The Little Shaman

Chapter 2 - To the Drascal Fields

"Taken?" Tibby repeated, the word barely making it out of his mouth. "What happened?"

"Humans happened," Ma replied with anger in her eyes. "Humans with horses and swords and cages. They'd already captured a number of swamp dwellers before stumbling onto us. When they did, the one in armor ordered his men to arrest us and we started to run. Your Da he...he pushed me into the bushes so they wouldn't find me. He kept running, leading them away. When I finally caught up, he was being carted off and this was all that was left."

She held up the blood stained cloth, offering it to Tibby. He took it, twin streams of tears cascading down his face. "What are we going to do?" he asked through hiccup-filled sobs.

"I'm going to go to the tribe and ask for their help. It's a week's journey, but it's all I can think of. There's nothing I can do on my own."

Tibby's first thought was to ask Garthia the Forest Giant for help, but at the giant's size and speed, they were probably already halfway to the mountains. Besides, giants were known for keeping out of the affairs of the little folk. What Ma wanted to do was probably the smartest choice. At the same time, Tibby's stomach twisted at the thought of his Da alone in a cage.

"I will go pack my bag," Tibby began, rubbing the tears from his eyes as he got out of his chair.

"No, Tib," his Ma answered quickly, her hand out as if to stop him. "I want you to stay here."

"What? Why?"

"The road to the tribe is dangerous," she began, sitting up straight and speaking sternly. "It passes through the storm meadow and near the spider spirit's lair. I will feel better if you stay behind."

"No, Ma, I want to come with you! I've never been to the tribe and I want to help."

"I've already said all I intend to say on this," she replied with a wave of her hand. "I will ask Deemo to look after you. She'll probably have something sarcastic to say, but she has a kind heart."

Crossing his arms in annoyance, Tibby huffed. "I don't like this."

"Well, there's a lot I don't like about this. But we all must play our part, little one. I will be back as soon as I can."

As Ma rose from the table, Tibby noticed she already had a bag packed at her side. This had been her plan all along - to leave for the tribe. She'd just been waiting for Tibby to come home to tell him. Rushing over, he abandoned his frustration and wrapped his arms around her legs and tail.

"Come back soon, Ma."

"I will, Tib," she said, tussling his hair. Leaning down, she took his face in her hands and squeezed his cheeks. "Listen to me. Da was captured far enough from the hut for you to be safe here. You are to stay in the house. Do not leave. Do not go exploring. Wait here with Deemo until I get back. Do you understand?"

"Yes Ma, I understand."

"There's a good boy. I love you dearly, my little Tibby."

"I love you too, Ma."

Both shed tears of sadness as they hugged again. Separating, Ma walked for the door and turned back as she opened it. "Deemo will be here soon. Try to keep the house tidy while I'm gone."

"No promises," Tibby answered with a sly grin, once again wiping away his tears.

Shaking her head, Ma walked through the door and left the house.

No more than ten minutes later, Tibby had a bag packed and ready to go. Inside was a spare tunic, cloth, and thread, several days worth of mushrooms and food, a leather canteen for water, rope, and an antler hook Tibby used for climbing. Despite what he said to Ma, he had no intentions of staying put. Solving problems was his specialty, and this was the biggest problem that had ever fallen on him.