Leela and the Forest of Light

by Lin Northrup

  “I beg your pardon, but shouldn’t you watch where you’re going?” asked a disgruntled beaver swimming over to her.

  She tried rolling over, but her sweater was caught in the sticks protruding from the beaver’s home.

  “Sorry. I wasn’t…”

  “Paying attention? Humans usually don’t,” said Beaver, disappearing underwater.

  “Please come back. I want to talk to you,” called Leela, ducking her head under the water to see where Beaver went.

  A few moments later two beavers popped up right next to her. Grateful to have some company, she paddled around their elaborate construction. “Your house is amazing.”

  Beaver nuzzled her mate proudly. “We’re a team. We built it together,” she said.

  Leela looked at them wishing her best friend, Luke, was by her side so they could be a team. They used to write plays together, go on adventures and dream big dreams. When the social worker came to take her to the orphanage, she ran across the street where he stood watching. They gave each other their special sign, and made a vow that no matter what happened, they would find each other.

  Beaver swam closer. “Leela, you have to build your dreams like we built our home. One stick at a time. It doesn’t look very strong, but our home can stop the flow of a river. Some day your words will have the power of a river.”

  Leela tried to smile, but she still longed for her friend.

  “Excuse us, but we have two baby kits inside to attend to. Oh, and remember to pay attention,” they said, diving back under.

  She swam around for a while hoping they’d come back. Disappointed, Leela continued floating downstream feeling sorry for herself. Before long the excitement of the fast-moving current distracted her. It was fun until the sharp river rocks scratched and scraped her arms and legs. She wasn’t in her dreaming body now!

  The current pushed her faster and faster. She heard a loud roar ahead and made one last effort to swim to the bank. It was too late. The current swept her over the edge of the waterfall tossing and turning her upside down as she tumbled to the bottom. She bobbed back up to the surface, but the sheer force of the water pushed her under.

  “Unless you give up your ill-fated path, you’re never going to escape from me,” warned a slippery voice.

  Terrified, she silently screamed, “No! I won’t give up.”

  The voice laughed. “Your foolish quest stops here.” The water turned ink-black. A wall of darkness surrounded her.

  “Don’t listen, Leela, or you’ll diminish your power,” warned another voice.

  She couldn’t hold her breath much longer. The more she fought the deadly undertow, the tighter its grip. Desperate for air, she kicked her way through the black wall to the surface, but was sucked back down. The sharp pain in her lungs was unbearable. A school of fish swam around her. She pushed them away, but they came back. She pushed them away again.

  “We’re trying to help you,” they said, lifting her to the surface. She swam toward a large flat rock that stood like an island amidst the swirling foam. Gasping for air, she crawled onto it, coughing up the water she’d swallowed. The raw power of the waterfall pounded in her ears. Exhausted, she curled into a ball. The voice she’d heard telling her to give up was the same voice she’d heard up on the mountain. Finch had warned her she was being stalked. Now she realized how deadly this force was.

  Too weak to move, she rested on the rock staring at the waterfall. Her body was still shaking from shock. The fish must be salmon, she thought, trailing her hand in the water. They brushed against her fingers. “You’re safe now,” they said, swimming away.

  “Stone People, I have to get over to the bank of the river. I need your help.” She slid into the cold water, reached for the nearest rock and hung on tightly against the current. More rocks appeared leading her to a quiet refuge where the water was peaceful and still. She floated around trying to calm down and forget the dark voice.

  A mother and baby otter swam over to her. “Want to play with us?” they asked.

  “What? No. Leave me alone,” she snapped, still shaken from her plunge over the falls.

  The otters looked at each other and dove underwater. She could feel them against her legs. “Stop it, right now,” she warned.

  “Boy, what a grouch,” came a voice. Looking up the steep bank, she saw a third otter staring down at her. He looked offended which made her feel a little embarrassed.

  “Sorry, I just need to think,” she said.

  He slid down the bank landing next to her with a loud splash. “Leela, lighten up. You’re alive. Stop worrying. Let’s play.”

  “I’m not in the mood,” she said, climbing up the slippery bank. She pulled off her sneakers and squeezed out her socks. Mud dripped down her face, so she grabbed some leaves attempting to wipe it out of her eyes. Undaunted by her attitude, the otters gathered around her like friendly puppy dogs.

  “Come on, Leela. Play with us,” pleaded the otters.

  “I’m very happy to be out of the water, thank you. I’d rather watch,” she said, concentrating on wringing out her soggy sweater.

  The three otters sat in a row waiting for her. “I mean it. I’m staying right where I am,” she said, ignoring them.

  The baby otter wiggled closer to sniff her. She couldn’t resist his sweet face. “Oh, all right, just one time. But that’s it. I have some serious thinking to do.”

  She slid down the muddy bank splashing into the water. Their bright black eyes looked at her expectantly.

  “That was kind of fun,” she admitted, climbing back up the bank.

  They continued their sliding game for a while then played water tag until she had to beg for a break.

  “Leela, Beaver told you to pay attention, but you forgot so you were swept over the waterfall,” said Mother Otter.

  “Wait a minute, how did you know Beaver told me to pay attention?”

