Sacred Water, Book 2, The Time Before

by Charles Kaluza

Chapter 20

  Daniel left Jeremy to watch over Edna and crawled out of the ice house into the late afternoon sun. He stretched and breathed in the cold crisp air, trying to clear his mind of the stress. Heather came up to him and said, "Would you walk with me?"

  Daniel replied, "Walking with you is always a joy and I need some exercise to help clear my mind."

  They walked in silence to the base of the ice cliff and just stood and watched the setting sun transform the wall of blue into ever deepening shades of orange and red. As darkness settled, they headed back to the campground. Heather finally spoke, saying, "We asked much of you, and can but thank you for your efforts. You have done your best and now it is up to the God of the Sacred Water."

  They were almost back to the camp before Daniel responded, "I pray that my efforts are enough. I thought my skill inadequate, but apparently the God of the Sacred Water blessed me. I have hope." He continued, "I will check on Edna and if she is doing well, I would join you for the breaking of bread. I would expect Jeremy will stay with her."

  Daniel found Jeremy sitting next to the still unconscious Edna. Daniel checked her pulse, which was strong, and with the light of the lamp examined her pupils. When he explained to Jeremy that the pupils were now both reacting to light, Jeremy knew not how to respond. When Daniel explained that the pressure on her brain had been adequately relieved, Jeremy understood only that there was more hope and that was enough to bring a smile to his face. Daniel then asked Jeremy if he would be willing to share the sleeping robes with Edna in order to help keep her warm.

  Jeremy looked somewhat embarrassed and asked if Daniel thought it was proper. Daniel said, "We must keep her warm until she recovers. If she chills, the wound will not heal. If we position her so you sleep back to back it would help keep her warm." When Jeremy nodded his head in agreement Daniel told him, "I will watch while you get something to eat and then you can take the watch."

  After Jeremy had left, Daniel listened to Edna's lungs, which were clear but he did the breathing exercises anyway. She groaned ever so slightly with the exertion and Daniel smiled to himself that she was responding. When he squeezed her thumb she withdrew her hand, which was the first movement she had made. There was hope. When Jeremy returned, they positioned Edna on her side and Jeremy crawled under the sleeping robes after taking off his outer clothes. Daniel told him, "As she awakens it is likely she will have some seizures. You must keep her from falling but otherwise restrain her not too tightly. These will pass as she heals."

  Daniel joined Heather for an evening meal of travel rations. They sat outside with others of the Forest and watched the lights of the northern sky flicker. Sheets of green fluorescent light washed across the sky in waves and little was said. Later, when they were together in the ice house, Heather asked, "When would it be safe to travel with Edna?"

  Daniel responded, "It would be best to get her out of the cold but I would she not travel for at least three days. After that time the risk of bleeding should be minimal. Why do you ask?"

  Heather explained, "It will be two to three days before those of the Red are off of the ice field and our scouts can report back. After that I would leave for the Forest. We need to prepare those of the Forest for the challenge of delaying the army of the Red as much as possible. I would those of the Forest, who are willing, accompany me to the Northern Kingdom and from there to the Southern Kingdom. The worst is probably yet to come and we must aid those of the South if we are able."

  Daniel asked, "Why not travel directly to the Southern Kingdom via the trade route?"

  "If the trade route is open your plan would work. I would expect those of the Red would close this route immediately upon landing in the Southern Kingdom. They will attempt to blockade all possible aid to the Southern Kingdom. I know not how we will penetrate this blockade, but penetrate we will. Most certainly your powder will be needed to defend our peoples."

  Daniel had many other questions but Heather told him, "Our planning will have to wait for morning light, for now I must sleep. I tire so easily and will be happy to be back in the Forest. I just wish we could stay there in peace and share our love."

  Daniel kissed his bride gently and rolled over, but slept not. Images of the living brain he had seen kept intruding upon his mind. It was only the regular breathing of Heather that finally relaxed him enough that sleep came. Before first light he was up and went to check on Edna. Jeremy too was awake and Daniel asked him how the night had gone. Jeremy reported that Edna had made some groaning noises but had not moved. Daniel took over the watch and carefully checked Edna. There was no sign of fresh bleeding and both pupils responded. When he pinched Edna's thumb she withdrew her hand and groaned, but did not awaken.

