THE ORDEAL - SECTION 2

 

 THE ORDEAL – (SECTION 2)

It so happened that, when a heavy downpour of a subsequent time constrained her to take shelter earlier than usual in an abandoned cave-and yes, strangely enough no sooner the need arose, one without fail always mysteriously availed itself- fortuitously or not, she’d spotted a cluster of wild mushrooms at the interior of the cave just past the entrance, and mistaking them for an edible variety, she’d used some of it as a garnishing to liven up her otherwise dull fare.

Consequently, shortly after ingesting it she’d lost all consciousness, remaining so, in that most vulnerable state for an unsettlingly undetermined time. Afterwards she’d shuddered at the thought of it, for imperiled (rendered vulnerable) such, she could have fallen prey to perhaps a malignant force or forces. As it were, the moment her eyelids were shut, an enormous size snake- a python of sorts appearing on the scene- had quietly coiled her in a protective circle and remained so for the entire duration of her sleep.

Meanwhile the steed had already been well teetered some ways off inside the mouth of the cavern; though greatly alarmed, he could not run away. When she’d finally regained her consciousness, sensing a presence of sorts, she’d turned on her side somewhat groggily, with her eyes slid ajar to behold just then the gargantuan, long tapering cylindrical form silently slithering away to instantaneously (summarily) vanish into thin air.

In her petrified (terrified) state, her already rigid limbs growing colder still, as if anesthetized, became fastened to the very ground. Eventually with the warm blood once more coursing through her veins she’d regained the full use of her faculties.  Needing a breath of fresh air then, she’d steadied her nerves and willed her feet to the outside; but one catastrophe besetting another; she’d this time come face to face with the most ferocious mountain lion guarding the entrance.

Two fiery gleams from crimson pupils had (shot) projected forth to pierce her very soul; then, in a blinking of an eye it too had evaporated, leaving her to doubt the validity of this intense and frightful experience. Ghostly white, her hand resting on a pounding, palpitating heart, she’d after a spell, dismally thence had shaken her head and took in a calming breath. Get a grip on your sense’s girl! It’s nothing more than a bogus, surreal imagery. Biting the corner of her upper lip, she then loudly reasserted: “There’s nothing before me. It’s only a cruel hoax of my imagination, an elaborate hallucination, or perhaps, the remnant of the nightmare!” For what other explanation could there be, still, it’d felt so real! 

Oh, but this is so disconcerting- in my solitude my mind has begun playing such tricks on me! Her forehead creasing, with a frown she again inwardly aggrieved. I’m increasingly becoming delusional; and how long will it be, before the impending insanity? This wildlife abstinence besieged by this abject, unearthly silence, living each day on the precipice, how much more can I, must I endure? Shall I ever reach my objective, or shall I be worsted (defeated) way before any true chance is gained? Thus far I’d stood firm in my belief of Heaven’s guidance and protection; but what if I’m, I’ve been wrong all along? Could I in fact, perhaps, cast under the spell of evil mountain spirits, am being led astray, driven into the very core of the destructive fires of the Underworld; or equally worse, be trapped permanently in the sinister web of abysmal loss?

                                                                                                          ~

Thankfully, subsequent days nothing untoward had happened, nothing at all worth mentioning. Through sheer willpower she’d regained her full sensibilities and once more focused her attention on achieving the task at hand (major objective).

The hardest ordeal to overcome however, had been the ever-present weird quiet and the unsettlingly persistent monotony that had by then expanded till it’d stilled the very wind and engulfed the all-encompassing air. Meanwhile, the ache of loneliness growing incessantly strong, had by degrees gripped her heart, her very soul in such an all-consuming vise that it had dangerously at times distorted full facts, consumed life’s least joy, diminishing any or scant hope. Her sanity teetering on the brink, of late she’d entertained a vehement hanker, that her constant, albeit phantom companion be somewhat manifest, regardless of whatever the form!

On this singular morning with the invariable concern still pestering her mind, before setting out on the next leg of the journey she’d voiced her pent-up desire, then laughed out loud at her own folly, her silliness for doing so.

After an incessant, grueling ride where they’d ascended the precariously hung narrow strip of the goat’s path that semi-circled a steep cliff and then negotiated a difficult, rocky terrain- by late afternoon of the subsequent day, she and the horse had finally got some reprieve when they’d reached a relatively sheltered, level, grassy patch.

