The Adventures of Wilunitus: Adventures of Wilunitus: Will of an Eagle Heart of a Dove

By Bruce Charles McPherson

Wilunitus finds himself trapped and alone. He sees no future and can remember no past. Yet vivid visions foretell better times and a magical power within is about to unleash a world of danger and adventure he must learn to embrace. His mind says stay put but his heart beckons him forward. Forward, into a daring journey that might end in disaster but could also lead to power, riches and the girl of his dreams. Join him and Saul, a scruffy old talking bird, Wick from Ick, their guide who is an emotional wreck, UNIKI, an amusing water Deity full of timely advice, Grand Master Uliom, his elderly, mystical, mentor who appears and reappears at will, and many other strange beings and magical places. Wilunitus battles not only turmoil in his outer world but also within, as he learns to combine the will of the majestic eagle with the heart of the lowly dove.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bruce McPherson
• Release date: Dec 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9780995962217

Bruce Charles McPherson

Bruce Charles McPherson has been a writer forever but is just starting to share his brain storms with the world. “The Adventures of Wilunitus: Will of an Eagle Heart of a Dove” is his first Novel. Book two is already in the works. With a background in Executive sales and years of experience coaching and motivating young athletes, McPherson has a good grounding in those subtle inner qualities that help us to be at our best. “When you are motivating yourself or others there is a certain special, undefined place, in all of us that needs to be reached. All of life is a journey but it is the magic inside that pushes us to make our dreams come true. This is what the story of Wilunitus is about.”.

Book preview

Chapter 1- A raging Storm, A cold Dark Lake

On the edge of a dark , rain-soaked forest a bright flash of lightning revealed a lone bird fretting in the night. The creature was frantic and feared for his life as the old cage he was trapped in plunged down the side of a steep embankment. Careening off stumps and rocks the cage and petrified occupant tumbled to the bottom and stopped. The bird took a deep breath and attempted to lick his wounds.

The flow of rainwater shifted the cage as it slid in the greasy mud and it spilled over another cliff. The fall was short but the landing sent shock waves through the bird's entire body. The cage has fallen into water! Deep water! Fast moving water!

The bird was terrified as his cage became swamped. He wrapped his wings around the bars and rode the stream to its mouth where he was dumped into the frosty waters of a lake. He bobbed up and down in the darkness and strained to catch his breath. Suddenly, something rammed against his cage. What now? He wondered. Is that a boat?

His first thoughts were of rescue but then came the frightening conclusion it might be – Them! When a second boat slid by he knew he was right. Through flashes of lightning he watched the transfer being made. One boat departed, the other remained.

As thunder struck, lightning illuminated the ghostly outline of a solitary boat. It wallowed cruelly in the waves and the lone occupant seemed doomed. Another flash brought the poor boy on board to his senses. He began to cry anxiously into the night as if his lost friend could hear him.

Saul! Saul! What have I done? He pleaded desperately as his eyes intermixed with tears and rain. I was wrong Saul! He continued. I was wrong to doubt you and now I fear I may have killed you. What have I done?

Never mind what you’ve done! screeched a phantom voice. I need help now!

The boy’s heart jumped. Am I hearing things? he asked himself in a shivering voice. Could that be Saul’s ghost, out there in this mess?

Well, don’t just sit there, the voice continued, Lend a hand boy! Help me out of this water before I am completely swamped.

As the boy peered cautiously into the darkness a great clap of thunder triggered an explosion of lightning that lit up the entire lake. There he was! A lone bird, in a wooden cage, bobbing recklessly in the spiteful waters. As his mind rapidly asked a thousand questions as to how the bird could possibly be here, the voice spoke again.

By the Great Eagle, boy! Get over here and help a frazzled bird! I’m losing the battle!

The boy paused then quickly decided to start rocking the boat to manoeuvre it in the waves. It worked! Somehow he was able to get close enough to grab the cage.

Saul! he cried out. "What are you doing out here? Are you all right? I am so glad to see you, old bird?

Humph! sputtered the bird, You and I have a lot to talk about!

Oh, I know Saul. I am so sorry. I was so wrong... I...

Never mind boy! The bird interrupted. We have more pressing matters to attend to such as you appear to be sinking!

Sinking? So involved with the danger the boy had neglected to notice his boat was taking on water. In desperation he sat down, head in hands.