  The concern in Jeremy's voice was obvious when he asked, "Why do you hurt her?"

  Daniel explained that the only way to test her recovery until she awakens was to stimulate the pain fibers. She was definitely progressing with a far better response. He went on to guess that she would awaken within the next two days, but again cautioned about the seizures. Jeremy listened to this explanation and finally said, "If you say so, I believe you. It does not make sense to me that you hurt someone you are trying to heal, but if it helps her recover then it is a good thing. What else can I do?"

  Daniel said, "Heather would begin our return to the Forest as soon as the scouts return to report that those of the Red are free of the ice and into the great gorge. We should expect to travel in two to three days. Can you create a sled to carry Edna and the other wounded? Edna will need to have her head elevated and the least amount of shaking possible."

  Jeremy replied, "We have little material to build with, but I think we can adapt our existing sleds. We can travel fairly light because of the supplies those of the traders’ guild have cached along our route. We will be ready to travel, but will Edna?"

  Daniel said, "After three days the risk of bleeding will be much reduced. She will heal far better if we can get her to a lower altitude and out of this cold. The risk is acceptable."

  When Daniel joined Heather and Betty for the breaking of the fast, Heather told him, "Betty says she hears Edna getting much closer but not here yet."

  "Edna sleeps yet but responds more to stimulation. Her eyes react well and her lungs remain clear. I have hope." Daniel asked Betty, "When will Edna arrive?"

  Betty replied with her mouth still half-full of food, "Not sure. She scared to come back."

  Heather asked, "Why is she scared?"

  Betty said, "She not hurt where she is now."

  "Well where is she?"

  Betty replied, "Princess, she between here and the Forest."

  "You mean she is somewhere out here in the frozen wilderness?"

  Betty giggled and said, "Not like that. She was going to become part of the Forest but I told her that we still needed her here. She still scared to come back."

  Daniel asked, "What is it like where she is?"

  Betty cocked her head to the right and looked off in the distance as if she was trying hard listen. She then said, "There is no wind there so much easier to hear. She hear all of the Forest. It is nice but the call of the Forest to return seems even nicer. I would like to go there when it is my time."

  Daniel asked, "Can she see where she is?"

  Betty looked puzzled and replied, "I told you she hear all of the Forest. She doesn't need to see."

  Their discussion was interrupted by Jeremy yelling for help. Daniel rushed out, followed by the others. He found Jeremy trying to hold Edna in his arms as she was shaking violently. He first checked to make sure she was breathing and then helped his friend gently support her until the shaking stopped. Jeremy's eyes were wide with fear, but Daniel was calm enough and this calmness gradually settled Jeremy down. Jeremy finally asked, "Is this the seizure you were talking about?"

  Daniel did not look up from his examination but simply said it was so. After several minutes
he told them, "She is ever closer to waking. I would expect a few more seizures before she returns fully to us. I have hope."

  Jeremy asked, "Can you not prevent the shaking? I'm afraid she will hurt herself."

  Daniel explained, "The ether would stop the shaking, but I feel is more dangerous than the seizure itself. Time will heal this but only the God of the Sacred Water knows when that will happen." Daniel thought about mentioning how the medicine of the Red Ambassador could be used, but decided to keep the knowledge to himself after the vision returned of the horrible death he had witnessed in the palace of the Southern Kingdom. He told Jeremy, "Walk with me while the women freshen Edna."

  They walked in silence for a while and then Daniel told Jeremy what they had learned from Betty. They walked a fair ways before Jeremy said, "It would seem that if Edna lives I will owe Betty a great debt."

  Daniel broke the tension with a great laugh saying, "It would seem that many of us owe this little one a great deal. How one so small can be so powerful is a mystery. Let us return and see how things are."