Her face now gently caressed by the subdued winds, in her exhaustive state she was soon lulled into a consistent stupor (trance) by that ever-present monotonous, unnatural quiet; ergo she rode on with a hung head, her mind lost in a miasma of obscure imagery- leaving the more alert steed to at will pick the course. When the mount suddenly halted and neighing threaded his hoof nervously on the ground, Teuquob snapped out of her hypnotic reverie, sullenly raised her head and looked bleakly on ahead not expecting much of any variance.

What’s this, another phantom?

Remarkably however, what she’d perceived did not, as in the past, spontaneously dissipate or instantly vanish into thin air. This time around the illusory mental image persisted (lasted) and remained altogether solid.

Oh, but how can this be? Disbelieving her eyes she rubbed them, and then with a focused vision anew looked on. But no mistaking it… There, up ahead her eyes still beheld a rather pleasant looking, long haired, clean shaven young man who was not much older than she and what’s more, was clad in strangely familiar attire. His bearing was immaculately clean and well composed. Armed with a staff, he supported a bundle over one shoulder.

Unabashedly (brazenly) meeting her inquisitive eyes, he simply nodded as if in answer, yes, you are not envisioning me. I assure you, I’m flesh and bones!

Then sporting a most charming smile he quickly advanced with bold strides towards her. His friendly demeanor had at once disarmed her, but not her nervous steed, which now fidgeted terribly and strove to run away. As she dismounting, tried to calm the beast, the young man meanwhile at closer proximity now, graciously, with an elaborate gesture of the hand and bow of the waist extended his verbal polite greetings to her.

So elated had she been at the fortuity (prospect) of meeting a sole companion, that the strange occurrence did not strike her as being odd till much later: That in this inhospitable, God-forsaken stretch she would chance on a being, a relatively disarmed one, on foot, so well preserved- with hardly a scratch on him, totally composed, spotlessly clad and propitiously, speaking to her in her own native dialect. Instead, quite ecstatic, she’d at once turned to squarely face him and to extend her likewise polite greetings. Just then, however, the reins that she’d held onto rather laxly got violently yanked from her hand. The spooked beast let out a frightful neigh and arching its back trampled the air up high with his fore hoofs (hoofed feet) before summarily bolting in lightning speed.

But her attempt at rushing after the steed had at once been vigorously curtailed by the amicable stranger who’d politely then proceeded to give his mitigated reasons, at the same time advising her on the futility of such a course.

“Let him be.” He insisted. “The path from here on being steeper, you’ll have no further use for the beast of burden. You’ll be doing him a favor. He stands a better chance of surviving on his own. Who knows, he may even find his way back home; however far that may be!” He cheekily sized her up then grimaced. “But come, come, you needn’t worry- you are in good hands now! Oh, and don’t worry about your stuff (belongings) either,” He rushed to reassure her. “I have here in these bags,” he pointed to the two bundles (that at times hung from the pole) which he carried leaning over one shoulder, “everything you’ll ever need and more. It’ll be my pleasure to share.” His apparent generosity of the heart coupled with his tranquil, melodious tone had an almost bewitching effect on her, at once erasing any suspicion or misgivings from her mind. Besides, she’d wanted and chose to believe in the stranger’s virtue and moral rectitude, overriding the otherwise instinctual warnings, deeming him to be probably untrustworthy and even dangerous- likened to a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

What’s more, in a short span even the residue reservations had melted away as true to his word, he’d proven quite competent in expeditiously tending to all her needs. The shared, the consumed dried rations amazingly enough, had promptly restored her to her prior good health and vigor; meanwhile, the special brew he’d insisted on her partaking a sip or two, had instantly with remarkable potency, cleared the cobwebs from her mind, erasing least doubt and fear. Moreover, as a lasting boon, her cognizance and thoughts from then on had become lucid, more translucent and focused. At least that’s what she’d deemed, rather, believed it to be true!

The strange ointment which he’d concocted from the combination of few indigenous plants and powdered ingredients that he had on him, had in due course brought about the most miraculous effect on all her cuts and bruises.