It is no use Saul, he gasped. We are doomed. I see no way out!

Get a hold of yourself boy! scolded the bird. Help me out of this cage!

The boy tried desperately to open the cage but it was no use. He could not budge it with his cold, numb hands.

Maybe I can jump on it Saul, the boy suggested.

That won’t be easy in your predicament, replied the bird. We need another plan and we need it now!

Can we reverse this Saul? shouted the boy.

Reversing was a method both had used in the past to solve problems. It involved looking at the situation from a different angle to find a solution.

My, my boy, we really are getting mileage out of this reversal business are we not? suggested the bird. However, I must confess it has given me an idea. It is a long shot but we may have no choice. You have to trust me now as time is running out.

What do you want me to do? he asked.

Start rocking this boat! Saul bellowed. Rock it back and forth with the motion of the waves!

The boy did as he was told as he was too cold and wet to argue but as the boat began to rock, it appeared certain it would capsize.

Why are we doing this? shouted the boy. If we go into the water we are for it. This lake will swallow us up.

It will swallow us anyway, boy! countered the bird. Don’t you see? This boat is sinking! Now trust me boy this is our only chance. Rock this boat and when it rolls over grab the cage and jump into the water!

By rocking the boat and with help from the cresting waves the vessel took on its own energy and swayed violently beneath its terrified occupants.

I hope you know what you’re doing bird, screamed the boy. Because here we go!"

The boat rose rapidly and toppled over throwing both boy and cage into the icy waters. They disappeared leaving nothing but swirling wet darkness. Then all at once, both boy and caged bird exploded to the surface gasping for air!

Swim for the boat now! sputtered Saul, spitting out water. Don’t lose the boat.

As more flashes lit up the lake, the boy could see the boat had capsized but was still afloat. He knew if he didn’t get to the craft quickly it would drift away. Dragging the cage beside him, he swam to the boat and grabbed on. He was breathing hard and sputtering water but the bird would not allow him to rest.

Listen carefully and trust me! screamed Saul. Push my cage beneath the water, across and under the boat. Do it quickly in one motion with as much force as you can?

But Saul I don’t understand, the boy pleaded.

Trust me, please! demanded the panicking bird. We won’t last much longer. When you have me beneath the boat, duck under and join me.

At first the boy did not get it. Fear gripped him with momentary paralysis yet he knew they had no choice! He plunged both bird and cage through the water forcing them under the boat, then held on to catch his breath. As the cage disappeared beneath the waters the boy was overcome with loneliness and panic but he knew he had run out of options. In he dove!

Lightning struck again illuminating a most dreadful scene. An overturned boat at the mercy of a ruthless lake on a night not fit for any living being. Yet under the abandoned craft things could not be more different.

The boy could not believe it! It was quiet, peaceful and even a bit warm. Stranger still though was they could breathe under there. There was a trapped pocket of air!

How can this be, Saul? he demanded. There is air under here!

Yes, there is boy, replied Saul, and no storm. I am not certain how long we can stay here, but it buys us time. Now see if you can climb up and position yourself under the middle seats. You may be scrawny enough.

The boy was able to get his head and shoulders up through one seat and lifted his legs up on to the other. Completely out of the water, he relaxed for a moment then called to his friend.

I am there now, Saul.

How is it?

It is a little uncomfortable but better than the cold lake.

You now are the furnace in this little establishment boy, the bird explained. The boat will trap a little body heat from you so we can warm up a little.

After a moments silence the boy spoke up again.

How long can we stay like this?

No telling, answered, Saul. Try and rest a little. I will stay awake and keep watch. If it gets too stuffy I will wake you.

THE BOY COULD NOT SEE the bird, but in their own little world beneath the boat there was a certain relief in hearing his voice. So much had happened to them over the past few days that even the small comfort of this bizarre port in a storm had its merits. Though the boys exhausted body became motionless, his restless mind drifted far beyond the cold lake, away from the relentless storm and back to where this had all begun – not that many moons ago.

Chapter 2–Darkness and Despair to Visions of Greatness

It is hard to have hope in the midst of despair. It is hard to have dreams when all you see in front of you is four black walls and all you have inside you is nagging hunger. It is hard to wish for better things when you are cold, wet and alone.

