Facing Forward: Ebbe's (Ebb-E) Story

By Susan Kauer Ritchie

Every folklore has a beginning, a place where magic merges with imagination, where it weaves its web around our hearts and takes us on a journey that is part truth and part fable. Do you believe in trolls? Trolls have existed longer than we can imagine, in seven villages along a river that laughs white-water

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminare Press
• Release date: Sep 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798886790375

Susan Kauer Ritchie

Susan Kauer Ritchie was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She graduated in 1964 from Polytechnic High School in 1964. She has been a caregiver, a massage therapist, the owner of a flower shop and a house cleaning business. She has been lucky enough to travel the world with her late husband. Susan currently lives in Klamath Falls, Oregon with her three cats, Lenex, Silvie, and Lottie and enjoys working in her yard. She has written and illustrated two children's books, Ebbe Finds His Hear and The Forest Where the Faeries Dwell. She has a son, Jason, and a daughter, Jenni; both live in Oregon.

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Facing Forward: Ebbe’s (Ebb-E) Story

Copyright © 2022 by Susan Kauer Ritchie

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Printed in the United States of America

Luminare Press

442 Charnelton St.

Eugene, OR 97401

www.luminarepress.com

LCCN: 2022910018

ISBN: 979-8-88679-037-5

To those who believe

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Table of Contents

Guides and Their Seconds

Ebbe Finner Hjerte Sitt

Ebbe Finds His Heart

Nibblets Familr

Nibblets Family

Ebbe Gar Hue

Ebbe Goes Home

Begynnelse Fremtid

Beginning the Future

Proven

The Test

Ser Fremover

Facing Forward

Bevgelse Fremorer

Remembering Back

Brutt

Broken

Author’s Note

Guides and Their Seconds

Guide — Second

Jonas — Eerling – falcon — first village upriver

Tobis — Ksander – falcon — second village

Martin — Kajsa – faerie — third village

Emil — Anja – faerie — fourth village

Thomas — Sever – falcon — fifth village

Mikell — Oda – faerie — sixth village

Ebbe — Freefall – falcon — seventh village downriver

Ebbe Finner Hjerte Sitt

Ebbe Finds His Heart

Every folklore has a beginning, a place in time where magic merges with imagination, where it weaves its web around our hearts and takes us on a magical journey that is part truth and part fable.

Do you believe in trolls? You should because they do exist. Tucked away deep in Norway, hidden away in their magical realm where faeries and dragonflies dance to the music of birds, crickets, and frogs. Where each season dresses the realm in her colours, rivers laugh white water, and life continues always in a forward motion. Trolls have lived longer than we can guess or even imagine.

This is the life story of Ebbe and his father, Larsyn… a story of a young troll as he learns to believe in himself and discovers his future, as a faerie told him, is simply a brightly wrapped present just waiting for him to open. Open your hearts and imagination as I share Ebbe and Larsyn’s story with you.

The spring morning yawned cold air on Ebbe’s back. He pulled up his blanket around his shoulders, mad at himself for bringing only one. He was cold and sore from sleeping on the hard ground. Though the journey was just a few short weeks, his body and spirit felt old beyond their years.

Ebbe had passed through his youngling years and was beginning his middle life. He was of average height for a troll, about three feet tall in hand measurements, but shorter than his younger brother. Deklyn was forever teasing Ebbe, saying he was cut from serious cloth, which in part was true. He had, though, inherited his far’s perpetual smile and twinkling eyes, which offset the part of him that pondered the world and its ways.

Ebbe would someday inherit his far’s position as his village’s spiritual guide, a position Ebbe felt Deklyn was more suited to hold.

Og dette er hvorfor hans reise: And this was the why of his journey.

Ebbe stood up, stretched out his muscles, and wrapped his blanket around his shoulders to keep the chill of the morning at bay. Looking up into the newly born day, he wondered what his family was doing back home in his village. Though his journey was just at its beginning, he already missed them more than he thought he would.

Though anxious to be on his way, Ebbe took time to enjoy his morning mug of tea and take in the sweet morning scent of the forest. With luck, the day would grow into another perfect spring day for his journey—as to where, he still didn’t have a clue. Ebbe picked up his knapsack and put it on his sled and secured it tightly so it wouldn’t fall off again.