 The spare garment, cape and footwear which he’d so generously produced from his bundle -one of the supposed offerings destined for an “Earth Goddess” of a specific shrine he’d hoped to visit- now being bestowed on Teuquob, meanwhile, fit her perfectly and so comfortably that it was beyond belief. The exquisitely embroidered damask, unusually durable, light and breathable, kept her body’s temperature moderately cool during physical exertion in the daylight hours and perfectly warm and snug during inactivity and sleep despite the frigid temperatures of nighttime.  Meanwhile, every step she took from thereon was like walking on air or on clouds.

Necessities well disposed, as means of cementing the relationship and hoping same time to goad (prod) her into doing the same- he’d somewhat reluctantly and bashfully relayed his tragic personal history: Claiming to be of a young lad from an old established aristocratic family from Kontu that unfortunately due to unavoidable circumstances, while he was in his early teens, his family had fallen on hard times. Bent on upholding of what was just and honorable his illustrious father had sought retribution; unfortunately, with dire consequences. Ensuing years of retaliation and much bloodshed, he, the last of his line, finally seeing the light through the rigors of covert spiritual discipline, had long at last broken free from the ongoing vendetta and embarked on this religious quest. Hinting at an unimaginable atrocity, and some of it by his own hands, then a most grievous personal loss, details of which, being still too fresh, too painful for him to recount: he’d, after having ignited her curiosity and fueled her wild imagination, gracefully abstained from revealing any further.

She had no reason to doubt his story. Nor could she fathom the true motive, even if she did, for the weaving of such an elaborate account that would have ultimately ensnared the wisest, the absolute disbeliever in such a potent net. Meanwhile she’d relented about her earlier incertitude and so came to confess of her actual name being that of Teuquob, not Jiense. Despite her gratitude however, she’d remained (tight-lipped) hesitant to recount or to reveal the least bit of her personal history, deferring it to later time instead.

 He’d been both kind and understanding- masking not so well his apparent curiosity- by not pursuing the matter or prying into the reasons for her prior deceit. Afterwards, the two walking alongside, he’d readily volunteered his other admirable qualities, cloaked in false modesty of course. Overall as he appeared most sincere and kind, his amicable words soon won him her unbiased confidence. Of late she had even entertained the notion of forgoing the wait and unburdening herself entirely, without qualm, to this most sympathetic, compassionate individual. Observing him from the corner or her eye, rather discreetly she nodded to herself, yes, perhaps this evening, after the repose will be an appropriate time.

It turns out, he beat her to it.

They had not gone far that afternoon, when he’d abruptly halted and turning to face her, “Please don’t think me too intrusive, but your ladyship is on a similar quest as I, are you not?” he’d suddenly, to her astonishment, blurted out.

“That depends on the kindness of fate sir.” Her rash, ambivalent answer had at once escaped her lips; for amidst shock, she was inwardly pondering on what had given her away. Was it her demeanor, the manner of speech …What? Teuquob, granted a rare name, was merely her personal name, known only to immediate family members and a few intimate people.  He could surely not have made the connection. In Kontu she’d been sequestered most of her life in private quarters, there was little likelihood of him ever knowing anything about her- even if he’d happened to be, as he’d claimed, a prior aristocrat from her native land. Unless!?... Through the trusted grapevine, she’d heard of the existence of DFOCA (Deadly force of covert assassins) an elite network of spies and assassins recruited from all walks of life, in the secret employ of Hedenko. The special force, being party to all confidential information, had perpetuated and maintained a vast record on all key Kontu citizens, civilians, military and nobles alike. Nothing, however minute, escaped their detection or enumeration. The often-utilized knowledge, had spread fear and dread throughout the country, reaching far beyond the national borders!

But no! She quickly rejected that notion as well. No, he couldn’t be one of those butchers; there had to be another reason for his stark (blunt), startlingly keen perception.

From the corner of her eye, she studied him a while longer even though she’d desperately wanted to learn the extent of his knowledge, how much more did he know and was not telling?  But instead masking her resurgent unease, she presently smiled and quickly intoned. “But please do not refer to me in kind. I’d rather be addressed plainly, as Teuquob.”

