Hearing my name shouted, by more than one man, startled me. I grabbed my musket from the wall and poked it out one of the shooting ports I had fashioned around my hut…in the direction from which the shout had come. It was kneeling high, the muzzle emerged just above the top of the fire logs I had stacked around my home. “Who’s there?!?!” I yelled through the wall as I cocked the hammer. I could dimly see four bodies illuminated by the morning sun in front of my blade sight.
“Its Kerry, Patrick, Estaban and MacJon.” Kerry hurriedly answered. “Are you allright?” They were standing still until I got used to the idea of their presence.
I pulled my musket back and still holding it went out the door. “Of course I am allright. Why shouldn’t I be?” I called as I lowered the musket and waved them forward. Kerry looked back at his friends with a sigh of relief and his characteristic grin. They were all glancing around. Seemed alert about something.
When they had gotten close enough, Kerry told me point blank, “There is a huge Bear around and it is being followed by strangers.” I liked the way he didn’t “beat around the bush”.
“Well this is a gob of news so early in the morning. You boys come in and have some hot tea while you bring me up to date about this Bear and strangers.” I turned and led them in. “It’ll take me a minute, so just warm yourselves by the fire and start your tellin.” While they settled on a couple of log stools, or on the furs on the floor, I went over and got the teapot, a hand full of fresh black berry leaves and the honey. While I got the water hot they told me about their discovery. Hearing what they had to say, I was glad they checked on me. That beast could have come straight here. “ Bout a two thousand ponder you say? That’s one big hunk of bone, muscle and fur.” I shivered inside at the thought of it. I poured them all and myself some of the steaming brew. “So…what are you going to do now that you see I am all right?” I sipped my tea and waited for their reply.
MacJon cleared his throat and said, “Well, I think I will try and follow it further to learn more about it. But before I do, I need to ask you a healing question.”
“Ok. What would you like to know Mac?”
“Well, Joseph left yesterday morning and sailed east.” He paused for a second to give me a chance to close my mouth and then continued. “It seems his nephew, Henry, got sick with cholera and he was desperate to get help for him.” He saw me frown and quickly said, “Treeana. It’s just that he hoped for something more potent than what he believed you could offer him.”
“Oh that’s just as well Mac.” I replied earnestly, “All I could have done was keep him comfortable as possible and try to keep him hydrated.” I thought for a second and concluded, “I don’t know of any herbs for that one.”
“Well that answers what I needed to know from you.” He smiled and stood. “Thank you for the information and tea. I had better not let that trail get too cold. Best get moving.”
“I’m going with you”, Kerry stood and gulped down the last of his tea. He saw the worried expression that flashed on MacJon’s face and added, “Don’t worry, I’ll be quiet and careful. You best not try it alone. There’s too much to watch.” He nodded at the sensibility of Kerry’s words.
“We want to go too.” Patrick and Estaban chimed in.
MacJon raised his hand and said, “I need you two to take this news to the village. Our people need to be kept up to date on these developments. If something happens to us, at least the village will be a little forewarned about it.” He thought for a second and then requested, “ If you would, while you are taking this report to Father Donovan and the rest, check the trail for sign of other travelers.” He headed for the door. Kerry and the others followed. So did I.
“I’m going with you and Kerry, MacJon.” I told his back determinedly.
“I had hoped you would Treeana.” He looked over his shoulder and smiled. “A woman of your talents and spirit might be helpful in what may unfold here. We’ll go slow until you catch up. Could you please bring a little food for us?”
I nodded and gathered my things. I remembered to get my sling too. Patrick and Estaban were already headed toward the village to fullfill their part of our little action. Kerry and MacJon were moving out across the landscape in a south east direction. I soon caught up with them.

Treeana