As far as the rest of Universe was concerned the mood had been ripe for this. There was a feeling, especially amongst the lesser beings, that something special and exciting was about to happen. It was as if all the leaves that were to fall had fallen and all the new buds that were to spring forth, had kept their promise as well. It was time for this legend to unfold and yet to the desperate young human trapped in a damp, dark pit in a forgotten forest, the world had no future and it seemed to have no past.

This boy was a rather pathetic young soul, quite troubled by his situation. If anyone had happened by – and not one had – then it would have been obvious he was unable to escape his muddy prison. Worse still, the young human had no idea how he had arrived there. He could not remember a life before the pit and nor could he conceive of a life after. He whiled away the hours brooding about how miserably doomed he was. His body had no way to escape but his mind was imprisoned as well. It was impossible for it to even remotely imagine the events that were about to unfold.

One day, as he lay in the pit he was startled by the presence of a scruffy old bird hovering above him. He was puzzled by the bird’s sudden interest in his plight.

Bird! demanded the boy, as he wiped mud from his tearful eyes. What is it you want? Where have you come from?

Well, not from around these parts, replied the bird, that is for certain, but as I was grazing on some delightful berries nearby I could not help overhearing this pathetic, whimpering sound. Thought perhaps it was a mangy, old cat caught in a trap and I felt compelled to rush over and cheer him on in his misery. I am curious, boy. Whatever are you doing in this dirty, little ditch?

Disbelieving eyes glared at the bird with disdain. He could see the bird was old. Not ancient, but weathered none the less. He knew the species but could not recall it. He was a large bird, yet not enormous and had he been a dog, one might surely have declared him a mutt. A prominent beak offset very large eyes with a wisdom that was old, yet beamed a youthful energy. His feathers were a dark grey with blueish tinge and the boy marveled at him being not only a talking bird, but a rather rude one as well.

Really! the boy stated abruptly. Can you not see the hopelessness of my plight here in this filthy excuse for a home? I am trapped silly bird! There is no way out! I will soon die here, like a rat caught in a trap.

The bird pondered this remark for a moment and then spoke.

You do appear to have two strong legs do you not, and a pair of gangly arms? Why not just climb out?

What did you just say to me? questioned the boy. Think it’s that simple do you bird? When I try to climb out of here the soft muddy walls begin to cave in beneath me! Watch!

It was sad for the bird to witness this tragedy for no sooner had the boy began his climb then the walls slid beneath his fingers and he tumbled back into the mud. For the bird it all seemed so simple. Many times he had flown in and out of hollows such as this to quench his thirst lapping up puddle water. He understood the boy was in trouble and wondered how he might help.

What’s wrong here boy, as I see it, is you have been focusing on the problem instead of the solution. You are too absorbed with not being able to get out of this pit so that remains your reality. You need to turn this around. You need to concentrate on a life beyond this miserable mud hole. You need a grander vision, boy! suggested the bird as he dropped a branch of fresh blueberries into the boys lap.

A grander what? queried the boy, as he gobbled up the welcome meal.

A grander vision! repeated the bird. A grander, more extraordinary reason to will yourself out of these hopeless conditions.

Such as? The boy asked rather carefully.

Well, something you desire so deeply you could overcome any obstacle to attain it! explained the bird.

Just getting out of this pit would be enough for me right now, answered the boy rather sternly.

Yes, well you see, suggested the bird, that goal simply is not grand enough. Otherwise you would be free already. Would you not?

The boy glared sternly at the bird. His long, brown hair reminded the old bird of a dirty, over worked mop and the cold stare of his icy, blue eyes was made more prominent by his mud streaked face. The bird observed the boy was on the verge of becoming a man, in stature at least. Gangly arms and legs offset a long, scrawny frame ravaged by hunger but still growing none the less. There was passion in his face, a near perfect nose, and a very deliberate mouth showcased a strong, evolving jaw. There was a nobility about him, not only in his manner but in his clothes as well despite their ragged, muddy appearance. Large, prominent hands with nimble fingers waived in unison with every word, every complaint, every rebuttal. The bird could feel the great potential in this boy and decided he needed to do something.

Of course you would! explained the bird, answering his own question. Right now you see only mud walls, so that is the limit to your ambitions! You have to think larger, boy. You need a goal so enticing that the pure energy of it might will you out of this mud hole. Getting out of here can be just the beginning!