“Though we are far from any civilization, I still wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to continue on with this impropriety- being guilty of blatant violation of protocol by addressing you by your personal name my Lady.” At once he’d vehemently objected; but as she insisted, relenting, he’d agreed to bend the rules of etiquette a little. “Oh, very well, as we are both cast perhaps by “Heaven’s” secret design into this wilderness, I suppose it won’t hurt to transcend some social barriers.” After a winning smile, with an elaborate bow- his hand in a semicircle sweeping the air- he’d gallantly consented. “In truth, I hate all that contrived ostentatious, pompous nonsense anyhow!” Looking away, he’d then mumbled to himself. “But I am rather offended and should really be cross with you for pegging me a DFOCA spy…Especially since I’ve said and done nothing to warrant that. Pray tell me, what further proof you need of my sincerity and of my good will?” He looked askance at her, then half turning chewed on the words, “Humans!” 

Before she could respond however, anew facing her in an altered mood, he’d with an amicable tone suddenly interjected: “Then again, it was providence that threw us together. An encouraging thought! Hmm, we must therefore, for the sake of harmony, strive to be more lenient, more tolerant of any shortcomings and not take any offence- whether it is in the form of misspoken words, acts or thoughts- to heart. Don’t you agree?” But his question seemingly did not warrant any response, as he without a pause continued. “The fault lies with me; in not completely winning your confidence, I humbly therefore offer my apologies! Absolute trust, basis of any friendship, after all, must be earned.”

Dumbfounded by this lecture, she’d just looked up at him, seeing him as if for the first time, but now in a different light. A truly complex individual, a bit paranoid perhaps and interchangeable as the wind, he was. Furthermore, underlying his seeming humility, she’d detected his feelings of annoyance, and a certain arrogance smothered in impatience.

This time he was truly irked by her. But mastering his outrage, he simply lowered his eyes and in thoughtful air stroked his chin. “Hmm. Unfortunately, yes, there is no other recourse my L… um, correction, Teuquob; you must ascent this terrible mountain that lies ahead if you so desire to reach the intended place of warship.” Looking up, he intoned earnestly, his face the very picture of a concerned sponsor. “But take heart for I can be of great service to you. I know what’s at stake and what’s to be expected; with all my abilities placed at your disposal, you needn’t be dismayed (or be afraid of failing). After all, and please don’t think me impertinent or presumptuous: For I say this with deep conviction: Yes, I must have been planted here by providence, as nothing is per chance; doubtlessly to see to it that you’ll fulfill your aim!”

A magnetic, winsome smile brushed his lips as he again startled her with the subsequent revelation. “Hmm; yes, you may also erase those worry lines, for Ensa is all right. She made it back O.K. The rough (thug) Yoansu meanwhile after an extensive search has deemed you to be dead…Perished in some deep chasm or at the maw of a voracious beast.  He’s long since called off his goons!”

“How did you…?” She sharply looked up, abruptly falling silent. Was he clairvoyant, able to foretell the future as well as decipher her thoughts (read her mind) and know her heart’s innermost desires?

Not quite. I told you the things you needed to hear. He wryly mused, narrowing his eyes. “Yes, you can say that; I’m somewhat a mystic.” He devilishly chuckled, meanwhile, outwardly answering her subsequent, silent query.

Observing her further unease, with a glib tongue he rushed to quickly add. “But I do hope you are not offended or least bit frightened by it? I do humbly apologize for my transgressions. This ability, newly gained boon or a curse has been the result of my long years of extensive spiritual training that had also encompassed rigors of meditation.  Yet if it makes you least bit uncomfortable, I’m more than willing to curtail, that is to refrain, as a sort of courtesy - as I’d done so already since our first meeting till now- from using this skill.  If you so desire, I’ll certainly abide by your wishes, to ensure you of your absolute right to privacy?”

She was thinking, you are true gentlemen, sir! When she, speechless, nodded her head.  

“It shall be as you desire!” he smiled amicably (delightedly). She was oh so naïve!

“I do apologize for getting on ahead of myself.” Lowering his gaze for a spell, he ejected sincerely. “After all, as fellow travelers on a serious quest, we must first learn to be at ease with each other; and only after a sufficient time perhaps become serious confidents, if not soul mates! And please do forgive my reiteration: the foremost basis, the core of any lasting relationship is trust, is it not? Taking due liberty,” he swallowed, shunning her eyes and looking every bit vulnerable.

