, the first light of day now entered through the large mouth of the rock grotto.

  "Good morning Louis. Did you get any sleep at all, or did you stay awake all night thinking about Growlar?" asked a now refreshed Molly, as she stirred from a restful night's sleep.

  "I do feel better Molly. I slept well. Thank you for asking. I hope you slept well also. I tell ya Molly...I have got to think of something, and quick. We're going to be at the southern Nanaluk passage in a few days...then what?" asked Louis as he scratched his head, deep in thought again."

  "Well we'll just have to think of something when we get there Louis...either way...we still have to press onwards, and upwards" said Molly.

  "Oh, Chug I like the feathers in your fur cap, and what's that hanging around your neck...wolf's teeth...and wolf's claws? Well Chug are, you not the Big Game Hunter."

  "Yeah Louis, I'm starting to look like you more, and more everyday" said Chug as he rattled the teeth hanging around his neck, all the while looking at Louis in great admiration.

  Apollo and Jupiter were slow to wake up for their bodies needed the most rest of all. Upon waking Louis broke the bad news to Jupiter and Apollo that they should stay behind to rest and heal, while the party went on to Santa's Village without them. Louis explained that they would be back in a few days to take them back across the tundra fields, and back down into the Boreal Forest. Apollo and Jupiter although not too happy about the decision agreed to stay back, so they would not slow the rest of the traveling party down.

  Panther was also slow to wake but after a few moments, he was up and ready for the day. He walked out of the cave to take in the day, and to plan the route that they would be taking up the southernmost face of the mountain. A nod and a thin smile were given to all as he passed though the opening of the cave mouth. All understood that Panthera also needed to be a lone for a few moments, to reflect on the battle and loss of life from yesterdays encounter with the great wolf pack.

  Enough food was gathered from all over the cave, and from the base of the mountain to feed the horses until they could return. Snow was melted into water, then stockpiled at one side of the cave and a more comfortable bed was made for them by Chug, so they could get the rest they absolutely needed.

  Louis left the rest of the medicine that Black Elk had given them. He explained to them about its healing powers, which they had already been feeling. By looking at their wounds, and the cuts on Panthera, it was clear that the magic held within the wild Indian root was already working.

  Apollo and Jupiter would be fine for a few days by themselves inside the sanctity of the cave. The others now turned their attentions towards the accent up the dark, mountain in front of them. They loaded up their backpacks up as lightly as possible. They took only the food, water, and supplies they would need for about five days.

  Panthera would lead the way, followed by Molly and then Chug. Louis would take up the rear, to watch out for any danger, or encase some of Raff's friends decided to return, and try for a quick meal again.

  Molly pulled on her large winter coat, and then clutched her walking stick. Louis pulled his bearskin cap down about his face, adjusted the bear claws that hung around his neck, pulled on his heavy coat, and grabbed his walking stick. Chug readied himself with his heavy coat, slinging it over his back. He grasped his new staff given to him by Black Elk. He pulled his hiking boots up as far as he could, then he started, for the opening at the mouth of the cave.

  Goodbyes were spoken, as Louis dutifully promised frequently that they would return to the rock cave, with food and water, within the next week. Panthera took the lead, and out they went from the safety, and warmth, of the cave at the foot of Ingnok Mountains.

  Heading towards the north again, upward they traversed along the thin rocky pathway. The weather was cooperating this morning, with just a cool wind scattering the snow about their feet. The path was not too narrow or dangerous at the foot of the mountain. All were in a good mood. Up they climbed, forward and onward with not too much trouble. Conversation was keep to a minimum as all were lost in their own thoughts, about the day ahead, and what adventures it might hold for them.

  Panthera was a seasoned leader, never pressing the group on too fast, or too slow, and was always on the lookout for danger. All felt that with such a mighty animal leading them that they would be protected from anything evil that should befall them, on this last part of the journey.

  For two days they climbed ever upwards.

  The mountain was dark, cold, and became even more unforgiving, and even more foreboding, the further they traveled up its rocky slopes. The higher they went up the dark mountain the more the mountain seemed to close in around, and upon them. It was if they were being swallowed, or engulfed, by it in some way. The skies also seemed to close down on them, contracting around them with each step taken towards the Nanaluk passage.

  Thick blue fogs settled in on the mountainsides at times, enshrouding them as if dark rain clouds might cover a rising morning sun from view. The fogs seemed to grip them, taking the life out of their stoic, and courageous hearts. Sometimes they could barely see their own feet below them, because the fogs were so dense. Nighttime found the party huddling under rock over-croppings, or in shallow caves, to shelter themselves from the winter winds that now grew in intensity, the higher they climbed.

  Panthera did not eat once during the whole climb. Molly, Louis, and Chug barely ate at all. They only had a few small meals of dried venison left, a few pints of water, and a few old flour biscuits, and potatoes that Ms. Telly had given them.

  On the fourth day at daybreak, the clouds and fogs cleared. They could finally see again, what lay in front of them, and how far they had climbed up the mountain. They now saw that they had reached a large plateau near the top of the mountain. Off in the near distance the mountain on both sides started too funneled down, into a small chasm with only about a six-foo
t clearance to pass through. On the other side of a large boulder in the path ahead, you could see an out-sized group of rocks making a canopy over the pathway, then beyond that you could see a large cave opening.

  Growlar's den was in site.