The Storm

judged by a great beast a new day is set before him

 Clapping thunder startled my little breeze just about daybreak. It woke her with a fright. So, the wind wildly raged against the uproar; kicking up dirt, snapping limbs and pushing against me as I hurried for cover. Dog and I ran toward the ridge hoping to out wait her fury.  “Please little breeze, make peace with the day and do not fear the thunder.”   

Her reply swiftly came as she began to hurl stones of ice at me and I quickened my pace and tightened my lips, least I make her more angry. Lightning tore across the sky, and its drums of war sounded. I huddled against the ridge looking for a place to hide. There I found Cloud clinging to the rock. He shivered his long mane heavy with rain and dripping wet. I gave him a quick pat as we three began our search. 

From the east a break in the clouds came, My little breeze gave me a speck of daybreak. The splash of light revealed an overhang, not deep enough to walk into. However, it was just the right size to escape the storm. Slowly the wind settled down, and the rain was no more. I found some moss growing on the rock, and last Autumns leaves piled up tall just waiting for me to build a small fire. It was more smoke than flame, but I welcomed it. I had no food to break the nights fast, so I sucked on my salt stone and cured in my smoky haze. 
 

Dog, roamed off to find his own meal and I decided to dry a bit longer. A twig snapped just there in the dark, and I hoped dog had brought me a squirrel. Sometimes he shares his bounty with me as I do him. A warming smile filled my face waiting to see his return. However, the giver of the day had another plan for me. A small bear cub tumbled from the thicket. My eyes went wide in disbelief. “So little hunter of men, what do you seek this wet day?” 

Before I could stand to my feet, his mother crashed through the brush uprooting most of the thicket. A vine dangled from her back. Her fur hackled down her spine. A titled head gave out a roar that allowed me to see each tooth. Her claws pierced the place where she stood. Then she made a deep gash on the ground. She huffed hot breath my way. Her little bear ran up the nearest tree, where he would stay till she called him.
 
In a flash of thoughts, I could hear my own mother call me Wind Walker. Her sweet voice like a song embraced me. I welcomed the reunion that my death would bring. “So great bear you have caught me here without a weapon. Will you have me for meat or just spill my blood upon the ground?”  

She charged me with ease hot breath singed my cheek. The low rumbling growl made deep in her throat filled my ear. My mouth turned to sand, beads of sweat lined my neck.  While a wild heart demanded action and I battled to still my breath.  “It’s okay great bear, I’m ready,” I told her ever so gently. 

Her own breathing slowed, and she grew still. She didn’t take her eyes from mine as she backed away. Now standing on her hind legs, she called to her cub. The little bear wasted no time climbing down the oak.  Right before they disappeared from sight, my father appeared walking with them. “You are brave my son who walks with the wind.”

 That smile of his broad like the river filled me with joy. A sweeping wave farewell hurried me to my feet. I stood to chase him, I felt like a small boy being left behind. By the time I stood the bears and he were gone. The drums of death stopped playing in my mind. I had been judged, and now must find a way to live.

Reviews

[M. J. Smith]

I... Now must find a way to live.
So must we all. How we die is as important as how we lived. But second chances are the greatest test of all. Will we, like Scrooge, redeem ourselves? Or will we, like Marley, be doomed to wander in chains of our own forging for eternity? Beautiful images, a wonderful story, a great way to start the day.

[Cherrie]

I saw this image of a Indian dancer kneeling by water and wrote a flash fiction story. That lingered in my mind. So, eventually I broadened the tale.

[M. J. Smith]

Thank you for the insight. Isn't it amazing the things that stay with us? You have a talent that amazes me, Cherrie. I look forward to reading more.

[Cherrie]

This is one of my favorite stories ( I may have said that before aboutsomethingelse). :)
I really appreciate you and your support. Thank you so much.

[Shep]

Very short Chapter I felt. but I loved it anyhow... the bear Scene was a great surprise as we prepared to do battle and there wasn't one the moment of a reunion there wasn't one was also a surprise at the end as well. you are just full of surprises today. Like leaving with nothing more to read on this book as wait for you to post it. See me pout

[Cherrie]

Yes, the next chapter is almost done. I keep replaying the flow of it in my mind to shape it up.

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful chapter shared. Will there be more. You are a amazing story teller dear Cherrie. Thank you for sharing the amazing chapter. I am enjoying the tale.
Coyote

[barleygirl]

This is a superb slice of poignant personified nature! I just watched that movie about the guy who lived with bears in Alaska for 13 years & finally got eaten, along with his girlfriend. After watching tons of his actual video of the bears, I'm a believer. If the bear believes you're not afraid to die, I believe this can make all the difference in so many ways. This is a noble message for life, too. This is the allegory that describes how I have lived & survived tough stuff, walking up & greeting the problems like asking a bear if it's going to eat me. This is such brilliant philosophical writing! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Cherrie]

Over the years I have watched that show as well. He certainly lost his perspective. A tragic death.
But I did like asking the bear if she was going to eat him.

My story is at a crossroad i haven't decided which way he goes.

[Neville]

chapter three.. The Storm is my favourite yet... flowing like a wild river from the top to the very bottom of the page.. the narrative is superb.... just wanted to let you know... just saying.... Neville

[Cherrie]

Thank you Neville.
I don't want this to have a rambling sound but a flow. Thank you for some moral support. :)

[Neville]

always a pleasure my friend, always...