“I now have a declaration, a sort of ignominious confession of my own to make: Despite the years of pedagogy and all my spiritual discipline, of late solitude was beginning to wear on my nerves. I craved the companionship of a single human being. Therefore, I’ve erred, begging your pardon now for all my unsolicited exuberance and for my however unintended, taken liberties (audacity) since our chanced meeting in this forlorn, desolate corner of the world.” He rejoiced when he again elicited the favorable response.

                                                                                                      ~

(END OF SECTION 2)

 

(MORE SURPRISING EPISODES WILL UNFOLD IN THE NEXT POST OF THE ORDEAL- SECTION  3)

 

Besting the Ghost

Besting the Ghost

By BoSt

To fall in love with someone special and then plan to share a life time with them through a bond of marriage is ideal. Often however considerations other than love come into play in marriages. In fact, it is still the custom for families in many countries to have an arranged marriage in order to augment political or economic status. But I digress. Let us just say, in the olden days this arranged marriage business was often the norm.

There was once a young couple who, after pomp and ceremony, settled in to live comfortably in a fine house with lots of land at the edge of town. As beloved children their families had seen to it that the couple would be compatible before they were married. Unfortunately many hidden vices surfaced after the marriage to disrupt their harmony. In time they were no more than two strangers barely speaking to each other but still living under one roof for the sake of appearances.

They thought they would be miserable forever, if only there were children to bridge this growing gap. But fate had other designs and before long, the couple’s strained but seemingly mundane life was seriously rocked with the onset of a grave illness that beset the young wife. Finally, after failed attempts to cure her, on the verge of expiring, the wife whispered to her husband in his feigned distress: “Dear husband, despite all your bad characteristics I still love you very much... Alas our time together was so cruelly interrupted.” She gasped a painful breath before resuming, “But marriage should be forever, here and in the hereafter...Promise me, after I leave you do not hasten from me to another woman. If you do, I shall find no rest and shall certainly return as a ghost and cause you endless trouble.”

Soon after this implied threat, the wife passed away. The husband at first respected her last wish and stayed celibate for some time, three months and two days to be exact. But then the loneliness drove him to seek the company of another. Chancing on an exquisite beauty at a small gathering, he became smitten at once. At first he observed her from afar in other social gatherings, and then he pushed for an introduction and gained a chance to converse with her. She was every bit as intelligent and artistic as she was beautiful. He could not help but fall deeply in love with her. This time through his own will they became engaged to be married. Immediately after the engagement party however a ghost appeared in his quarters that very night and continued on every night after that, with accusing words and gestures, blaming him for his breach of promise. The ghost was determined and angry as she related exactly what transpired between him and his new fiancé. Whenever he gave his new beloved a present or a token of their love, the ghost would describe in detail the particulars. She related, word for word all their private conversations. This so perturbed him that he suffered from a persistent case of insomnia. One of his close confidents advised him to take this problem to the local priest who lived in a seminary close to his home. He resisted this notion at first but as the problems persisted, he at long last went to the Priest seeking his help.

“Your former wife became a ghost and knows everything you do,” thoughtfully commented the Priest. “Whatever you do or say, whatever you give your fiancé, she knows of, you say? Hmm. She must be a very wise ghost. Really you should admire such a resourceful apparition. Here’s an idea; the next time she manifests, try bargaining with her. Tell her that, since she is so knowledgeable, you can obviously hide nothing from her and that if she can answer you one question, you will promise to break off the engagement immediately and content yourself thereafter to remaining single. “

“What is the question I must ask?” inquired the man.

“The Priest smiling replied: “Take a large handful of rice and ask her exactly how many grains of rice you hold in your hand. I she cannot tell you, you will know that she is only a figment of your imagination and upon this realization your trouble with the ghost should be no more.”

On the subsequent night, when the ghost again manifested, the man at first flattered her and told her that he was overawed that she knew everything.

“Indeed,” replied the ghost,” and furthermore, I also know that you went to see that Priest today.”

“I relent; but since you know so much,” demanded the man, “pray tell me how many grains of rice am I holding in my hand?”

There was no answer. The apparition simply vanished and from then on he saw no more ghost.

Fini.

