65 Aisling’s journey 4

The sun shines through the window of the house waking Aisling from a long sleep. Sitting up in the bed wondering what time it's is. She hears noises coming from outside,getting up to take a look. Walking out into the bright sun she hears Inola call to her. She can't make out what he is saying or see much besides the blinding light. Inola takes her hand moving her back into the house. Looking up at him confused she gasps

"What is going on?what happened?" Seeing the fear on her face he pulls her head to his shoulder.

"The moon flowers opened a portal to a place a few years into the future I need you to change into the dress I brought you and then come out. Don't forget to bring your box of crystals especially the ones you received from your ancestors. He goes back outside to wait. Aisling quickly changes her clothes and grabbing her cloth bag as she walks out. This time she takes note of how the area looks. There is a light shimmering at the edge of the woods. It's near where the entrance to the lake is in her time. She looks at Inola the fear and anxiety showing on her face . Aisling reaches for her black crystal around her neck. He knows she is frightened reaching out his hand to her.

Taking Inola's hand she walks into the lighted way. When they walk through they are on top of a hill. Below them on the vast plain is an encampment. The heat is unbearable Aisling is having trouble catching her breath. A gentle breeze blows as they make their way down the ridge. They stop in the shadow of of the rocky ridge over looking the lake, to cool down some before moving on. They hear the horses neighing in the distance . Aisling looks at Inola his face is angry and stiff.

"What is it? Why are you looking so angry?" Her voice quiet as if afraid of asking.

"The portal brought us to the end of the trail of tears. Where thousands of my people were killed being herded like cattle across the country. They were loaded into wagons with little or no clothing. Many were killed due to illness from being exposed to the harsh elements. All because they found gold on our land. All this happened after one of our leaders even saved the then President. I have always thought I had no resentment or anger towards the people who moved us and took our land. My people went through so much heartache and loss. Here I am overwhelming with emotions that I didn't even know I had. " he looks at her his eyes sad and watering with tears threatening to spill over. Aisling stand up and walks to him. Putting her arms around him pillowing his head on her chest.

"It's ok to be angry and it more than ok to cry. Nothing I can say or do can change what happened, all I can do is be here with you." He looks up at her with a ghost of a smile.

" I would not want anyone else with me. My nephew is a very lucky man. Let's go go and see what we are supposed to see. There has to be a reason why we were sent to this time ." He stands and hugs her back whispering thank you to her for comforting him. They make their way to the encampment by the lake. They see a few solders as they enter the encampment. Inola looks around at the people many of them looking weak and sick. He sees a man with the leader of the military that is helping to set up the dwellings. Walking close to see if he can hear what they are saying.

"Chief I'm sorry about the loss of your wife. I know we were not able to save her along with the others. We will help your people get settled. I am asking you to keep them in line so that there are no other deaths." His tone is condescending and disrespectful towards the Chief. Inola can feel the chiefs grief and anger. Watching them waiting to see what he will do. The man walks away from the Chief not looking back. Inola approaches the Chief.

"Where is the medicine man?" The Chief turns to look at him. He doesn't recognize this man but then he may be from one of the other tribes. He points to the dwelling away from the others. Walking away he knows this man is not what he seems.

Inola waves at Aisling motioning her to follow him. They weave their way through the village to the medicine mans dwelling. Inola calls to him for entrance .

"You are Nunnehi the spirit people. You have come to help us?" He looks at them taking in Aisling's appearance. Aisling feels uncomfortable with his scrutiny she whispers the glamour spell . Right before the medicine man she changed her appearance from herself to that of a Cherokee woman. She resembles his sister now. Looking at her closely her face is exactly of his sister. Her nose and jawline sharp and soft bow like lips. Her high cheeks soft and round softening her face .

"How did you do that?" You are truly Nunnehi." He kneels before her in respect.

"No please get up I have come to return something that belongs to you ." She holds out her hand to him . He takes it and stands. Motions for them to sit down . Aisling pulls out the small leather bag and places the necklace,clear crystal and the Uktena crystal. He takes the small pouch that holds the Uktena crystal.

"How did you get this?" Aisling smiles at him

" E-qua Wa-ya you gave this to me and asked that I keep it safe. To return it to you at a later time. I have come to keep my promise. "Just then a small child runs into the dwelling. It's a boy of about 7 his chubby hands holding a woven basket.

"Edutsi I brought you some fish for your fire. " he looks at the girl his eyes are big with surprise. She reminds him of his mother but she isn't her. He puts the basket down and walks over to her. Placing his hands on her cheeks to look more closely.

"Why do you hide your true face. Do not be frightened no one will hurt you here." Aisling gasps looking at Inola. Did her spell not work. Her eyes turn stormy grey from the fear of her spell wearing off.

"Aisling you still look like us no worries do not be afraid. He must have a discerning gift is all." Inola reassures her not to be afraid. The boy looks at her closer,smiling at her he giggles

"You are beautiful you are of my blood do not be afraid. I am E-qua Wa-ya he is my Edutsi Unole . " the boy takes her hand and leads her outside.