  They found Heather and Betty sitting at Edna's side. Edna seemed to be resting comfortably, and when Daniel examined her she reacted much more visibly to his stimulation. It was obvious she was getting closer to returning to them. Heather asked again about the safety of moving Edna. Daniel finished changing the dressing on her head before replying, "The bleeding has stopped. I would that we could magically move her to the Forest without the trauma of travel, but it is not so. It is best to move her from this cold and altitude, there is a risk but I think it acceptable."

  Heather said, "I would everyone plan to leave for the Forest on morning light on the day following the morrow. I would expect to hear from the scouts by nightfall on the morrow. We will travel at a pace acceptable to the wounded. I would a scouting party be prepared to leave for the Forest as soon as we hear from the scouts. We need to let the Forest Council and the kingdoms of the north and South know of our battle with those of the Red."

  While Daniel spent the day with his healing, Heather spent her time writing letters to her father, Jason and the Forest Council. Her summary of the battle itself was brief but her description of the capabilities of the army of the Red was more extensive. She revealed not her future plans. The day was coming to a close before Heather was satisfied with her letters and finally sealed them with wax and her ring imprint.

  She joined Daniel for the evening meal, again the very monotonous travel rations. The food held little interest but the gathering, as always, brought comfort and some joy to those gathered together. After admonishing Heather to eat more, Betty left to relieve Jeremy of the watch. Jeremy protested a bit about leaving and Betty said, "You go eat. I will watch."

  Jeremy left to do as he was told and Betty reached under the sleeping robes and held Edna's wrist as she had seen Daniel do. She knew not what Daniel felt but it brought her comfort to do as he did. When sitting at Edna’s side, ever so gently holding her wrist, Betty could hear Edna coming near but felt the fear she had of returning to their present. She said out loud to Edna, "It okay. You come back now."

  In the dim light of the lamp Betty could not see Edna's eyes open but she knew nonetheless. She spoke not, but only slightly squeezed Edna's wrist. Edna responded with a low groan but otherwise lay still. It was thus that Jeremy found them when he returned. When he realized that Edna's eyes were not only open but followed his movements his feelings of joy and relief were such that he could not speak.

  Betty stood up and said, "I leave you the watch. She very tired."

  When Betty had returned to the others she said simply, "She back."

  Daniel asked, "You mean Edna has awakened?"

  Betty just nodded in the affirmative as she began eating. Daniel got up to go check on Edna but Betty stopped him saying, "She okay. You leave Jeremy and her alone."

  Daniel had to smile as he did as ordered, and the conversation returned to the planning for the journey home. In the morning Daniel relieved Jeremy of the watch and examined Edna. Her breathing remained strong and she responded to questions with only a simple yes or no, but she was responding. The breathing treatment obviously tired her and she soon was asleep again. When Jeremy returned Daniel said, "She heals, but will be weak for some time. She is by nature strong and, if the God of the Sacred Water is willing, should recover completely."

  Jeremy looked from Edna to Daniel and said, "I knew not how important Edna was to me until I realized that we might lose her. I thank you for your efforts and thank the God of the Sacred Water for the skill he has given you in your healing."

  Daniel replied not but simply squeezed his friend’s arm and left him to the watch. When he returned to Heather, he told her of Edna's progress. Heather listened with interest and then asked, "How is it that one not of Issip can see how much Edna and Jeremy mean to each other, but they see it not?"

  Daniel shrugged his shoulders and said, "Since we were children people have been trying to pair up Edna and Jeremy but they would have none of it. Seems they went out of their way to make sure they were never together, and when they were together they were always sparring. Only the God of the Sacred Water knows why."

  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of one of the scouts. He reported that those of the Red had descended the ice field and were headed down the great gorge. He went on to describe the small avalanche they had created to hurry them on their way. His news was most welcome and that evening they had a celebration. Their very precious firewood was used for a campfire and the meal was shared, followed by stories that went on into the night. Heather's fatigue again forced her to seek the comfort of her sleeping robes long before the stories were finished. The next day was spent on final preparations for their departure to the Forest. The letters had been sent with a group of three who would travel quickly. The rest would return to the Forest at the speed at which the injured could be safely moved. They were traveling downhill and need not carry such heavy packs because of the supply caches that had been established.