The boy contemplated this for a moment and then spoke.

I am not sure where you are going with this bird – however, since no magical band of wandering gypsies has happened by, eager to lend a hand – you may have to do. Please continue.

Well, let me see, said the bird as he looked to the skies and scratched the bottom of his beak with the tip of his wing, surely you must have some dream or ambition of sorts boy; some notion of a better life; some spark of memory of an existence before this pit; some vision of better circumstances.

The boy thought for a moment, then threw his hands out in desperation.

I have no memories before this pit. I am afraid I am doomed!

Nonsense! snapped the bird. You are doomed only in your own mind! It seems you will need a little inspiration, he suggested, as you don’t appear to be much help to yourself. Rot has set into that brain of yours the same way it will soon settle into your feet. As he engaged his wing feathers and began to take flight he turned to the boy and shouted reassuringly. Keep the faith boy! I shall return!

Alas, all was quiet again. The boy reflected for a moment on the events that had transpired. After a while, he began to suppose they may not have happened at all. The bird may have been a bad dream, or perhaps his starved body was having sport with his wavering mind.

Time passed. The young prisoner began to forget about the extraordinary little visitor and he eased back into a gloomy, slumber no longer caring about the wet mud that caked his clothes, nor the ominous cloud that numbed his mind. Yet miracles it seems do not follow any set rules. They come on strange wings, at strange times and in strange places. The boy awoke one morning to a very excited chirping and pecking at his shoulder.

It’s me boy! Your friend! yelled the bird. I have returned. Wake up boy, I have news! He flew to the edge of the pit and looked at the boy for a moment. He gazed into his eyes with excitement and then spoke. "I have found your grander vision!"

Oh, wretched bird, why do you torment me so? whined the boy.

No, no you must listen! the bird continued. I have found a quest for you that might give you the will to find a way out of your hopelessness, he explained, as he fluttered up to the boy’s shoulder. Listen carefully and picture this in your mind, if you will. Out of this pit and beyond there is a deep gorge and across that gorge, there is a magnificent lake. On the other side of that lake, there is a great mountain which is so high its peak is above the clouds. At the foot of that mountain lies an ancient and rather remarkable old castle. Inside the castle there is a keeper – but no King. Within the walls of the castle it is rumored there are great riches of gold, silver and rare gems – quite literally a King’s Ransom! There are large store houses teeming with huge mounds of food and countless servants and subjects just milling around going about their business, as if they were preparing for an honored guest. Legend has it the castle has sat there for ages and the keeper was given the duty by visitors from a far off land to mind the castle. That is, until a brave and worthy warrior comes forth to cross the great lake, scale the walls of the castle and claim it for their own!

The boy paused for a moment then shook his head rapidly!

Really, bird! Castle treasure? Really? he questioned in utter frustration.

No, no it’s all true! chirped the bird. I have seen the lake and the mountain. Other wandering birds all have the same story. Many lived in the castle themselves. It is all there boy and ripe for the arrival of an eager, young lad such as yourself!

The boy’s face went blank for a moment but the bird watched closely as it slowly began to brighten. As the bird went on and on about the magnificence of the castle the boy began to vividly envision it in his mind. He became so excited his eyes grew larger and the color returned to his face. He began to entertain a marvelous vision of the castle, complete with riches and food and it all washed over his imagination in waves of excitement! Food! Mountains of food, and drink! He could almost taste it! Warm clothes and a large, feather bed! All of this thrilled the boy so much he stood up and stared into the blue sky above. Suddenly, his look of joy turned once again to despair. Face in hands, he dropped back to his knees and into the filthy pit.

What is it, boy, demanded the bird hovering above the boy. What now?

Excuse me, bird, whined the boy, but how am I supposed to pass over some deep gorge, cross a huge lake, and scale some stupid castle wall when I can’t even get my wet butt out of this pit?

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, boy, explained the bird. We need to think this out logically perhaps. Let me see now. I, the bird, am not in the pit.

Wait, what! the boy snapped back sarcastically. Think of that all by yourself did you?

Well, what I mean, explained the bird, is that I simply don’t get into, or at least stay in pits because – because, dear boy?

You can fly for one thing! answered the boy, spitefully. 

