Columbine hears Shales’ Story

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Daisy had been crying again. She lay in her mothers’ comforting arms by the hearth of her childhood hut while Camus stroked her head, making soothing noises “Now, now my dear. I’m sure he’s just lost. You know what the Skeena can be like. And there was that terrible storm last week.  Probably just threw them off course.  We’ll find him.  Your father will take his gull out tomorrow and start searching”

Just then a tap, tap, tap sounded and their heads turned in unison to the door.  “Come in” called Camus”

The door opened and Columbine came in with Bones and Starfish.  Behind them shuffled a little bundle of a creature who waddled in like a chubby porcupine and looked more like a rag heap than a woman. It was, of course, Viola.  With obvious curiosity, Camus invited them all to sit by the fire.

Columbine came up to Daisy, crouching down to her level and showed her the stone amulet.  Daisy immediately burst into tears.  Uncontrollable sobs wracked her body while her mother clung to her more tightly. Camus looked at it and said “Its Cranberry’s’ wedding charm.  Daisy carved it herself.  He wore it always.”   Camus tried to control the silent tears streaking her cheeks. “Where was it found?  Who found it?” she asked.

Columbine pointed out Viola.  “Viola brought it with her.  Her son Baneberry is a fisherman and he found it four days ago on a sandbar near the mouth of the Skeena at low tide.”

“But why are we just seeing it now!” she inquired looking back and forth at each of them.

“I, I…” sniffed Viola.  Trying to figure out Viola was as easy as grabbing a handful of clouds.

“She wanted to present it to Council herself.  Luckily Bones and Star saw the need for immediacy.” Columbine explained. “We have it now.  As to where it was found, it was not on their planned route.  Baneberry found it on a sandbar near the mouth of the Skeena.  Being stone, it probably didn’t drift too far.  Come tomorrow morning we’ll take it to the Elders at our morning Council.”

“Perhaps we could show it to Shale” suggested Bones.  “It might help jog his memory.”

“Good idea” nodded Columbine in agreement.  “But that will have to wait as well.  Fern has him dosed up to help with the pain and there’ll be no waking him up ‘til morning.  Try not to worry Daisy.  There’s a lot of sandbars out there. If he can be found, we’ll find him.”  She looked back to Camus. ”Is Douglas planning on helping with his gull tomorrow?”

“Yes” she said.  “And maybe Raven could help with his Bird as well if we ask him very, very nicely.”

“As long as they keep the birds apart.  Ravens and gulls never did get along” added Camus.

“Until the morning then.” Columbine said as they took their leave, Viola shuffling behind them.