  The otters looked at her.

  “I know. I know. We’re all connected, so of course you would know what Beaver told me.”

  Leela spent the rest of the afternoon sliding down the slippery bank laughing so hard her stomach hurt. When they stopped playing, she sat atop the bank gazing at the waterfall.

  “What do you feel and see now?” asked Mother Otter.

  “It doesn’t look scary anymore. All I see is a beautiful waterfall.”

  “Having fun helps you see things differently. It helps you go with the flow of life. So remember, whenever things get too serious, it’s time to play.”

  With a cheery goodbye, the otters slid down the bank. Leela watched them float downstream on their backs holding hands. It was the sweetest thing she’d ever seen.

  She wanted to trust the flow of life, but right now the pine trees of the forest felt more inviting than the river. And safer. After several miles, her wet sneakers rubbed against her sore heels, so she took them off and buried her feet in the soft dirt. All the tension seeped out of her into the earth. She took a deep breath and caught a scent that smelled like Fox. Hoping it was him she put on her sneakers and went into the bushes only to be greeted by a scent that definitely wasn’t Fox. Confused, she backed away, but then brushed aside her caution and plunged ahead.

  “Stop, Leela. You still charge into new situations like a child,” said a voice.

  “I am a child,” she said, upset at being reprimanded. Who’s there?”

  “Remember, you have to be able to sense things with lightning speed. Haven’t we told you that before?”

  “Yes, but…”

  Fox emerged from the bushes. Her mouth dropped open. “I thought it was your scent, but then it wasn’t. How did I get that so wrong?”

  “Sit next to me and listen. You did smell my scent, but then I masked it. Your eagerness is a blessing, but it must be tempered with restraint. The dark forces can shapeshift to throw
you off track.”

  Her shoulders slumped at the thought that she had disappointed her guardian again. “I keep messing up. You’re right. I’m not very patient.”

  “You’ve come a long way, but time is running short and there’s still more for you to learn. Stay in the moment, Leela.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It means stay in your sacred space. That is where your power lies.”

  He left without telling her more so she sat very still to practice being in the moment in case Fox was watching her. It felt peaceful until she sensed the presence of something lurking behind the thick bushes. Should she walk away? Was that the wise thing to do? Fox might be testing her again. Whatever was in there was coming closer. She heard a low growl and backed away.

  A snarling wolf leaped out of the bushes. She turned to run, but another wolf blocked the way. Two more wolves crouched in front of her baring their teeth. Their growls were aggressive and unforgiving. She froze. Did they think she was their enemy or were they dark shapeshifters? Then she remembered what Fox said and drew an imaginary line around herself.

  “This is my sacred space. You must respect it,” she said, twisting around to keep her eyes on the wolves behind her. The moon cast them with a ghostly light. They circled closer and started howling. Their wailing continued as each wolf took its turn. She crouched low ready to run if they attacked her.

  The endless howling and glare of the full moon wore her down. She slumped to the ground. “Don’t fall asleep!” came a stern voice. Her senses were dull from fatigue and her legs were numb. All she wanted to do was lie down and sleep.

  “Listen to your heart, Leela!” demanded the voice.

  Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t do this,” she cried out.

  “Yes you can. You must be able to summon your courage in the most difficult circumstances. It will be required of you and all the children of the new earth.”

  She struggled to stand. Her legs buckled. The chilling howls of the pack grew louder.

  “Stop,” she shouted. “Stop.”

  The pack faded into the background leaving her alone facing a gray wolf.

  Leela looked into his eyes. Tears slid down her cheeks. Chills flooded her body. She started shaking, not from fear, but from recognition.

  “Yes, Leela, I’ve been waiting for you,” said Gray Wolf.

  “I know you. How do I know you?” she asked in a husky voice.

  He motioned for her to sit next to him. “I came to you in your dreams. Have you forgotten?” he asked.

  “It’s your eyes. I remember your eyes from my dreams. You came to me just before my parents died. Then I never saw you again.”

  “You weren’t meant to. You had to begin your vision quest.”

  Leela was catapulted back in time. She saw herself running into the kitchen to tell her mother and father about the wolf in her dream. They smiled and told her it was an important sign for her future. That seemed so long ago.

  The moon drifted in and out of the clouds. An owl hooted softly. Gray Wolf waited for Leela to return from her memories.

  “We’ve been connected to each other for many years. The seeds were planted long ago and you answered our call.”

  Gray Wolf began pacing around her. “All creatures and humans were given this earth to learn how to join together in loving respect for each other. This is the law of unity that governs all things. That unity must be restored.”

  Leela felt the truth of his words. Whenever truth was spoken, a gentle chill ran through her body. She wanted to reach out and touch his thick gray fur, but his powerful presence and the seriousness of his tone made her hold back.

  “Leela, very soon you’ll have to face a challenge that will require courage and trust.”

  “I know what it is, Gray Wolf. It’s facing the dark force on the planet. I’ve already heard its voice trying to make me give up. The animals have taught me many things and I can use what I’ve learned on this force.”

