Alejandro and the Land of Acacia

Trek Through

Jade led Alejandro away from the sea side and into the forest.

ScrappyBear walked next to Alejandro on high alert for any danger.

"We're going to head West," Jade shared. "that is where my village is."

All three headed toward Jade's village by way of the bright moon. Alejandro began to wonder about the dolphins. He became curious as to how he came to understand them when he had given thanks to them for rescuing ScrappyBear and himself. "Truly magnificent creatures." He thought to himself.

As they traveled Alejandro felt the burning urge to ask once again about the dolphins. "Jade," Alejandro began, "how is it that I could understand the dolphins?"

"Well," Jade replied with a deep thoughtful look etched into her face, "the dolphins are special friends."

Alejandro listened intently as Jade continued while they worked their way further into the dense green forest.

"Among my people," Jade willingly shared as ScrappyBear skipped over a busy ant hill, "special friends are called Spirit Guides."

Alejandro quickly asked, "what do they do?"

"They help you when you need help," Jade whispers as all three pass a mama monkey perched on a Oak tree. The baby monkey was curiously eyeing ScrappyBear, "they're known to be protectors to living humans.

At this point Jade abruptly stops in midstride and turns to Alejandro. With serious eyes she tells him, "like those dolphins that helped you and your dog get to shore."

"His name is ScrappyBear," replied Alejandro with a perplexed tone to his voice as he tried to process the dolphins and 'Spirit Guide' information, "He's my best friend. My Grandpa Guillermo gave him to me."

"He's adorable," Jade said with a warm smile that reached her dark brown eyes.

Off they continue deeper still into the canopy of tree's. All through their journey to Jade's village was a plethora of animals and bugs.

Along the way Alejandro noticed a leopard quietly tucked away on top of a tree branch with its meal. All around he could smell the scent of citrus wafting through the air and the cicadas were singing their massive symphony with no end in ear shot.

All three were still trekking along as the sky took on a orange glow with lavender hues mixing into one another.

The birds were seen flying into the sunrise as the hike came to a concealed path that led through a shrub of star shaped white flowers, butterflies could be seen quietly floating about.

"We'll be at my village soon,"  Jade points, "it's just over that hill there. Through the shrub now and soon we'll be fed and answers to your questions can be given." Jade cheerily said.

ScrappyBear barked with renewed energy and Alejandro felt his second wind kick in at the news from his interesting new friend.

"Oh good! I am starving and thirsty," Alejandro said with hunger pangs gnawing at his belly, "do you have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?"

"What is a peanut butter and smelly sandwich?" Jade asked with much curiosity.

"No, not smelly, jelly," Alejandro replied with a laugh, "never mind, you already answered my question.

"Today there will be much to eat! It is a celebration of renewed hope." Jade said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Renewed hope for what?" Alejandro asked.

Jade turns around and looks straight into Alejandro's eyes, "my father will tell you all you need to know and he will answer any of your questions, I'm glad you're here Alejandro," She replied with much sincerity showing through her eyes.

With that being said Jade turned around and headed straight to the rise where her village lay just beyond.

Alejandro was now feeling ever more confused and he was glad that his loyal and faithful dog ScrappyBear was with him in this strange but beautiful land.

Whatever lay before him on this crusade he knew it was going to change him forever.

"Come on ScrappyBear," Alejandro said as he reached out to pet his furry friend behind the ear, "I get the feeling we are on the adventure we have always wanted."

ScrappyBear barked and licked Alejandro's hand then both headed into Jade's village with her as their leader.

As they entered her village Alejandro saw the hustle and bustle of the adults. The woman were busily bent over cooking pots and the younger women were tending to the fire pits. The aromas were making both Alejandro and ScrappyBear's mouth water with anticipation for the feast.

The men were steadily skinning and butchering rabbit and wild boar.

The children were happily jumping and running among themselves. Dogs were playfully nipping and barking alongside the children.

Off to one side of the busy village Alejandro heard a woman begin to shout in their language. This of course stopped everyone in their tracks. Even the dogs stood at attention.

To Alejandro's amazement the shouting woman was pointing straight at him.

Soon after, the children saw ScrappyBear and Alejandro. To his surprise the children clapped and cheered. Then they ran toward the two visitors of the village.

The elders stood up from their squatting positions and began to walk toward him with determination to reach him.

Alejandro began to back away and felt as though he should run into the forest of tree's screaming at the top of his lungs!

His heart began to beat right out of his chest as he noticed then that the butchering men began to walk toward him with their bloody butcher knives. He didn't see the gleam of awe in their eyes because just then the dogs began their happy trek towards the two newcomers.

ScrappyBear gave a low growl as a warning and purposefully put himself between Alejandro and the onslaught of villagers.

"Don't be afraid," Jade softly said, "they only want to meet the young boy who has the heart of courage."

Alejandro felt anything but brave. He only felt that he wanted to go home and be in his own backyard.

Finally a man who looked as old as Grandpa Guillermo was the first to greet Alejandro and ScrappyBear.

ScrappyBear kept his keen eyes on this newcomer who stood with a honorable air about him. He spoke to Alejandro in a language he had not heard before.

"I . . .I'm sorry," stammered Alejandro, "I don't understand you."

"Alejandro," Jade began, "this is my Father. His name is Muladhara. He is the leader of this village. His name means 'root support'."

"That's interesting," Alejandro squeaked, "it's a pleasure to meet you." Alejandro held out his hand in greeting the way his father had taught him and with this Muladhara boomed a great laugh and shook Alejandro's hand so hard that he was sure his brain was going to rattle right out of his head.

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Ahoy Lads and Lassies !

Wow what a trek through the forest.

What was your favorite part?

What are you most curious about in this chapter?

What do you think about Jade's father?

Chapter five comes out tomorrow !

  see you out at Sea Matey's!

      🌳chestNut-cracked 🌳