Precisely! exclaimed the bird. I can fly. Now if you could fly, well then this would all become quite academic, would it not? Tell me boy, can you fly at all? Do you have any means for overcoming gravity, so to speak?

Well, I suppose I can jump replied the boy.

That’s it! noted the bird Jump out then!

You really are not helping. Jumping will not work, bird, explained the boy. The pit is clearly far too deep. Do you think stupid bird that I would still be here if it were that simple?

But perhaps it is that simple explained the bird. Some problems are easier to solve if you look at them differently. We need to perhaps reverse the problem.

What are you saying bird?

What is the opposite of too deep, boy?

Well, I guess less deep, the boy replied rather sheepishly.

Precisely! exclaimed the bird. Let us make the hole less deep, or to look at this differently again, let us make it – help me here, boy.

The boy looked at him sternly at first. Then his eyes slowly grew wider and his expression changed. Suddenly the lamp was lit!

More full! cried the boy. You know what! That’s it, bird! I can fill this dumb hole up from the sides and make it more full. Every time I try to get out it starts to crumble. Well, let’s make it crumble a lot! That been said, he began to claw at the sides of the hole frantically while he stamped down the rising mound of mud with his feet.

Keep the vision boy! screamed his new friend. Keep the vision of the castle in your mind. It will give you hope and with hope will come more energy!

The boy scraped and pulled and clawed and stamped and slowly the hole filled up. The mud was flying with such furry, the bird decided to vacate the area for a while and flew up higher to hover just above the barrage of dirt and dirty water.

Try it now! shouted the bird. Think of the castle and jump as hard as you are able!

The boy stopped for a second and closed his eyes. He concentrated with all his might and all his will. He thought of the wonderful vision of the castle and it intertwined with his angry feelings about the awful pit. He mustered all his might and with a powerful grunt, jumped up and out of his dingy prison. As he stood teetering at the edge of the pit a look of utter astonishment covered his face. It was replaced quickly with an uncontrollable, overpowering grin.

I am free! he yelled suddenly as he ran around the pit, arms flapping like a bird.

I’m free, free! Fresh air – and what a view! This is better – this is much better. I’m free! I’m free! Thank you little bird! You are a genius! he shouted to his new friend.

Yes, yes, well you helped yourself didn’t you? exclaimed the bird, as he flapped his own wings and flew above his happy friend dancing around the pit. The vision gave you the energy you needed. It gave you a reason to conquer that awful doom and gloom. You can do anything now my boy. You have a purpose, a wonderful joyous vision that can carry you anywhere!

He flew up to a nearby limb to catch his breath. We have the vision boy! We have the destination, the bird continued. Now we need a plan. Come, let us go and find food and a place to rest. This journey has only just begun!

THAT NIGHT THE BIRD and the boy found shelter at an old abandoned hunter’s camp and nestled comfortably beside a war nurturing fire. After gathering berries and roots they found pots and items left behind for making fires and cooking, and tossed together a tasty meal to warm their insides.

Tomorrow we must cross the gorge, explained the bird, as he lay contentedly on his back rubbing his full belly and basking in the soothing heat of the camp fire.

Well, you know, explained the boy sheepishly, I really am happy just to be out of that lonely pit. I am not so sure I want to risk spending my days at the bottom of an even bigger hole. Besides, I do not have a good feeling about that gorge. What if it’s bottomless? Perhaps it might be better to head in the opposite direction and take my chances, come what may.

Bottomless gorge? Are you kidding me? snapped the bird. Really! What utter nonsense! I didn’t coax you out of that ditch just to have you wander off and stumble into another. Now that you are free and have a second chance at an exciting new future, why not follow the magic it might bring?

As he stirred the fire the boy knew the bird was right. This new vision; this new goal; this new second chance; felt good but with it came the fear of a new greater unknown. As he pondered that fear, a strange and rather vague recollection overcame his thoughts.

Do you have a name, bird? he asked.

Humph, what’s that? What are you saying? questioned the bird, somewhat annoyed at the boy changing a rather important subject.

Are you called something rather than just, bird? continued the boy.

I am! said the bird I will tell you my name if you tell me yours.

That is what brought this up then. I have a rather foggy, memory just now of what my name might be, explained the boy.

Go on, said the bird, his eyes closed now and his wings folded over his chest.

It is Wilunitus, I think! the boy said. "I am Wilunitus, I believe, or something like that. It came