Dr. Dill's Antique Shop For Tohopkas

Prologue Dahlonega, Georgia, 1828

Wild Beasts Book One

Prologue

Dahlonega, Georgia, 1828

No one knew the chief's exact age, but tonight he looked exceptionally old and tired. He stared into the small fire deep in thought. Only sound inside the teepee was wood popping and cracking giving itself to the consuming fire. Flames casted dancing shadows on the walls and illuminated the concerned group's faces. His young braves were huddled around him hoping he would come out of his silent trance and tell them what direction they should go.

Finally, he raised his eyes and stared at them. Sadness filled his expression. Years of brutal sun formed wrinkles in his face that seemed deeper tonight. They drew closer to better hear the old man of the tribe.

"Bring me Adoeeta," he spoke.

Two braves immediately rose and left the hut. Soon they came back followed by a small furry creature walking with a cane.

"You called for me my friend," it spoke.

"Yes," the old man said. "I need your guidance and wisdom."

The creature bowed his head clearly sadden by the situation being presented to the tribe. His ancient robe hung from his shoulders and was worn from time. He gripped his knotted cane with both hands. The cane was fashioned from wood taken from a swamp long dried up, from a time where wild beasts roamed freely. Knots protruded out of the wood with streams of darker lines running like rivers down the length of it. He scratched the gray beard running down his chest.

He raised his crystal blue eyes to the chief and said: "Be strong. Be brave."

The Cherokee chief looked past Adoeeta, the braves, and the fire. "The white man has shown me writings on his paper. He says this gives him the right to move us many miles to a land we do not know. On this journey many of my people will die both young and old, and this is all because the white man's love for gold."

"As long as man's heart is full of greed instead of compassion there will always be suffering," the creature said. His gray beard gave a silver shimmer in the light of fire as he spoke.

As the old man nodded his head, Adoeeta turned and exited, his heart heavy.

The braves started to mumble. Thoughts of war and murder escaped their lips. The chief raised his hand, and the murmurs were cut.

"If we fight against the white man, we shall all surely die. When they come, we will go peacefully and pray to the gods for mercy."

Adoeeta slowly walked to his encampment's edge. Tonight, the camp was absent of music and merriment that was normally present. Like the chief's tent, a thick silence hung in the air. Before he entered he gave a glance to the small huts that contained Tohopkas waiting on his word. He lowered his head again, a solitary tear fell. He must be strong tonight.

"Tohopkas," his voice hoarse as he called out.

One by one the creatures started appearing out of the huts. Their bodies covered with thick brown, red and black fur. They stood no taller than a foot. Their hairless ears were perked, ready to listen to their leader.

"Tohopkas, tonight we move."