Deep in the Forest (Wattpad Editor's Pick, June '22)

11

 The old cabin looked the same as it had when Takota visited as a young boy. The red metal roof covered the dark oak logs and sagging front porch. Dreamcatchers hung in every dirt crusted window above clay pots filled with herbs and a few flowers. Off to the right of the quaint home, a small stream sang a burbling song to the surrounding willows and firs. 

Even amongst the beautiful and serene surroundings Takota's head throbbed from all the dead he sensed wandering around. At home, he set boundaries, so he could sleep without a spirit waking him up in the middle of the night for a chat. Clearly the shaman didn't bother with such practices, so they were drawn to him like moths to a flame. 

The screen door banged against the outer cabin wall and out stumbled a chunky man with shaggy, long hair that looked like it hadn't been brushed in ages. "You aren't welcome here!" The man spit on the ground. 

Takota barely recognized his father. He clenched his fists and straightened his back, giving him several inches height on the other man. "We are here to speak with the Shaman." 

"Only the faithful may seek his advice." 

Lifting a bag full of Salmon, Takota said, "I bring him an offering for I know the ways of the people." 

A thin, elderly man in a wheelchair rolled to the door opening. His eyes were white from macular degeneration, but he seemed to miss nothing. He spoke quietly, but with an unquestionable authority. "Ah, there you are. The spirits told me to expect you and your friend, grandson." 

"Grandson?" Zoe cocked her eyebrow. 

"Yeah, it's a long story. I'll explain later," Takota whispered. He hoped he wouldn't have to, but knowing Zoe, she wouldn't let this go until she knew all the facts. 

"Hello grandfather. I seek your guidance about--" 

"You have angered Ste ye hah." He shook his head. "That was foolish." 

Grandma Sohappy's ghostly form appeared behind her husband. 'He's still as handsome as the day I met him, and wiser than I remember.' 

Takota felt naked, like a newborn babe that needs protection from the elements. 

Zoe spoke up, "It was an accident; we meant no disrespect." 

The Shaman rolled onto the dilapidated porch and waved them over. He radiated calm and understanding that soothed Takota's headache, even the spirits settled down. "Come sit. I will tell you the tale of Ste ye hah and then you can decide what you want to do." 

Takota went to sit on the bench, but the drunk stood in his way with his arms crossed over his chest. 

"Forgive him, Hatali. It's the fire water poisoning his mind." 

He rubbed his aching temples and thought at his grandmother, 'Not now Granny.' 

'Very well,' she huffed before vanishing from sight. 

"Let them pass, John," the Shaman said. 

The drunk man looked at the Shaman with reverence in his dark brown eyes. He stepped aside just enough to let them by. The whiskey smell emanating from him, burnt Takota's nose. 

"For you, Grandfather." He went to set the bag down and John grabbed it. 

"I'll take that inside." The screen door cracked against the frame like it was breaking the wood into splinters. 

From the Shaman's pocket came a pipe. Sulfur tinged the air as he lit a match and applied it to the contents of the bowl. He blew smoke through his motionless mouth, the cloud of it closing over the few stars dotting the early evening sky, spreading thin, dissipating. "Have you been told the tale of the Wolf?"