Weak in Body, Strong in Mind and Spirit
Chapter 3: The Council’s Surprise

I approached the Elders, a little too quickly. Windago was waiting and motioned me over.

“You asked for me?” I asked.

“Yes. We have reached a decision,” said Windago.

“Already?” Oops. I wish I could take words back too. I wonder if David’s idiocy is contagious?

“Yes,” he said. “It was unanimous.”

Here it comes, I thought. Bad news.

“Your request is granted. Because of all that Pamela and Kimberly have done for us, Aurora may tend to Kimberly’s illness,” he said.

I didn’t know what to say. I turned and looked at my father and mother. They were smiling. Even Clackamas, and he never smiles.

“There is one condition though,” Windago added. “Pamela must come with her.”

“But, she is in far away Flori-duh. I don’t know if she can!” I blurted.

“Madu,” smiled Windago. “I think I know Pamela almost as well as you do. Ask her. That is our condition.”

“Alright,” I said in a low voice.

Irrigon looked at me and smiled. “Madu, before you go... may I, Windago?”

Windago smiled back. “Yes, Irrigon, you may.”

“Madu, all of the Elders decided quickly that this unprecedented visit should be allowed, but for me. I was angry at first, but then I was simply unsure. Do you want to know why I then decided to make this approval unanimous?”

“Yes, alright. Please,” I said.

“Because you are going to become a father shortly. Once you are a parent, you understand a parent’s concern about the safety of his child. We Elders consider everyone of both the Panther and Lower Wolfjaw to be our children. If you thought it safe to bring Kimberly here, as a father-to-be, I would approve your request.”

I smiled broadly at Irrigon. He smiled back. As I backed away, turned and walked back to the audience, Clackamas was still smiling.

“I’m proud of you, son,” he said. “You are becoming an Adult very quickly.” He put his hand on my shoulder.

“Thank you, Father, but I must contact Pamela,” I answered.

“Yes, go contact her in your way. Go.”

I hurried off with Kamela following. I slowed. A Female in her condition shouldn’t do anything strenuous.

“Kamela, what are you doing?” I asked.

“Being with my mate,” she replied dryly.

“Oh. Right. OK,” I replied. We walked the rest of the way to my place on the lake, and we both sat. Kamela was next to me, and put her arm around me. I smiled.

“Pam....”

“Madu??”

“Stop that! At least let me get your name all the way out!”

“Sorry. What did the Elders decide?” she asked nervously.

“They approved, but on one condition,” I answered.

“What?”

“You must accompany her,” I answered.

There was a very brief pause.

“I’m a two or three day’s drive away,” said Pamela. “But if that’s what it takes, I’m leaving first thing tomorrow morning. Now I have to call Kimberly,” said Pamela.

“Why not use your thoughts?” I said. “You can do it.”

“Well, I guess I could, with your help,” said Pamela.

“Puyallup’s connection to Kimberly is very strong. Let me ask him,” I answered.

“Do you know what?”

“What does that mean. Do I know what? That doesn’t make any sense,” I said.

“Let’s do it tomorrow. It is 3 AM here. Kim is sleeping, I’m sure. Let’s contact her in the morning.”

“OK,” I said. “Bye Pamela.”

“Bye Madu,” said Pamela.

“Bye Pamela,” said Kamela.

There was then a moment of silence.

“Who was that?” said Pamela.

I looked at Kamela.

“Madu, you said you and Pamela can connect with your thoughts because you were connected spiritually,” said Kamela. “Think about it.”

I simply smiled and mind replied, “It is Kamela.”

“Hi Kamela! I’ve heard so much about you from Madu!” gushed Pamela. “Congratulations on the baby!”

“Thank you, Pamela. But I don’t know if I understand how to be a mother,” Kamela said. “I’m nervous.”

“As you should be, but trust me, you’ll get through it just fine.”

“I hope so!” said Kamela.

“Look, I need to get some sleep,” said Pamela.

“Look where?” said Kamela

“It is a saying, honey. The Little People say many things that make no sense and have no meaning,” I said.

Pamela giggled.

“I’m going to bed,” said Pamela. “Contact me tomorrow. And Kamela, it is wonderful that we two can communicate! We’re going to be great friends.”

“Yes, I am happy too,” said Kamela. Then she turned to me and said “Pamela has a kind heart.”

“Tell me about it,” I said.

We arose and walked to Puyallup’s nest. He heard us coming and came out.

“Puyallup, we all need to speak with Kimberly and Pamela tomorrow. Pamela will sleep until late in the morning. Can you stay up that late to talk with her?”

“Yes, of course I will,” said Puyallup. “Just come by and get me when you’re ready.”

“I will,” I said. “And now I’m hungry.”

“Come Madu,” said Kamela. “We still have Birds’ eggs. And Slugs, if they haven’t crawled off.”