THE LOST DAUGHTER LEELINAU

THE LOST DAUGHTER LEELINAU

(Original story: The Indian Fairy Book

From the Original Legends

Author: Cornelius Mathews)

Rewritten by BoSt

A long time ago a mighty hunter and his family lived in a modest dwelling alongside the lake near the base of the lofty highlands called Kaug Wudjoo. His favorite daughter, named Leelinau, was a beautiful girl who from the earliest age seemed sensitive, thoughtful, and imaginative. Being rather introverted, she unfortunately, passed much of her time in solitude, preferring nature and the company of plants, birds and animals to that of humans.

Whenever she could, she snuck out of the lodge and sought the remotest recesses of the woods. There was one particular section that had an irresistible draw and, oftentimes, she would sit in lonely reverie there upon some high promontory of rock overlooking the lake. Manitowok (otherwise known as the Sacred Wood) was truly an enchanting place. Resting there amid all the leafy haunts of forest pines, she lent an ear to the melodious ripples of the waves lapping against the open shore. This hallowed ground was of course shunned by all others who feared they might fall under the spell of its mystical inhabitants: the little wild men of the woods, the turtle spirits, or plant fairies that were believed to be consistently frolicking in mischievous revelry.
So fearful were some of the common folk that, whenever they were compelled to make a landing on this sacred coast, they always left behind an offering or token to appease any ill will and ward off malevolence from the indigenous fairy folk.

Leelinau, being the pure spirit of youth, had no such fear or adverse experience despite the many times she visited this place. She had no qualms visiting this enchanting place that welcomed her and made her feel as though she belonged.

Leelinau began finding her way here from a very young age. She would often go missing for many hours at a time as she gathered strange flowers and plants. Upon her safe return, she presented these delightful gleanings to her parents along with intriguing accounts of all her adventures that had transpired in her rambles.
Although her parents harbored a secret worry about her frequent visits to this sacred ground, they were unwilling to prohibit it to her, or even in any way deter her from going there. She’d always been very gentle and delicate in temperament and nature; therefore, they could not openly articulate their opposition for fear of making her sick; and so her visits to Manitowok persisted as she grew up in years to early teens.

Oh, but how she loved sitting in her favorite spot with her face turned upward, gazing at the sky or at the languid, shimmering ripples on water. Often she would linger long in contemplation, as though in communion with her guardian spirit seeking divine guidance and solace. Sometimes she would beseech the spirit to lighten her soul and alleviate the sadness that seemed of late to grip her heart. On other visits she would solicit the spirits to procure pleasant dreams or other innocent maiden’s favor.

On occasion, when her father remained afar on the hunt later than usual, and it was feared that he could be overwhelmed by a tempest, or encountered some misfortune, Leelinau would fast and then spend time in contemplation and a prayer in Manitowok while she implored the spirits’ help to speed his safe return.

As the years advanced, she, now an exquisite beauty in her mid-teens, frequented the fairy pines at greater length and, on her return appeared even more absorbed by it. Her increasingly strange detachment from the accepted norm greatly concerned her parents who began suspecting that some evil spirit had enticed her into its clutches, and had cast upon her a charm which she had not the power to resist.
This belief was confirmed when, one day, Leelinau’s mother, rising at dawn, secretly trailed her daughter into the woods. There, concealed by a huge trunk, she overheard her daughter, quietly seated at a rock, murmuring to some phantom companion, with appeals such as these:

“ Oh spirit of the dancing leaves!” whispered Leelinau, her heart palpitating with intense emotion. “Dear, sweet and gentle specter of the foaming stream. do not forsake me but visit thou my nightly pillow once more, shedding over it silver dreams of mountain brook and pebbly rivulets. Spirit of the starry night; lead my foot-prints to the blushing, burning passion-flower that shines with a carmine hue. Spirit of the greenwood plume,” she concluded, turning with passionate gaze to the beautiful young pines which lightly swayed their green leafy limbs over her head, gently brushing her face “ embrace me, your Leelinau, with thy intoxicating perfume, liken to the ones spring unfolds from its sweetest flowers, or hearts that to each other show their inmost adoration. I entreat you to hear this maiden’s prayer!”
Gradually with the passing of each day these strange communions with the phantom beings stole the heart of Leelinau away. Now she appeared detached and walked among her people in quiet melancholy, as though she was a passing spirit not belonging to that world. And this was not all, for she grew gradually more remiss with her daily routines, failing to complete even the simplest tasks of the lodge.