"Uff da, now which way to go? I wish I knew in what direction to face myself," Ebbe said as he looked out at the forest that stretched around him like an evergreen Christmas wreath. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply the pungent scent of the forest surrounding him.

Good morning to you, young Ebbe! I regret you had a sleepless night, said a soft-pitched voice. As to your question, I can be of assistance to you if you would like.

Ebbe looked up into the branches of the large tree he had spent the night under. The trunk was thickset, and ribbons of bark coiled around it like a boa stretching itself down to the ground, where it twisted and turned a distance before slipping, headfirst, into the earth. The branches were thicker than Ebbe’s body and extended out from the tree, forming a protective roof over the forest below. It stood alone, allowing no other tree, not even as much as a root, to cross into her magical circle.

The sun’s light filtered down where pinpoints danced on the ground. At times, if one were watching, tiny wood faeries could be seen waltzing amongst them. Some would say they were simply the sun flakes, but the lucky ones—the ones with imagination—knew better.

These beautiful creatures were drawn into the protective sheath of this giant tree and knew instinctively that they would be safe to dance within. Butterflies would flutter into the defused light within her magic ring, and the boldest of them would ask one of these creatures to join them in a dance. The faerie would tip her head and smile, and the twirling of wings would begin.

The music they waltzed to was supplied by a chorus of crickets, birds, and frogs, their notes spinning around the dancing couples. The faster the tempo, the more faerie dust clouded the air, filling it with a vanilla scent. When there were several couples dancing, and the music’s pace was quick, anyone sitting outside the tree’s sheath saw a whirlwind of sparkling dust swirling around the trunk. Long after the dancing had stopped, the sparkling dust hung in the air until it tired of waiting for the music to start up again, and it would slowly sparkle its way to the ground.

Ebbe felt the strength of the tree and yielded to her wisdom. Feeling comfortable he said, I’m looking toward my future, and wondering if you could answer any questions that may help me to understand it. His voice dwindling as he looked up into her expansive canopy.

Au og til velger vi var tremtid, men andre tider.

Sometimes, my dear Ebbe, we may choose our future; at other times, our future chooses us. This is the way it has always been. Life has many different paths, each one taking us in a different direction. There is neither a right path nor a wrong one since each leads us to new discoveries. Eternity is measured in the paths taken and retraced in the paths of our future life journeys.

Livet etteralt, er ikke enn en samline au kunskaper.

"Life, after all, is nothing more than the gathering of knowledge.

Do you understand this concept, young Ebbe?

Ebbe bowed his head and brushed the grass with his foot while giving great thought to what the tree had said. Ebbe knew he had a great deal to learn about himself before his journey would turn him around and face him back home to his family and on his future’s path.

"Have I lost you? Or are you just deep in thought? As your far has as told you, Ebbe, you have a position to fill and big shoes to wear at home and a short time to become comfortable for the life that has been chosen for you. You must learn to read yourself from the inside out; tis simple when one becomes accomplished in the technique to do so. My dear Ebbe, I fear, at times, you are too serious for your own good. You squeeze out the pathway that lets your instincts flow.

Apne hjete og sinne ditt, da blir du forbauset over verden som viser seg. Open your heart and mind; you will be awed by the world that reveals itself to you."

The tree gave a deep-throated chuckle. Yes. I do sound just like your far.

Ebbe was caught sideways by the remark; he recognized his far’s words echoed in those of the guide who was disguised as this majestic tree.

It is time to be on your way. Go see what awaits you. And Ebbe, please learn to enjoy each moment; they last for such a very short time.

Ebbe picked up the sled rope, stepped back a few paces, and bowed to the tree. Smiling, he left the warm magical place where he had spent the night and had found the first piece of his life puzzle.

The late spring morning still carried a nip of cold, but the sun’s heat was beginning to warm the late morning. He crossed a meadow full of lavender and paused to inhale its fragrant scent. As he watched some butterflies dancing in the breeze, he wondered what it would be like to fly.