  At first light they were on the move. As they traveled, others who had been on the ice field joined up with them and their troop gradually grew. Many who had traveled with them were now entombed in their frozen graves. Others were left behind as scouts to watch over the activity of those of the Red. The prisoners were brought with and treated almost as members of their troop, for without the support of those of the Forest, the strangers would most certainly perish. The young priest continued to learn of their language and was becoming proficient in communicating with them. No pledge of loyalty was asked of them and Heather told them that if they respected the ways of the Forest, they would be welcomed. If they chose not to respect the ways of the Forest, they would be abandoned.

  Heather was not concerned with those of the Red, for being of the city they had no hope of survival. The one remaining of those left behind was of a concern, however, because he could possibly survive if he chose to leave. Stan of those left behind was asked his opinion. The sorrow was evident as he tried to explain how Frederick and the others of his village had struck a bargain with those of the Red. They had been promised the right to immigrate to the Forest if they helped with the conquest. The destruction that those of the Red had created amongst their kinfolk had convinced the village elders that their only hope of survival was to collaborate. The young man who survived was only doing as his elders ordered him. Stan saw no danger in the young man and urged Heather to be lenient in her judgment.

  Heather sought counsel with Daniel and others of the Forest. They discussed the danger if the young man did escape and returned to his home village. From a military perspective, Heather felt imprisonment or death were the only safe choices, neither of which seemed appropriate. Betty spoke up from the edge of the council and said, "The Forest hears him well. He not leave once in the Forest."

  Heather responded, "You speak with wisdom. I would this young man from
those left behind be placed in a village near the center of the Forest. I will leave it to the Forest Council to choose the village and plan for his integration into the Forest."

  As they descended through the barren lands the temperature began to warm slightly and by mid-afternoon the snow was soft enough to make travel difficult. Jeremy now had them up well before dawn and called a halt to travel when the snow became soft. When they first spotted a small patch of bare ground on a southern exposure they all stopped and celebrated. Jeremy, with much ceremony, searched diligently until he found a blade of green grass which he presented with great fanfare. That single blade of green was the center point of their evening celebration. As they continued their descent the snow continued to recede, which lifted their spirits but actually made travel more difficult. They spotted their first tree two days later and again celebrated the event by having a real fire in the evening to tell their stories around.

  Heather again had their course detour around the old mining camp. The scouts brought back a report, however, that Daniel's invention was only partially successful because the copper was not strong enough to contain the explosion without wrapping it with many layers of wire. Daniel received the news quietly and said nothing for several miles of travel as he thought about the problem. He finally told Heather, "If we are to use the power of the powder in this device it will need to be made of iron. Only the Southern Kingdom has the capability. We will need to get a drawing to Jason and Arthur."

  Heather asked, "What do you call this device?"

  Daniel laughed and said, "I suppose calling it 'a long tube which uses exploding powder to launch rocks or metal balls' is a bit of a mouthful." "What do you think we should call it?"

  Heather replied, "It reminds me of the canes we used as children to shoot peas at each other. How about calling it a cannon?"

  Daniel replied, "Sounds good to me. I wonder if we could carry the copper one with us? We will need to speak to the traders’ guild."

  By the time they reached the Forest proper, spring was already fully developed. They arrived at the Forest Council and were met by the old priest. He took charge of the prisoners and of the young priest while Heather and Daniel gave their report to the Council. It was well past the evening mealtime when the Council finished. Daniel and Heather were exhausted, and after having some real food in the tavern were more than happy to accept again the use of the small house. Morning came and with it the breaking of the fast. They were joined as always by Jeremy, who was now accompanied by a still very weak Edna. Her spirits were lively and she participated well in the banter of the friendship. Before the morning had progressed far, Daniel and Heather were asked back to the Council.

  The Council chair opened the proceedings by summarizing the accomplishments of Heather and those of the Forest who had diverted the army of the Red from the Forest. He then asked Heather what her planning was. Heather replied, "The hard times have been averted but only temporarily. If the Southern Kingdom falls, the Forest itself will fall. We must aid those of the Southern Kingdom in any way possible. The army of the Red descending through the great gorge must be delayed. I would the spirits of the Forest be garnered in a full out effort to delay their progress. I, and any who wish to accompany me, will proceed to the Southern Kingdom to offer our aid."