Before this time she used to frolic and engage in joyful interactions and play with her young companions as the girls of the neighboring lodges all assembled as usual before the lodge-door to participate in their favorite games of block and string. In contrast Leelinau would sit vacantly, dismissing these pastimes as trivial, unworthy of her attention, or she would feebly make the effort to join if only to articulate her thoughts that this activity was rather irksome to her.
Moreover, on those warm evenings when she was compelled to join in the group of young people as they formed a ring around the lodge and the leather and bone passed rapidly from one to the other she handed it along offhandedly with dispassionate indifference about winning.

Eventually summer turned into autumn and there came the joyful time of the corn harvest. The air was permeated with excitement as all members of the tribe congregated to participate in harvesting the ripened maize from the fields. They had not been at this long when one of the girls, coincidentally the one noted for her beauty, joyfully cried aloud having found a red ear. Everyone rushed over at once to congratulate her for this rare and most fortunate find; for it foretold a brave admirer who would soon be on his way to her father’s lodge. The girl blushed as crimson as the corn and, tucking the trophy to her bosom, awkwardly intoned her thanks for their well wishes then inwardly offered her sincere gratitude to the Great Spirit that the red ear was straight and true rather than being crooked and bent.
Just then one of the young men noted Leelinau’s unease as she stood aloof off to the side and, on looking more intently, spied in Leelinau’s hand another red ear she had just plucked, but this one was crooked. At once the word “Wa-ge-min!” rang out from him and the whole gathering gave a loud roar.
“The thief is in the corn-field!” shouted the young man, whose name was Lagoo and who happened to be a mischievous person well-known in the tribe for his mirthful powers of story-telling. “Beware all! Watch out for the old man stooping as he enters the field. Watch out for the one who crouches as he creeps in the dark. Is it not plain enough by this mark on the stalk that he was heavily bent in his back? Old man, be nimble or someone will take thee while thou art taking the ear.” Lagoo continued in his exaggerated tones, accompanying his words with the mimicked action of one bowed with age stealthily entering the corn-field. “See how he stoops as he breaks off the ear. Nushka! He seems for a moment to tremble. Walker, be nimble! Hooh! It is plain the old man is the thief.” He turned abruptly and, facing Leelinau as she sat in the circle, pensively regarding the crooked ear which she held in her hand, and then loudly screeched, “Leelinau, the old man is thine!”
Rounds of laughter rung merrily through the corn-field, but Leelinau, casting the crooked ear of maize down upon the ground, simply walked away without a word.

The subsequent morning at dawn the eldest son of a neighboring chief called at her father’s lodge. He was quite advanced in years; but he enjoyed such renown for his aptitude, dexterity and courage in battle, to say nothing of his expertise in the hunt, that Leelinau’s parents accepted him at once as a suitor for their daughter. They also held the firm belief that it must have been the chief’s son whom Lagoo had pictured as the corn-taker. Their decision was also based on the dire hope that he, with his proficiency as a warrior, would perhaps win back the affections and thoughts of Leelinau from the harmful phantoms in the spirit-land.
Leelinau did not express any objections to his age or give any other plausible reason; she simply shook her head in the negative, clearly rejecting his proposal. Her parents spent the night arguing the point between them. By the following day, with their mind set, ascribing the young daughter’s hesitancy to maidenly fear, they went ahead anyway and fixed the date for the upcoming nuptials.
Knowing her daughter’s whims better, Leelinau’s mother harbored a secret worry that she kept from her husband. She chose to busy herself for the next couple of days with the customary preparations, refusing to deal with the nagging question that haunted her peace: The marriage-visit to their lodge, when the old warrior would present himself at the door was arranged and the day was fast approaching. What if Leelinau refused to admit him? She’d already definitely informed her parents that she would never acquiesce to this match. Would she relent?
They had no way of knowing of course that in her heart of hearts Leelinau had already avowed fidelity to another.