The morning meandered into noon and Ebbe stopped for his noonday meal. The spring day was doing her best to give young Ebbe the perfect weather for his journey. She knew she had but a short time before summer would push her aside, and she would have to step back and patiently wait for another rotation of the earth to spread her colorful joy. The day showed promise of another good traveling day for Ebbe, but to where he still didn’t know. So, he continued on until late afternoon, and he decided to find a place to spend the night.

That night lying by his small warm fire, he remembered back to the last conversation he had with his far.

Ebbe, my dear eldest son, take this time before you and give great thought to your future. It is of utmost importance that you feel in your heart and soul that you are comfortable with this life that you have inherited. I will not tell you that it is an easy path to follow, but I will tell you, Ebbe, that between my two sons, you are the one most suited for this life before you. I love you, son, and my love will not falter if you should decide to take another path. And be very clear about this, son. You will not see me, Ebbe, but I will be walking by your side, just as your grandfar did with me when I took my journey.

Ebbe smiled and thought how blessed he was. I do feel your footfalls beside mine, Far. He closed his eyes and fell asleep with childhood memories drifting through his thoughts.

Ebbe looked up into the golden pink early morning sky. Looks like I’ll have another good day for this journey, he thought while enjoying his usual morning mug of tea. He packed up his sled and made sure the small fire was extinguished and decided to go in search of a good fishing hole. He had no special place in mind to go, so his pace was easygoing, stopping often to look around and let the warmth of the sun tickle his face.

Though it was only late morning and his pace slow, he decided to take a rest. Finding a nice shade tree, he thought it would be a good spot to have an early meal. Ebbe pulled a serviette from his knapsack and laid it on the new spring grass, then placed his late morning breakfast on it. He poured some water from his canteen into his tin cup and set it down by the serviette. Keeping familiar patterns helped him stave off the loneliness he felt at times.

When he had finished his meal, he placed everything back to its appointed place—another trait handed down from his mor’s side. Feeling sleepy, he decided a nap was a better option than walking nowhere, so he put his head down on his knapsack and closed his eyes. Ebbe couldn’t rest his mind; he kept replaying the conversation with the tree over and over in his head. It did make sense to him. He had grown up with these exact words—words his far lived by and had tried to pass down to his two younglings.

He wondered how many pieces of his life puzzle he still needed to collect, or for that matter, how big the puzzle would get!

It was late morning and he wanted to nap but couldn’t rest his mind. So, he decided to push on, as to where he still didn’t know. It wasn’t but a wink of a second when he heard a plop! Looking over to a tree, he saw that a small baby falcon had fallen from its nest.

Are you okay over there? Ebbe called out. He walked over to see if the tiny falcon was alright.

Approaching the bird, Ebbe asked, Do you think anything is broken? The little falcon was twisting his head around and looking at his backside. No. I don’t know, but it really hurts, he said while lifting up his wing so Ebbe could look him over and make sure. Do you see any of my feathers sticking out at an odd angle anywhere?

Ebbe had the little falcon slowly turn around but didn’t see any feathers sticking out where they weren’t supposed to be. Uff da! I think you may have a broken your wing, little guy; it appears to be oddly bent. Why didn’t you just fly down? Would have been easier on you and you wouldn’t have hurt yourself.

The little baby falcon stood there, rolled his eyes, and looked up at Ebbe. Ya think?

He flapped his good wing and fluffed his feathers until he felt they were all back in their rightful place.

For your information, I don’t know how to fly…never learned. I never wanted to! The idea of wings covered with feathers was all that has been keeping me up! Well, just seems kinda unnatural to me, he said pondering his words.

My siblings left the nest a few days ago, and my parents told me to fly or fall, but either way it was time to be on my own. I was gettin’ hungry, so decided to give it a try. Thinking the problem was all in my head, I got up on the top of the nest, closed my eyes, and jumped. But before I could get my wings, a flap, ’n the trip down was over. Huff da! What a rush! He shook his head remembering the short trip.

Ebbe was beginning to think something funny had happened to the little falcon’s head.

Do you have a name? Ebbe asked. The baby bird looked up at Ebbe.

