Wolf and Owl Remember...: Travels Through Time

By Antoinette Sarcinella

Wolf and Owl invite you to join them as they guide their young charges into the magic and wonder of time and space. Through the ancient art of storytelling, they bring life and meaning to myths and legends of long ago. Kumi, a Native American child of time past, and his descendants will share what they learn about how their worlds were shaped by yesterday as they walk the path into tomorrow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647016166

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Wolf and Owl Remember...

Travels Through Time

Antoinette Sarcinella

Copyright © 2020 Antoinette Sarcinella

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2020

A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to support the Ness of Brodgar Trust in Orkney, Scotland.

ISBN 978-1-64701-615-9 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-64701-616-6 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Part 1

Kumi

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

Part 2

The Darkness

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Part 3

Brodgar

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

The Ness of Brodgar

Dedication

My memory does not go back to a time without the wonder of words. The world would have been smaller, with less color and light, had I not heard amazing stories introducing me to people and places beyond here, beyond now…beyond beyond:

To Oz, the Enchanted Forest, Shangri La, Narnia, Middle Earth and Hogwarts.

To fairies, mermaids, dragons and the second star to the right.

This book is lovingly dedicated to the guardians of those special places:

To the storytellers of every land who faithfully preserve myth, legend and imagination.

To my children and grandchildren, to those who came before and those yet to arrive who will carry on this ancient tradition:

Before you close your eyes each night… weave a little magic.

Part 1

Kumi

Prologue

The world is changing quickly, and we have forgotten how important the earth at our feet should be. It can tell stories long forgotten. It was here during the time when the animals ruled this earth with wisdom greater than mankind can ever hope to have. It can remind us of the clear waters, the brilliance of a sunset free from smoke and pollution. The rocks are the oldest of the Creator's gifts; they remember what we have long forgotten.

Have you ever wondered how it would be if there was one, just one, who could be given the task of reminding all of us of our responsibility to the future generations of the world? Perhaps it would only be through returning to yesterday that we would come to understand and protect the future.

The circle could begin again.…

Chapter 1

First Steps

Kumi stood silently as he watched the sea begin to change. The clouds rolled in, black and silver, taking command of the night sky. Slowly the drops began to fall. They turned into a steady stream, washing away the last remaining fractured light from the day.

He sat down on the hilltop as he watched the angry waves. Brilliantly lit in the flashes of lightning, the mountains of water fell to the gray sand below. He sighed as he realized it was time to take the first steps; it was time to go home.

Kumi had set out at daybreak with his empty day pack strapped across his back. He knew the path through the forest that lead to the water's edge; he had traveled it many times since he had first learned to walk. But today was the first time he had been old enough to go alone to gather the drift wood that washed up during the late summer storms.

He had been so excited he had scarcely slept the night before. It was still dark when he sat up from his sleep robes. He was ready. He knew there was work to do, and he knew he needed to get started.

I will work hard, and I will be careful, he promised as he set out for the beach.

He had worked through the morning, stopping at midday to eat the lunch his mother had sent along. After eating he laid back on the sand, looking up into the endless sky, seeing gray-and-white clouds as they began to gather overhead.

I wonder what clouds feel like? Can birds see through them? How do they know where they are going when clouds surround them? I wonder how it feels to step off the top of the highest tree, spread your wings, and float like a bird.

He wished he could lay there, dreaming of life as a bird, flying high above the seas, but he remembered his promise. He sighed as he stood up and went back to his chore.

Kumi walked slowly through the forest, carefully avoiding the dried leaves and small twigs that crumble beneath a child's eager footsteps. His parents had long ago taught him the value of silence as he traveled the well-worn paths leading home.

The day had been long and tiring. He was almost there. His feet began to move more quickly, his mind wandering to the warmth and safety of home, his mother waiting, dinner cooking. He looked straight ahead, not noticing the small form breathing soundlessly as he walked toward her.

The little bird laid, crumpled at the base of the giant oak tree, her wing bent at a painful angle. Half hidden by the dead leaves she sensed his approach. She watched carefully and then decided.

Little boy, she said. I need help. He was startled by the sound. He looked behind him. Nothing. He took another step. Again a small voice spoke softly, Little boy.

