Weak in Body, Strong in Mind and Spirit
Chapter 15: Decision of the Elders

It was almost dawn. Kimberly awoke and stretched.

“Are you awake, Pam?” she whispered.

“Yep. I’ve been awake for awhile, waiting to be called back to the Circle,” she answered.

She no more said it when a Young One appeared at the tent flap.

“Hi,” said Kimberly.

“The Elders summon you,” he said, and then ran off.

Kimberly and Pamela rose and quickly got dressed in their skins.

“Here we go,” said Pamela.

They walked quickly to the Circle. The Elders were waiting patiently. Windago motioned for them to approach.

“We have discussed this long and hard,” said Windago.

“I see,” said Pamela. “What have you decided?”

“We haven’t,” said Windago.

“But...” stuttered Pamela.

“We would like you both to join us,” said Aurora.

Room was made on the Circle, at the far end opposite Windago, Aurora, and Nakani.

“But we’re not Elders,” said Pamela.

“Pamela, you are very wise,” said Windago, “and Kimberly teaches us understanding and compassion. You are Little People, and this decision is about Little People. We’d like you both to join our discussion.”

“Well, alright,” said Pamela.

They both took their assigned seats.

“Pamela and Kimberly, what we discussed last night was about our tradition of avoiding contact with Little People. Our experiences with them have rarely been good. Only you two, and our deceased Elder Klamath’s contact with his copper skinned friends of long, long ago, and Aurora’s contacts,” he began. “But then we talked about David’s books and your counsel to have him write our story. That is why we are undecided.”

“Can you tell us how his book of us is being considered by the Little People? Their reaction to it?” asked Nakani.

“Well, it is selling fairly well, that’s for sure,” said Pamela. “But like all things, many simply choose not to believe it.”

“They do not believe his story?” asked Windago.

“Some do, but most do not. They say David just made it up,” said Pamela.

“Why would they say that?” asked Windago in wonder.

“They say that David is just looking to make money, or for attention, or even fame,” said Pamela. “They don’t know David like I do. Not only wouldn’t he, but he couldn’t. He simply doesn’t care at all about money, or attention. And most certainly not fame. He’s just not made that way.”

“So a way should be found to make these Little People believe the story is true?” asked Nakani.

“That’s always a problem that authors face,” said Pamela. “There may be no way to convince them.”

“What if they met the real author?” asked Kimberly. “After all, David merely typed it. Madukarahat actually wrote it.”

“Brilliant!” said Pamela.

Yes, the sun is over the mountain and very bright,” said an Elder, squinting.

Pamela and Kimberly giggled, of course.

“No, it means that I think it is a good idea,” said Pamela.

“Let us sit quietly for a time as we each consider this,” said Windago.

They all sat in silence.

“Let us now continue our discussion,” said Windago.

Nakani began. “I think that Pamela should meet with Herman the reporter and Billy T the photographer. I think this story should be told in this,” he said pointing.

“Newspaper,” said Kimberly with a smile.

“Newspaper,” said Nakani. “I am unsure of any Forest People getting pictured...”

“Photographed,” smiled Kimberly.

“... photographed.”

“There have been many photographs and even movies... moving pictures... taken of Forest People,” said Pamela.

“So then Little People need no more,” said Nakani.

“Well, it is not proof, they say,” said Pamela. “They say photographs could be a person in a suit. A hoax. A trick.”

“I am not sure what that means,” said Windago.

“Little People pretending to be you,” said Pamela.

“But what is the point of that?” asked Nakani.

“Money. Attention. Fame.” said Aurora flatly.

“Exactly,” said Pamela.

“So why would this be any different?” asked Windago.

“Because the reporter and photographer would be standing right in front of a Forest Person,” said Pamela.

“Madu?” called Windago.

I walked to the Circle.

“Madu, would you be willing to do this? Meet with Herman the reporter and Billy T the photographer?” asked Windago.

“Yes,” I said. “I value the wisdom of my Wizard Friend.”

Pamela and Kimberly giggled yet again.

There they go, I thought to myself.

“May I make a suggestion?” asked Pamela.

“Yes, of course,” said Windago. “It is why you are here.”

“Send a couple of others to join Madu,” said Pamela.

“For what reason?” asked Windago.

“Readers... those who read newspapers.. might see a photograph and still believe it to be a person in a suit, but not three in suits,” she said. “I’d send Madu’s friend Puyallup, and his other friend Ouragan.”

“Puyallup? Ouragan?” asked Windago, gesturing to the audience.

“I will go,” said Puyallup.

“As will I,” said Ouragan, stepping out from the crowd.

“Ain’t nobody gonna fit in a ten foot tall costume,” said Kimberly.

The Elders all laughed.

“Did I say something funny?” asked Kimberly.

“Kimberly, Ouragan is a giant among the Forest People. Envisioning a Little Person trying to pretend to be Ouragan is pretty humorous,” said Windago.

“I don’t think we should meet anywhere around here though,” said Pamela. “We can meet on our property.”

I was pleased with myself. I’m actually learning words in the language of the Little People. I knew where she meant by ‘our property’. Although I still don’t understand the concept of owning it.

“I can now use Madu to call David,” said Pamela. “I don’t even have to drive to Caroga Lake.”

As Kimberly was explaining what driving to Caroga Lake meant to the Elders, Pamela looked to Madu.

“Madu, would you contact David please?” she asked.

“Of course,” I answered.

“David? David?”

“Hi Madu,” said David. He was actually coming in clearly. Perhaps he is learning how to do this.

“Pamela would like to speak with you,” I said.

“David? It is me,” projected Pamela.

“Hi me,” said David.

“Would you call the Leader-Herald and tell Billy T and Herman that we will all meet with them? On our property?” she asked.

“Who is all?” asked David.

“I’m not saying. I want it to be a surprise,” she said. “And you seem to have a problem with keeping secrets.”

“Alright,” said David. “Hang on, I’m on the ’phone with Herman now.”

David was gone only for a short time.

“How about this afternoon around 2?” asked David.

“I’m sure that’s fine,” said Pamela. “Sasquatch keep to no schedule.”

“I guess probably not,” laughed David. “Let me know how it went.”

“I will,” said Pamela. “Bye.”

“Bye,” said David.

“Thanks Madu,” said Pamela. “We meet with them today at 2, on our property.”

“That’s fine,” I said. “But I don’t know what a ‘2’ is.”

“Well, it means we should probably get going,” said Pamela. “Kim and I can hike out to her truck and you can hike down the mountain. Or... you can carry us.”

I smiled. Pamela likes being carried.

“How about if we carry you,” I answered. “That way we can all stay together.”

“Oh boy,” said Kimberly, “we’re going for a Sasquatch ride!”

I picked up Pamela and put her on my left shoulder, while Puyallup did the same with Kimberly.

“Giddy up!” said Kimberly.

“What?” said Puyallup.

“It means ‘let’s go’!” said Kimberly.

“OK,” said Puyallup, “giddy up!”

I don’t think I need to tell you of Pamela’s and Kimberly’s reaction.