No, I don’t. We get our names after we take our first flight. Do you think maybe this counted? I may have gotten a flap off before my landing. Push comes to shove, it was a short flight.

I think it was close enough, little guy. Let me think a minute. Ebbe closed his eyes, rubbed his chin, and pondered. Hmmmm. You didn’t actually fly down; you just kinda fell down.

The little falcon was growing impatient with Ebbe. After all, it couldn’t be that hard to pick a name.

I have it! I have a name for you! How about Freefall? After all that’s how you got down."

Freefall, the baby falcon said rolling the name off his tongue. I like it! A lot! It really fits me!

Yes, it does. Freefall—couldn’t fit better. Tell me, what are you going to do now that you’re grounded with a broken wing?

Shaking his head, Freefall looked at Ebbe. I have no idea.

Well, seems you and I are on our own. You’re welcome to come with me on my journey; actually, it would be nice to have company. What do you say?

I won’t be able to walk as fast as you, Ebbe.

Well, then, I’ll just have to give you a ride on my knapsack. But first, I need to set your wing so it can heal.

Ebbe bent down and gently picked Freefall up and placed him on his knapsack and carefully set little Freefall’s wing. How’s this? Hopefully, it shouldn’t hurt as much, little guy. Ebbe reached down and took the sled’s rope. Hold on, and I’ll go as slowly as I can.

Larsyn sat on the porch in his rocking chair, holding his pipe in his hand. He smiled as he watched his son and his new friend through his Beryl crystal. If they only knew how important they would become in each other’s life.

The trees thinned out, allowing more of the sun’s heat to find its way to the forest floor. Rainbow-colored flowers dotted the ground, appearing as if confetti had been tossed up into the air in celebration and landing everywhere. The spring day’s warmth invited the forest creatures to venture out.

Spring always enjoyed giving all God’s creatures good weather to play in. She felt she was the lucky the season that got to watch all these newly born creatures discover their wonderful world. She always felt sad when she had to leave, though knew she would see them the next year, grown and with babes of their own.

It had been a few weeks since Freefall had broken his wing. Ebbe checked it daily to see if it was healing properly. It looks like it’s doing fine. How does it feel?

Not as sore anymore. Do you think I should move it, Ebbe?

I’ll keep the splint off so you can start exercising both wings. You have to make them strong so you can fly.

Two dragonflies started fluttering circles about Ebbe and Freefall. Hi, we’re Hoverine and Pinwheel. Where are you off too? they said in unison.

I don’t really know, Freefall answered.

Ebbe placed Freefall on the ground so he could stretch out his legs and wings, then sat down on the grass. Cupping his hands over his eyes, he looked up at the two dragonflies. Reaching over, he got out his canteen and took a long drink from it and then poured some in the lid for Freefall.

I’m on a journey, and this little guy, Freefall, has become my traveling companion. The dragonflies fluttered down to a rock and settled in.

Have you been in these lands very long? the dragonflies asked in unison.

For a while now, Ebbe answered.

Ebbe found me and he’s going to teach me how to fly after my broken wing heals.

Ouch! Are you okay? Does it hurt much? asked the dragonflies.

It does just a little but not as much as it did, Freefall answered.

If you’d like, we can help you learn to fly, Freefall; we’ll have you airborne in no time at all!

That would be great! It may take a while but by summer’s end he should have, I hope, his flying down pat…don’t you think? Ebbe said.

Ebbe and the dragonflies had Freefall exercise his wings. For the next few weeks, they sat and watched and waited for his little wing to heal.

It still looks funny. Kinda sticks out at an odd angle, don’t you think? Pinwheel said.

Every day Ebbe had Freefall turn around slowly with both his wings out so he could compare them. He would shake his head and say, Nope, Freefall, I think your wing has healed at an odd angle.

Nope, they’re different looking for sure, the dragonflies said in unison."

Ebbe and the dragonflies had Freefall exercise his wings daily to make them stronger so they could start his flying lessons.

Flap them faster! Ebbe said to Freefall.

What if I start to lift off, Ebbe?

Then flap even faster!

The dragonflies showed Freefall how to place his wings so the air would flow over them for lift, but Freefall couldn’t get any lift off his broken wing.