  The Council discussed the many ways they could impede the progress of the Red army and then asked Heather what other aid they could provide. Heather responded, "I would Daniel's new device, which we call a cannon, be brought along with as much of the powder as possible."

  One from the traders’ guild asked, "Our reports indicate that those of the Red have begun to land downstream from the city of the Southern Kingdom. The trade route will most certainly be closed within days. How will you travel with supplies to the Southern Kingdom?"

  Heather replied, "I agree, those of the Red will block all routes of support. Travel by sea would be the only option with a long overland leg. I would travel to the Northern Kingdom and confer with my father. If I can assure him that the threat of an overland invasion through the Forest has been averted, he can then send his army back to the Southern Kingdom and counterattack."

  There was a general discussion of warfare principles but those of the Forest have little knowledge or training in such matters. The Council chair finally restored order by saying, "The God of the Sacred Water has given us Heather of the Northern Kingdom to provide guidance and planning in these hard times. We shall leave the planning to her and do all we can to support her plan." He then asked those of the traders’ guild, "How long to transport the new cannon and the powder to the Northern Kingdom?"

  The traders conferred amongst themselves and then one spoke up saying, "The trails have dried enough that a wagon can be used. With great effort, we can deliver the supplies to the palace of the Northern Kingdom in two weeks."

  Heather replied, "I will be ready to receive the supplies in two weeks at my father's palace."

  The planning went on until well past the time of the evening meal. When Daniel and Heather arrived at the tavern, they were very pleased to see Edna sitting at the table with Jeremy, who as always was entertaining everyone with the story. Edna greeted them with a warm smile and had them join them at their table. The food and spirits drained some of the stress from Heather and she actually relaxed for the first time since they had left Issip, when the spring was yet young.

  Heather had planned on leaving for Issip at morning light but it was midday before they were on their way. They traveled slowly by the standard of those of the Forest, but still made good time. When they arrived in Issip, their house had been opened up and fresh flowers were on the table. Daniel immediately began cleaning and storing his healing instruments while Heather wandered around the small house enjoying every detail. At first she did not recognize the quilt on their bed but then realized it was the very quilt she had worked with Edna on. She was so excited she made Daniel come immediately to see it.

  His response was a somewhat muted, "That's pretty. Where did it come from?"

  "Don't you see? It is a wedding present from the women of Issip. It is the quilt they let me help with. See, here is the amulet I embroidered."

  At this point Daniel knew he was supposed to be excited but knew not how. He fingered the fabric and said, "It is a nice gift." If he had stopped there it would have been better but he added, "Why do you think it is so special?"

  At this point Heather threw up her hands and said, "Don't you understand? It means they have accepted me as your wife!"

  Now Daniel was truly puzzled and asked, "You are my wife, why would they not accept you?"

  By now tears were flowing down Heather's cheeks as she sat on the bed and fingered the beautiful quilt. She responded not. Daniel just stood at her side with his hand on her shoulder and let her cry. He knew the tears were tears of joy but the mystery of women and their tears remained unfathomable.

  When they joined the others at the tavern it was impossibly full and yet room was made for them. The steaming bowl of mutton soup and fresh warm bread seemed heavenly after all of the travel rations they had eaten. It was not long until the stories started. Heather was asked to tell of the battle but she declined, saying, "The victory of the battle on the great ice field was a victory for all those of the Forest. It would be best that the story was told by one who can tell the story better than I." With that she turned towards Jeremy, who stood up on the chair and began telling the story of the battle on the great ice field.

  The evening was long and the stories continued. Edna and Heather were both very fatigued and left early for the comfort of their beds. The evening light faded early despite the lengthening days, and Heather turned up the lamp in their small house. She prepared for bed, making sure that Betty's cot was ready. Crawling under the new quilt gave her a sense of belonging and comfort. She laid awake only a short time, thinking of what a wonderful blessing the quilt represented. Her dreams were
interrupted only slightly when Daniel came to bed. She instinctively rolled up against him and slept on.

