Excerpt
A short distance below the cave, he found Ari and Ula strolling arm-in-arm by a
stream bank filled with spring beauties in bloom. Not wishing to disturb the couple,
Rordan stooped to admire a delicate pink trillium, blooming in the dappled shade
between the roots of a budding maple. He was absorbed in the flower’s beauty when
he heard a pleasant Mandan voice behind him.
“Spring blossoms are beautiful to look at but poisonous to eat. That is how they
are protected from being eaten by the four-legged creatures.”
He turned to face Yamka, radiant in morning sunshine. “When I was little, I believed
tiny fairies held their spring festivities in the hollows between the roots of
forest giants such as this.”
Yamka held out her hand. “Walk with me. Tell me more about your tiny fairies.”
Rordan took Yamka’s hand for an instant then self-consciously let go as they both
walked away from Ari and Ula who were having their own tête-à-tête. They strolled
slowly, with many pauses to look around tree trunks and under the edges of clumps
of brush. As they searched, they discovered a cluster of fragile blooms.
There was so much beauty in the forest, and as the sun disappeared behind unexpected
clouds, Rordan and Yamka realized they were lost. Both called out to Ari and
Ula but there was no reply. Rordan knew that moss grows on the north side of tree
trunks but that knowledge was of no use when neither knew which direction they
had walked away in.
As the forest grew dark and cold, the only sensible thing to do was to find shelter
in a rocky overhang and wait for morning. They both gathered branches and leaves
into a dry space in a small cave opening partially sheltered by a fallen tree and snuggled
in for the night.
The attraction and warmth they felt toward each other was now irresistible.
After Brother Keallach left the cave, Father Finten paced angrily. Then he sat by
his belongings and pulled out the white robe Corn Mother had mistakenly presented
to Rordan. He stroked the cotton fabric and rubbed his fingers over the beadwork
crosses on the hem.
When we arrive at Fire Maker’s camp, I shall wear this robe and my ministry will
begin anew, he thought. The Brothers will be strengthened in their faith and practice
once more and together we will bring these misguided heathen to the One True God.
By the time Keallach and Ailan returned with Fire Maker and Bjorn and a goodsized
deer buck, Finten was over his anger. Ari and Ula came in next with rosy cheeks
and a basket of fresh greens but Brother Rordan and Yamka did not return. When
darkness fell, the six finally sat down to supper. A search in the dark was inadvisable.
Besides, Rordan and Yamka knew how to take care of themselves; they’d turn up in
the morning or Ari and Ula would return to where they were last seen together.
Father Finten remained awake throughout the night, not so worried about the
young couple’s survival as about the Brother’s vow of celibacy. He prayed fervently
that Brother Rordan would have the fortitude and grace to resist the evil lurking
beneath the cover of darkness.