Now what do I do? a frustrated little Freefall asked. Every time I start to get liftoff, my broken wing stops me. Now what?

They watched Freefall as he struggled again to get airborne. Seems to me you’re right, Pinwheel said. Your broken wing just isn’t getting any lift. Try lifting that wing up as high as you can when you start to lift off.

What if I start to lift off?

Then flap your wings even faster!

Freefall started his run, with his broken wing held as high as he could, and got airborne, if only for a few seconds. Well, at least he got off the ground this time, Pinwheel, Hoverine said.

Yep, I think, little guy, you might get airborne soon.

The dragonflies showed Freefall, again, how to place his wings so the air could flow over them for lift, and soon Freefall was leaving the ground for short hops. After a few weeks, the two dragonflies decided it was time to go; they wanted to flutter about the area to see what they could see.

Good journey to you, Ebbe. Freefall, we hope to see you sky-bound one day.

"You two take care, and takk for working with Freefall. I’ll remember what you showed us and make sure he works out every day, and next time we meet he should be flying."

Takk for helpin’ me, you two. I’m gonna remember everything you showed me, and I’ll keep workin’ on my lessons.

With that said, the two dragonflies were off to their next adventure. In this land, all seemed to drift in and out of each other’s lives, picking up friendships that were left around a corner and always with new tales to share.

Ebbe waved to the dragonflies until they were out of sight, then bent down and picked up his sled rope as Freefall hopped up onto the sled.

Good for you. See, it won’t be too long before you will be flying…only your sky, Freefall, will be much larger than Pinwheel, and Hoverine will ever know. Just wait; you’ll see.

Freefall looked up into the beautiful blue of the day, knowing it was his heritage, the blue forever and what was beyond, and he couldn’t wait.

They walked from meadow to woods and back to another sweet-smelling meadow, enjoying their sun-filled days. One late morning they were lying down in a wildflower field, watching the clouds constantly changing shapes as they meandered by high up in the blue sky.

Do you miss your family, Freefall? Ebbe asked, lying on his back with a blade of grass in his mouth. Freefall was also on his back, wings stretched out to air his feathers.

Birds, Ebbe, are not like trolls. We’re given life and taught the lessons we will need, and when the time comes, we’re sent off to venture out in the world. Sometimes, if we stay in the area, we will see family about. I had one sibling who never made fun of me ‘cause I was afraid to fly. He tried his best to help me but, well, he had his own adventures to discover. Freefall paused. What’s it like to have a family, Ebbe?

Ebbe worked the blade of grass around in his mouth and answered. Well, families sometimes have their differences, but we’re always there for each other. It’s all about love and caring, Freefall, and helping each other to grow in spirit.

"Is that why you’re on your journey, so you can grow in spirit, Ebbe?

"Voklser du gatt, Ebbe? Are you growing good, Ebbe?

Ebbe gave a chuckle and looked over at Freefall. Such different worlds and ways they came from. One loved and nurtured through a lifetime, and one set out on a path alone that, to Ebbe, seemed sad.

Someday you’ll be a magnificent falcon that soars high in the heaven, with no boundaries to hold you to a straight line like my world. So, I guess, Freefall, we’re both lucky in our different ways.

For a long time, the two friends lay amongst the flowers while staring up at the blue sky, each lost in their thoughts.

The sun is getting on the warm side. Let’s find a tree and have some lunch. How does that sound to you?

Like a good idea.

Finding a nice shade tree, Ebbe laid out the serviette and placed their noon meal upon it. He looked at his new little traveling companion and smiled. A feeling came over him that this young falcon would be of great importance in his life.

Larsyn was in the church cottage when he caught Ebbe’s thought. He smiled to himself as he touched the golden beryl he wore and sent up a silent takk to Learer, who nodded his head in response. Ebbe was just at the beginning of his journey that Learer had planned for him.

The cool spring morning dawned early. Dressed in pale pink and baby blue, she waited patiently for the two friends to wake up. And while she waited, she decided to add a cold nip to the morning. Finally, the two wanderers woke up, and Ebbe set about building a nice warm fire as