He looked. Still nothing. He saw only trees as he gazed deeply into the forest in search of the voice.

Down here.

Then that he saw her, concealed among the leaves and dying weeds. He bent down, slowly reaching out to uncover the tiny creature.

Was that you talking? he asked, forgetting, for a moment, the bird's injury.

Yes, does that surprise you?

But birds can't talk.

Of course we can. In a time, not so long ago, we all spoke and walked and lived as one on this earth.

Then why haven't I ever spoken with a bird before?

The bird seemed lost in thought. Men stopped listening to us a long time ago. They wanted to rule the earth, but they had stopped loving it. We never stopped talking to you. You simply stopped listening to us.

Kumi gently lifted the injured creature, cradling the broken wing in his hands. He bent over and carefully examined the break.

I think I can fix this, he murmured as he placed the tiny bird safely on top of his daypack. But first, we need to get home.

How did you fall from the tree? Kumi was curious. Were you trying to fly? Before the little bird could answer, Kumi looked at her seriously. Why is it you can fly? Why can't I?

She smiled to herself, thinking, Here is one who wants to learn. He is young and will have many winters to pass on the lost wisdom we animals still possess. Perhaps he is the one chosen to show the way to the others. He must be the one sent for us to teach.

There are many stories from long ago that tell how each of us came to be. The stories tell of our brotherhood and our brave battles to save this world for the generations to follow. Since you have cared for my broken wing, I would like to help heal your broken bonds with the spirits of all living creatures. We can travel to other times and places where you could learn many lessons. I will take you if you want to journey back with me.

Kumi looked solemn. It sounded so exciting. He would travel and learn about strange lands and places. But what about his family and friends? Would he ever see them again? Would he be different when he returned?

He had heard there were many things that had changed for his people as the hunting seasons had passed since the time of his grandfathers and their grandfathers before them. He had heard of others, people from faraway lands and tribes with different customs and ways. He nodded.

I think it's a journey I would like to take. If you lead the way, I will follow.

Chapter 2

The Choice

Kumi greeted his mother as he entered the lodge. He placed the little bird in a warm spot, safely tucked into a blanket near the open fire. Their faces were bathed in the shadows, dancing to a silent drumbeat. He sat down, crossed his legs, and waited. The bird began to speak.

"The stories go back to a time long ago, or not so long ago, for you must remember this earth is very old. It has been here since before the light and will remain long after the light turns once again to darkness. But it is the light that brings life to those things waiting deep beneath the surface.

Those who shared the earth during the old time knew the truth. They respected their world and knew they must work together to protect it. For us to understand how we have come to live as we do, it is necessary to look at those early beginnings when the earth was new and filled with promise."

Kumi's face shone in the firelight as he listened to the gentle words of his new friend. Slowly the shadows began to fade around him. He found himself in a forest glen, surrounded on all sides by the creatures of the earth. He saw the bear and the buffalo, the eagle and the hawk. He looked at those who lived in the sky and those from beneath the sea. He knew he was ready to begin.

For any long journey, we must make plans and have guides, the bird explained. You may choose your guides to take you into their world and tell you how all things came to be connected. They will tell you how the balance was lost and help you reach into the future once you have come to understand the past.

Kumi sat in silence. He looked around the circle, unsure of his choice, yet knowing its importance. Then he saw them, side by side, sitting apart from the others, two creatures of the night forever connected in the darkness to one another. From different worlds, but watching together, were the wolf and the owl.

He remembered his grandfather's words not so very long ago. At night there are voices, voices that call to one another. Though many animals come awake when the rest of us sleep, there are only two who will reach out, calling out to warn and guide the others. Listen in the darkness, Kumi, and you will hear the cry of the wolf and the owl calling out her answer. The others walk the night in silence. You will never know they are there. Wolf and Owl still call out, letting all who can hear them know they have command of the darkest night.

I choose Wolf and Owl, he spoke with confidence. They can see into the darkness when others need light. They will keep me from getting lost as I travel this unknown world.

Wolf and Owl stepped forward and stood in front of the small boy. We are honored by your trust in us. You have decided you want to be the one to bring light to the future. We will now begin our journey to find the answers you will need.

Chapter 3

The Journey Begins

Far to the east a small ember seemed to glow in that single