  Gray Wolf turned to look at her. “You don’t know what you’re facing, Leela. But I applaud your determination. Listen carefully. You must go to the Canyon of the Four Winds. When you get there, wait for a sign. The canyon is laced with many caves. Your totem lies in one of the caves and when you find it, you’ll be ready for the power of wolf.”

  Leela was disappointed. She wanted to begin her mission with Gray Wolf now, not go off exploring caves. Her eyes mirrored her frustration. When will the animals trust her?

  “Do I have to go?” she asked, forgetting her promise to be patient. “Will you come with me? Can Fox come?”

  Gray Wolf moved closer and the intensity of his gaze made her step back. “No, Leela. This is something you must do alone.”

  The rest of the pack came out from behind the trees.

  “It’s time to start the next phase of your journey”. He brushed up against her. “Listen only to that which is true.”

  The moon slipped back behind the clouds. Gray Wolf howled and the pack vanished into the night. She stared into the darkness for a long time. It seemed her fate to be left alone. His words started to sink in. What if she failed? What if she let the animals down? They were her friends. The responsibility rested heavily on her shoulders.

  “Tree Nation, please help me. I can’t do this alone.”

  The leaves of the trees rippled in response, “Stay here for the night, Leela. You need to rest.”

  She knotted up her sweater into a pillow and tried to get comfortable, but it was hard to relax after meeting Gray Wolf. Drifting in and out of sleep, she felt something warm against her legs. Fox. She sat up and hugged him so hard he had to wiggle out of her arms.

  Shaking his head to recover his dignity, he muttered, “I see you haven’t lost your, umm, enthusiasm for greetings.”

  “You won’t believe what’s happened.” Words tumbled out as she described the beavers, the waterfall, the playful otters and her meeting with Gray Wolf.

  When she finally finished, she frowned at him. “Wait. Were you there watching me all that time?”

  He cocked his head to one side. “What happened when you were surrounded by the wolf pack?”

  “I heard a voice telling me to summon my courage.”

  “And?” interrupted Fox.

  “It was you. That was your voice. I should have known.”

  “You see how quickly we can talk to each other even when we’re not together? All you have to do is stand in your quiet space and listen. In that moment we become One. That’s how it works.”

  She knelt down and put her arms around him. “Fox, come with me to the Canyon of the Four Winds.”

  He flicked his tail. “No, Leela, I can’t follow you there. Gray Wolf told you to go alone.”

  His kind eyes looked into hers and this time she didn’t protest. She had to trust that if she needed him, they would become One.

  “I’ll be back, she said, watching Fox’s black-tipped tail melt into the shadows.

  Chapter 10

  Facing the Darkness

  In the morning, the rays of the sun streamed down through the trees transforming the forest into a temple of golden light. Curled up under the pine tree, Leela was sound asleep until a gray squirrel ran up and down her legs.

  “You make a great alarm clock, Squirrel,” she said, rolling over. “I hope you’re waking me up with some advice. Because I don’t know where I’m going.”

  Tail twitching, Squirrel stared at Leela then scampered up the tree leaving her alone. Sighing, she sat up and put on her sweater. Her hair was tangled with leaves so she combed it with a pine cone and retied the feathers around her waist. There had to be a sign showing her which path to take. But nothing came so she hiked along the river. What would happen if she couldn’t find the canyon on her own? That thought landed in her stomach leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.


  After scrambling along the river’s steep bank for hours, she rolled up her jeans, took off her sneakers and went into the water. Knee deep in the fast current, the memory of the waterfall passed through her mind like a dark cloud. She waded across slowly, afraid the river would snatch her up and pull her downstream.

  When she got to the other side and looked back, she was shocked to see the river was quite narrow at this point. How could that be? Maybe the light had played tricks on her eyes. Her thoughts were interrupted when a long-tailed animal jumped over her legs. Startled, she brushed it away sending it tumbling into the water. The creature climbed back up the bank, tugged at the shoelaces of her sneaker and dragged it away.

  “I’ll take that please,” she said, grabbing her sneaker. “These are the only shoes I have and I’ve got a long way to go.”

  She got down on her knees and looked closer. The sleek little animal was cinnamon brown on top with white along its belly “I know what you are. You’re a weasel. Aren’t you supposed to be sly and kind of sneaky?” she teased.

  “Whoever came up with that idea?” replied Weasel, looking offended.

  “I don’t know. It’s just a stupid thing I heard somewhere. I didn’t mean it. Do you have a den nearby?”

  “You’re sitting on top of it,” grumbled Weasel.

  Leela rolled over to look but didn’t see any sign of a hole in the ground. Weasel grabbed her other sneaker and darted away. “You are a sneaky little thing!” she said, running after Weasel.

  It was never an accident when an animal crossed her path, so Leela sat down to see what the impish creature was up to. Weasel dragged the sneaker back and stretched out beside her.

  “Leela, what did you observe about the river?”

  “When I was in the middle, it looked wide and seemed to take me forever to cross. I was afraid of the fast current. But that seems silly now.”

  “When you were in the river the memory of the waterfall clouded your ability to see what was true. You saw the river through the eyes of fear. But once you crossed and saw the river through clear eyes, you saw the truth. The river really wasn’t an obstacle after all.”