When she was much younger she had confessed to her mother some, but not all, the details. The fancies that filled her young mind during all those absentee hours spent under that broad-topped young pine whose leaves whispered in the gentle murmur of the air in the evening hours when the twilight steals by with night on its heels.
During one of those times while reclining pensively against the young pine-tree, she’d fancied that she had heard a voice addressing her. At first it had been scarcely more than a sigh, but gradually it had grown more pronounced:

"Sweet maiden,” Said the melodious whisper. “Pray think of me not just a tree; but as one who is fond to be with thee; I, with my tall and blooming strength, with my bright green nodding plume that wave above thee. Thou art leaning on my breast, Leelinau; lean forever there and be at peace. Fly from men who are false and cruel, and quit the tumult of their dusty strife and instead embrace this quiet, lonely shade. Over thee my arms I will always spread, sturdier than the lodge's roof. I will breathe a perfume like that of flowers over thy happy evening rest. In my bark canoe I'll waft thee o'er the waters of the sky-blue lake. I will deck the folds of thy mantle with the sun's last rays. Come, and on the mountain free rove in bright Fairy with me!"
These riveting, enchanting words were drunk in with an eager ear by Leelinau and in time the tiny buds of love in her heart transformed into full blossoms.
Her mind made up, she’d sworn then and there to forsake all other. Returning to the spot time after time, she’d listen with intent to hear more but the voice became only an inaudible murmur and then it had ceased altogether. Even so, she felt such solitude and peace there. Meanwhile in her heart the hope persisted and flourished with a sure conviction that one day, one day, it will be so.

On the eve of the day that was fixed for her marriage, Leelinau donned her best garments. She arranged her hair according to the tradition of her tribe, and wore all her maiden ornaments in beautiful array. With a smile, she then came forth and presented herself to her parents.
“I am sorry to have caused you so much worry,” She said, “It is time for me to now to take my leave of you. My place is with the chieftain of the Green Plume, who is waiting for me at the Spirit Grove.”
Her face was radiant with joy, and the parents, taking what she had said as her own fanciful way of expressing acquiescence in their plans, and of her intention to have a clandestine meeting with her intended suitor, wished her good fortune in their happy meeting.
"I leave you with some trepidation in my heart," she continued, addressing her mother as they left the lodge, "Joyful as this event is, my heart is beset with sadness for I am going from one who has loved and nurtured me since my infancy; one who has guarded my youth; who has given me medicine when I was sick, and taught me to cook and sew.” Turning to take one last teary eyed look at the lodge, she added. “I am going from a father who has ranged the forest to procure the choicest skins for my dresses, and kept his lodge supplied with food and warmth. He kept us all safe from all danger. I am going from a lodge which has been my shelter from the harsh storms of winter, and my shield from the heat of summer. My gratitude is boundless for all that you’ve both done for me. But now I must leave you. Farewell, my beloved mother, my respected father, farewell!"
So saying, she sped faster than any could follow to the margin of the fairy wood, and in a moment she was lost to sight.

As she had often thus taken her leave of the lodge with such sentimental and solicitous words, her parents opted not to worry but instead confidently awaited her safe return. Time passed. Hour followed yet another hour, as the clouds of evening rolled up in the west; darkness came on, but no daughter returned.

They jumped from their seat at a loud knock on the door and rushed to open it. But instead of Leelinau, they came face to face with the forlorn and decidedly angry face of the bridegroom who demanded an explanation for this insult. Soon, armed with torches, they hastened to the wood in search of Leelinau. Although they lit up every dark recess and probed each leafy gloom, their search was in vain. Leelinau was nowhere to be seen. In lamentation they called her name, but she answered not.
Many suns rose and set, but nevermore in their light did the bereaved parent’s eyes behold the lost form of their beloved child. Soon they had to come to grips with a harsh reality: their beloved daughter was lost to them forever. Wherever she had vanished, it was to a place no mortal eyes could see and no mortal tongue could tell.

Some years later however, it chanced that a company of fishermen, who were spearing fish in the lake near the Spirit Grove, saw an apparition. Back in the village they excitedly descried their encounter as they sat by the fire under the moonlight night; how they had spotted, only for an instant, an enchantingly beautiful apparition resembling a female figure clad in flowing, flowery garments standing on the shore. As the afternoon was mild and the waters calm, they had cautiously pulled their canoe in toward the bank, but the slight ripple of their oars invoked alarm. The phantom beauty had fled in haste, but not before they recognized in the shape and dress as she ascended the bank, the lost daughter, and they saw further her most handsome fairy-lover, green plumes waving over his forehead as he glided lightly through the forest of young pines.

The End.