  The next day was spent in planning and preparing for yet another journey. The day went quickly, and on schedule Jeremy, now accompanied by Edna, showed up suggesting it was time for the evening meal. They had no sooner settled themselves at the table when Heather noticed the copper ring on Edna's finger. She reached over and covered Edna's hand with her own and asked in a quiet voice, "What is the meaning of the ring?"

  Edna responded, "Jeremy has suggested we marry, and I agreed!"

  "When?!"

  "Jeremy would we marry now but I think it better to wait until these hard times are over."

  Before they could continue, others began to interrupt and a general uproar of approval ended the conversation. Jeremy finally arose and formally announced his engagement to Edna, which resulted in a round of applause and calls for a formal kiss. Edna stood and gently kissed Jeremy, which was followed by calls for a real kiss. Jeremy complied and gave Edna a long passionate kiss in front of everyone. Edna was obviously somewhat embarrassed and when asked about the engagement said, "It has always been obvious to me that someone would need a hole in their head to marry Jeremy. Now Daniel has intentionally put a hole in my head so that I have to marry him!"

  Jeremy's attempt at looking shocked and hurt was made futile by the huge smile on his face. After the laughter had settled down the toasting began. The evening was spent in joy and the worry about the hard times was for a while forgotten. Despite the lateness of the evening, Jeremy and Edna arrived early for the breaking of the fast. Their talk was both of planning for the wedding and the coming journey. Edna participated little in the planning for the journey and it was obvious that she wished to accompany them but knew she was unable.

  Heather asked, "Does the distance changed the way you hear Betty?"

  Edna replied, "I hear Betty of the little people well but know not if the distance matters. When you were on the ice field I heard her clearly."

  Heather continued, "Do you think it possible to hear her from the Southern Kingdom?"

  Edna asked, "Why would you know this?"

  Heather said, "I would know the progress of the army of the Red through the great gorge. If you could make Betty hear you report the progress, it would be a tremendous tactical advantage."

  Edna now with a small smile replied, "This I can do and if the spirits of the Forest and the God of the Sacred Water allow, I will hear Betty and report the progress."

  The planning was interrupted when Betty spoke up saying, "You marry today."

  Both Edna and Jeremy began to protest that they had no priest to marry them but Betty replied simply, "He be here before the midday meal. Travel planning can wait, you need to marry."

  Edna looked at Jeremy and wanted to object that she had no hair but changed her mind and asked simply, "Why not?"

  Jeremy was silent for but a moment before replying, "If I can get Daniel to stand with me it would work. I had expected a bit more time to prepare the celebration."

  Betty said, "The womenfolk are already preparing. You and Daniel should leave so we can prepare Edna."

  When Daniel and Jeremy had departed, Edna voiced her concern about marrying without any hair. Heather just smiled and said, "Weddings work with or without hair. I worry more that your honeymoon will be so short for we must depart in two days’ time. Jeremy would need to leave within a week if he wishes to join us as we journey again to the Southern Kingdom."

  Edna now seemed to have a bit of glow about her and she asked, "What shall I wear?

  She had no sooner spoken the words than there was a small knock on the door and one of the ladies of the village presented with a wedding gown. She said, "We have heard Betty of the little people and thought you may be needing this."

  The gown was of the colors and design of the hunters’ guild with much hand embroidery. Heather held the gown up to Edna and said, "It is beautiful. You must try it on now."

  While Betty helped Edna change, Heather visited about the planning that needed to be completed. It seemed the women of the village were already preparing the celebration meal and word had gone out about the wedding. When Edna came out of the bedroom she looked radiant in the gown and the glow of her smile seemed to light up the small house. Her joy was thanks enough for the gift, but she voiced her gratitude nonetheless. She subconsciously stroked her hair as if to straighten it but her hands met only the stubble that had grown since her surgery.

  Heather could appreciate the feeling of nakedness that resulted when a woman lost her hair. She said nothing but instead began to fashion a headdress for Edna. Now the discussion was about the color and texture of the headdress. The lady of the village said she might have just the right fabric, and left. Heather and Betty continued to fuss over Edna, trying different color combinations. Betty brought in different flowers and weaved them into a crown. They were making progress, but still the effect was not quite right. When the lady of the village returned, she brought with her a fine cloth with just a bit of a rust color that matched Edna's natural hair color. Now, with a small headdress and the crown of flowers, the effect was right.

  The young priest arrived along with others they had traveled with. Betty's joy in seeing Larby again was evident to all. The general commotion was too much for the small house and Heather shooed everyone out except Edna. When they were alone, their talk was the talk of young brides. The afternoon passed quickly and soon it was time for the celebration. The village center was all prepared and Heather accompanied Edna. As they approached the platform in the village center, the music started. From the opposite direction, Daniel and Jeremy began their approach. It seemed that everyone from Issip and all of the surrounding villages were there. If Edna noticed all the people she gave no sign, walking tall, looking straight ahead. They timed their arrival so they ascended the steps synchronously with Daniel and Jeremy.

  When they reached the top of the platform, Heather and Daniel presented Edna and Jeremy to the young priest and the ceremony began. The ceremony concluded with the public kiss, which had been Daniel's undoing in his own ceremony; Jeremy succeeded famously. As they turned to greet their friends, they were met with a roar of approval that continued as they descended the center steps. A line began to form and they greeted everyone on either side as they walked through the village center. Flower petals showered down on them almost continuously. When they reached the quilting room they were each handed a goblet of wine. They ascended the small stairway and turned towards their friends and family. Jeremy spoke up as he and Edna raised their glasses to those all assembled saying, "We drink this toast to all of you who have supported us, and to each other as we pledge our love to one another, and to the Forest."

  A cheer again rose as they sipped their wine and kissed again. Food began to appear on tables everywhere and soon Jeremy and Edna were seated. The feast began with toasting of the bride and groom. It was Daniel's responsibility for the first toast and he began, "I would toast my lifelong friend and companion Jeremy, and his bride Edna who have finally come together. But first I would toast our families who have made this possible, even if they have already returned to the Forest, and also our companions who could not be with us because of the hard times." He raised his glass and took a sip of the wine along with everyone, even the young children. He then continued, "To Jeremy, a true friend. Edna has been blessed with the patience of the Forest itself for accepting Jeremy as her husband. May they find happiness together always."

  It was now Heather's turn and she stood behind Edna raising her glass and said, "To a woman of most unusual valor, and to her husband, to whom we all owe a great deal. May these hard times end and may they enjoy life together in the peace of the Forest." After the cheering had died down, others rose and continued the toasting until Jeremy objected saying, "Enough with the toasting! If we do not eat soon I may pass out from hunger."

  Afte
r the comments about him needing to maintain his strength had settled down, attention was turned in earnest to the feast before them. The mountains of food disappeared rapidly and the joy of the community reverberated throughout the Forest. Soon the music started again and it was time for the wedding dance. Daniel asked Jeremy if he needed any help, but Jeremy deferred saying with a huge smile, "Unlike you, I should be able to handle this myself."

  Daniel, looking injured, replied, "I was only trying to help. Besides a little guidance might help protect Edna's feet from yours."

  The bantering was interrupted by Edna presenting her hand to Jeremy who assisted her to the center of the courtyard. The music changed to the traditional wedding dance song of the Forest. There dance was at first slow but the pace of the music continued to build and the clapping added to the energy of the dance. Heather watched, mesmerized by the sounds of the simple Forest instruments that seemed to raise her up onto a high cliff. The music ended suddenly and Jeremy and Edna bowed to their friends who responded with ongoing applause. Now others joined them for more traditional dancing, with everyone wanting to have their dance with the wedding couple. Finally Edna's fatigue began to show and she and Jeremy returned to their seats to watch the celebration carry on.

  The dancing continued until darkness was complete, then the bonfire was lit and the stories begun. Heather noticed not that she'd fallen asleep, until Daniel gently squeezed her arm and suggested that maybe they had enough for the night. She agreed and they excused themselves from the celebration. It seems that Edna and Jeremy had also escaped by that time, but the stories went on long after.